The Strategic 1.Nf3 System (Part 2): 2.e3 Approach
A Complete Repertoire Against Black's Solid Fortress
After dismantling Black's ambitious setups in Part 1, GM Baadur Jobava and GM Pier Luigi Basso return with the second volume of their Strategic 1.Nf3 System, focusing on the resilient ...e6 systems. This is where theory meets practice at its finest. While Part 1 addressed direct confrontation, Part 2 tackles the positions where Black opts for solid development, aiming to neutralize White's ambitions through careful piece placement and structural integrity. The course demonstrates how to maintain the initiative even when facing Black's most respectable defenses, transforming seemingly equal positions into long-term strategic advantages.
The beauty of this repertoire lies in its systematic approach to positions arising after 1.Nf3 d5 2.e3. Jobava and Basso have structured the material around two major systems: the classical 4...Be7 setup and the less common but serious 4...Bd6 line. Each receives equal treatment across five dedicated chapters, ensuring you understand every nuance. The authors emphasize flexibility—White develops with 6.Nc3 and maintains pressure without committing to a specific structure too early. When Black chooses the Slav-like 6...c6 in the Bd6 setup, Basso draws on his extensive practical experience from both sides of the board. Against the sharper 6...c5, the recommendation 7.g4!? immediately fights for kingside initiative. The Main System with 4...Be7 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 leads to the critical d4 vs c5-d5 pawn tension—a recurring structural theme throughout the database where White consistently achieves comfortable positions with clear plans.
Variation Map:
1.Nf3 d5 2.e3
Branch A: 2...Nf6 3.b3 e6 4.Bb2 Be7 (Main System - 5 Chapters)
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 dxc4 7.bxc4 → Chapter 1
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 b6 7.cxd5 → Chapter 2
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 c5 7.cxd5 exd5 8.d4 → Chapter 3
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qc2 → Chapter 4
Branch B: 2...e6 3.b3 Be7 (Trendy move order)
- Meeting 4.Bb2 with ...Bf6 trade → Chapter 5
Branch C: 2...Nf6 3.b3 e6 4.Bb2 Bd6 (Solid alternative - 5 Chapters)
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 a6 and sidelines → Chapter 6
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 c5 7.g4!? Nc6 8.g5 → Chapter 7
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 Re8 7.Nb5 → Chapter 8
- 5.c4 O-O 6.Nc3 c6 7.Be2 → Chapters 9-10 (Slav-structure)
Course Features:
- 10 Chapters
- 20 test positions
- Memory Booster
- To Go Version of every chapter
- Video instruction
- Multilingual PGN availability (English, German, French, Spanish)
This course builds seamlessly on The Strategic 1.Nf3 System (Part 1): 2.e3 Approach, where Jobava and Basso covered Black's more direct systems. Together, these two volumes provide a comprehensive 1.Nf3 repertoire against 1…d5 grounded in strategic understanding rather than forcing lines. Whether you're preparing for your next tournament or building a reliable opening foundation, this course delivers the practical knowledge needed to keep White in the driver's seat against any solid defense.
Add The Strategic 1.Nf3 System (Part 2) to your library and strengthen your opening preparation.