Sergei Tiviakov & Yulia Gökbulut

Rock Solid Chess

Tiviakov’s Unbeatable Strategy: Pawn Structures

New In Chess 2023

 

Contents

Foreword by Anna Ushenina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Foreword by Jorden van Foreest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Preface by Sergei Tiviakov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Preface by Yulia Gökbulut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Introduction Human chess versus computer chess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

How should you read this book? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 1 Pawn majority on one flank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Chapter 2 Doubled pawns, part one . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Chapter 3 Doubled pawns, part two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Chapter 4 Semi-open files in the centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Chapter 5 One open file in the centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Chapter 6 Two open files in the centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Chapter 7 The double fianchetto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Explanation of symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Index of names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

5
Foreword by Anna Ushenina
Sergei Nikolaevich Tiviakov is a very strong chess player, brought up by
the Soviet chess school, back when such names as Smyslov, Petrosian,
Karpov and Kasparov dominated the chess world. In an era when
computers were just beginning their march, there was not yet that
influence of chess programs and digital indicators, like 0.2 or 1.0. Positions
and games were analysed independently, by human hands, relying
on the assessments made as a result of the logical conclusions of the
recognized masters of the art. Great attention was paid to chess strategy
and positional play, understanding the smallest nuances of a position.
And whoever understood these better generally had a greater chance of
winning.
Sergei has been honing his positional understanding for many years.
And it is not surprising that he has outplayed many strong chess players,
managed the highest achievements in sports, became the European
Champion and was repeatedly the Dutch number one.
I have absolutely no doubt that this book will help you improve your
positional understanding, to begin to see the pattern of the game better
and to give direction to what you need to strive for in certain positions.
It will already be clear to you why the computer shows 0.3 or 1. I am sure
that you will want to study not only this book, but also the continuation of
this series of works by Sergei Nikolaevich.

International Grandmaster Anna Ushenina,

Former Women’s World Chess Champion,
Perpignan, France, 2022

7
Foreword by Jorden van Foreest
I first met Sergei on the train, just after the last round of the Hoogeveen
Chess Tournament in 2012. The tournament had just finished, and while he
had been facing the likes of Nakamura, Giri, and Hou Yifan in the crown
group, I had started my chess journey in the Open group. Needless to say,
I was pretty shocked and nervous to suddenly find myself sitting across
from Sergei Tiviakov. While I do not remember all the details, since I was
only 13 years old, I recall we did have a very pleasant train-ride home.
As it turned out, Sergei lived near my home, and the idea of hosting
a couple of training sessions arose. In fact, this was the start of many
training sessions at Sergei’s place. Later, my brother Lucas joined me, and
some years later, Sergei trained my sister Machteld too.
Growing up in the age of computers, I have always been fond of
analyzing chess with the assistance of engines. However, we mere mortals
do need certain principles to guide us while playing chess. These, the
engine cannot give to us. Sergei would always stress the importance of
this. Over the years the training would mainly focus on developing my
understanding of chess by analysing my own games, studying many
games from the great players, understanding pawn structures, etc., thus
significantly increasing our grasp of the game.
The book itself has been divided into various important themes, delving
deeper into them on the basis of entire games. Personally, I have always
liked going through entire games rather than simply solving stand-alone
positions. This makes for a light and enjoyable read. At the same time,
the reader is engaged since throughout every game there will be several
questions asked, ensuring you have to think for yourself as well.
I am sure that by the time you have completed this book you will have
elevated your understanding of the game of chess, and you will have all
the necessary principles under your belt to outsmart your next opponent.

I hope you will have just as great a time reading the book as I did.

Jorden van Foreest,

International Grandmaster,
Groningen, the Netherlands, 2022

9
Preface by Sergei Tiviakov
How was the idea of this book born? In December 2020 I was asked to
become one of the lecturers at the Russian grandmaster chess academy
run by Artur Muromtsev. I agreed, and as a direction for my work I
selected various themes in chess strategy, which were either not covered at
all in modern chess literature or else dealt with only very superficially. So,
I started collecting original material...
My work was received very positively, not only by students at the
grandmaster school, but also by strong professionals from Belgium and
Uzbekistan, in running numerous group and individual sessions. The
quantity of material continued to grow and I reached the moment when I
wanted to share it with a wider circle of chess enthusiasts.
It took a long time to find a co-author who could bring together all
the material into an ordered collection of information. I am extremely
grateful to Yulia Gökbulut for her invaluable contribution to the creation
of this book!
The book was conceived along the same lines as the ‘Chess Lectures’ of
the great World Champion Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian, published in the
USSR in 1989 and which enjoyed enormous success among chess players.
Many people know that Petrosian is one of my favourite chess geniuses,
and I have learned a great deal from the play of Tigran Vartanovich. My
style of play is also quite similar to his, and may be described as ‘safety-
first strategy’ or, indeed, ‘rock solid chess’. In the period from 2005 to
2020, I held the world record for the longest streak of games without
defeat – 110 games in 11 months. In 2020, my record was broken by the
16th World Champion, Magnus Carlsen.
I have read Petrosian’s Chess Lectures many times, each time finding
something new, and I also use it in my lectures with students.
As all strong players know, a knowledge of opening theory is not enough
for successful play. After the opening stage of the game, there follows the
most difficult phase to study and to understand, namely the middlegame.
One of the main questions in this stage of the game is ‘What should one
do in this or that pawn structure?’.
A great many publications have come out, which attempt to help the
reader with this. Among these I found my favourite – Boris Zlotnik’s
Typical Positions in the Middlegame, published in the USSR in 1986 in Russian,
and also translated into English in 2020.
Boris Zlotnik was one of the trainers at the Smyslov Chess School, in
which I studied from 1980 to 1984. His book was regarded as indispensable
for a whole generation of players at that time. It is a model of the Soviet

11
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

Chess School and I wish to continue its traditions, by creating a classic

book, which will be topical for a long time to come.
My researches here cover five themes: pawn majorities, doubled pawns,
semi-open lines in the centre, open lines in the centre and double
fianchettoes. Thus, I cover those pawn structures which not only arise
most often in my own games, but which are not given their due attention
in the modern specialist publications.
The aim of this book is to enable all who wish to get to grips with the
main methods and principles of play, and to demonstrate the direction
of travel in the chess jungle. Thus, even in the densest thicket, you will
always be able to find a path out into the daylight!
The book is aimed at players of all strengths, from beginner to grand­
master. Everyone reading it should gain much of value in their own
practice.

