Chapter 3 - 6...h6 7.Bh4 c5 Aleksandrov line Closed
Chapter 3 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 4 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 4 - 6...h6 7.Bh4 00 8.e3 c5 Closed
Chapter 4 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 5 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 5 - 6...Nbd7 and 6...h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 Closed
Chapter 5 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 6 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 6 - 8...Bf5 Mainline Introduction Closed
Chapter 6 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 7 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 7 - 8...Bf5 with 10...Nbd7 Classical way Closed
Chapter 7 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 8 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 8 - 8...Bf5 with 10...g5 Concrete way Closed
Chapter 8 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 9 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 9 - 7...Bf5 8.Qa4+ Nc6 Bluebaum line Closed
Chapter 9 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 10 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 10 - 6...Qd6 Yu Yangyi line Closed
Chapter 10 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 11 - Video Lecture Closed
Chapter 11 - 6...c6 Carlsbad style Closed
Chapter 11 - Memory Booster Closed
Chapter 1 - To Go Version - 6...h6 7.Bh4 g5 with 9...Nxc3 Closed
Chapter 2 - To Go Version - 6...h6 7.Bh4 g5 with 9...Nxg3 Closed
Chapter 3 - To Go Version - 6...h6 7.Bh4 c5 Aleksandrov line Closed
Chapter 4 - To Go Version - 6...h6 7.Bh4 00 8.e3 c5 Closed
Chapter 5 - To Go Version - 6...Nbd7 and 6...h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 Closed
Chapter 6 - To Go Version - 8...Bf5 Mainline Introduction Closed
Chapter 7 - To Go Version - 8...Bf5 with 10...Nbd7 Classical way Closed
Chapter 8 - To Go Version - 8...Bf5 with 10...g5 Concrete way Closed
Chapter 9 - To Go Version - 7...Bf5 8.Qa4+ Nc6 Bluebaum line Closed
Chapter 10 - To Go Version - 6...Qd6 Yu Yangyi line Closed
Chapter 11 - To Go Version - 6...c6 Carlsbad style Closed
Test Section Closed
79.00 EUR
Fight the Ragozin: Where Experience Meets Innovation
For years, 1.d4 players have struggled against one of Black’s most trusted defenses — the Ragozin. Solid, flexible, and endlessly playable, it’s been a favorite of Carlsen, Aronian, Gukesh, and Firouzja. But now, the tide turns. In 1.d4 According to Lucas Van Foreest – Fight the Ragozin, GMs Lucas Van Foreest and Pier Luigi Basso present a complete and modern system built around the critical 6.Bg5, the line that puts Black’s entire setup under both strategic and tactical pressure.
A System Built to Last
This repertoire isn’t about one-game novelties or fleeting engine tricks. It’s built on positions that stand the test of time. GM Basso contributes a decade of practical experience facing the Ragozin in top tournaments, while Van Foreest brings a modern layer of precision — fresh ideas, subtle improvements, and deep computer refinement. Together, they deliver a repertoire that combines strategic depth with genuine winning chances.
The course dismantles every major Ragozin branch: the immediate 7...g5, the solid 7...Nbd7, the flexible 8...Bf5, and the positional systems used by specialists like GM Alexandrov and GM Bluebaum. Van Foreest’s innovations in the key 11.Bg3 Ne4 variation — long considered bulletproof for Black — reveal that even the most solid setups contain hidden problems for the unprepared.
Variation Map: The 1.d4 Squeeze Repertoire – Fight the Ragozin
This course continues the acclaimed 1.d4 According to Lucas Van Foreest series — alongside repertoires against the Semi-Slav, QGD, Grünfeld, Nimzo-Indian, and Exchange Slav — forming a unified, world-class preparation against all major 1.d4 defenses.
The Ragozin may have been the safe choice for a decade — but with this course, you’ll be the one creating the problems.
