pafu - the defense game

THEDEFENSE

GAME

by

PAFU

Copyright © 2002 by Pafu.

All rights to ‘The Defense Game’ are reserved by the author. No person isauthorized to copy, store electronically, or distribute by any means, any portion ofthis publication without prior written permission by the author.

The author is the sole inventor, writer, editor, and publisher of the completecontents of ‘The Defense Game’. All rights to original concepts and terminology inthis publication are reserved by the author. Any reference to these concepts shouldmake reference to this publication.

First draft edition printed in Italy by LiRiCo in Yr.2 (AD. 2002)All inquiries should be directed to web site www.beginnersgame.com

ISBN 88-900519-4-9

Preface to The Defense GameRead this book carefully and you will master the game of chess. Even if you are a complete

beginner, you will soon master the system described in this book, called the Defense Game.Using it, you will play the chess opening quickly and accurately. With a little experience, you willbe able to play well enough to challenge any opponent and offer him a tough game. This newsystem is the easiest and best way ever found for beginners to play chess, even better than thesystems described previously by the author in 'The Beginner's Game,' and 'The Center Game.'

Like the Beginner's Game and the Center Game, the Defense Game is a new approach toplaying chess. Like them, it is based on a standard opening, and a large number of relatedvariants defined by a simple set of rules. These systems bear little resemblance to conventionalchess in their style of play, but all of them are valid and very strong. Their strength combinedwith ease of play makes them the easiest way to improve for players of all levels.

The Defense Game challenges everything practiced until the present in chess, confrontingany conceivable adversary response with a standard opening system. The Defense Game cannotbe forced to enter any of the conventional lines played until the present in the opening. You donot need to know anything about what has been played in the past - it's a new game of chess!

In extensive experimentation at master level the Defense Game has proved its worth,compiling consistently positive results against every imaginable style of adversary play. Try theDefense Game and you too will be convinced of both its validity and its strength. On defense it isalmost invulnerable; on offense it is highly aggressive, capable of generating dangerous attacks.

The Defense Game is for everyone, from beginners to experts. Beginners will learn to play

good chess more rapidly with this system than with any other method known. Those who alreadyplay will quickly master a brand new system that will complement and enrich their opening play.All those who love chess will find in the Defense Game a vast new universe of fascination.

Like the Beginner's Game and the Center Game before it, the Defense Game is one of theperfect jewels of chess, something of great and everlasting beauty. It was there all along, passedover by everyone, but never found before. Now it is here, and it will change forever the way thegame is played. It is surely the easiest, but also one of the best, ways ever found to play chess.

enjoy your chess! Pafu

When I is important

Then one is ignorant

When I is Servant

Then One is Present

37

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2. The Defense Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3. Continuing Play After the Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4. The Defense Game in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5. Early Attacks on the Defense Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6. Playing Against the Defense Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7. The D-system Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8. D-system Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9. Playing the D-system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10. Why Wasn’t It Found Before? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11. How It Was Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12. Can it be Refuted? Is It Optimal?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13. What Happens Now to Chess? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14. Games Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defense Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Close Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Distance 3 Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Distance 4 Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Borderline Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15. Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix: Move Notation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1. Introduction: The Easiest Way Ever Found to Play Chess!

An amazing discovery has been made: a new system of playing chess that is the simplestimaginable! Even those who have never played can master the basic opening in a few minutes. Ina few hours anyone can learn the complete system, including a large number of strong variants,and play fluently and correctly during and after the opening, at least thru the first 12-15 moves. Itis the easiest system ever found for those learning to play chess, even simpler than the systemspreviously described by the author in 'The Beginner's Game,' and 'The Center Game.'

At the same time, this system is definitely very strong for competitive chess. In hundredsof games played at master level this system has proved its worth, compiling a positive record ofwins and draws against every imaginable style of opponent play. Given the ease with which it canbe learned, It is therefore the quickest way to improve for anyone who already plays chess.

This system is completely new, never presented or described before this publication.Research by the author has not revealed anyone who has played it before. It is not based on anyexisting method, and bears little resemblance to conventional chess opening practice.

This new system has a number of remarkable properties rarely seen before in chess, thatmake it truly unique. The most important of these is that, playing with either white or black, inmost games the opening can be carried out in standard form regardless of how the opponentplays. This makes it easy for everyone, even beginners, to learn it quickly and play it correctly.

The basic opening is called the Defense Game, and the set of related variants on theopening is called the D-system. All D-system openings respect a simple set of rules for openingplay, that distinguish them from previous chess practice. The Defense Game and the D-systemchallenge all of chess opening theory and, in the hands of competent players, emerge victorious.

Suitable for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Players Alike

If you never learned to play chess before, consider yourself fortunate: you have beenspared the arduous task of studying the thick encyclopedias on the chess opening. Instead youcan learn in minutes to play the Defense Game, which guarantees you a successful opening. Thissystem is absolutely foolproof: even complete beginners can use it to play the openingaccurately and rapidly, choosing from a large number of strong lines. Any beginner playing thissystem will be able play well not only during the opening, but also deep into the middle game,even against players of expert level. Never before in chess has this been possible!

For intermediate players, this system is salvation. From the occasional to the serious clubplayer, all have difficulty with the openings. It is there that better players take most advantage ofthem, wrecking their plans, and putting them at a disadvantage after only a few moves. Usingtheir knowledge of the openings, better players push their adversaries away from more familiarlines, present difficult tactical situations and traps, force disadvantageous exchanges, and ingeneral, disorient and discourage their adversaries. Most occasional players do not have the time

Introduction 7

or interest to study the openings, so condemning themselves to mediocrity. Do they really haveto digest the entire body of opening theory in order to play well? It's just a game, right?

The chess opening can be immensely complicated and unbelievably difficult. Until now ithas generally been assumed that the only way to succeed in this phase of the game is bylaborious study and meticulous imitation. This system frees you from that drudgery, allowing youto master the chess opening in the least time imaginable. It is enough to follow a few simplerules, keep in mind a few useful examples, and develop your own experience. With these, you willpass intact thru this difficult and dangerous phase of the game; and you will do it by deployingaccording to plan, and without allowing your adversary to develop any advantage.

Advanced players, including professional chess players, will be amazed by this system ofopenings. It is truly exceptional, having properties that distinguish it from anything knownpreviously in chess. These unique properties give a player of the system a real advantage overany rival of comparable strength. You play your game, not your adversary's. You control thenature of the game, closed or open, quiet or full of risks, where and how attacks are made, all thecharacteristics of play. You will also be able to anticipate the middle game well past the usuallimits, extending your preparation deep into the game. In addition, you are sure to find among thegreat diversity of variants in this opening system many that suit your preferred style of play.