Sergei Tiviakov,
International Grandmaster,
Winner of the Chess Olympiad 1994,
European Champion 2008
Groningen, the Netherlands,
November 2022

12
Preface by Yulia Gökbulut
The motivation for writing this book was my desire to use the knowledge
and skills gained while studying at the Department of Sports Journalism
at the Russian State University of Physical Culture and Sports, to take up
open games in chess.
When I was six years old, my grandfather gravitated towards beautiful
romantic lines and so pointed me to the King’s Gambit. At first, the
opening pawn sacrifice brought me positive results. However, after my
first coach Vladimir Leonidovich Predein taught other children in the
section of the Palace of Pioneers the counter-answer 2...d5, fortune turned
away from me.
After that, in order to increase my authority among my peers, my
grandfather suggested I surprise them with the Danish Gambit. But this
did not bring me many points and so then my relative showed me how to
place my pieces in the English Opening.
With my Black repertoire, things developed in similar fashion: after
1.е4 е5, the white knight would a few moves later break through to f7
(replies such as ...♘h6 and ...♕е7 did not save my position), take the rook
and enable a deadly attack on my king. So my grandfather recommended I
follow his example and play the French Defence.
My second active helper was my father. He succeeded in becoming an
adult ‘second-category player’, read Lev Polugaevsky’s book The Birth of a
Variation and, in his worship of the author, recommended me to study it.
This homework exercise decided my second opening as Black, the Sicilian,
whilst as White I switched to 1.d4.
So my acquaintance with open games ended that quickly, without my
ever getting to grips with their positions and plans, which duly told on my
professional level.
Now, as a chess trainer, I am convinced that children should play only
open games for as long as possible. Sometimes, at tournaments, I see how
other coaches deliberately show their inexperienced students things like
the London System or other closed openings, so as to insure their pupils
against quick mates and to enable them to score their first points in
tournaments, in front of their demanding parents.
In one chapter of this book, Sergei Tiviakov writes: ‘Unfortunately,
there are some things in chess which we can only learn from our own
defeats.’ An unsuccessful outcome to a game is an essential experience,

13
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

which allows us to widen our playing profile and develop our positional
feeling in the most varied chessboard situations.
It is well-known that opposites attract: the Dutch grandmaster has
opened 1.e4 all his professional career. In addition to this, I was attracted
by his ‘impenetrable’ Queen’s Indian. It turned out that his games and
analyses helped to plug various gaps in my chess knowledge.
Of course, this book is not an openings guide. But the initial stage of
the game is very important, since it determines the fundamentals of the
game, its further rhythm and piece composition.
Sergei Tiviakov’s distinguishing features are the simplicity and modesty
of his presentation, his fine professional erudition, his confident belief
in classical openings, universal positional approach and his prudence
in decision-making at the board. This is all conducive to trusting his
thoughts and adopting the ideas he promotes.

Yulia Gökbulut,
Women’s FIDE Master,
Runner-up in the Turkish Women’s Championship, 2022
Kirikkale, Turkey,
November 2022

14
INTRODUCTION

Human chess versus computer chess

What is the difference, how do we exploit the latter’s

achievements and identify its weaknesses
The increasing role of engines in modern chess has affected not only the
game itself, but also the training of players. And I have my own ideas
about the impact of artificial intelligence on the opening, middlegame and
endgame. In this chapter, I want to discuss computer and human chess:
how you can use their features to your advantage, to optimize professional
results. The mental work of an individual and the process of making
decisions are not similar to computer thinking. A person will never be able
to achieve the machine speed of calculating and sorting out variations,
and due to this fact, he has to focus on the general basic principles of the
game, intuition, and knowledge that he has accumulated before the game.
The engine, having begun to recommend a certain move, can instantly
lose faith in it.

15
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

Game 1 Nimzo-Indian Defence of variations. In addition, the

Paul Johner computer likes to sacrifice material
Aron Nimzowitsch to contribute to establishing a
Dresden 1926 (2) tough fight on the board. Therefore,
in this position Stockfish very
1.d4 ♘f6 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 ♗b4 4.e3 much likes the move 12...h5. But
0-0 5.♗d3 c5 6.♘f3 ♘c6 7.0-0 ♗xc3 the majority of human players, even
8.bxc3 d6 9.♘d2 b6 10.♘b3 e5 11.f4 very top players, do not want to
e4 12.♗e2 complicate the course of the game.
If 13.♗xh5, then after 13...♘xh5
T_Ld.tM_ 14.♕xh5 there follows 14...♗a6
j._._JjJ with a very good position for Black,
.jSj.s._ thanks to his concrete play against
_.j._._. the c4-pawn, which is more than
._IiJi._ sufficient compensation for the
_Ni.i._. sacrificed material. On 15.♕e2 there
I_._B_Ii follows 15...d5.
r.bQ_Rk. The situation on the board is sharp
and the Black player needs to see
Before us we have an episode from the reply to such moves as 15.♕d5
the game Johner-Nimzowitsch (I and 15.f5, but, in the opinion of
will return to this classic encounter the computer, here he already has a
again later in the book, but there small advantage.
will analyse it from the viewpoint The human approach to the
of prophylaxis). position is quite different: we try to
Let us examine the difference in play without calculating variations,
approach to the same position mainly relying on general
by the computer and the human. considerations. And this difference
There are two completely different in the choice of moves must be
moves for Black which achieve the appreciated.
same prophylactic idea. 13.h3 ♘e7 14.♕e1 h5 15.♗d2 ♕f5
Aron Nimzowitsch chose 16.♔h2 ♕h7 17.a4 ♘f5 18.g3 a5
12...♕d7, 19.♖g1 ♘h6 20.♗f1 ♗d7 21.♗c1
preventing a white pawn advance ♖ac8 22.d5 ♔h8 23.♘d2 ♖g8
starting on the kingside. 24.♗g2 g5 25.♘f1 ♖g7 26.♖a2 ♘f5
Question: What move do you think 27.♗h1 ♖cg8 28.♕d1 gxf4 29.exf4
my friend Stockfish suggests, to disrupt ♗c8 30.♕b3 ♗a6 31.♖e2 ♘h4
Johner’s plans? 32.♖e3 ♗c8 33.♕c2 ♗xh3 34.♗xe4
♗f5 35.♗xf5 ♘xf5 36.♖e2 h4
Computer play is typically ‘move 37.♖gg2 hxg3+ 38.♔g1 ♕h3 39.♘e3
by move’, based on the calculation ♘h4 40.♔f1 ♖e8 0-1

16
 Introduction – Human chess versus computer chess

Let us look at another game which because the bishop on a5 is shut out
also enables us to contrast the of the game. Is there a way to play
computer and human approaches. ♘b5 without sacrificing a piece?
16.♖ac1 is a very strong move, the
Game 2 Réti Opening natural human reply. Before going
Milos Pavlovic 2507 over to concrete play, it is necessary
Mikhail Ivanov 2451 to strengthen the position, and only
Bad Wiessee 2006 (7) then play ♘b5, and then White will
win.
1.♘f3 d5 2.g3 ♘f6 3.♗g2 c6 4.0-0 16.♘b5
♗f5 5.d3 e6 6.c4 dxc4 7.dxc4 ♕xd1 Absolutely the correct decision
8.♖xd1 ♘bd7 9.♘c3 h6 10.♗e3 ♘g4 from the computer point of view,
11.♗d2 ♗c5 12.♗e1 0-0-0 13.♘a4 because the problems in one’s own
♗e7 14.♘d4 ♗g6 15.♗a5 ♖de8 position can sometimes be solved
by counterplay involving a sacrifice.
._M_T_.t Thus, both 16.♘b5 and 16.♖ac1 are
jJ_SlJj. roughly equal in strength and both
._J_J_Lj lead to a win.
b._._._. 16...cxb5
N_In._S_ Black must accept the gift.
_._._.i. 17.cxb5 ♘c5
Ii._IiBi 17...♘gf6 18.♖ac1+ ♔b8 19.♖c7 and
r._R_.k. the rook breaks through to the
seventh rank, when the result of
Question: Assess the sides’ chances and the game is settled.
find for White the human and computer 18.♖ac1 b6
move choices.
._M_T_.t
White has a significantly better j._.lJj.
position, close to winning. .j._J_Lj
Regardless of which move we bIs._._.
choose, the human one or the N_._._S_
computer one, we will have the _._._.i.
advantage. Ii._IiBi
The possible 16.♗h3 doesn’t give _.rR_.k.
White anything: the knight on g4
is on the edge and far from the It seems the position is unclear, but
queenside, whereas now we are the computer points out a precise
effectively driving it back where route to victory.
it wants to go, which is counter to Question: How should White continue
chess principles. And 16.b4 is risky, a decisive attack on the king?