D38 The 1.d4 Squeeze Repertoire[GM Pier Luigi Basso]
1. d4Welcome to the new 1.d4 Squeeze Repertoire. This is powerful. In this series, we play the toughest lines — the ones Black hates to face, system after system.1… d52. c4e63. ♘c3♘f64. ♘f3♗b4As a regular 1.d4 player, I face the Ragozin in almost every tournament — usually one or two games each time. The line is extremely popular at all levels: it's sound, flexible, and rightly regarded as ambitious. In this course, we bring together my ten years of practical experience and Lucas Van Foreest's fresh perspective. This combination of deep knowledge and sharp, intelligent engine work has created a powerful modern weapon for your repertoire.5. cxd5exd56. ♗g5While other systems against the Ragozin may work for a game or two, this is the one you can rely on for a lifetime.6… h6
( 6… c5Chapter 3. )
( 6… ♘bd7Chapter 5. )
( 6… c6Carlsbad-style approach doesn't work so well here, because the bishop on b4 is misplaced. We will study it in Chapter 11. )
( 7… c5This line is very often used by GM Alexandrov. Chapter 3. )
( We will immediately start with the direct7… g58. ♗g3♘e49. ♘d2!and now Black has two options:9… ♘xc3
( 9… ♘xg3a more positional approach, in Chapter 2. )
10. bxc3♗xc311. ♖c1Powerful pawn sacrifice. In Chapter 1. )
( 7… ♘bd7Against this extremely popular system we will go for the rare and fresh8. ♘d2!?in Chapter 5. )
( The immediate7… ♗f5is often played by GM Bluebaum.8. ♕a4+ We force Nc6, Chapter 9. )
8. e3♗f5Nowadays this is Black's most common and reliable line. The strategic idea is simple: not to allow White to continue with comfortable development with Bd3.
( 8… c5Chapter 4. )
9. ♕b3♗xc3+10. ♕xc3g5Concrete way.
( 10… ♘bd7Classical way, in Chapter 7. )
11. ♗g3♘e4This is Black's most direct approach in the database, a line regularly employed by top players such as Aronian, Gukesh, Firouzja, Dominguez, and Vidit. Lucas Van Foreest did an excellent job in Chapter 10. Thanks to his novelties, it becomes clear that Black faces serious practical problems over the board. The Ragozin is everywhere — but with this repertoire, you'll be the one setting the problems. Let's get started.*
D38 The 1.d4 Squeeze Repertoire[GM Pier Luigi Basso]
1. d4d52. c4e63. ♘c3♘f64. ♘f3♗b45. cxd5exd56. ♗g5h67. ♗h4g58. ♗g3♘e49. ♘d2♘xc3Nxg3 is also an option, but it's covered in a different chapter. Black wins a pawn in this line, so of course it's critical.10. bxc3♗xc311. ♖c1 Now Black has two options:11… ♗b2Concrete approach.
( 11… ♗xd4??Impossible due to:12. ♕a4+♘c613. ♖xc6 The bishop is lost.13… bxc614. ♕xd4+- Game over. )
( 11… ♗xd2+?This might look logical, but it's just positionally bad.12. ♕xd2c6The dark-squared bishop is much more important than the pawn. We can simply continue with:13. h4 Typical move.13… g414. e4Very precise.
( 14. h5±Also fine for a huge advantage. )
14… dxe415. ♗c4+- And this is just winning for White. It's difficult to play on for Black, since castling kingside is impossible due to Qxh6. )
( 11… ♗a5Human move, to keep c7 protected.12. e3
( 12. h4⇄Deserves attention, but we can play it later. )
12… ♗f5 Much rarer, but this is Black's most precise continuation.
( 12… c6?!Most common move, but it allows:13. ♗d3 Important move, to prevent Bf5 and White already has some advantage. For example:13… ♗c7
( 13… ♘d7Normal development, but not very challenging.14. O-O♘f615. ♘f3 With the idea Ne5.15… O-O16. ♘e5± White's position is just better in itself, as Black's kingside is exposed. )
( 13… h5?Against the g3-bishop. But a very bad approach.14. h4 We are very happy to play this move.14… g415. O-O+- Black is behind in development and White is objectively winning. )
( 13… ♗e6Normal move, but very easy for White.14. O-O♘d715. f4+- With a huge, almost winning advantage.
