A90. Stonewall Main 7.b3. "weakness" of kingside becomes an asset.

Transcription

1 Stonewall Main 7.b3 A90 The Dutch Defense is a very interesting opening system leading to complex and exciting positions. Although this opening suits fighting players, it also requires a good positional understanding. Chess player and theoretician, Elias Stein from Netherlands wrote first time about 1.d4 f5 in Then, the great Alekhine, Botvinnik, Smyslov, Tal and Kortschnoj included it in their repertoires, creating many ideas and winning nice games. Nowadays, among the famous adherents of Dutch Defense are the GMs: Mikhail Gurevich, Evgeny Bareev, Vladimir Malaniuk, Igor Glek, Francisco Vallejo Pons, Zhang Zhong, Oscar de la Riva Aguado, Pedrag Nikolic, and Sergey Dolmatov. 1.d4 f5 After the introductive moves 1.d4 f5, we can observe some important features of the position: 1) Black definitively weakened his king protection on the kingside by opening the h5-e8 and a2-h8 diagonals. 2) The advance of the f-pawn definitively affects the central pawns. From now on, the consequences of moving the central pawns are critical. For example if Black plays d7-d5, the square e5 will be definitively weakened, while playing d7-d6 would leave the e-pawn weaker, especially if White will open the e-file by e2-e4. 3) The qualitative value of the Bc8 was affected too. It is very clear that it can hardly hope for an active role on the h3-c8 diagonal. In Dutch Defense, Black can develop this bishop on fianchetto on b7 or by Bc8-d7-e8-h5. After the above text, one could think Black's position is almost compromised after his first move. It is not true at all. The move 1...f5 has its advantages: 1) The f-pawn controls the e4-square. As we know, the control of this square plays a central role in openings after 1.d4 2) Black gains space on the kingside. So, the move 1...f5 doesn't bring only a weakening of the kingside, but a space advantage too. If Black will exploit this space by creating a local superiority of forces on the kingside, the "weakness" of kingside becomes an asset. 2.c4 Against the Dutch Defense, White can use a classical approach or side lines. By a classical approach we understand the lines in which White chooses a "normal" development of his pieces by solid moves and following the classical principles: 1) d4, c4, Nf3, g3, Bg2, 0-0 or d4, Nf3, g3, Bg2, 0-0 and now c4. 2) d4, c4, Nc3, Nf3, e3, Be2 / Bd3. More ore less, a classical approach of the opening is possible in every chess opening and these classical lines proved their viability in time. Against Dutch Defense, there are a lot of side lines developed with the main aim to minimize the theory White has to learn but they are not particularly dangerous for the black camp. For example, now, White can play: 2.Nc3, 2.g4, 2. h3, 2.e4, 2.f3, 2.Qd3, 2.Bg5, 2.Bf4. We will study them all in detail in the next set of lessons. e6 Against White's classical approach of the opening, Black has 3 main systems. Because his immediate goal is to develop the kingside, Black has to develop his Bf8 as soon as possible. There are 2 directions for this development: a) on fianchetto on g7 which leads to the Leningrad system b) on the diagonal a3-h8 which leads to 2 different systems: Ilyin-Zhenevsky and Stonewall Ilyin-Zhenevsky set-up involves playing d7-d6, Be7, and Black's main idea is to advance e6-e5 in good conditions. In Stonewall, Black plays d7-d5 and builds a very strong setup (the pawns will be on c6, d5, e6, and f5). If we want to use a metaphor, the Stonewall is a reminiscent of a medieval dark castle, very difficult to be conquered, described by Shakespeare in Hamlet. In this set of lessons, we present the Stonewall system and in the next set of lessons we will present the other main system for Black with