17
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

19.♗xb6?
._._T_.t
Giving Black a chance to save
_.mNlJj.
himself. The correct decision
involves one of the computer lines
._._J_Lj
of calculation. Very often, such
_Is._._.
lines escape the attention of the ._._._S_
human player. For example, 19.b4 _._._.i.
is tempting, but the bishop on a5 Ii._IiBi
hangs, and the advantage passes to _.rR_.k.
Black. 21...♘f6
But meanwhile, 19.h3 is winning, Black should have played 21...♖d8
and after 19...♘f6 20.♗d2, and now 22.b6+ ♔c8 23.b7+ ♔c7 24.b8♕+
if 20...♔b8, then 21.♗f4+ . The ♖xb8 25.♘xc5 ♗xc5 26.♖xc5+
move 19.h3 is very hard to find at ♔b6.
the board, because when searching 22.b6+ ♔c8 23.♘xc5 ♗xc5
for a move, we strive not only to 24.♖xc5+
create problems for the opponent, 24.b4; the pawns have to be
but also to minimise our own broken up!
risk. Once we start to play like the 24...♔b8 25.a4 ♖d8 26.♖dc1 ♗e4
computer, with piece sacrifices, 27.a5 ♗xg2 28.♔xg2 ♖c8 29.b4 ♘d5
then we lose the right to make any 30.♖1c4 ♖xc5 31.bxc5 ♔b7 32.c6+
errors, and we must continue to ♔a6 33.c7 ♔b7 1-0
play extremely accurately.
When an engine decides on So, in the examples above, I have
a variation, it does so calmly, shown two different approaches,
without succumbing to its own the human approach and the
emotions, fears and prejudices, and computer approach.
it confidently calculates everything
to the end. If you follow your home Game 3 Exercise position
computer analysis in a game, then
keep in mind that a person is able ._._.tM_
to accidentally make one or two _._._JjJ
machine moves, but three or four in ._.q._._
a row without knowing the position _._.j.i.
is unlikely. .j._I_._
19...axb6 20.♘xb6+ _J_._._.
White has three pawns for the Di._._.i
piece. The human feels that White „ _.kR_._R
stands better, but it is not all so
clear and obvious. I first saw this puzzle on page 14
20...♔c7 21.♘d7 of GM Alexey Dreev’s Improve your

18
 Introduction – Human chess versus computer chess

Practical Play in the Middlegame. He

uses computer engines to analyse Dt._._M_
and write his books, and in this _._._JjJ
book I found many interesting ._._._._
examples from the viewpoint of _._.j.i.
computer analysis. ._._I_._
Let us assess this position from the _J_._._.
viewpoint of general principles. .i._._.i
We should start with the material _.kRq._R
balance – Black is a whole rook
down! We have already guessed two
Question: Is it possible to make a draw correct steps, but the current
here, a rook down? position is far from a draw. The
price of every move is still high and
In a highly complicated position, you need to find the only saving
White is ready to utilize a typical idea, which, in my opinion, is
device: evacuating his king from almost impossible for a human.
the danger zone. But simplifying by Obviously Black should try to give
♕xf8+ leads White to defeat, since perpetual check, but 3...♕a7, with
later he loses the pawn on b2 and this idea, loses.
Black creates a passed pawn. Despite the difficulty of finding
If we give this position to players the third move, there is still a
for playing out as a training continuation that creates endless
exercise, in 99% of cases the player threats to the enemy king. To
with the extra rook will win. Maybe do this, you need to connect an
once in a hundred cases Black additional playing resource. Keep in
will make a draw. However, the mind that often the computer does
computer assesses it as 0.00, and its not make quiet moves. Everything
assessment is based on a series of is subordinated to one single goal.
only moves, regrouping the pieces. This puzzle arises as a result of one
Let us just try to guess the first important theoretical continuation
move in this position. in the Najdorf Variation of the
1...♕a8 Sicilian Defence (6.♗e3 e5). When
The first step is correct! 1...♕a5 we analyse any opening variations,
loses. we need to find such positions
2.♕хb4 in which the opponent must
Now we must find Black’s next only make only moves to maintain the
move. For example, 2...♖c8+ loses. balance. With the current example,
2...♖b8 I touch on the topic of ‘using
The second move is also found! computer modules in opening
3.♕e1 preparation’.

19
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

CHAPTER 1

Pawn majority on one flank

In this chapter, we deal with the pawn structure ‘3 vs 2 on the queenside
and 3 vs 4 on the kingside’. It occurs often in my repertoire, for example
after seven moves in the French Defence: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.♘d2 c5 4.exd5
♕xd5 5.dxc5 ♗xc5 (or 5...♕xc5). Thus, the move 5.dxc5 has been played in
25 of my games.
Such a structure also arises in the Sicilian as follows: 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5
3.exd5 ♕xd5 4.d4,

TsL_MlSt
jJ_.jJjJ
._._._._
_.jD_._.
._.i._._
_.i._._.
Ii._.iIi
rNbQkBnR
and then there is the exchange of the d- and c-pawns. Again we have
three pawns against two on the queenside and three against four on the
kingside. This position is typical and occurs very often.
In addition, there is also the structure ‘two pawns against one on the
queenside and four against five on the kingside.’ We will also study that
in this chapter. I don’t know of any book that deals specifically with this
topic, although in the chess literature you can find individual examples.
Therefore, I will try to convey to you my vision of playing pawn-majority
structures based on my own games.
I achieved my professional growth by studying the legacy of world
champions. In my youth, I was a student at the school of Vasily Smyslov,
the seventh king of chess, a grandmaster of the positional style of play,
and I adopted his style of fighting. In addition, I was influenced by the
work of Tigran Petrosian, who also had a pronounced desire to gain the
better position gradually.
A distinctive feature of the resulting structures is the absence of a pawn
centre, which makes attacking play impossible. Usually White should stick
to the strategy of positional chess.
Question: Which pawn majority is preferable, what advantage does it give?

42
 Chapter 1 – Pawn majority on one flank

In order to understand this, you need to perform a simple arithmetic

operation: 3 divided by 2, is 1.5; and 4 divided by 3 gives approximately
1.33. The former is greater, which suggests that three pawns on the same
flank is a more valuable advantage. Of course, there are exceptions, but
they are rare.
A similar structure also appears from the Caro-Kann Defence and the
Scandinavian Defence; there are also similar positions from the Queen’s
Indian Defence.

43
 Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

To illustrate the above, let’s start opening – it is more important to

with my game against the Russian place one’s pieces on the board in
grandmaster Evgeny Romanov. In such a way as simply to establish a
it, I used one of the typical methods mental battle, based on the classical
of playing with a pawn majority general principles of chess.
– the exchange of pieces and the 5...♘f6 6.♘gf3 ♕xc5 7.♗d3 ♗e7
transition to the endgame. 8.0-0 0-0 9.♕e2 ♘bd7

Game 15 French Defence T_L_.tM_

Sergei Tiviakov 2663 jJ_SlJjJ
Evgeny Romanov 2616 ._._Js._
Al-Ain 2012 (5) _.d._._.
._._._._
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.♘d2 c5 4.exd5 ♕xd5 _._B_N_.
IiInQiIi
TsL_MlSt r.b._Rk.
jJ_._JjJ
._._J_._ This theoretical position arises
_.jD_._. very often. White has several plans.
._.i._._ And from this moment, he should
_._._._. already start thinking about what
IiIn.iIi sort of endgame he wants.
r.bQkBnR Question: Of what does White’s
advantage consist?
The objective assessment of this
position is equality, regardless of By exploiting the pawn majority on
how White continues (5.♘f3 or the queenside, White will create a
5.dxc5). But I feel confident here, passed pawn in the endgame. This
because I play the French Defence is his main object and therefore
with both White and Black. in the game, I chose to move the
5.dxc5 c-pawn.
This move probably does not 10.c4
really fight for an advantage, but it As well as 10.c4, White has 10.♘e4.
allows White to avoid the very well We will see the plan associated with
known continuations involving the this move in another game.
moves 5.♘gf3 cxd4 6.♗c4. With The position is neutral, and Black
the move 5.dxc5 I avoid theory, can achieve equality in various ways.
and in general I do not strive for 10...b6
move-by-move play, because I am Question: What do you think are the
not especially concerned with merits of variations where White does not
obtaining an advantage in the fight for an advantage?