Chess analysts will find a wealth to explore in the Defense Game and its related system ofvariants. The Defense Game is like a resonance point in chess, with many fascinating propertiesto discover and understand. There is so much to explore, so much to experiment. Analysts willfind a great deal to research in the tuning of the system, such as selection of suitable variants tocounter sharper adversary play. Finding best defenses to the Defense Game and its relatedsystem is a fascinating quest, not just for analysts, but for players of all levels.

Here then, is something for everyone, from beginners thru all grades of intermediateplayers, up to the top contenders for championship tournaments. By adopting this new systemyou are guaranteed to enrich and improve your game, in the least time imaginable.

A Completely New Practice of Chess

The Defense Game and D-system openings are not a complement to existing chesspractice. They are a new framework for playing chess, that did not exist in any form until thepresent. Rules defining sound opening play have been difficult to formulate in the past; with thissimple and powerful system they are now made clear and understandable for all.

The Defense Game is completely new: it has not been presented or described before byanyone. Research in games databases has not revealed anyone who has played this systembefore. Only very few players have experimented with a similar approach to opening play. Thissimple but powerful system of playing chess appears to be completely new, a pristine discovery.

In conventional chess the opening is a race to control the center of the chessboard, andquickly develops into skirmishes to fight for that ‘high ground.' The Defense Game is a tacticalredeployment of one’s own forces, in order to arrive at a solid position for the ensuing conflict. Itdoes not contest the center, avoids engagement, and shows little or no reaction to the opponent’splay. In this respect the Defense Game, like the Beginner's Game and the Center Game before it,is not just a new chess opening: it is a new concept of what the opening in chess is all about.

As the Defense Game is occupied with its development only, the opponent is free to pursueany development he desires. Adversary responses are typically perfect classical deployments ofthe pieces and pawns. They are not only the strongest conventional openings ever seen in chess,they are the strongest openings that can be imagined! All of them are quite impossible to achievein conventional play, where their aggressive deployments would be challenged and restricted.

The Defense Game therefore typically faces an opponent who has deployed morepowerfully than is normally possible in the chess opening. In no sense can its superiority beattributed to any deficiency on the part of the adversary! But the Defense Game confronts withoutdifficulty any classical opening, even more enlarged and aggressive versions of them. In fact itconfronts any conceivable opening on the part of the adversary - and it has proved to be asstrong as any of them! All this defies the imagination, but appears to be undeniably true.

The Defense Game is not a rote opening: it has an great variety of ways of playing it. Sohave the openings in its related system of variants, which introduce different moves into thestandard opening, using the system rules. This system constitutes a subspace of the possibleopenings that has been largely unexplored until the present. Almost all of the openings in thissystem are completely new, and most are also generally playable and surprisingly strong.

All D-system variants respect the same simple and easy to learn rules for opening play. Allsystem variants, like the Defense Game itself, strive to produce predetermined positions after theopening. To achieve this, they must resist adversary play, either as attacks during the opening, oras preparations for attacks following their deployment. Amazingly, the rules of the system resultgenerally in deployments with this strong independence to adversary play.

As the Defense Game goes about its business of building a solid defense, it reveals as littleas possible to the adversary, concerning either its final defensive position, or its possible lines ofattack. The Defense Game gives the opponent nothing to attack, nothing to engage, no basis fororienting a counter strategy. At the same time, it develops and maintains full options for its owndefense and offense, as always to a large degree irrespective of the opponent's play.

On defense the Defense Game is certainly one of the best openings in chess. It is like afortress that resists all attacks. It rarely needs to modify its opening moves; attacks on it bringthe adversary no tangible gains. The Defense Game really has no weak points: however it isattacked, it will resist. This has been proved in extensive experimentation, against everyconceivable style of opposing play. So the Defense Game and its related system should appeal toall players who like to build a strong defense and keep the game under control.

Introduction 9

The Defense Game concentrates in the first moves on building a solid defense; only whenthis is complete does it pass to the offensive. This seems to be a sensible way of playing theopening, to complete one’s own development before confronting the adversary. But in no sensedoes it lose its attacking potential for subsequent play; on the contrary, it is highly aggressive.The compact defensive formation of the Defense Game moves rapidly and naturally into powerfulattacks on a broad front, which the adversary can neither predict nor prevent.

On offense the Defense Game is an excellent opening. It can develop dangerous attacks,from a large selection of possible lines. A player of the Defense Game is rarely at a loss findingways to attack. Once an attack starts, it is almost always effective in gaining space. Theseadvances quickly produce favorable positions from which any experienced player can apply hisskills to obtain a decisive advantage. So, the Defense Game and its related system should alsoappeal to all players who like to pressure their adversaries with an aggressive attack.

These are all startling claims, but the evidence accumulated to date firmly supports them:The Defense Game and the D-system is one of the best ever found for playing chess, on defense,on offense, and in every other sense! And at the same time it is absolutely the simplest!

Beginners and lesser intermediate players can use the Defense Game with great success as

a drawing system. Better players can exploit the offensive strengths of the Defense Game,especially with black, to play for a win. This new system is sure to amaze everyone interested inchess, it is perhaps the simplest and most effective way ever found to play the game.

Characteristics of Play

The same characteristics of play are almost always evident with this system: the defense issolid, and there are plenty of opportunities for attacking. These openings are therefore suitable forattacking and defending players alike. On the defense, they offer little weakness, and a greatflexibility of options for the consolidation of solid positions. On offence they are very strong;regardless of how the adversary plays, good attacking lines are always present.

In games using the system, there is never a rout of a defensive position, nor are theregames in which attacking lines after the opening are not present. Losses recorded usually do notresult from any demonstrable weakness following the opening. Losses occur mostly when thesystem player overexploits the natural strengths of the opening much later on, taking excessiverisks in an attempt to win. Good players should be quite familiar with this phenomenon: trying forthe win also increases your chances of losing - it's just part of the game.

The basic aim of these openings, almost always achievable in practice, is to carry outessentially preconceived developments, with minimal adaptations. This gives a player of thesystem real advantages. He knows how to play within the familiar lines of his well-practicedopening, and he is better prepared to respond to anything his opponent might do.

In playing an opening that goes according to plan, you are at the same time forcing youropponent to play your game, and that is the basic strategy in any encounter. When your opponentplays your game, your confidence improves and so does your quality of play. You know your owngame, with its risks and opportunities, so your decisions are better founded in experience.

A surprising, almost miraculous, aspect of the Defense Game and most of the D-systemopenings is that they can be carried out in near complete tranquility. There is practically nothingthat the opponent can do to disrupt these openings. At best he can force exchanges of pawns orpieces, or cause other minor damage which has minimal effect on the balance of the game.

Challenges All of Classical Chess Theory and Practice

The Defense Game and the D-system can confront any of the conventional openings. Inthis sense they challenge all of classical chess, that is, everything practiced in the game until thepresent. They also challenge, and in large part refute, much of what has been expounded untilnow as sound guidelines for opening play. You could say that the entire system is radicallyopposed to conventional chess opening theory and practice.