( 15. ♖b1More precise for the engine.15… ♗b616. f4+-But it's not so important to remember the exact details, as both ways are more than fine for White. )
)
14. O-OEngine style, but a bit artificial.
( 14. ♗xc7Simple way.14… ♕xc715. O-O± White has more than full compensation. e4 next with a big advantage. )
14… ♗xg315. fxg3♗e616. ♖b1Very precise for the engine.16… b617. ♖c1 Now Nd7 is impossible, so Black could consider:17… ♕d6To enable Nd7.18. e4dxe419. ♘xe4Sacrificing another pawn.19… ♕xd4+20. ♔h1♘d7It's better for Black to just give one pawn up for development.21. ♖xc6♔e722. ♕c2±With a huge advantage for White. )
13. h4
( 13. ♗e2Also very good for White.13… ♘d714. O-OO-O15. ♘b3♗b616. a4The point is that after a6, White has a5 and c7 is falling, so Black needs to play:16… a5
( 16… c6Also possible.17. f4fxg5 is a huge threat.17… ♗g6Best move, but difficult to play.
( 17… f6?This is a mistake, as:18. a5is very strong now.18… ♗xa519. fxg5fxg520. ♘xa5The point is that Black's queen is too far away now.20… ♕xa521. ♗g4♗xg422. ♕xg4+-White is two pawns down but completely winning, as Black's king is simply too weak. )
18. a5♗xa519. ♘xa5♕xa520. f5Limiting the bishop.20… ♗h721. ♖b1+=Great compensation and very interesting to play for White. )
17. f4White opens the f-file, with a huge initiative.17… f618. fxg5fxg519. ♘c5We are using the fact that after dxc5 the d5-pawn is hanging.19… ♕e720. ♕b3Very difficult to play for Black, for example:20… ♗xc521. dxc5♔h7Best for Black and also logical.22. ♗b5+=Compensation is guaranteed and White has a huge initiative. )
13… ♖g8Best move for Black, but psychologically unpleasant.
( 13… g4?The point is that here we can play:14. ♗e2With tempo.14… h515. O-OVery difficult position for Black, for example:15… ♘d7Looks like a normal move.16. e4dxe417. ♘c4Many moves with tempo for White.17… ♗b618. ♘xb6cxb619. ♖c7+- Completely winning for White, due to Black's weak squares. )
14. hxg5hxg5Now we have the open h-file for our rook.15. ♗e2♘d716. ♕b3Attacking d5 and also b7.16… ♘f617. f3Very good move to cover e4.17… ♗b618. ♗d3We can trade bishops now.18… ♗xd319. ♕xd3♕e7Black will probably try to play with queenside castling.20. ♖h6 With the idea to meet:20… O-O-OWith:
( 20… ♘d7Against Qf5+.21. ♔f2To make sure e3 is protected and Black still cannot castle queenside due to Rxb6.21… ♘f8Best for the engine.22. a4c6Only move.23. ♗d6±And also here White is clearly better. )
21. ♕f5+♔b8Necessary.
( 21… ♘d7?Loses to:22. ♖xb6+-Rxc7 next, very nice way to win the game. )
22. ♖xf6♕xe3+23. ♔d1±Black doesn't have full compensation and also Rxb6 is still a threat. )
12. ♗xc7Much better than Rxc7.
( 12. ♖xc7Looks logical, but after:12… ♘a6Black's position is not so bad.13. ♖c2♗xd4 Possible, as White doesn't have Qa4+.14. e3♗g715. ♗xa6To double the pawns.15… bxa616. O-OO-O17. ♘f3=∞But here White has no advantage, only compensation. )
12… ♕d7More precise.
( 12… ♕e7Most common continuation.13. ♗d6White's idea; of course Qxd6 isn't possible due to Rxc8+.13… ♕e614. ♖b1♕xd6Best for Black, but it would be better to have the queen on c7.