44
 Chapter 1 – Pawn majority on one flank

The psychological trap consists 12...♘xf6

in the fact that the opponent will White needs to complete his
have studied critical variations in development. He has two plans to
detail, but economized his time on activate the ♗c1:
preparation when he sees an equal 1) occupy e5 with the knight,
position, counting on finding the followed by placing the bishop on
right moves during the game itself. f4;
11.♘e4 2) play b2-b3, so as to put the
White has the task of exchanging bishop on b2.
as many pieces as possible. At first But there is no special difference
glance, it seems that his play is between these continuations.
light-hearted and he is not striving 13.♘e5 ♗b7 14.b3
for an advantage. But in reality I will repeat once more, so that this
this is not the case. White is trying rule should be established firmly in
to lull his opponent into a false your mind: When there are no pawns
sense of security, hoping that he in the centre of the board, it makes no
will relax and stop thinking deeply sense to play for a mating attack; it is
about the position, thinking that possible only when you have control over
White is only after a draw. the centre.
I have good personal relations with 14...♘d7 15.♘xd7 ♕xd7 16.♗b2
Evgeny and our games have often So already the knights have been
ended peacefully. During this game, exchanged. White continues to play
he may well have thought the same for simplification.
would be the case here. 16...♖fd8
11...♕c7 12.♘xf6+ If you look at this position with
the eyes of the computer, then
T_L_.tM_ everything is going as it should:
j.dSlJjJ for a long interval of time, Black
.j._Jn._ has played correctly and has not
_._._._. committed any mistakes.
._I_._._ 17.♖ad1 ♕c6
_._B_N_.
Ii._QiIi T_.t._M_
r.b._Rk. jL_.lJjJ
.jD_J_._
Black could play 12...♗xf6, but then _._._._.
he would have to calculate the sharp ._I_._._
variations associated with 13.♕e4; _I_B_._.
for example, 13...g6 14.♕xa8 ♗b7 Ib._QiIi
15.♕xa7 ♖a8 16.♕xa8, and Black has _._R_Rk.
compensation for the pawn.

45
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

Question: Which pieces would White Here the assessment of the position
like to exchange in the future? Which starts to change. The intelligent
form of simple endgame does he wish to machine is already starting to like
obtain? White’s position. I am preparing
the exchange of light-squared
At this point in time, we need to bishops.
understand which ending White 19...♖d7 20.♗e4
has the best chances of winning.
A Serious Question: ‘Will T_._.lM_
Black succeed or not in creating jL_T_JjJ
problems?’ – the further fate of .jD_J_._
the game depends on the correct _._._._.
answer to it. If we leave only ._I_B_Q_
the heavy pieces on the board, _I_._._.
exchanging all the light ones, then Ib._.iIi
the control over the d-file will be _._Rr.k.
decisive, since it is the only open
file here. The queen endgame is 20...♖xd1 21.♕xd1 ♕c8
always a draw. After determining our plan of play,
The correct answer to the given involving exchanges, we should
question is to keep the dark- think further. We need to imagine
squared bishops, and the heavy what will happen in the future,
pieces must leave the board. The after the disappearance of a few
opponent’s pawns occupy the pieces.
dark squares a7 and b6, and the
white bishop, located on b2, can T_D_.lM_
eventually attack them, while the jL_._JjJ
enemy counterpart on e7 will be .j._J_._
incapacitated. _._._._.
When we go in for exchanges, we ._I_B_._
must take good pieces from the _I_._._.
opponent, and leave him with bad Ib._.iIi
ones. Thus, my task in the current _._Qr.k.
position is to get an endgame with
dark-squared bishops. Question: What very useful move can
18.♕g4 ♗f8 White play here?
The computer suggests 18...g6 as
leading to equality, but it is far from For example, the move 22.a4 is
easy for a human to make such very bad, because in reply Black
moves, weakening the king. plays 22...a5 and we cannot exploit
19.♖fe1 his weaknesses, whilst we lose the

46
 Chapter 1 – Pawn majority on one flank

prospect of creating a passed pawn I also had the idea of playing

after the move 23...♗c5. 24.♖d4. Then Black plays ...♗e7,
White’s advantage on the queenside ...♖d8, and the exchange of rooks
consists only in possible dynamics: is unavoidable. White does not
the possibility of setting his pawns prevent this and continues to follow
in motion, so as eventually to reach his plan precisely.
the promotion square. 24...♖d8 25.♖d4 ♖xd4 26.♕xd4 h6
And what if 22.a3 ? Probably, this Black’s last move was necessary.
step will prove useful in future, If he had played 26...f6, then I
but for now it limits the activity would myself have played 27.h6,
of White’s dark-squared bishop. destroying Black’s pawn structure.
Therefore, I began play on the But now the theatre of war switches
kingside, since after all, in the to the other flank. My queenside
endgame, Black can also create a pawns are set in motion: we must
passed pawn on the kingside. play a2-a3, b3-b4, c4-c5 and create a
22.h4! passed c-pawn.
If White later plays 23.h5, then 27.a3
there is a threat of 24.h6, and It is important to note that, in
Black would have to answer 23...h6 order to create his play, White
himself. And once he has done that has control of the whole board, is
(23...h6), the white pawn on h5 fixes upholding the principle of centrali­
weaknesses in the black structure zation and thus reducing Black’s
on h6 and g7. As a result, the black play to nothing. Despite the fact
king would be tied to the defence that I have made definite progress,
of g7. And if Black wants to get rid Black can still hold a draw here.
of it with the move ...g7-g6, then However, from this moment he
he destroys his pawn structure, needs to defend very accurately.
which deprives him of the chance At the risk of boasting, I would
to create a passed pawn on the point out that my manner of play
kingside. in this game reminds one very
One can say that it was thanks to strongly of the style of Karpov,
the move 22.h4 that I managed to Petrosian and Carlsen. The
win this game. Norwegian World Champion often
22...♗xe4 heads into equal positions, and then
Black cannot stop the advance of wins seemingly from nothing.
the enemy h-pawn. 27...♕e7 28.b4 ♕g5
23.♖xe4 By taking aim at the white kingside
Because I have control of the open pawns, Black strives to create
d-file, Black cannot do anything counterplay.
here. 29.♕d1 ♕h4 30.♕e2
23...♕e8 24.h5 And here my opponent stumbled...