In hundreds of games the author has played this system, against a computer opponent of

professional strength, the Defense Game and the D-system openings have proved exceptionallystrong. Playing this system, there has been a consistently positive balance of wins. No adversaryresponse has yet been found which could defeat the standard opening in a series of games, andmost of the strongest adversary defenses and early attacks have been tried. There is already aconsiderable amount of experimental evidence confirming the validity of this system.

How Important is this Discovery?

The Beginner's Game and The Center Game were claimed by the author as is the greatestdiscoveries ever made in chess. But the Defense Game may eventually surpass both of them,because it is even more resistant and easier to play, not only during the opening but during theentire game! The Defense Game and the D-system confront all of conventional chess. They havethe potential to change dramatically the entire practice of the game. In fact, a completely newgame of chess results from playing them, bearing little resemblance to all that has gone before!

Chess has been a principal intellectual pastime for hundreds of years, and in this sense theDefense Game, like its predecessors the Beginner's Game and the Center Game, must beconsidered as a monumental discovery. This is not a self judgment, but a simple logicalstatement, whose truth is established once the system has proved its strength in competition.

The validity of this system must be tested by extensive play, but the probable result isalready evident. It is the easiest and one of the best ways ever found to play chess. It is alsoquite possibly an optimal way of playing the game. Optimal in the strong sense means it isalways capable of winning or drawing when played correctly. It would take a tremendous amountof research to test the hypothesis, but it could be done, and the result might well be that it is true.

Introduction 11

It is too soon to say if the Defense Game and its related system will never meet its equal.Perhaps millions of games must be played before we can feel sure of that. But it is an excitingtheory, and in the meantime we can wonder whether the game of chess was really just a puzzle,waiting to be solved. The Defense Game could well be that solution.

Entering a New Era of Chess

Share the enthusiasm of the author as you discover for yourself this amazingly strong, yetsimple system of playing chess. Use it, and you will be playing good chess right away. Even ifyou are a beginner, you can confront even the strongest players and give them a tough match.

The game of chess is no longer too difficult for most people; it is now a truly universalgame that anyone can learn to play well in weeks. This correction was sorely needed in the sport,to make it more accessible and more balanced between players of different levels of expertise.

The openings books must be revised, but that is not all: the entire practice of chess is

about to undergo a dramatic revolution, experience a complete transformation, and enter a totallynew era. Be part of it - it's the most interesting thing that ever happened to the dull old game!

2. The Defense Game

(Note - if you are completely new to chess, you will learn by playing all the moves in the texton your own chess set. Read the appendix on move notation, or ask someone who plays toexplain the basic rules and move notation, and then come right back: you will learn to play wellmore quickly with this system than with any other method that teaches chess for beginners.)

The Defense Game is a standard configuration reached after 8 moves. With Its symmetricaspect, it can be memorized at a glance. The Defense Game for white and black is shown below:

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Defense Game with Black

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Defense Game With White

In the standard Defense Game the queen and king pawns are advanced to the third rank,and first the knights, then the bishops, are developed to the squares in front of the king andqueen. Although in most games we will not reach this standard position, it nevertheless servesas a reference configuration for playing the Defense Game. All of the openings in the D-systemare based on this scheme, including at least four, but usually more, of its eight moves. Thestandard opening itself is playable in many games, and is also an solid basis for continuing play.

The Defense Game has proved very strong in competitive play at master level, resulting inan large positive balance of wins and draws. But perhaps the most interesting thing about theDefense Game is that, with either white or black, this opening position or something very close toit can be reached in most games, regardless of how the adversary plays. This makes it easy foreveryone, even beginners, to learn the opening quickly and play it correctly.

Before concerning ourselves with what order of moves is used in opening, or what our

opponent might be doing in the meantime, let’s take a good look at this standard position.

The standard Defense Game is a compact defensive position resilient to attack. Allapproaches to it are heavily protected. The pawns in the center of the position are in short chains,that cannot be attacked by pieces. From their recessed central placements, the bishops sweep theflanks of the board, supporting flank pawn advances, and can also repair damage to the center.The knights have been developed using the characteristic two move sequence via King 2 / Queen2 to their respective Knight 3 squares on the third rank, a relocation very unusual in conventionalchess, but which proves to provide a very active placement for the ensuing game. The queen andking are safe behind the strong pawn wall and the active pieces.

The Defense Game 13

All pawns and pieces are well placed to co-operate in the defense. The deploymentexecuted in the first eight moves has placed all pawns and pieces in a compact position, thatnevertheless covers the entire of our side of the board. The position is so compact that theadversary has to spend additional moves to bring his forces into range to attack; and the positionis so resistant, that there is practically nothing for him to attack once he is in range.

The center of our position is extremely solid. It may be attacked with pawns, but suchcenter pawn attacks at best succeed in exchanging. These exchanges can also be avoided inmost cases, and there are many other effective ways of responding to any attack on our center.

The knights in their characteristic placements are vulnerable to attacks by rook pawns orby centrally placed bishops, but we can respond to either of these attacks with moves that fit intothe scheme of tactical play in D-system, and present us no real difficulties in defending.

Despite appearances, there are no weak points in this position. Our defense can respondto any enemy threat, and also force an adversary piece placed on our side of the board to retreat.Moreover, moves used to repel adversary pieces fit well into our game. As we shall see, forwardpiece placements are rarely attempted by our opponent, confirming their low value.

In the first eight moves of the standard opening we have not yet performed castling, but itis normally done immediately afterwards, with a conventional king side castle. The Defense Gamealso allows for castling on the queen side, but as in conventional chess practice, the king sidecastle is the easiest and safest for consolidation of a strong defensive position, and usually fits inbetter with the general offensive orientation of the D-system openings.

We can always play at least six or seven of the of the standard moves of the Defense Game,regardless of how the adversary plays. After we have done so we have an excellent basis forcompleting and consolidating our defense. Regardless of which moves of the standard openingthat we have performed, and regardless of what opening our adversary has used, our position willresist and repel any attack, and also provide a good basis for our subsequent play.

The compact position with pieces and pawns concentrated on the defense of the centerallows us to respond effectively to any attempts to attack there. Our adversary usually does notattempt to attack our center, because of our concentration of defensive forces. As its namesuggests, the Defense Game is oriented to a defensive strategy. Even so the opening also allowsplenty of scope for offensive play, as we shall see in example games.

Our position is symmetric, which means that any co-ordinated pawn and piece actionsplayable on one side can be played on the other. This mirror aspect benefits the system player,allowing him to transfer experience in play between sides. Considering also that the DefenseGame is used for both white and black, and can be carried out in most games without littlemodification, the result of all these factors is a reduction of the difficulty of the chess game for allplayers of this opening, with a corresponding increase in the chance of playing it well.

