TL Chess Match - Page 10

we can always follow up with b7-b6 or even the offensive b7-b5 to open things up. We're playing against a single player who can form a clear strategy on his own, we need to bring tactics into play since this would be easier for us to exploit as a group. I think a more defensive game plays right into Vekzel's hands.

DECLINED

arbiter, why not go for the stronger middle position while we have the opportunity? why get all flashy with benoni? i was never a fan of it

Queen Indian Defense

Case 1

1 d4 Nf6
2 c4 e6
3 Nf3 b6
4 Nc3 Bb7
5 e3 Bb4
6 Bd2 0-0
7 Bd3 Bxc3
8 Bxc3 Ne4
9 Bxe4 Bxe4
10 0-0 f5

and black has slight advantage

Case 2

1 d4 Nf6
2 c4 e6
3 Nf3 b6
4 Nc3 Bb7
5 Bg5 Be7
6 e3 0-0
7 Bd3 c5
8 0-0 d5
9 cxd5 Nxd5
10 Bxe7 Qxe7
11 Nxd5 exd5

with slight advantage for white but black has a solid defense position

Case 3

1 d4 Nf6
2 c4 e6
3 Nf3 b6
4 Nc3 Bb7
5 Qc2 !? c5
6 d4xc5 Bxc5
7 e4 Nc6

white has development but strange positioning. this line favors draw or black win

another variation of the same line is

1 d4 Nf6
2 c4 e6
3 Nf3 b6
4 Nc3 Bb7
5 Qc2 !? Bb4
6 a3 Bxc3
7 Qc3 Ne4
8 Qc3 d6

d6 being novelty. equal position for both

a more conservative line

1 d4 Nf6
2 c4 e6
3 Nf3 b6
4 Nc3 Bb7
5 e3 Bb4
6 Qc2 Ne4
7 Bd3 f5
8 0-0 Bxc3
9 bxc3 0-0
10 Nd2 Qh4

4. Nc3 which is not whites main response to the Queen's Indian. 4. g3 is the more conventional response. I still support playing the Queen's Indian though as it used to be my opening against 1. d4 for quite a while before switching to the semi-slav

Do you guys think 4...Bb4 would be worth it? Or should we just fianchetto one of them?

It simply depends on what people are more comfortable playing...queen's indian or a nimzo/queen's indian hybrid. Both moves are viable. I personally prefer 4...Bb7. Edit: It is quite likely that both will be played. The order simply removes certain lines from consideration.

the only way to make the classic a3 reply weaker