47
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

during the game such a deep and

._._.lM_ faultless analysis of variations is not
j._._Jj. available to the human.
.j._J_.j If you suggested the plan 30...♗e7
_._._._I and 31...♗f6, you are on the wrong
.iI_._.d path, because the white pawns
i._._._. are far advanced and the king on
.b._QiI_ g8 is a long way away. The bishop
_._._.k. manoeuvre does not save Black.
30...a5 is the only correct plan. The
Question: How should Black play? defence of the position requires
concrete action from my opponent.
In my opinion, there is a large But why did he not play this? It
margin of safety in chess. If Black’s appeared to him that after 31.g3
play is solid and he doesn’t make a ♕g5 32.c5 the pawn could promote.
single major mistake, then it’s always I was hoping my opponent would
possible to save the position for a avoid this continuation, because
long period. But if inaccuracies are of the complicated nature of the
committed over a long time, then calculations. The computer offers
there always comes a moment when the series of moves 32...axb4 33.cxb6
the defender has to make computer ♗c5 34.axb4 ♗xb6 35.♔g2.
moves, and choose the only plans
and continuations. Thus, the margin ._._._M_
of safety in case of inaccurate _._._Jj.
play by the opponent always .l._J_.j
decreases, especially when the game _._._.dI
approaches time trouble: it is easy to .i._._._
make mistakes then. _._._.i.
As a result of Black’s previous .b._QiK_
mistake on the thirtieth move, his _._._._.
problems have become noticeable
analysis diagram
and he now has to play accurately.
Question: How can Black try to reach And it seems that White is better,
a draw? but in reality here it is still equality.
So, after 30.♕e2, Black needed
This position seems difficult, to shake off his tiredness and
even lost; White has, I would devote all of his resources to the
say, a decent advantage, but the calculation of variations.
chess engine shows equality. The 30...♗d6 31.g3 ♕e7 32.♕f3 f5
machine can calculate many moves Now we see that the pawn on h5 is
ahead, and this is its strength, and starting to play a decisive role – it

48
 Chapter 1 – Pawn majority on one flank

fixes the weaknesses in the enemy is weak, Black must spend time
position, its colleagues on h6 and g7 defending it.
being paralysed. And now I will tell you one more
very important thing when playing
._._._M_ with a pawn majority. In itself, it is
j._.d.j. like a single advantage. Remember
.j.lJ_.j the principle of two weaknesses?
_._._J_I One pawn majority is not enough to
.iI_._._ win. But when there are additional
i._._Qi. defects in the opponent’s position:
.b._.i._ doubled pawns, weak squares, for
_._._.k. example, or White, in addition, has
the advantage of two bishops, then
33.♗d4 ♕c7? the principle of two weaknesses
The decisive mistake! After this already begins to work clearly.
move, the game cannot be saved. And the pawn majority acquires a
Question: Show how White wins in all decisive character.
variations. Remember our strategic idea Here, White has two advantages:
in such structures. one of them is the passed pawn, and
the other is the weak pawns on g7
34.c5 and h7, which force Black to spend
Forcibly creating a passed pawn. his playing energy on getting rid of
34...bxc5 35.bxc5 ♗xc5 36.♕c3 ♗b6 this positional disadvantage.
37.♕xc7 ♗xc7 38.♗xa7 38...g6 39.hxg6 ♔g7
It was more precise to start with 39...
._._._M_ f4, but my analysis after the game
b.l._.j. shows that White wins here too.
._._J_.j 40.a4
_._._J_I The last move before the time
._._._._ control. Here it was more accurate
i._._.i. to play 40.♗e3 (since the bishop
._._.i._ prevents the possible move 40...f4)
_._._.k. 40...♔xg6 41.a4, and White brings
home the full point.
Just in this position, we can see 40...♔xg6
that the pawn on h5 occupies a key Black could have muddied the
position. If it were not there, then waters by means of 40...f4,
Black could quickly activate his exploiting his last chance. In 2012,
king, by bringing it to the centre: I spent a lot of time analysing this
...♔f7, ...e6-e5, ...♔f7-e6-d5, with endgame to the very end: 41.gxf4
a draw. But since the g7-pawn ♗a5 42.♔f1 ♔xg6 43.♗e3 h5 44.♔e2

49
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

h4 45.♔f1 ♔f5 46.f3, and I came to 45.a5!

the conclusion that White wins. In this simple endgame, I demon­
41.♗e3 e5 42.♗d2 stra­ted good technique and did not
Since the king on g6 must support make a single mistake. Taking the
the h6-pawn, he cannot stop the pawn with the bishop by 45.♗xh6?
a-pawn. Black could save the game would have been wrong. Of course,
by exchanging the kingside pawns White must not play into this
and giving up his bishop for one of position: after the move 45...♔e4
them: if his king gets to a8, it would it is a draw according to the
be a draw. This is what Black aims tablebases, as also after 45...♔d4.
for in the subsequent play. 45...♔d5 46.a6 ♔c6 47.♗e3 h5
42...f4 43.gxf4 But now Black cannot give up his
bishop for the f2-pawn.
._._._._ 48.♔g2 ♗d8 49.f4 ♔c7 50.f5
_.l._._. The passed pawn advances further.
._._._Mj 50...♔b8 51.♔h3
_._.j._. Now White carries out the plan
I_._.i._ ♗e3-f2-h4, ♔xh5, and a queen soon
_._._._. appears on the board.
._.b.i._ 51...♔a8 52.♗f2 ♗f6 53.♗h4 ♗c3
_._._.k. 54.♗g5 ♔a7 55.♔h4 ♔xa6 56.♔xh5

43...♔f5 ._._._._
On 43...exf4 White wins as follows: _._._._.
44.♔g2 ♔f5 45.♔f3 ♔e6 46.♗xf4 M_._._._
♗a5 47.♔g4 (I have checked this _._._IbK
position on the computer with the ._._._._
Nalimov tablebases. Thus, here _.l._._.
White must not play 47.♗xh6 ._._._._
because of 47...♗xf2) 47...♔d5 and _._._._.
48.♗xh6, winning.
44.fxe5 ♔xe5 We have reached one of the basic
endgames which, for example, can
._._._._ be found in the aforementioned
_.l._._. Portisch book and also in
._._._.j Panchenko’s endgame manual.
_._.m._. 56...♔b7 57.♔g6 ♔c6 58.♗h6 ♔d7
I_._._._ 59.♗g7 ♗b4 60.f6 ♔e6 61.f7 ♗d6
_._._._. 62.♗h6 ♗b4 63.♔g7 ♔f5 64.♔g8
._.b.i._ ♔g6 65.♗f8 ♗c3 66.♗a3 ♗g7
_._._.k. 67.♗c1 1-0

50
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

CHAPTER 7

The double fianchetto

The double fianchetto for Black implies the development of the bishops to
the squares g7 and b7. This flexible opening formation is reminiscent of
the Queen’s Indian Defence or the Réti Opening, a universal method of
playing for Black that will suit almost all chess players.
Some of you will play fianchetto openings, such as the King’s Indian
Defence. True, in this opening the bishop usually does not go to b7, but the
King’s Indian can also be handled in such an original fashion. And in this
chapter you will find a similar example. In the Queen’s Indian Defence,
the king’s bishop is brought to the e7-square, but in certain circumstances
it can also be sent to g7.