Move Sequences

What sequence of moves should be used to produce the standard position of the DefenseGame? Actually, subject to the limitation that center pawns must be moved prior to placement ofthe pieces behind them, any of the possible orderings of pawn and piece moves are playable. Thisresults in a fairly large number of ways of playing the same opening (exactly: 70) all resulting inthis same position after eight moves. Here are a few examples of move sequences to produce theDefense Game. (The move notation is given for white and black alternately.)

Sequence KN:K knight first, 1. e62. Ne73. d64. Ng6then the rest, 5. Be76. Nd77. Nb68. Bd7(17 ways)

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Sequence 2N:knights first,eg.1. e32. d33. Ne24. Nd2 then bishops5. Ng36. Nb37. Bd28. Be2(24 ways)

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All Sequenceshave the sameeight moves, indifferent order.

There are 70ways of playingthe standard 8move opening!

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Sequence Q:Q-side first, eg.1. d62. Nd73. Nb64. Bd7then K-side, 5. e66. Ne77. Ng68. Be7(1 way)

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Sequences of type 2N have a fairly large variety of move orderings. So do those of type KNand of type QN (developing the queen knight first). Sequence Q and sequence K (developing theking side first) have only a single ordering. In the interest of retaining flexibility in choosing froma larger number of possible move orders, we usually prefer to play one of the 2N, KN, or QNsequences. The Q and K sequences are also playable, but they constrain our choice of moves.

Different move sequences can result in different games, but not necessarily. All thepossible move sequences are generally playable regardless of what the adversary does. Playersmay prefer some sequences to others, because they encourage certain adversary responses; butin general, move sequence is just a matter of personal preference - there is no ‘best’ sequence.

The Defense Game 15

Those who already play chess may be uncomfortable with this variety of move ordering.Conventional chess openings have rigid move sequences, and even slight modifications canchange dramatically the games that result. In the Defense Game, the order of the first moveshardly matters at all. Anyone can and should try many different sequences. Here the systemplayer has an advantage: he can vary his move sequences while playing his standard opening,whereas his opponent often tries to invent different responses, changing his game each time.

Those who already play chess will definitely be uncomfortable with the idea of playing the

same opening all the time, and will already be thinking of modifying the opening, so that theopponent will not know in advance what they are going to play. Many strong variants of thestandard opening exist, and will be discussed later. But even if your opponent knows that you areplaying the standard opening he can do little to stop you, and whatever opening he plays, you willbe able to confront it successfully. You can even announce at the start that you will play theDefense Game, it changes practically nothing. It is a singular aspect that the Defense Gameshares with the newly Beginner's Game and Center Game, something rarely seen before in chess.

What if your adversary's play prevents you from carrying out your standard opening? As it

turns out, there is practically nothing that he can do disrupt this opening. Only slightmodifications to the standard opening are needed to respond to these attacks, so your gamedoesn’t change very much. Each of these early attacks also has a number of valid possibleresponses from which you can choose, so your play will never be forced by your adversary.

Two of the possible early attacks are shown in the following diagrams.

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Example:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Ng3 Ne74. Nc3 Ng65. h4

Rook Pawn Early AttackYour opponent advances a rook pawn,threatening to displace your knight. Youusually continue your bishop move. If therook pawn advances, you can retire yourknight to the back rank, or move it to therook file, challenging the adversary'sknight. You can also block the advance ofthe rook pawn with your own rook pawn.

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Example: 1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Ng65. Bg5

Bishop Early AttackYour opponent attacks your queen (orking) directly or indirectly. You can usuallyproceed with your standard bishop move,after which a bishop exchange oftenfollows. You can also block the attack byadvancing your bishop pawn or prevent itby advancing your rook pawn early.

These and other early attacks and some of the best ways of handling them will be dealt within detail later on. What you should know now is that none of the early attacks are particularlyeffective. None of them can win material, threaten your king or queen, or gain any real advantage.In most cases they result in delayed development and loss of initiative for your opponent.

In hundreds of games the author has played the standard opening against a computeropponent of master level, the only early attacks that were used frequently against the DefenseGame were the rook pawn and bishop early attacks. For this reason we will dedicate a fair amountof discussion to these responses, and treat them in a number of example games. In generalhowever, early attacking lines do not appear to be as effective as other lines which build in theopening and avoid early contact. In other words, your opponent does better to pursue his owndevelopment rather than trying to disrupt yours; so you can usually complete most of yourDefense Game without modifications. After doing so, you will have a solid defensive position andmany good lines for attacking, no matter what your opponent has played in the meantime.

Adversary Openings

Now we take a look at some typical responses of the adversary. These are the positionsplaying D-system opening after eight moves each side. We'll see the complete games later on.

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§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� Game 3

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—��‘’‘��–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� Game 22

§��³��¨�“”—¯“”““��”“�—��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Game 71

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“”“��”��”��‘��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ Game 70

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“”“�—��’‘��–��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� Game 69

Adversary Openings(Black plays the Defense Game)

The Defense Game 17

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Game 39

§��¯�¨³�”“��”“��—¹�˜��”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� Game 27

§��¨³�”“”�¹�”“��—¯�˜��“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Game 21

§��¯�¨³�”“��“”“��—¹�˜��”“”��•�‘’•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Game 41

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��—��˜��”“”��‘��’‘��–�‘’�–›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Game 73

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“��—��“”��’��’�’�‘’‘�›’‘�¦•�ª�¤²� Game 76

Adversary Openings(White plays the Defense Game)

During the opening our opponent has been left to pursue his development in the absenceof threats from our side. The deployments that he makes, in his near complete freedom tocompose them, are usually perfect classical formations, typically with two or three advancedcenter pawns, bishops and knights optimally placed, the king castled, and the queen relocated. Inall cases the adversary places an impressive mass of material in the center.

Our opponent usually does not attack during the opening, because there is little to attack.He also has difficulty orienting his defensive strategy, because he does not know where we willattack. Our early development has been calm and restrained, and our adversary's developmenthas been aggressive, but now that situation is about to be challenged. Playing with either whiteor black, in most games the Defense Game will attack its opponent. This should surprise anyonewho thought that the aggressive openings in chess have already been well researched.

In all games our opponent claims more space on the chessboard than does the compactDefense Game. He appears to have absolute control of the center; he certainly occupies it, andwe don’t. He is also attacking far more on our side than we are on his: only our bishops are doingthis a bit. He seems poised to pour over the center of the chessboard with an overwhelmingattack. Classical chess would rate our opponent a solid favorite at this point. A classical playerwould feel certain to have thoroughly crushed his timid opponent in the opening.

It was the dream of classical chess to dominate the center so thoroughly in the opening asin any of these examples. Such successful deployments are virtually impossible to achieve inconventional chess; against us they can be played with almost no resistance. The Defense Gamealways plays against the strongest possible opposition, this much is obvious. Our opponent isalways doing the maximum that anyone can possibly achieve in the chess opening.

