Play 4.Bg5 against the Gruenfeld
We are happy to present the newest opening project by GM Kiril Georgiev - Play 4.Bg5 against the Gruenfeld. The starting position of the current database arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5
This sound developing move has always been popular. White immediately increases the pressure on the central d5-pawn. Obviously, the drawback is that the g5-bishop is temporarily vulnerable. In this survey, GM Kiril Georgiev shows that White can fight for an advantage without taking too much of a risk. It's very important to point out that with very precise computer play, Black can equalize. Our objective is not to prove an advantage. Instead, we are trying to create practical chances against human players.
The database consists of 13 theoretical chapters, 13 interactive test positions, and Memory Booster.
After 4.Bg5, Black has two main options at his disposal - 4...Ne4 and 4...Bg7.
The first 8 chapters are dedicated to the position arising after 4...Ne4 5.Bh4.
At this point, Black has four main moves - 5...g5, 5...c5, 5...Nxc3, and 5...Bg7. The last three moves very often can lead to different kinds of transpositions.
Below, you can see a very important position that can be reached via a variety of move orders.
Kiril Georgiev covers this position in great detail, explaining how to react against Black's different setups. According to the analysis, White has objective chances to play for an advantage here.
Another important tabiya that has been extensively analyzed in the database arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Ne4 5.Bh4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 dxc4 7.e3 Be6 8.Nf3
This is a very important pawn structure. Black is planning to keep the c4-pawn as long as possible. The variation has been tested many times on the highest level. According to GM Kiril Georgiev, White's central superiority, as well as the semi-open b-file, provide more than enough compensation for the pawn. Additionally, one shouldn't neglect the fact that Black's dark-squared bishop will be heavily restricted by White's central pawns. The concrete analysis shows that White has good practical chances in these lines.
Another highly important position is being reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Bxf6 Bxf6 6.cxd5 c6 7.e4
White is not planning to keep his extra pawn. His idea is to further expand in the centre with e4-e5. Kiril Georgiev submits this tabiya to very extensive analysis. In 4 different chapters, he covers the following continuations - 7...cxd5, 7...Bg7, 7...Qb6, and 7...0-0. In these chapters, you will find many novelties and in-depth analyses. The conclusion is that White has decent practical chances.
Probably, the most critical line in the entire database is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Bxf6 Bxf6 6.cxd5 c5
Currently, this is the top choice of elite players. Black relies on the fact that his bishop pair and pressure on the centre will provide him with enough compensation for the pawn.
The suggestion of GM Kiril Georgiev is 7.dxc5 Nd7 8.Qa4
The move 8.Qa4 is relatively less explored. Hence, chances are that you can take your opponent out of his comfort zone. Objectively speaking, White cannot prove an advantage in this line. On the other hand, not many opponents will know (and remember) all the computer lines. At the same time, White is playing without risk.
All in all, GM Kiril Georgiev believes that this line would give you very good practical chances to fight for an advantage.
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