2 e7-e6 (Ilyin-Zhenevsky). So, if you decide to be a "Dutch player" against 1.d4, you will have 2 systems that you can alternate. 3.Nf3 There are also other development options for White, but very rarely met in practice. Usually, if White doesn't play the classical setup (Nf3, g3, Bg2 etc.), he chooses a side line from the very second move. However, we present all other White's development setups and ideas within the lesson dedicated to the side lines. In the move order: 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 where White leaves his g1-knight undeveloped yet, Black's best response is: c6! and not 4...d5. ( After 4...d5, White plays 5.Nh3 sustaining a future arrival of the bishop on f4. c6 6.Qc2 Bd Bf4² and White succeeds to exchange the good black bishop without weakening his pawn structure. ) The idea is that White plays now: 5.Nh3, Black has the better response: d6, with idea e6-e5 and the h3-knight will be out of play. ] 3...Nf6 4.g3 d5 entering Stonewall system. Here, Black can enter Ilyin-Zhenevsky system by playing Be7: 4...Be7 5.Bg d6 ] 5.Bg2 c Bd6 Diagram (Diagram) As the same with many other opening variations, Stonewall had not a very good reputation always. However, new ideas came up and now it is again a very sound system for Black. The first change was the emplacement of the dark- XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+-tr( 6-+pvlpsn-+& 4-+PzP-+-+$ NzP-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! square bishop which is proved to be better on d6 than on e7. The second idea is the development of the light-square bishop which is proved to be better on the queenside (b7-b6, Bc8-b7 or Bc8-a6 followed later by c6-c5) than the long maneuver Bc8-d7-e8-h5. Also, in the past, players used the Stonewall system with the only idea to attack White's kingside. Although this can work fine against weaker players, Black can develop an excellent counter-play on the queenside starting with b7- b6 and c6-c5. Let's discuss in general about the Stonewall structure, and then we will go through the variations of this system. PAWN STRUCTURE Black's pawn formation (c6, d5, e6, f5) is very solid and makes any pawn-break very difficult for White. The thematic pawn's advance on e4 which is one of the main White's aims in many 1. d4-openings is here seriously hindered by the black 2 pawns. Another important benefit of the black pawn formation is the obstruction of the white g2- bishop. In fact, White's light-square bishop is by no means better than the black "bad" bishop from c8. 2

3 3 The e6-pawn is backward but White has no open file toward it and therefore cannot exploit this weakness. However, White can plan to open the e-file by f2-f3 and e2-e4 or by Bf4, e2- e3 trying to force the exchange Bd6xf4, e3xf4. White has several maneuvers to get a strong control over the e5-square by posting a knight on d3 as: a) Ng1-f3-e5-d3 and Nb1-d2-f3, b) Ng1-h3-f4-d3 and Nb1-d2-f3 or c) Ng1-f3 and Nb1-a3-c2-e1-d3. These maneuvers are part of White's plan to get an advantage against this system and this is the reason that he doesn't develop his b1-knight on c3 which wouldn't bring anything special. THE BISHOPS' ISSUE The most important issue of the Dutch Defense is the status of the c8-bishop. This bishop is blocked by its own pawns but, in the same time, it is an important defender of the queenside and centre also sustaining the d5- and f5- squares in case of the pawn thrusts e6-e5 or c6-c5. The bishop also maintains the dynamic potential in case of opening the position. Black can activate the c8-bishop on the kingside via d7-e8-h5 or on the queenside after b7-b6 (the modern and the better approach). Yet Black should avoid by any cost an endgame where he remains with this bad bishop against a white knight - which will probably lead to losing the game. For those who do not like the Stonewall because of this bad black bishop, they should know that the white g2-bishop is not at all better. The white bishop is strongly obstructed by the black pawns as well and in many cases it is less active than the black one. White often aims for the exchange of the darksquares bishops consequently gaining a better control over the dark-squares, especially e5. Black's development of the bishop on d6 is exactly against White's plan. After b2-b3 with the idea Bc1-a3, Black has the move Qd8-e7 controlling the a3-square. Another way to exchange these bishops is by 7. Bf4, but after 7 Bxf4 (immediately, not giving time for 8.e3!) 8.gxf4, White's pawn structure on the kingside is weakened. In general, Black cannot avoid this trade, but can gain important time by making White's plan harder. EXCHANGES OF THE KNIGHTS ON E4 OR E5 In the Stonewall structure, the e4- and e5- squares have a special importance, of course, because they are excellent outposts for the knights. In fact, a knight on e4 or e5 is very dominant and therefore is often exchanged by the opponent. There are 4 types of structures that can arise: a)nf3-e5, a black piece x e5, d4xe5 (d4- square will be vacated for a white piece) b)nf3-e5, f2-f4, a black piece x e5, f4xe5 (the f5-pawn can advance) c)nf6-e4, a white piece x e4, f5xe4 (the f-file will be open for Black with good attacking chances on the kingside) d)nf6-e4, a white piece x e4, d5xe4 (Black may exert pressure on the d-file) Both White and Black should not be afraid to exchange the opponent dominant knight at the right moment. This exchange should be however very-well evaluated and the most important factor to be considered is the dynamic of the pieces in the resulted position. Other factors to be considered: - how the vacated square (d4, f4 for White and d5, f5 for Black) can be exploited after one of the pawns take the piece back; - in the last 2 cases (c and d), how White's f2-f3 pawn advance will affect the position. TYPICAL IDEAS FOR BLACK 1. If White intends to play e4, he needs f2-f3, thus weakening the dark-squares. - Black's best response, if possible, would be c6- c5 to exploit these weaknesses.