All of the adversary deployments shown in these examples above are evidently valid, andobviously very strong. In fact, any of them are stronger than the openings that have normallybeen playable in chess until the present! As we play our standard moves, our opponent buildsone of these impressive positions; but we need not be particularly concerned. Formidable as theyappear, none of them will prove to have any advantage whatsoever over the Defense Game!

Now we present two complete games using the Defense Game. In these games the playerof the Defense Game completes all or most of the standard opening, and has good play andwinning chances in the ensuing contest.

The Defense Game 19

Game 1: Defense Game with White

Here is the first Defense Game ever playedby the author, resulting in a draw against ahis strong computer adversary.

White completes the standard eight moveopening, while black deploys the optimal 2pawn standard classical defense. White'sposition offers little to attack other thanthe knights, so black now goes for a rookpawn attack on the Q-side.

1. e3 e52. d3 d53. Ne2 Bd64. Nd2 Nc65. Nb3 Nf66. Bd2 O-O7. Ng3 a58. Be2 a4

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White retreats with his knight, and avoidspawn exchanges. He castles and movesforward with his pawns, setting up a zigzagcentral pawn formation. Black finds little toattack; he can exchange bishop for knight,but there's no immediate follow up to thisattack. White on the other hand hasdefined a target - the isolated rook pawn!

9. Nc1 a310. b3 Qe711. c3 Be612. O-O Rad813. b4 e414. d4 Qd7

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White piles up on the doomed pawn. Allthis takes time, and would be dangerous ifblack could find anything to attack in themeantime, but there's little to be found. Black makes an attempt at defending therook pawn, then moves his knight back,preparing to attack on the flank.

15. Nb3 b616. Bc1 Ra817. Nd2 Ra718. Nb1 Rfa819. Qb3 Ne7

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White wins the pawn, then holds againstblack's Q-side counter attack. Black thenshifts into a K-side offensive, for which heis well poised, with bishops, knights, andqueen. White must play carefully to avoidhis castled position being overrun.

20. Nxa3 c521. bxc5 bxc522. Nb5 Rb723. a4 c424. Qb1 Bg4

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25. f3 exf326. gxf3 Bxg327. hxg3 Bh528. g4 Bg629. Qb2 Nc8

Black attacks, but white is able to defendadequately, forcing the invading bishop toretreat. So far white has retained his pawnadvantage, but it doesn't last much longer;black now piles up on the knight, and isready to regain his lost pawn.

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30. g5 Qh3 31. gxf6 Qg3+32. Kh1 Qh3+33. Kg1 Qg3+34. Kh1 Qh3+35. Kg1 1/2-1/2

His lead about to vaporize, white nowinvites a draw by perpetual check, byattacking white's knight and opening hisK-side to a queen invasion. The computercalculates that this is a favorable line; ahuman opponent would prefer to regainthe pawn and play on. White gladlyaccepts a draw: this is an amateur playingagainst a master level opponent!

This is just the first of many games that we will see using this new system, but one gameshould be already be sufficient to surprise those who thought that the openings in chess havealready been thoroughly researched, and that there is no interest in trying new lines. The DefenseGame is a not just a new opening, it's a completely new way of playing the game!

The first impression that this opening should make is that it is extremely solid. It cannot beseriously attacked, and can almost always be played out in near standard form. It is also asstrong on offense as it is on defense: whenever an amateur of club level can challenge and draweasily against the computer playing at master level, it's a sure indication that the opening he isusing stands up to the test. The Defense Game is completely new, totally valid, and very strong!

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Defense Game is that both in the opening and inthe game that follows it is extremely easy to play for beginners and lesser intermediate players.Using this system with either white or black, even players with minimal skills have a good chanceof drawing against the computer, or against other players much stronger than themselves.

When played aggressively however, the D-system is very strong in master level play,consistently demonstrating a high percentage of wins. The techniques of playing for a draw andfor a win are utterly different - but with this system, no matter what your skill level, you can offer atough match to your opponent, and that is what competitive sport is all about.

The Defense Game 21

Game 2: Defense Game with White

Here is an fine victory emerging from theanalysis of the Defense Game. White'sopening is interrupted by a rook pawnattack; white retires his knight and pusheshis g-pawn to avoid opening the rook file:he's playing D-system close variant Dv7'G.

White avoids Nxh5 - this dangerous gambitis in fact white's best line, but you shouldtake it only if you prepared for the sequel.

1. e3 Nf62. Ne2 d53. Ng3 e54. Be2 h55. d3 h46. Nf1 h37. g3 Nc68. Nbd2 Be6

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White's position unfolds naturally on theQ-side, where he has plenty of space andgood play for his pieces.

Black on the other hand is already reactingto white's game; he has no counter playfor the moment, and must wait until thewhite advance stalls - but it never does!

9. Nb3 Qd710. Nfd2 O-O-O11. O-O Bd612. d4 e413. c4 Be714. cxd5 Bxd515. Qc2 Nb416. Qc3 Qc617. Qxc6 Bxc618. a3 Nbd5

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White continues to build, and black keepsshifting pieces without any counter attackin sight. The black pieces have movedaway from the Q-side, leaving the kingexposed to a double rook barrage. Whitealready has a significant positionaladvantage, and is now ready to exploit it.

19. Na5 Bd720. b3 Nc321. Bc4 Be622. Bb2 Ncd523. Rfc1 Bd624. Rc2 Rd7 25. Be2 Bf826. Rac1 g627. Nac4 Bg7 28. Ne5 Re7

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White invades, and trades a rook for pieceand pawn, but he can equalize by takingeither of the undefended central pawns.

Black is looking for counter play, but theonly thing he can find is the bishop attack.

29. a4 Rd830. Ba3 Ree831. Bb5 Rh832. Be7 Nxe733. Rxc7+ Kb834. Rxe7 Nd535. Nd7+ Ka836. Rxe6 fxe637. Nc5 a6 38. Bc4 Bh6

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39. Re1 e540. Ndxe4exd441. Ne6 Nb442. Nxd8 Rxd843. Rd1 Nc644. exd4 Nxd445. Kh1 Kb846. f4 Kc747. Bf7 Rd7

White finally cashes in his positionaladvantage for a material one; he shutsdown the bishop attack and pins theknight on the rook, allowing him to bringhis knight and bishop into enemy territory.

Black's 41..Nb4 is the only move whichdoesn't lose rapidly. It's not an easy moveto find, or to accept for that matter, since itresults in loss of the exchange.

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48. Nf2 Rxf749. Rxd4 Re7 50. Nxh3 Re351. b4 b552. axb5 axb553. Kg2 Re2+54. Nf2 Rb255. Kf3 Bf856. Nd3 Rxh257. Ne5 Rb2

White has to give back a pawn of his twopawn lead, but he still commands thechessboard, with his centrally placedpieces. White's king advances to supportthe forward movement of his pawns.

