Moscow Variation - Top-Level Repertoire for White - Part 2
We are happy to present the second and final database on the Moscow Variation by GM Michael Roiz. While Part 1 was dealing with 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7, this course focuses on 3...Nd7.
This ambitious move is more popular in top-level practice. Black is trying to reach a complex position with chances for both sides. Just like in Part 1, GM Roiz will deviate from the well-trodden main lines. Instead, our repertoire is based on less explored positions in which the positional understanding is the most important factor.
The course consists of 10 theoretical chapters, 10 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (1h and 41min).
The first two chapters feature the continuation 4...Ngf6
This natural move is less common than 4...a6 nowadays because White is allowed to comfortably secure f1 for his bishop. It's not a surprise that White's most precise move is 5.Re1, planning to answer 5...a6 with 6.Bf1. Later on, if allowed, White is going to build a strong centre by means of c2-c3 followed by d2-d4. This line is examined in Chapters 1-2. Analysis shows that White can definitely fight for a slight advantage in this line.
Chapter 3 features the position arising after 4...a6 5.Be2 g6
This is Black's main alternative to 5...Ngf6. The immediate fianchetto makes it possible for Black to place the knight on e7 in the long run. White's most precise continuation is 6.d4! This is the only way to claim some drawbacks of Black's last move.
The main tabiya of this course is reached after 5...Ngf6 6.d3
This modest-looking move is White's top choice by far. Currently, the e2-bishop is blocked, but White still intends to push d3-d4 at the proper moment. White's strategic plan is based on the somewhat awkward placement of d7-knight that often makes it tough for Black to push d6-d5. This fresh position has recently been tested at the highest level. Nepomniachtchi and Anand are among the proponents of this setup. Black's main issue is the lack of immediate counterplay.
Chapter 4 is dedicated to the move 6...e5. A rare, but reasonable choice. Black is aiming to stabilize the centre and radically prevent further d3-d4 and e4-e5. We should react with 7.a4. As after 6...e6 White takes control of b5 square and makes a positional threat of a4-a5.
Chapter 5 features the line 6...b6 7.c4 Bb7
This is a relatively modest way of developing (compared to 6...b5). Black is aiming to take more control of e4 and prevent ..d3-d4. White will obviously follow with 8.Nc3. Afterwards, depending on the development of Black's dark-squared bishop, he will prepare either b2-b4 or f2-f4.
Chapter 6 deals with the continuation 6...e6
This is Black's second choice after 6...g6. This way of development seems less ambitious than fianchetto, but Black takes more control of key d5-spot and it can potentially assist him in playing ...d6-d5 in the long run. Once again, we should start with 7.a4.
This move is aimed to limit Black's counterplay on the queenside, starting with b7-b5. Later on, a typical idea for White would be Nfd2 followed by f2-f4.
In Chapter 7, Roiz examines 6...b5
This is a risky, but quite ambitious response. From now Nb1-c3 looks less attractive for White in view of obvious ...b5-b4. On the downside, the b5-pawn turns a target for White's pieces, especially after White plays a2-a4. Further analysis shows that White can fight for a slight edge in this line.
The main subject of Chapter 8 is the position arising after 6...g6 7.c4 Bg7
This is the most common and natural move. On the downside, after 8.Nc3 Black's counter-attacking actions with ...b7-b5 are problematic. White's main chances for an advantage are connected with the break d3-d4, thus getting a Maroczy Bind type of structure. All the alternatives to 7...Bg7 are examined in Chapter 9.
The last Chapter 10 examines Black's alternatives on move 4 in response to 4.0-0
The move 4...e6 is the most common among Black's deviations from the main lines. Needless to say that after 5.Re1, planning c2-c3 and d2-d4, White has an easy game.