Setups with g2-g3 - Universal Solution for Black - Part 1
We are happy to present the first project by GM Igor Lysyj - Setups with g2-g3 - Universal Solution for Black-Part 1. Many Black players have huge difficulties creating a sound repertoire against all the Reti/Catalan setups based on g2-g3. There are two reasons for that:
1) White is very flexible in terms of move orders
2) In the arising positions, understanding is much more important than concrete theory
Fortunately, the famous theoretical GM Lysyj is here to provide us with a very consistent setup that can be used against all the Catalan/Reti systems. His setup is based on the moves d7-d5, Ng8-f6, e7-e6, Bf8-e7, and 0-0.
In the first part of this two-part series, the author deals with all White's systems, except the Catalan Opening. The Catalan will be the subject of the second part.
The course consists of 12 theoretical chapters, 20 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (2h and 56min)
Overview by GM Igor Lysyj
The starting position of this course is being reached after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6
The universal pattern against Bg2 in closed openings is a quick development of kingside pieces with the moves d7-d5, Ng8-f6, e7-e6, Bf8-e7, and 0-0. White can choose different pawn structures and move orders, but in all cases, Black can achieve a very solid position. Ten years ago, I added 4...Be7 to my Catalan line as a way to play against the Reti. Since then, this universal pattern has been a safe foundation for my black repertoire. In a two-part course on this topic, I would like to share my experiences against world-class players and all my valuable opening ideas.
In the starting position, White can choose how to use the pawns on d2 and c2. The first part of my course is devoted to all of White's alternatives to the Catalan. The position after 4.d4 Be7 5.c4 0-0 will be the starting point for the second part.
Regarding the content of this part, the Reti lines with 4.d3 and Double Fianchetto lines with c4 and b3 will be our main challenges. All other White options to avoid the Catalan will be discussed in Chapters 1-2
Chapters 1-2
Chapters 1-2 will examine White's options that do not pose significant challenges for us. In the first chapter, we will discuss lines where the white pawns on d2 and c2 are not rushed out of their initial positions. In the second chapter, we will study the position with white pawns on d4 and c2. In both scenarios, White does not exert pressure on the center, allowing Black to achieve a comfortable game. Black completes development with moves c7-c5 and Nb8-c6.
Chapters 3-6
In Chapters 3-6, we will discuss the King's Indian Attack. Ten years ago, moves like 5.0-0, 6.Nbd2, and 7.e4 seemed like a mandatory sequence for White. Over the years, I have responded with 5...0-0, 6...c5, and 7...Nc6, achieving excellent positions but poor results. Two years ago, I took note of Nakamura's games after 6...Nc6, with the idea of placing the black pawn on e5. Considering this plan, I felt much more comfortable in the King's Indian Attack. Over the last decade, White has discovered a number of new possibilities after 5.0-0 0-0. Therefore, it will be crucial for us to determine where 6...Nc6 will work just as well, and when it is necessary to revert to 6...c5 or even play 6...b6.
Chapters 7-12
In the second half of the course, we will examine White's lines with the pawn on c4. Central among these possibilities is the potent Double Fianchetto scheme (5.0-0 0-0 6.b3), which brought success to G. Kasparov in the decisive game of the Seville match in 1987. For many years, following A. Karpov, I preferred to play 6...b6. However, nowadays, the move order 6...c5 seems more practical to me. I will explain my choice in more detail in Chapter 10.
SAMPLE CHAPTER
SAMPLE VIDEO