Black can win the b-pawn, but he loses theg-pawn for it. Afterwards white's twoK-side pawns can go right in, but whitemust also cover black's pawn promotion

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58. Nxg6 Bxb459. g4 Bc5 60. Rd3 Bd661. Ke4 b462. Ne5 Re2+63. Kf5 Bxe564. fxe5 Rf2+65. Kg6 Re266. Rb3 Re467. Kf5 Rd4

Black defends as best he can; hesucceeds in splitting the white pawns, andkeeps pressure on, while defending hisown passed pawn. But it can't last forlong - the g-pawn is now ready to advance,and black can only stop it with his king.

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68. g5 Kd7 69. g6 Ke7 70. Rh3 Rd171. Rh7+ Kf872. e6 Rf1+73. Ke5 Re1+74. Kd6 b375. e7+ Kg876. Rh1 Re277. Rd1 b278. Kd7 Kg7

White's pawns advance for promotion, andthe black king is trapped on the back rank.White offers his rook in exchange for thepawn promotion, but black avoids it. Thestage is set for white's pawn promotion;black loses his rook for it, and then it's allover. Black resigns.

All black's moves were those which weretop ranked by the analysis program - itwas the best effort that he could make!

The Defense Game 23

3. Continuing Play after the Opening

The Defense Game is a standard configuration with a number of related variants. Here wepresent a general summary of how to play some lines of the D-game an additional 8 to 10 movesafter the opening. These examples are all excerpts taken from complete games in later sections.

The lines presented here represent only a small part of the entire D-system, but they are thestarting point for building a solid opening repertoire. These lines mostly develop the K-side first,using moves from a restricted set that is easy to remember and to master in play. The standardopening itself is generally playable, but is slightly less strong than most of its close variants.

A commonly used theme in continuing play with the Defense Game is the building of a

concentration of pieces to support a strong challenge in the center. Since the opponent usuallydoes not try to attack with his own center pawns, the player of the D-game typically has severalmoves at his disposition in order to prepare this attack, which can start at any time.

Game 3: Black plays the standard opening against a 2 pawn classical opening. White later

tries a rook pawn attack, and a center pawn attack, and then trades off his bishops. Black is leftwith some structural damage, but stays equal materially and later was able to draw easily.

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9. a4 a510. d5 exd511. exd5 O-O12. Bxb6 cxb613. Re1 Re814. Bxg6 hxg615. Qd3 Bf616. Rxe8+ Qxe817. Re1 Qd8

1. Nf3 d62. e4 Nd73. d4 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bd3 Nb66. Bf4 Bd77. O-O Ng68. Be3 Be7

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Game 18: Black's standard D-game faces white's 3 pawn standard classical opening. Blackhas to react to white's attack, but is never in real difficulty. Black has some slight damage to hisposition, but his pieces are active, and he has plenty of good continuations for later play.

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9. c5 Nc810. Qb3 b611. cxd6 Nxd612. e5 Nc813. d5 exd514. Nxd5 c615. Bxg6 hxg616. Nxe7 Nxe717. Rad1 Qc7

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Ne74. Nc3 Ng65. Nf3 Be76. Be3 Nd77. Bd3 Nb68. O-O Bd7

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Play After the Opening 24

Game 55: Black plays an early center pawn challenge against a K-side fianchetto openingby white. Black then develops both knights in the D-game style. He responds to two rook pawnattacks, and exchanges bishops. Black then goes for control of the open file, and is in good form.

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9. h4 h510. exd5 exd511. a4 a512. Re1 O-O13. b3 c614. Bg5 Bxg515. Nxg5 Qf616. Nf3 Rfe817. Qd2 Bf5

1. g3 e62. Nf3 Ne73. d4 d54. Nc3 Nd75. Bg2 Nb66. O-O Bd77. Qd3 Ng68. e4 Be7

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Game 31: White plays the D-game with an early castle, gaining time against black's 2 pawnopening. White finds lively play after the opening, exchanging off 2 pieces, and pinning white'squeen. White is now in very good shape, and had no difficulties at all in the ensuing Game.

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9. Bd2 a510. a4 Qd611. c3 Ne712. d4 Nf513. Nxf5 Bxf514. dxe5 Qxe515. Nd4 Ne416. Nxf5 Qxf517. Qc2 Rfe8

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 Nc65. O-O Bc56. d3 O-O7. Nd2 Be68. Nb3 Bb6

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Game 30: Black plays the standard opening with a response to a rook pawn early attack.Afterwards black pushes on the center with e5, trades knights, and then challenges white'scentrally placed pieces. White now follows with 19.Bxg7, but black has an answer to everything.

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9. Nd2 Be710. f4 e511. fxe5 dxe512. Nc4 Nxc413. Bxc4 O-O14. Qf3 exd415. Bxd4 Be616. Nd5 Bd617. Qc3 c618. Nb6 c5

1. d4 e62. e4 d63. Nc3 Ne74. Nf3 Nd75. Bd3 Nb66. O-O Bd77. a4 a58. Be3 Ng6

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Game 20: Black's D-game is countered by white's 3 pawn classical opening. Black's centerpawn exchange offer is not accepted initially by white. Instead both sides continue to buildbefore locking up the Q-side pawn structure. Note the interesting disposition of black's pieces.

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9. Qc2 c610. a3 Qc711. b4 Nf612. h3 Bd713. Rfd1 Rfb814. Rab1 b615. Rb2 a516. b5 c517. dxe5 dxe5

1. e4 e62. Nf3 d63. d4 Ne74. Be2 Nd75. c4 Ng66. O-O Be77. Nc3 O-O8. Be3 e5

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Game 46: Black's D-game confronts a 2 pawn classical opening. White exchanges knightfor bishop, and then pushes on the Q-side. Black plays in beginner's style, seeking to trade offpieces quickly. White can now exchange for black's knight and queen, but black still stays even.

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9. Nd5 Nf610. Nxe7+ Qxe711. d5 a612. c4 Nd713. b4 b614. Qc2 Nh415. Qe2 Nxf3+16. Qxf3 Nf617. Bg5 h6

1. e4 d62. Nf3 Nd73. d4 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bd3 Ng66. O-O Be77. Be3 O-O8. Re1 e5

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Game 35: Black's D-game again confronts the 2 pawn standard classical opening. Thistime white plays more cautiously, while black locks up the center and invades on the flanks. Blackcompresses his adversary's position and prepares to press an across-the-board attack.

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9. a4 Nf610. h3 c511. d5 Bd712. a5 Qc713. Qe2 Nh514. Bc4 Nhf415. Qd1 b516. axb6 axb617. Qd2 Qb718. Rfe1 b5

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bd3 Ng66. O-O Be77. Be3 O-O8. Qd2 e5

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Game 57: Black again faces a 2 pawn classical opening. White's avoidance of the centerpawn exchange allows black free play on the K-side. Black exchanges knight for bishop, then fallsback to cover a threatened knight sacrifice with Nxe5. Black is in good shape with no problems.