4 4 - the white pawn from f3 takes the square from the white knight, so Black can react by playing e6-e5 at the right moment. 2. Black's main target in the Dutch Stonewall is the kingside. His space advantage here can be even increased after moves like f5-f4 which also opens the f-file and/or g7-g5-g4 attacking the f3- square and fighting indirectly for the e4-square. 3. c6-c5 (with pawn on b6) might start the offensive on the queenside if and only when black pieces are well placed. This action on the queenside might caught White in inferiority of forces as his g2-bishop is out of play and Black's bishop can be very active on a6. 4. counter the white centre by d5xc4 followed by c6-c5 or e6-e5. 7.b3 Diagram XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+-tr({ 6-+pvlpsn-+& 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3+P+-+NzP-# 2P+-+PzPLzP" 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! Preparing Ba3. Qe7 Preventing Ba3 8.Bb2 makes room for the queen on c1. A) 8.a4 With the same typically idea of exchanging the dark square bishops. a5! weakens the white queenside, prevents a white pawn storm on this side and gets a good square for a knight on b4. 9.Ba3 Bxa3 10.Nxa3 Na6 11.Ne Qd2 Nb4 13.Nc2 Nxc2 14.Qxc2 Nd7 15.Nd3 ( After the exchange 15.Nxd7 Bxd7 we have a position where we can see that there is no qualitative difference between the 2 bishops. Black also threatens f5-f4 opening the f-file and opening the diagonal h7-b1 for his bishop. ) 15...Qf6 Trying to provoke e2-e3 which would weaken the a6-f1 diagonal. Then, Black will play b7-b6 followed by Ba6 with good position. ] B) 8.Bf4 Bxf4 Black makes the exchange on f4 immediately, before e2-e3. After this, the white pawn structure on the kingside is damaged. 9.gxf Nbd2 Nbd7 11.e3 Ne4 with good game for Black who can start an attack on the kingside by Kh8, Rg8 and g7- g5. ] C) 8.Ne5 A strong move. White's idea is to pressure against the c6-pawn, thus making difficult b7- b6. Nbd7!? In this case, Black should start an immediate pressure against the white e4-knight. 9.Bb2 ( 9.Nd3 loses the control over the c6-square and Black can play his b7-b6. ; 9.Bf4 is not good because of: Bxe5 10.dxe5 Ng4