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 Chapter 7 – The double fianchetto

Let us look at how I reach double Divergences 4...g6 – Black’s Double

fianchetto positions. Fianchetto in the Queen’s Indian’
for Yearbook 98 (New In Chess,
English Opening page 233), in which I explained the
1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.c4 b6 3.g3 ♗b7 4.♗g2 methods of playing for Black. After
that, a large number of strong chess
R_.kQbNr players incorporated this variation
iBiIi.iI into their opening repertoire. For
.iN_._._ example, in the last Candidates
_._._I_. Tournament, Maxime Vachier-
._._._._ Lagrave faced Ian Nepomniachtchi
_.s._.j. in the penultimate round, and he
JjJjJjLj also went into a double fianchetto:
t.lMd.sT Nepomniachtchi-Vachier-Lagrave,
Ekaterinburg ct 2021: 1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.c4
Here, as well as the main continua­ b6 3.g3 ♗b7 4.♗g2 g6 5.d4 ♗g7 6.d5
tion for Black, which is 4...e6, it is ♘a6 7.♘c3 ♘c5 8.0-0 0-0 9.♕c2 a5
also possible to play 4...g6. After 10.♖d1 ♘e8 11.♗f4 ♘d6 12.b3 ♖e8
5.0-0 ♗g7 we have a position with 13.♗e5 e6 14.♗xg7 ♔xg7 15.♖ab1
the double fianchetto. e5 16.♘d2 f5 17.a3 ♕f6 18.b4 axb4
I want to tell you about my perfor­ 19.axb4 ♘a6 20.e4 f4 21.♘e2 fxg3
mance statistics in this variation. In 22.fxg3 c5 23.bxc5 ♘xc5 24.♖xb6
the present position, I have played ♕d8 25.♖db1 ♕c7 26.♘c3 ♖f8
both moves, 4...e6 and 4...g6. After 27.♖6b2 ♗a6 28.♘d1 ♖ab8 29.♖xb8
4...e6, against me White scores ♖xb8 30.♖xb8 ♕xb8 31.♕b2 ♕xb2
36% of the points, and after 4...g6 32.♘xb2 ♘c8 33.♔f2 ♘b6 34.♗f1 d6
only 32%. That is, based on a large 35.♔e3 ♔f6 36.♗e2 ♔e7 37.♘b1 ♗c8
number of my own games, we can 38.♘c3 ♗d7 39.♗d1 ♗e8 40.♗c2
conclude that the double fianchetto ♗d7 41.♗d1 ♗e8 42.♗c2 ½-½.
brings me more points than the Vachier-Lagrave played very
classical variations of the Queen’s passively and probably had not
Indian Defence. studied my game against Kenneth
When I started playing 4...g6, Norman (see below).
this continuation was not very The main quality of this pawn
popular at the top level. However, structure is its great complexity. For
over time, after I began to use this example, unlike the Queen’s Indian
bishop formation regularly and Defence, the positions are more
achieved good results, many other complex.
grandmasters became interested If I want to make a draw as Black
in it. In 2011, I wrote a theoretical and to easily parry the opponent’s
article ‘English Opening/Early blows, then I play 4...e6. Then the

229
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

game goes either to the English with 1.d4. But lately he has decided
Opening, or to the Queen’s Indian to switch to closed openings and
Defence, or to the Catalan Opening, practice a solid variation of the
where I equalize without any London System. In preparation for
problems. But when I am striving to our meeting, I noticed that Van
achieve victory at all costs, I choose den Doel repeatedly developed his
the move 4...g6. bishop on the f4-square.
This variation attracted my
attention a very long time ago: I Game 87 London System
had a few games in 1986-1987. One Erik van den Doel 2593
day in 1998, at a tournament in Sergei Tiviakov 2583
Beijing, I was defeated by the ninth Amsterdam ch-NED 2018 (5)
Women’s World Champion, Zhu
Chen. And since then, I have not 1.d4 ♘f6 2.♗f4
lost in this variation for the last The most effective version of the
twenty-three years! double fianchetto is when Black’s
In this chapter, by looking at pawn is still on e7, that is without
examples of typical games played the move ...e7-e6.
with this line, you will get The most accurate move-order is:
information about the main plans 2...b6 3.e3 ♗b7 4.♘f3 g6
for Black. I would like to add that In the early stages of the opening,
the double fianchetto is the best we purposely do not play either
and most effective method of ...e7-e6 or ...d7-d6, nor waste
fighting the London System. time on other moves. We should
After 1.d4 ♘f6, for example, when complete development as soon as
we know that the opponent only possible: put the bishop on g7 and
plays lines with the development castle. After that, once White has
of the bishop to f4, it is very easy committed himself to a certain line
to neutralize White’s opening of play, we begin to advance the
advantage and even hope for an centre pawns in the appropriate
advantage ourselves. Of five games way.
where this has been played against 5.h3
me, I won three, despite the fact So far, my opponent plays in
that White’s position is very solid. standard fashion. Black often plays
Now I want to show you my game this way in the London System, so
against Erik van den Doel, a strong as to secure h2 as a retreat for the
Dutch grandmaster, to convince bishop, because otherwise, Black
you of the effectiveness of the can play 5...♘h5 6.♗g5 h6 7.♗h4
double fianchetto against the g5 8.♗g3 ♘xg3, and the bishop is
London System. His main opening exchanged. White prefers to keep it.
preference is 1.e4: he rarely opens 5...♗g7 6.♗e2

230
 Chapter 7 – The double fianchetto

And only here I play: 13...c5 14.♕d3

6...d6 7.0-0 0-0 8.c4
As well as 8.c4, White can choose .kR_._.r
the move 8.c3. But 8.c4 is a more _Ii._.iI
aggressive reply. I_NiQ_._
_.b.iI_.
.kR_Q_Nr ._._.j._
_IiB_.iI _J_.j.j.
I_Ni._._ JlJjS_.j
_.b.iI_. _Mt.d._T
._._._._
_Js.j.j. From the computer’s viewpoint, the
JlJj.jLj position is equal, but from a human
_Mt.d.sT standpoint, it is better for Black, on
account of the quality of his pieces.
Question: To play for a win, what plan Question: What can we say about the
should Black choose? bishop on f4? Is it good or bad?

Here Black has two options: to At this moment, the activity of the
play ...e7-e5 or not. When giving bishop is minimal, and it is not easy
preference to one of them, we must for White to get it into play, because
take into account the fact that after e3-e4, cxd4 the bishop on g7
we are not faced with the task of starts to work.
equalizing – we want to gain the Black’s play should be based
upper hand in the game. on creating weaknesses in the
Let’s use the defect of the opponent’s ranks, but in such a way
f4-bishop’s position. White that the enemy bishop does not
developed it to this square so that it show itself in action. The strategy
would put pressure on the centre. If is typical. It can be used in similar
we play ...e7-e5, then at some point positions.
the enemy bishop will come to life. When we draw up a plan, we must
8...♘bd7 9.♘c3 ♘e4 decide on which part of the board
This is a typical Queen’s Indian we will act: on the queenside, in the
move. The idea here is to bring the centre, or on the kingside? To play
bishop on g7 to life. with the bishop shut out on f4, one
10.♘xe4 ♗xe4 11.♘d2 ♗b7 12.♗f3 must give up activity in the centre
♗xf3 13.♘xf3 and on the kingside. I will attack
One gets the impression that my on the queenside with ...a7-a6 and
opponent does not want to under­ ...b6-b5, having previously made
take anything, but just tries to the move ...♖b8. White cannot
make a draw. prevent this plan. Because the black