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9. Qd2 a610. a3 Nf611. Qd3 Ng412. Bd2 Nf413. Qc4 Nxe2+14. Qxe2 f515. Qc4 Nf616. exf5 Bxf517. Rfc1 Kh8

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Be2 Ng66. d5 e57. O-O Be78. Be3 O-O

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Game 69: This time black develops a 3 pawn center, and then pushes on the Q-side. Blackexchanges pawns cleverly, sacrificing a pawn temporarily but regaining it quickly. Black getsgood play for all his pieces, and already has a definite positional advantage over his opponent.

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9. Qd3 b510. a3 Bb711. Rfd1 a612. a4 Qc713. Qd2 b414. Na2 c515. dxc5 Nxc516. Qxb4 a517. Qa3 Nxe4

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bb5 c66. Be2 Ng67. O-O Be78. Be3 O-O

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Game 54: Here black strikes at the center with c5, brings the Q-side pawns forward, andfinds good placements for his queen and pieces. Both sides then concentrate on pure positionalplay, and no exchanges are seen. Note white cannot free by 17.f4 without taking serious risks.

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9. Be3 b610. Qc2 Bb711. d5 Re812. Rad1 a613. Rfe1 Qc714. Nd2 Bf615. Ndb1 Be516. Qd2 Nf617. f3 Rab8

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Bd3 Be77. O-O c58. Be2 O-O

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Another group of Defense Game main lines develop the c-pawn and queen, and postponethe central pawn challenge. The c-pawn advance also prevents an adversary knight incursion.

Game 68: Black develops cautiously, repositioning his queen. He brings his knight to theK-side, castles, and finally strikes at the center with e5. White tries a queen and bishop attack onthe black castle, but gets stung by a counter attack that wins black a piece for two pawns.

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9. Bg5 Nf610. Rae1 O-O11. Bc4 e512. a3 h613. Bxh6 exd414. Nxd4 d515. exd5 Ng416. f4 Nxh617. dxc6 bxc6

1. Nc3 d62. d4 Nd73. Nf3 e64. e4 Ne75. Be2 c66. O-O Qc77. Be3 Ng68. Qd2 Be7

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Game 61: Black again plays the queen developing move and afterwards has to respond to abishop exchange. Black recaptures with the king, exchanges center pawns, then brings his queenout to probe white's K-side. Black is slightly behind in his development, but otherwise is fine.

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9. Bxe7 Kxe710. Qd2 Re811. Rad1 Kf812. e5 dxe513. dxe5 Ndxe514. Nxe5 Qxe515. Rfe1 Qf416. Qd3 Kg817. Ne4 Qf5

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Bg5 c66. Nc3 Qc77. Be2 Ng68. O-O Be7

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Game 59: Black develops a 3 pawn recessed center, but delays the queen move. He pusheson the center, which then closes. Black then pulls up his Q-side pawns, and offers a knight trade.Black is playing in pure beginner's style, but still has reasonable chances for the ensuing game.

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9. Qc2 e510. Rad1 Re811. d5 c512. a3 a613. b4 b614. Rb1 Rb815. Qd2 Nh416. Nxh4 Bxh417. Bc2 h6

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 c66. Bd3 Ng67. O-O Be78. Be3 O-O

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In the Defense Game the bishops are already well placed in their central positions, and donot need to move right after the opening, unless they are used to recapture in central pawnexchanges. Bishop replacements are quite playable however, and can be very strong.

Game 5: Black castles and brings his bishop out to support the e5 push. Black thenmoves his knights about until white finally goes for a bishop exchange. Black is now in goodshape; his only weakness is the backward d-pawn, but this will not be too much of a problem.

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9. Qd2 e510. d5 Nc511. Bc2 a612. b4 Nd713. Qd3 Re814. c5 Ndf815. Ba4 Bd716. cxd6 cxd617. Bxd7 Qxd7

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Be3 Be77. Bd3 O-O8. O-O Bf6

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Game 14: Black castles and moves the rook onto the e-file. White challenges the center,and black doesn't accept the pawn exchange. Later white tries to attack with bishop and knight,but is not able to achieve anything. Black now begins to repulse the invading pieces.

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9. e5 b610. Be4 Rb811. Nb5 a612. Na7 Bb713. Nc6 Bxc614. Bxc6 Qc815. exd6 Bxd616. Qe2 Rd817. Bg5 Be7

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Be3 Be77. Bd3 O-O8. O-O Re8

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Queen moves in the D-game are somewhat different from conventional chess. The queenusually cannot relocate forward to the central squares, which are typically occupied by minorpieces. Instead the queen often moves to the queen bishop 2 square after a c-pawn advance.Rook placements on the other hand are similar to those used in conventional chess, with therooks moving to the center files, or to occupy and control any open or half-open files.

Castling is normally performed in the latter moves of the opening. As in classical chess,the king side castle is always easier and safer, and in this system is the one used almostexclusively. Castle is almost always performed, even if the pawn structure has been damaged, asafter an adversary bishop has exchanged for your king knight.


In Summary the main lines of the Defense Game usually include:

Primary Move Set: these six moves: with black: d6, e6, Ne7, Nd7, Ng6, Be7with white: d3, e3, Ne2, Nd2, Ng3, Be2

Secondary Move Set: the other moves that are frequently made are:with black: O-O, e5, Re8, Nb6 (or Nf6), c6 (or c5), Qc7 (or Qb6), Bf6with white: O-O, e4, Re1, Nb3 (or Nf3), c3 (or c4), Qc2 (or Qb3), Bf3

Even with an easy to learn system like the Defense Game, one cannot reduce play after theopening to a simplistic sequence of habitual moves. But most of the typical moves listed abovecan be played against most adversary deployments. Players of all levels should try improvisingcontinuations based on a selection of moves taken from this frequently used set. Below are twomore specific move sets, one suggested for beginners and another for better players.

Better players can learn quickly the most effective move sequences corresponding todifferent general categories of adversary defenses, and so prepare anticipated lines up to 15moves into the game. Beginners should concentrate on consolidating and maintaining a coherentdefense, with a more cautious approach to attacking, especially when facing better players.

Secondary Move Set for Beginners:with black: O-O, Re8, c6, e5, Qc7 with white: O-O, Re1, c3, e4, Qc2followed by slow advances of the Q-side pawnsTry to avoid pawn exchanges and trade off pieces

Secondary Move Set for Better Players:with black: O-O, e5, Re8, Nf6, c6 (or c5), Qc7 (or Qb6) with white: O-O, e4, Re1, Nf3, c3 (or c4), Qc2 (or Qb3)Try to open the center with pawn exchangesPlay aggressively

Players of all levels should experiment with the many strong and valid continuations of theDefense Game. There are dozens of interesting and playable lines - develop your repertoire!


