1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 - Complete Repertoire for Black
We are happy to present the newest opening research by GM Pavel Eljanov. This time, he provides a complete repertoire for Black after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5
Actually, the idea of the database is not to provide another Tarrasch repertoire. The cornerstone of the current survey is the position arising after 4.cxd5 cxd4!?
For a long period of time, this gambit line was considered to be quite dubious. Recently, however, Grischuk found improvements for Black, thus bringing the entire concept back to life. The tests on the highest level proved that the variation is completely playable.
Of course, in order to provide you with a complete solution, Eljanov examines White's main alternatives on move 4 - 4.e3 and 4.Nf3.
The current repertoire is of tremendous practical value due to the following reasons:
1) Practically speaking, White's play is far from easy. He often needs to deal with Black's dangerous initiative
2) This approach allows Black to play for a win
3) The entire concept is almost unexplored and gives room for creativity
4) Eljanov provides a variety of new ideas and concepts
The database consists of 6 theoretical chapters, Video Version, and Memory Booster.
The database has the following structure:
Chapters 1 and 2 deal with the continuations 4.e3 and 4.Nf3
These moves are not really challenging but you need to know how to handle the arising positions. For sure, 4.e3 is the more challenging option. In this case, we will get either IQP or a symmetrical pawn structure. In his analysis, GM Eljanov demonstrates all the key ideas that you should know. Theoretically speaking, Black does not experience any problems.
The main part of the database is dedicated to 4.cxd5 cxd4!?
At this point, White has two main continuations - 5.Qxd4 and 5.Qa4+.
One of the reasons for the revival of the line is that after 5.Qxd4 Nc6 6.Qd1 exd5 7.Qxd5, Black can play 7...Bd6!?.
In his comments to this move, Eljanov writes, "Not a novelty but no one before Grischuk played it on the highest level. Before it was considered that Black has to choose between ...Bd7 and ...Be6 only".
Besides, Pavel gives a backup option as well 7...Qc7!?.
The positions arising after 7...Bd6!? are dealt with in Chapters 3 and 4. The verdict is that Black has sufficient compensation for the pawn. Playing such positions OTB is far from easy for White.
The remaining part of the database is dedicated to the position arising 5.Qa4+ Bd7 6.Qxd4 exd5 7.Qxd5 Nf6
At this point, White has to choose between 8.Qd1 (covered in Chapter 5) and 8.Qb3 which is dealt with in Chapter 6. In order to discover the objective truth, Eljanov carries an in-depth analysis of the arising positions. He discovers many new ideas and concepts for both sides. His conclusion is that even when White plays in the most precise way (which is very difficult), Black has enough compensation to maintain the balance. Therefore, the entire repertoire is playable even at the highest level.
When reading the database, do not try to remember all the analysis by heart. Besides being impossible, such memorization will not help you a lot. Long lines only illustrate the truth behind the basic concepts. Most of the time, you need to focus on typical manoeuvres, dynamic ideas and tactical patterns.
We hope that this expert repertoire will bring you fantastic results!
INTRODUCTION BY GM PAVEL ELJANOV