231
Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

knight protects the c5-pawn, there Question: What simple move gives
is always ...♘xc5 in response to Black the advantage? How does he regain
dxc5. Even if the opponent closes the pawn on b5?
the centre with d4-d5, I will have
a plan to advance the b5-pawn, as I have a much better pawn
in the Benoni Defence. But the structure, with one pawn island
difference is that in this variation against three.
we develop a very strong initiative 20...♖a5
with equal material. This is a poor move, after which
14...♕c7 15.♖ac1 White can equalize. Correct was
My opponent does not realize the 20...♖ab8. The difference is that
dangers of his position. He should after the text move, White can solve
probably have played 15.♖fc1. the problem of his bad bishop. In
addition, I have a weak pawn on e7.
.kR_.r._ 21.♖e1
_Ii._.iI I cannot play 21...♖e8 because of
I_NiQ_._ 22.♗xd6, and on 21...♖xb5 22.♖xe7.
_.b.iI_. Therefore I was forced to reply:
._._.j._ 21...♗f6 22.♗g5 ♖e8 23.h4
_J_.j.j. In the end, the game was drawn; I
JlJjSd.j missed my winning chances!
_Mt._._T 23...♖xb5 24.♖c7 ♕xc7 25.♕xb5
♖b8 26.♕e2 e6 27.♕d2 ♕b6
15...a6 16.a4 ♕b7 17.♖fd1 b5 28.♖c1 ♗g7 29.d5 exd5 30.♕xd5
To achieve the last move, I do not ♘e5 31.b3 ♘g4 32.♕d2 h5 33.♗f4
even need to put the rook on b8. ♖e8 34.♗xd6 ♕xb3 35.♗f4 ♖a8
18.cxb5 cxd4 19.exd4 36.♕c2 ♕b4 37.♗g3 ♗f6 38.♖b1
If 19.♘xd4, there follows the fork ♕a4 39.♕xa4 ♖xa4 40.♗c7 ½-½
19...e5.
19...axb5 20.axb5 In the London System, White can
play another move-order: 1.d4 ♘f6
.k._Rr._ 2.♘f3.
_Ii._.i.
R_BkQbNr
I_N_Q_._
iIiI_IiI
_.b.i._.
._N_._._
._._._I_
_._.i._.
_J_.j._.
._._._._
JlJjS_D_
_.s._._.
_Mt._._T
JjJjJjJj
t.lMdLsT

232
 Chapter 7 – The double fianchetto

The main move I play here is 2... Now 3...♗b7 is not very good,
e6. But then White will follow the because the pawns get doubled after
former course with 3.♗f4, and 4.♗xf6 with advantage to White.
Black will not be able to carry out Therefore, if Black does not want to
his plan of ...d7-d6 and ...c7-c5 allow this, he should play 3...♘e4,
with the pawn on e7, due to the and then 4.♗h4 ♗b7 5.e3.
pressure of the enemy bishop on At the summer tournament in
the d6-pawn. True, even with a Estonia in 2021 this move-order was
pawn on e6, I have chosen a double seen in my rapid game against the
fianchetto, continuing in this way Ukrainian GM Anna Ushenina.
against Zdenko Kozul, Vladimir
Epishin and Gata Kamsky: 3...b6 Game 88 Torre System
4.♘bd2 ♗b7 5.h3 g6 .e3 ♗g7 7.♗e2
6 Anna Ushenina 2376
0-0 8.0-0, for example, 8...d6 9.c4, Sergei Tiviakov 2663
(or 9.♗h2) I played 9...♕e7 or 9...♖e8 Saaremaa rapid 2021 (3)
and after the necessary preparation
...e7-e5; or 10... ♘e4 11. ♘xe4 ♗xe4 1.d4 ♘f6 2.♘f3 b6 3.♗g5 ♘e4
and then 12...e5. If we want a draw, 4.♗h4 ♗b7 5.e3
then in this way we can neutralize
the London System. Black has no R_BkQ_Nr
problems here. But if we know that iIi._IiI
our opponent only plays the London ._Ni._._
formations, then we can do more: b._Si._.
1.d4 ♘f6 2.♘f3 b6 3.♗f4 ♗b7 4.e3 g6, ._._._._
and then put into practice the plan I _._._.j.
applied in the game against Van den JjJjJjLj
Doel. And if White responds with t.lMd.sT
3.g3, then 3...♗b7, and I can choose
4...g6, 5...♗g7, and we have a standard 5...g6 6.♗e2 ♗g7 7.0-0 0-0 8.♘bd2
position with a double fianchetto. c5 9.♘xe4 ♗xe4 10.a4 d6 11.a5 ♘d7
To fight for an advantage after 2...b6, Subsequently I outplayed my
White needs to continue 3.♗g5. opponent and won:
12.c3 ♘f6 13.♘d2 ♗c6 14.♗f3 ♕c7
R_BkQ_Nr 15.♕e2 ♗xf3 16.♘xf3 ♘e4 17.♖a2
iIiI_IiI c4 18.axb6 axb6 19.♖fa1 ♖xa2
._N_._._ 20.♖xa2 b5 21.♘e1 e5 22.f3 ♘f6
_._.i._. 23.♘c2 ♘d5 24.dxe5 dxe5 25.e4 ♘f4
.b._._._ 26.♕d2 ♗h6 27.♔f1 ♔g7 28.♘b4
_.s._.j. g5 29.♗g3 ♖d8 30.♘d5 ♘xd5
JjJjJj.j 31.exd5 f6 32.♕e3 ♕d6 33.♖a7+
t.lMdLsT ♔g8 34.♕e4 ♗g7 35.♗f2 ♕xd5

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Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

36.♕xd5 ♖xd5 37.♔e2 h5 38.♖b7 In 8 games, my opponents (who

f5 39.h3 h4 40.♗e3 ♗f6 41.♖c7 included such strong players as
♔f8 42.♗c5+ ♔e8 43.♗b4 ♗d8 M.Amin Tabatabaei, Mihail Marin,
44.♖h7 ♖d7 45.♖h6 ♔f7 46.♖c6 ♖d5 Miroljub Lazic and others) have
47.♖a6 ♗f6 48.♖c6 ♗g7 49.♖b6 ♗f6 scored just 18%.
50.♖c6 ♗d8 51.♖a6 ♔e8 52.♖e6+ When White has not moved
♔d7 53.♖g6 f4 54.♖h6 ♔c8 55.♖e6 his c-pawn, he has here a good
♔b7 56.♗d6 ♔c6 57.♗b4+ ♔b7 continuation in:
58.♗d6 ♗b6 59.♗xe5 ♗e3 60.♗d4 5.d3
♗xd4 61.cxd4 b4 62.♔d2 ♖xd4+ So as to continue 6.e4.
63.♔c2 ♖d5 64.♖e4 ♖c5 65.♖e6
♔c7 66.♖g6 ♔b7 67.♖d6 c3 68.bxc3 .kR_QbNr
♖xc3+ 69.♔b2 ♖e3 70.♖d2 ♔c6 iBiI_IiI
71.♔b1 ♔c5 72.♖d8 ♖e1+ 73.♔c2 .iN_I_._
♖e2 74.♔b3 ♖xg2 75.♖c8+ ♔d4 _._._._.
76.♔xb4 ♖g3 77.♖g8 ♔e3 0-1 ._._._._
Did you pay attention to the fact _Js._.j.
that White ended up with a bad J_JjJjLj
piece in this game, the dark-squared t.lMd.sT
bishop on h4? However, unlike the
standard London arrangement on Question: Should Black play 5...d5
h2, it at least exerted some pressure or not? If we avoid it, what piece set-up
on Black’s centre. The e7/d6/c5/b6/ should we adopt?
a7 pawn chain limited the activity
of this bishop. Its construction It is important to know the
is one of the methods of fighting antidote to any possible white
against the opponent’s pieces. plan, so we will look in detail at
all the correct ways to respond. I
Now let us turn to the main confess that initially I did not know
variations of the double fianchetto what to play in this position. It so
system. happened that I made mistakes
1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.g3 and very quickly ended up in a
A common continuation. I have had very unpleasant situation, in which
as many as 47 games against it. I had to offer a draw to a weaker
2...b6 3.♗g2 ♗b7 4.0-0 opponent. There is a big difference
In this position, there are two between positions with pawns on
moves: g6 and d5 and pawns on e6 and d5
1) 4...e6, to which I have given with White’s pawn on d3. It lies in
preference in 25 games, with White the fact that the presence of the
making 36% against me; pawn on d5 cannot prevent the
2) 4...g6 advance of the white pawn to e4;

