Symmetrical English with 3.d4 - Complete Repertoire for White
We are happy to introduce the newest opening project by GM Mihail Marin - Symmetrical English with 3.d4 - Complete Repertoire for White.
This huge database includes 28 theoretical chapters, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version with 4 hours running time. Additionally, at the end of the database, you will find 15 interactive test positions.
Below, you shall take a look at how GM Mihail Marin presents the course.
The starting position of the repertoire arises 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 when White is planning to proceed with d2-d4 against every move.
Nevertheless, this repertoire can serve well as an Anti-Benoni system: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3. Therefore, the course will be very useful for 1.d4 players as well.
Let's get back to the main starting position:
In the Symmetrical English, d2-d4 and ...d7-d5 are permanent issues. Over the past years, I had played and advocated the slow systems with 2.g3. There were times, though, when I used to play an early d2-d4. For a change, I feel like doing it again now. This is one of the reasons I started working on this project.
At this point, Black has two main continuations - 2...Nf6 and 2...Nc6.
The move 2...Nc6 reveals the advantage of using the English move order. We can add this important move, which in principle does not have much of an independent value. White follows with 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
Black does not have anything better than transposing to the Four Knight System with 4...Nf6.
After 4...e6 5.g3 Bb4+ 6.Nc3, we get favourable for White version of the Nimzo-Indian Defence.
Another move order that I cover in the database is 2...g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
In this case, we will transpose to the so-called Maroczy Bind. In the current survey, I provide in-depth coverage of these positions.
After 2...Nf6, I advocate the immediate 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
At this point, Black's main move is by far 4...Nc6. Nevertheless, Black has a variety of alternatives.
4...e6 5.g3 is the other important line that is covered in the database. After 4...g6 5.Nc3 Nc6 (5...d5 is the Kortschnoj System) 6.e4 we reach the starting point of the Maroczy System, which can be obtained via many other move orders.
The line with 4...b6 is an attempt at reaching a Sicilian Hedgehog. In my opinion, however, 5.Nc3 Bb7 6.Bg5!? is a promising way of crossing Black's plans.
A principled option for Black is 4...e5 5.Nb5 d5 6.cxd5 Bc5. This is a very sharp system, sacrificing a pawn for quick development and space. White needs to play accurately, but in principle, he has chances to retain an advantage.
4...a6 is a cunning move, recommended by me in the Hedgehog database. I think that White can manage to ask some questions in the arising positions.
After 4...Nc6, I believe that White should start with 5.Nc3. The move 5.g3 has the drawback of allowing 5...e5! 6.Nb5 Bb4+! which is quite promising for Black.
After 5.Nc3, Black is at crossroads.
The main continuation is 5...e6. Of course, I cover the alternatives as well.
5...Qb6 6.Nb3 leaves Black with no better choice than transposing below with 6...e6.
5...e5 is less effective now that White controls the d5-square already.
5...d5 is not entirely satisfactory as proven by my analysis.
After 5...e6, I suggest 6.g3.
In this position, besides the main line starting with 6...Qb6, I examine 6...Bc5, 6...Bb4, 6...d5, and 6...a6. The alternatives to the main line, however, allow White to obtain a stable advantage.
After 6...Qb6 7.Nb3, we reach one of the most fascinating tabiyas of the entire database. I believe that with a precise play, White can create practical problems for Black. In my analysis, you will find many new ideas and less explored concepts.
VIDEO INTRODUCTION
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