( 14… ♗c3This has also been tried.15. ♗a3 But here Black cannot castle.15… ♘c6
( 15… ♗xd4?Still not possible.16. e4+-Bb5+ ideas and Black is unable to castle, so this is just winning for White. )
16. e3♗xd4This looked interesting in the past as this is possible now.17. ♗b5♗e5 Black plays with the idea Bd6 and kingside castling.18. O-O♗d619. ♗xd6♕xd620. ♘e4 Important move, exploiting the unprotected queen.20… ♕e521. ♘g3N Strongest for White and it's a novelty.
( 21. ♕xd5?!This has been played in all six games, but after:21… ♕xd522. ♘f6+♔f823. ♘xd5♗f5⇄Black is fine in the endgame. White is maybe slightly more pleasant and has some symbolic plus, but not more than that. )
21… O-O22. ♔h1± With the idea f4 and White has a huge advantage.
( 22. ♕h5±More concrete approach. )
)
15. ♖xb2♘c616. e3 Bd3 would just give White a very comfortable advantage, so it makes sense for Black to play:16… ♗f517. h4Very strong move against Black's idea to castle kingside.
( 17. ♖xb7?Don't take the pawn here.17… O-O⇄ Rb8 is coming with huge counterplay for Black. It's objectively equal, but Black seems preferable over the board. )
17… g4
( 17… ♖g8Not advisable, as b7 is still lost.18. hxg5hxg519. ♖xb7+-We clearly see why the queen belongs on c7. )
18. ♖xb7O-O19. ♗e2 Huge difference now with the inclusion h4-g4, as we gain a tempo now.19… h520. O-OIt's basically winning now for White, thanks to the extra tempo. For example:20… ♖fb821. ♖xb8+♖xb822. ♘b3Black is not in time to create counterplay.22… ♕a323. ♘c5We can go for the attack now.23… ♕xa224. ♗d3+- After the bishop trade Qf5 is devastating for Black. )
13. ♖b1♕xc7
( 13… ♗c3Black can also try this, just like in the 12...Qe7 line.14. ♗g3Of course we cannot play Bg3 like before.14… ♘c6Most logical.
( 14… ♗xd4?Fails tactically.15. ♗xb8♖xb816. e3+- And White wins with this nice double attack. )
15. e3♕e7Dreev - Aleksandrov, 2004. White played the human move Bb5 but even better was:16. ♗d3 The best square for our bishop, even at the cost of a pawn.16… ♗xd417. O-O♗g718. e4±Huge advantage for White and also very difficult to continue for Black. )
14. ♖xb2♗f5!The best for Black. Only one game!
( 14… ♘c6In the same line as in 12...Qe7, now b7 is at least protected.15. e3♗f516. h4But this is still better for White, for example:16… ♖g817. g4♗e6
( 17… ♗g6Just gives White another tempo:18. h5♗h719. ♕b3± Bd3 next and White is much better. )
18. hxg5hxg519. ♖h6+=Equal material, so White just enjoys a free initiative. )
15. h4My recommendation is to play this immediately now, without including e3-Nd7.
( 15. e3Here Black has the strong idea:15… ♘d7 Nobody ever played it, but this is good for Black.16. h4♖g817. g4This can be met with:17… ♗xg4Qxg4 runs into Qc1+.18. ♖c2This can still be tried, but after:18… ♗xd119. ♖xc7♗a420. ♖xb7♔e7=It's an equal endgame. You can go for this, as White doesn't risk much, but there is no advantage. )
15… ♖g816. ♖b5 Very interesting idea.16… ♘c6Best move for Black and only now we play:
( 16… ♘d7?!Just allows:17. ♖xd5±And White is better. )
17. e3As the knight is on c6.17… O-O-O!NLogical, as the h-file is about to open.18. ♖c5Creating a pin.18… ♔b819. ♕f3♗c8Most precise move, but very difficult.
( 19… ♗e6More human.20. ♗b5+=And here White definitely has some chances. )
20. ♗b5gxh421. ♗xc6bxc622. ♖xh4And in this structure the bishop is useful on c8, as it controls squares around the king.22… h5! Super move. It's the only one to hold the balance. The point is that Rxh5 fails to Bg4. So we can try to play:23. ♕xh5♖xg224. ♕e5⇄White has no advantage, but there might be some practical chances in the endgame thanks to the potentially strong knight.*