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 Chapter 7 – The double fianchetto

sooner or later the opponent will moves 7.♘c3, 7.♘d2 or 7.♖e1, we

make this move. But when it hits reply 7...c5, 8...♘c6, reaching a
e4, it can advance to e5 and further type of Closed Sicilian. This is a
to e6; White will have a strong perfectly acceptable position for
space advantage in the centre. Black. If White starts an offensive
With the pawn on g6 we can, of with ♘h2 and f2-f4-f5, then Black
course, play ...♘bd7 and ...e7-e5, but can counterattack in the centre
then the bishop on g7 will be bad. with ...d6-d5 or create threats on
If we decide on a plan to block the the queenside.
e4-pawn with ...e7-e5, then we need Very often against me in such lines
to keep the bishop on the f8-a3 opponents play 4.b3 immediately or
diagonal. a move later after 4.c4 g6, reaching
6.♘bd2 ♗g7 7.e4 a symmetrical position with a
On 7...dxe4, 8.♘g5. double fianchetto.
7...e6 8.♖e1 c5 9.e5 ♘fd7 10.♘f1
This is how my game against 1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.g3 b6 3.♗g2 ♗b7 4.c4
Miroljub Lazic continued; it ended g6 5.b3 ♗g7 6.♗b2 0-0 7.0-0
in a short draw after 10...♘c6 11.♗f4
♘d4 12.♘xd4 cxd4 13.h4 h6 ½-½ .kR_Q_Nr
(Algiers 2015). iBiIi.bI
.iN_._I_
.kNrQb.r _._._I_.
iBi._IiI ._._._._
.iN_I_._ _Js._.j.
_._._._. JlJjJjLj
._.iJj._ _Mt.d.sT
_J_J_.j.
JlJ_S_Lj This position has been reached six
t._Md.sT times in my practice.
After 7...c5 you get the standard
The drawback of the fianchetto on tabiya from the English Opening.
the kingside is the weakness of the White will play 8.♘c3, then 9.d4,
dark squares. White can later play and everything will end in mutual
♗f4, ♕d2, h2-h4. The pawn on g6 exchanges and a draw. But, as I told
gives him a target for an attack on you earlier, I choose the double
the king. fianchetto to play to win.
Therefore, if the opponent plays Now we will consider a game in
5.d3, you should not play 5...d5. which one of the sides is basically
Instead of this, we should take play ahead in development (after all,
into Sicilian realms: 5...♗g7 6.e4 d6. White is the first to make a move
And after any of White’s possible in a chess game!), so it is beneficial

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Rock Solid Chess: Pawn Structures

for it to exchange in the centre with 9.♕c2 c5 10.♘c3

the subsequent opening of the lines. In old Informants, they give
In this position, I do not fight for 10...♘c6
an advantage in the centre, but I try with the idea after 11.d5 of going
to complete the development of my 11...exd5 12.cxd5 ♘b4, winning
pieces, and only after that I proceed material.
to specific play. Therefore:
7...e6 11.♖ad1 ♕e7 12.e3 ♖ac8
This is my favourite move. In the event of the stereotyped
8.d4 d6 13.a3
Here White has two knight moves: (as Jonathan Mestel played against
9.♘bd2 and 9.♘c3. Most players me in 2010), there follows
prefer 9.♘c3, since 9.♘bd2 is passive 13...cxd4 14.exd4 ♘a5,
and allows 9...c5 10.♕c2 a6. Black and White can do nothing to
could immediately exchange on oppose the advance of the pawn to
d4, but I am waiting: 11.e4 cxd4 d5, after which his pieces hang. The
12.♘xd4 ♕c7 and 13...♘bd7 – we opponent cannot just dry up the
have a very good Hedgehog. Those position in this variation.
who play the Paulsen Variation of
the Sicilian Defence for Black are I had an interesting game in this
very familiar with this position line with the young master Yaroslav
with the bishop on g7, where they Remizov.
spend extra time moving the bishop
to g7 from e7. The most important Game 89 English Opening
thing is not to miss White’s tactic Yaroslav Remizov 2385
e4-e5 in such positions. Sergei Tiviakov 2606
Chelyabinsk 2021 (4)
1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.g3 b6 3.♗g2 ♗b7 4.0-0
g6 5.b3 ♗g7 6.♗b2 0-0 7.c4 e6 8.d4 d6 1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.c4 b6 3.g3 ♗b7 4.♗g2
g6 5.b3 ♗g7 6.♗b2 0-0 7.0-0 d6 8.d4
.kR_Q_Nr e6
iBiI_.bI
.iN_._I_ .kR_Q_Nr
_._.iI_. iBiI_.bI
._._._._ .iN_._I_
_JsJj.j. _._.iI_.
JlJ_.jLj ._._._._
_Mt.d.sT _JsJj.j.
JlJ_.jLj
I have had this position four times _Mt.d.sT
in practice, and won three times.

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 Chapter 7 – The double fianchetto

9.♕c2 c5 10.♖d1 ♕e7 11.♘c3 ♘c6 13...e5

12.e4 The computer thinks the unwel­
come guest should be kicked with
.k._R_.r 13...a6, and the piece sacrifice,
iBi._QbI which I was afraid of, does not
.iN_.nI_ work: 14.dxc5 ♗xb2 15.♕xb2 axb5
_._IiI_. 16.cxb5, because Black can simply
._._.j._ return the piece by capturing on c5
_JsJjSj. with the knight or the b-pawn.
JlJd._Lj 14.dxc5 dxc5 15.♘c7 ♖ac8 16.♘d5
_Mt._._T ♕d8 17.♗h3 ♘d4 18.♘xd4 cxd4
19.♗a3 ♖e8
The move 12.e4 is premature. The
machine thinks that it is necessary .k._R_.r
to wait: 12.e3. Here, according to i.i._Q_I
the computer, Black equalizes. That Bi._._Ib
shows that the double fianchetto is _._IjI_.
a good and reliable continuation. ._.jN_._
Strange as it may seem, after 12.e4 _J_._.j.
this is already a position with an JlJ_S_Lj
advantage for Black. It seems that _M_TdT_.
White did everything right: he
developed his pieces and captured White should now have played 20.f4
the centre, but missed something. with the idea of 21.f5, which leads
Question: Which route should Black to a crazy battle. But after the move
follow next? 20.♕e2
Black’s position is preferable, in my
Sometimes in difficult game view. The engine suggests imme­
positions it is advisable to provoke diately stripping our king with
the opponent to capture the 20...f5 21.exf5 ♘f6. Black sacrifices
centre, and then seize the initiative material, to activate in the centre.
ourselves. I saw this continuation at the
We should prepare ...e6-e5, and board, but could not believe that
then seize the square d4. But I such an idea could work: 22.♗g2
did not like the immediate 12... ♘xd5 23.cxd5 ♗xd5, and the
e5 because of the possible 13.♘d5 continuation 22.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 23.fxg6
with exchanges, so to begin with I simply loses because of 23...♗f3.
preferred: This is the sort of interesting idea
12...♘d7 13.♘b5 that exists in this variation.
On 13.dxc5 dxc5, and then 14...♘d4 20...♖c6 21.♘b4 ♖c7 22.♘d5 ♖c6
or 14...e5. 23.♘b4 ♖c7 24.♘d5 ½-½

237