1.Nf3 d5 - Top-Level Repertoire for Black - Part 2
We are happy to present the second and final part of the project 1.Nf3 d5 - Top-Level Repertoire for Black. In this part, GM Pier Luigi Basso provides a complete repertoire for Black after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 g6.
The move 2...g6 is considered to be the most principled antidote to 2.g3. After this continuation, it's very difficult for White to get a playable position with chances of an advantage. As usual, GM Pier Luigi Basso is armed with many new ideas and fresh concepts. Besides the in-depth theoretical analysis, this database is rich in verbal explanations designed to enhance the reader's understanding.
The course consists of 15 theoretical chapters, 16 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (4h and 13min).
Preview by GM Pier Luigi Basso
The starting position of this course arises after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 g6!
Using an exclamation mark might seem excessive, yet this move holds significant weight, often dissuading many players from opting for 2.g3 as White. Following the Bg2-Bg7 development, White faces a critical choice. Opting for 4.0-0 allows Black to seize full control of the center with 4...e5. Otherwise, choosing 4.d4 to stop 4...e5 leads to a transposition into the Fianchetto Gruenfeld, a line widely acknowledged today for its solidity and strength in favor of Black. Some readers might feel intimidated by the idea of playing a Gruenfeld, but let me assure you that you don't have to study the entire Gruenfeld opening. You need to focus on this specific line, one of the best and simplest options for Black in the Gruenfeld.
The first important crossroads arises after 3.Bg2 Bg7
Now, White's main move is 4.d4, thus entering Gruenfeld territory. The position arising after 4.0-0 e5 is examined in great detail as well.
After 4.d4, the main line goes 4...Nf6 5.0-0 0-0 6.c4
This is the main position of our database. Here Black has to choose between two big options: 6...c6 entering in a symmetrical Fianchetto Gruenfeld or 6...dxc4 entering in an Open Fianchetto Gruenfeld. I will offer you the 6...dxc4 option because I feel it gives Black higher chances to play for the full point, and it is also much more interesting to study (I am sure 6...c6 would have been boring for many players).
The most important tabiya is reached after 6...dxc4 7.Na3
Again, Black has many options. In part 2 of this database (chapters 6-12), we will continue to build our Black repertoire and analyze 7...c3 very deeply, which is the main line and a perfect choice for a lifetime repertoire. But in part 3 (chapters 13-15), we will change our point of view. We will look at all the other Black options, namely 7...c5, 7...Nc6, 7...a5, 7...Na6, and 7...c6. And we will see this variation from White's and Black's perspectives. I will present the current state of the theory of each of these lines to you. In this way, you will have a second option when you play this line from the Black pieces. You will have the chance to use this repertoire database also for your White pieces. Of course, you will have a better general feeling about the typical Fianchetto Gruenfeld positions.
SAMPLE CHAPTER
SAMPLE VIDEO