5 5 and White loses a pawn. ) Nd2 a5 with the idea to counter White's pawn structure on the queenside. Here, White's position is a bit better but Black keeps his solid setup and also good chances to take over the initiative on both flanks. ] 8...b6 White's calm play doesn't put any problems for Black who can develop the queenside now before castling. The bishop is brought on b7 or a6 where it will be more active than the obstructed bishop from g2. An excellent illustration of the case where the "bad" bishop" is better than an obstructed bishop. Black can also play: 8...Nbd7 9.Qc Ba3 Ne4 11.Bxd6 Qxd6 The exchange of the bishops took White a lot of time and Black equalized in development. 12.Nbd2 b6 13.Qb2 Bb7 14.Rac1 Rac8 A typical position where the fight takes place on the queenside. 15.Rfd1 Rfd8 16.e3 a5= Against b3-b4, also gaining space on the queenside and threatening c6-c5 at the next move and a5-a4 in the future. ] 9.Qc1 with the idea Ba3, but a move which is a bit too passive. A common development setup for White in the past was: 9.Nbd2 Bb7 10.Ne Rc1 but Black equalizes after: c5! ] 9...Bb7 If Black is choosing to castle first, he can refuse the bishop exchange by playing c6-c Ba3 c5 after this move, the centre will blow up. 11.dxc5 bxc5 12.cxd5 exd5 The positions with hanging pawns usually offer an active play and many tactical possibilities. ] 10.Ba3 Bxa Nbd7 11.Bxd6 Qxd6 12.Nc Qf4 Qxf4 14.gxf4 Rac8 The control of the c-file is very important in Stonewall because White can open it whenever he wants by c4xd5. 15.Rac1 Rfd8 16.Ne5 Ne4= with equal chances. ] 11.Qxa3 Qxa3 12.Nxa3 Diagram XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+k+-tr({ 7zpl+-+-zpp' 6-zpp+psn-+& 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3sNP+-+NzP-# 2P+-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! Nbd Ke7 Black's king is safe in the centre and defends the e6-pawn. This move prepares to bring the h8-rook on the queenside and starts an attack there. 13.Nc2 a5 a typical move in Stonewall with the aim to gain more space, to prevent b3-b4 and also threatening a5-a4 in the future.

6 6 14.Nce1 the maneuver Nb1-a3-c2-e1-d3 with the aim to bring and sustain a knight on e5 even after an exchange on this square. Nbd7 15.Nd3 Rhc8 16.Rfc1 c5= The typical Black's pawn thrust weakening White's control over the e5-square and also intending to clear the c5-square for a black knight. Black creates a local force superiority on this side. ] 13.Rac Rfd1 Rfe8 Black's TO DO list: - weaken White's control over the e5-square by playing c6-c5 - occupy the e4-square - activate the a8-rook, protecting the central files - h7-h6 against a dangerous Nf3-g5 - gain space on the kingside by pushing the g- pawn Stonewall 7.Bf4 1.d4 f5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 d5 5.Bg2 c Bd6 7.Bf4 White wants to exchange the dark squares bishops immediately, but this move also has a drawback. A90 Bxf4! If Black doesn't take the white bishop right now, after 8.e2-e3, White will be able to retake on f4 with the e-pawn opening the e-file toward the backward e6-pawns. So, Black makes the exchange immediately thus weakening White's kingside. Moreover, the white pawn formation will be inflexible. 8.gxf4 With this pawn structure, Black should consider playing on the kingside rather than on queenside. Also, the development of the lightsquare bishop via d7-e8-h5 is in many lines better than b7-b6 and Bb Diagram Without the dark-square bishop on the board, Black should castle quickly anyway, otherwise he can face problems on the a3-f8 diagonal as we can see from the following variation: 8...Nbd7 9.e3 b6?! 10.cxd5 cxd5 11.Qa4! Bb7 12.Qa3!² ] XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwq-trk+( 6-+p+psn-+& 4-+PzP-zP-+$ N+-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tRN+Q+RmK-! A useful move and also a "waiting" one. The pawn structure was changed and it is helpful for Black to see White's plan. 9.Ne5 After Black's "waiting" move, White has more possibilities. By 9.Ne5, the knight is brought to the strong square and also is ready for the maneuver Ne5-d3 and Nb1-d2-f3. A) 9.Nbd2 Ne4 10.e3 White has to make this move defending the f4- pawn if he wants to exchange the black knight from e4 at some moment. Nd7 11.Rc1 Rf6 Bringing the rook on the g-file and in defense of the e6-pawn before Nd7-f6. Black has good chances for a successful attack on the kingside. ] B) 9.e3 Another useful (defends f4) but waiting move

7 7 after which Black has to play carefully: Ne4! The knight is brought to his strong square and Black still waits for White to reveal his plans. 10.Ne5 Nd7 11.Qc2 Qe7 12.f3 Nd6 There is no tragedy that Black has no the e4- square anymore. White has weakened his position and his pawn structure can be seriously damaged in the future by g7-g5. 13.c5 Nf7 14.Nc3 Ndxe5 15.fxe5 f4! and the pawn is recaptured after Nh8-g6 and Qh4 with attack on the kingside. ] C) 9.Qb3 By this move, White creates some pressure on Black's queenside and a2-g8 diagonal. The negative consequence of this move is the limitation of the white b-pawn. Without the threat of a pawn avalanche on the queenside, Black can play calmly in the centre (Qe7, Nd7, Ne4) and kingside and delay the development of the light-square bishop which finally will be best on a6 with attack against e2- and c4- squares. Nbd7 ( waiting for White to take out his knight is a better move order than 9...Qe7 10.Qa3 if Black doesn't want an endgame. ) 10.Nc3 Qe7 11.Rac1 Ne4 ( 11...Nb6!? ) 12.Rfd1 Rf6!? starting an attack on the kingside using the weakened White's structure. ] 9...Nbd7! Challenging the white knight immediately doesn't allow Nd3 because the c4-pawn will be hanging. 10.e3 If 10.Nd2 Black should take the white knight immediately: Nxe5 ( After 10...Ne4 11.Ndf3 White is a bit better. ) 11.dxe5 Ne4 and Black has a very solid position. Now, the bishop will come very strong on a6 after b7- b6. ] 10...Nxe5 Black makes a normal exchange and, in the same time, creates a good place for his queen on one of the a7-g1 or d8-h4 diagonals. 11.dxe5 11.fxe5 is more risky because Black has the f5-f4 advance, or g7-g5 with idea f5 and a strong attack against the White's king. ] 11...Ng4 12.h3 Nh6 13.Nd2 Nf7 14.Nb3 Bd7 15.Nd4 Qb6= with equal chances. Black can play on the kingside by Kh8, Rg8, g7-g5 or in the centre by c6-c5 (after some preparation) and Nf7-d8-c6. Stonewall 7.Ne5 1.d4 f5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 d5 5.Bg2 c Bd6 7.Ne5 White's idea is to play Bc1-f4 with the bishop protected against the immediate exchange Bd6xf4. White wants to prepare this exchange by e2-e3 or Ne5-d3 thus being able to open the e-file or to bring a knight on f Bf4 Diagram (Diagram) After this move, Black has to be careful with the d6-bishop. Both 8...Bd7 and 8...Nd7 leave the bishop unprotected and 9.Nf7 or 9.Nxc6 would be unpleasant. Ng4! The best reply for Black. However, Nh5 is also interesting. One might choose the one he likes more. A90

8 XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwq-trk+({ 6-+pvlpsn-+& 5+-+psNp+-% 4-+PzP-vL-+$ zP-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tRN+Q+RmK-! 8...Nh5 9.e3 Nxf4 10.exf4 Nd7 Heading toward the e4-square. 11.Nd2 Nf6 12.c5 Preparing the attack on the queen side by advancing the b-pawn. Bc7 13.b4 Bd7 With the queenside blocked, Black activates his bishop via e8-h5. The position offers equal chances and Black's idea is to play on the kingside by Kh8, Rg8, g7-g5. ] 9.Nxg4 9.Nd2 is okay for Black after: Bxe5 10.Bxe5 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Nd7 ( 11...b6 ) 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.Nf3 g5ƒ ] 9...Bxf4 Not giving time for e2-e3. Black also gains a good attacking square for his queen on the kingside. It is not good: 9...fxg4 10.e3 Bxf4 11.exf4 Now the e-file is open and the g4-pawn can become a target for White. ] 10.gxf4 fxg4 11.e3 Qh4 threatening Rf8-f6-h6. 12.Qe1 With the idea to bring the queen in defense after f2-f3. 12.Nd2 Rf6 13.Re1 Nd7 with good game for Black. ] 12...Rf6! Forcing White to play f2-f3 now, before Nb1-d2 followed by f2-f3 and Nd2xf3. 13.f3 Qxe1 14.Rxe1 gxf3 15.Bxf3 g5! and Black has a good endgame. TO DO: - Nb8-a6-b4 or Nb8-d7-f8-g6. - b7-b6 and Bc8-b7 or Bc8-a6 Stonewall 7.Qc2 1.d4 f5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 d5 5.Bg2 c Bd6 7.Qc2 Diagram XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+-tr({ 6-+pvlpsn-+& 4-+PzP-+-+$ NzP-# 2PzPQ+PzPLzP" 1tRNvL-+RmK-! 8 A90 An elastic move. The white queen is well placed on c2, sustaining the e4-square, the c4-pawn and with pressure against c6. This move also has a hidden idea: if Black plays Nbd7 or b7-b6 and Bb7, after c4xd5 Black cannot recapture with the e6-pawn, because the f5-pawn would remain undefended.

9 Ne4!? Blocking the white queen's range of action, Black prepares the development of the b8- knight. 8.b3 Nd7 9.Bf4 With the queen on c2, the maneuver Bc1-a3, Bd6xa3, Nb1xa3 is weaker because White will lose time to make the c2-square free for his knight. Bxf4 10.gxf cxd5 exd5 12.Nc3 Rf6 with attack on kingside. ] 8.Nc3 One of the advantages of the 7.Qc2 move is that White can now practically play anything. A) 8.Bg5 The next exchange doesn't offer White anything. h6 9.Bxf6 Qxf6= ] B) 8.c5 partially closing the centre ans starting an attack on the queenside. In this structure, Black has enough resources to play e6-e5. Bc7 9.Nc3 Nbd7 with idea e6-e5. 10.Bf4 Ne4 11.Bxc7 Qxc7 12.b4 e5 13.Rab1 Nxc3 14.Qxc3 e4 15.Ng5 White keeps his knight on the kingside (h3-f4) hindering Black's attack. Nf6 16.b5 h6 17.Nh3 Nh5! with the idea f5-f4 opening the c8-bishop. Black has a good game. ] C) 8.Nbd2 b6 9.Ne5 Bb7 10.Ndf3 Qe7 11.Bg5 Rc8 12.Rac1 c5 If Black realizes this c6-c5 in good conditions, he practically equalizes the game. Yet, the position remains very interesting with many possibilities to take the initiative. ] 8...Ne4 9.Rb1 With the knight developed on c3, queen on c2, White intends to starts an attack on the queenside. Qe7 10.b4 Bd7 with the white pawns already coming on the queenside, Black doesn't like to weaken the queenside with b7-b6, so he takes out the bishop to make room for the rook on c Bxb4? 11.Nxe4 fxe4 is not good for Black. 12.Bg5 ] 10...a6!? ] 11.b5 This move doesn't bring White any advantage on the queenside, but only a series of exchanges after which the position is equal. Nxc3 12.Qxc3 cxb5 13.cxb5 Rc8 14.Qb3 a6 15.bxa6 Rxa6 16.Qxb7 Rxa2= Stonewall 7.Nbd2 1.d4 f5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 d5 5.Bg2 c Bd6 7.Nbd2 Diagram (Diagram) The d2-knight protects the c4-pawn and the e4- square, and can support the f3-knight on e5. However, this move does not imply any threat and Black can develop freely Nbd7 is not the best move order. Now, the knight doesn't protect the c6-square anymore and the move b7-b6 can be dangerous in view of the weakness from c6. For example: 8.Qc2 b6? 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Qc6 ] Good for Black is also: 7...b6 8.Ne Nd3 Ba6 A90

10 XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+-tr({ 6-+pvlpsn-+& 4-+PzP-+-+$ NzP-# 2PzP-sNPzPLzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! followed by Nbd7 and Rc8 with good play for Black on the queenside. ] to play on the queenside, thus a pawn-advance a7-a5-a4 will be always a threat or Ra8-c8 if he wants to keep the f8-rook on the kingside for a possible attack there b3 8.Ne5 b6 9.Ndf3 Bb7 10.Bf4 Ne4 11.Qc2 Qe7 12.Nd3 White's position looks excellent as he realized both Bf4 and the knight's arrangement Nd3 and f3. However, Black has no problems at all and is ready to counter-attack on the queenside by c6-c5. Nd7 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.b4 c5! with good game for Black. ] 8...Qe7 A waiting move but also very useful: protects the e6-pawn, the seventh rank, prevents the maneuver Bb2, Qc1 with idea Ba3 and clears the back rank for the rooks. 9.Bb2 b6 10.Qc2 Bb7 11.a3 Nbd7 With an interesting game and equal chances. The f6-knight will go on e4, while the d7-knight can wait and eventually exchange a white knight on e5 or can go on f6 defending the other knight. A black rook will come on c8 to control/defend the c-file. Black can choose Rf8-c8 if he wants