4. The Defense Game in Action

Now we present, including the two already seen, twenty complete games with the DefenseGame, playing mostly with black. Most games use the standard opening and its close variants; afew are distant variants. A variety of responses to the Defense Game are used in this collection.In many cases the responses are early attacks.

These strong conventional responses are aggressive, but as we will see, the Defense Game

is able to contain their initial aggression, and defend adequately during and after the opening.The adversary can attempt to disrupt our opening by attacking early, but more often he is contentto occupy the center heavily with pieces and pawns, and even allow the D-system player theattack rather than trying to seize the initiative himself. This observation is also well supported byanalysis, which suggests that among the strongest adversary lines are many which do notchallenge the Defense Game either during or immediately after the opening.

Watch in these games how the D-system player is able to carry out his opening, while the

opponent usually concentrates on building a strong center. Notice the large variety of adversaryresponses possible. Study carefully the moves made following the opening, to develop a generalidea of how to continue play with this system after the first moves.

Unless otherwise noted, all games were played by the computer, using adequate time (45minutes per side) to produce a contest of master level quality. All games have been analyzed toinsure that they are free of serious errors, and that the moves chosen on both sides areconsistently from among the strongest and most promising. They are all good examples of chessbeing played well from start to finish, and they can provide you with valuable ideas on how toexploit the strengths of this opening system in the middle and end games.

In all these games the Defense Game wins or draws. Losses have not been included,because we are just beginning to document the validity of the basic system. In the next chapterswe will address the topic of playing against the Defense Game. For the moment we are onlygaining familiarity with the basic opening system and play following it, but at the same time weare beginning to develop an impression of the style of games that result from using this system.

Play thru these games before reading on in the book. For beginners it is essential to see

how games proceed from beginning to end. But players of all levels can benefit from reviewingthese games. By so doing you will become familiar with the Defense Game and its variants, therange of responses used against it, and the type of games that result from playing this system.

Attack!

The Defense Game in Action 31

Game 3: Defense Game Dv0 with BlackHere is a a quick and easy draw producedby the author, playing black against a twopawn classical opening.

Black's D-game standard opening is notchallenged in the first moves; instead it iswhite who has to react by retreating hiscentrally placed bishop when black's kingknight shifts into position.

1. Nf3 d62. e4 Nd73. d4 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bd3 Nb66. Bf4 Bd77. O-O Ng68. Be3 Be7

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White plays a typical continuation againstthe Defense Game, trying every kind ofoffensive action he can find: first a rookpawn attack, which is stopped cold, then acentral pawn challenge and exchange, andthen two bishop for knight exchanges.

Black's pawn structure is slightly damagedbut white has a difficult task trying tocapitalize on these positional weaknesses.

9. a4 a510. d5 exd511. exd5 O-O12. Bxb6 cxb613. Re1 Re814. Bxg6 hxg6

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Black now encourages more trades, andwhite obliges - rooks and minor pieces areexchanged. The board is being clearedrapidly, and black is able to maintainpressure on open lines, without risking toincur a material disadvantage.

Black now targets exchanges of queensand rooks; if he succeeds in doing so, heis almost certain of obtaining a draw.

15. Qd3 Bf616. Rxe8+ Qxe817. Re1 Qd818. b3 Bxc319. Qxc3 Rc8 20. Qd2 Qf6

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White is constantly being challenged onthe open lines, and so has little time todevelop any coordinated offensive action.

The exchange of rooks signals the lastopportunity for white to develop anyattack; black is now set to block the knightposting and challenge the open king file.

21. c4 Re822. Rxe8+ Bxe823. h3 Qa1+24. Kh2 Qf625. Qe1 Qd826. h4 f627. Nd4 Bd7

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28. Qe3 Kf729. Ne6 Bxe630. Qxe6+Kf831. g4 Qe7

White's last attempt at attacking fizzles outas black jams the center, and now forces aqueen exchange. Afterwards there will benothing but pawns on the board, and somany of them that there will be no roomfor the kings to maneuver on any front.

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32. Qxe7+Kxe733. f4 Kf734. Kg3 Ke735. Kf3 f536. g5 Kf7

Black's 'inferior' K-side pawn structurenow shows to be as resistant as a normalone - any advance by white allows black toundouble his pawns and close the gameout. Black waits for a while, then locks thepawns himself with the f-pawn advance.

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37. Ke3 Ke7 38. Kd3 Kd739. Kd2 Kd840. Kd1 Kc841. Ke1 Kd842. Kd2 Ke843. Kd1 Kd7

Now it's all over - black's pawn structuredoesn't allow any advance on any front,and the white king can neither pass thru orotherwise create a gap allowing him toforce the situation. After wandering aboutpointlessly with his king for a while, whitefinally accepts the draw.

While this style of play will certainly not be to everybody's liking, experience to datenevertheless indicates that it is the most effective system ever found for drawing. It permits allplayers, even those with minimal skills, to maintain parity in games with the best chess playingcomputers, and also to hold their own with other players who are much stronger than themselves.

When this system is played aggressively, and not passively as in this game, it is

exceptionally strong, and can drive for a win as well as the best classical openings. This is themain strength and attraction of adopting the D-system: it allows beginners to survive againstopponents far stronger than themselves, and at the same time it offers an excellent basis forbetter players to challenge strongly and play for a win. It's a system that you can use and growwith as your chess playing skills evolve from scratch to master level.


Game 4: Close Variant Dv3'Dx with BlackHere is a fine victory playing the DefenseGame with black against a 3 pawn classicaldeployment with a bishop early attack. It'sa good example of how this system can beplayed effectively at master level.

White now follows his bishop attack with arook pawn attack: like most adversaries ofthe D-game, he is impatient to refute thisopening - a series of shocks await him!

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 c65. Nc3 Nd76. Be2 Ng67. Bg5 Be78. Bxe7 Qxe7

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White's attack is preempted by black'scounter in the center. Black then shutsdown the rook pawn attack and brings outhis bishop, preparing for a long castle.

White castles Q-side, and then exchangescenter pawns, no doubt feeling confidantabout his position. Black's Nxc4 againpreempts the attack; white's play is forced.

9. h4 e510. g3 h511. Qd2 Nb612. O-O-OBg413. dxe5 Nxc4

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White's pawn moves downfield, givingcheck, and compensating for the bishopfork of his rooks. But when this tacticalepisode is over, white has lost theexchange, and so most likely the game.

Combinations such as this one are noteasy to find at the chessboard; but if youhave a repertoire of them prepared inadvance, you can beat the best players!

14. Bxc4 Bxf315. exd6 Qf616. d7+ Kd8 17. Rhg1 Bxd118. Rxd1 Ne519. Bb3 Qe7

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Black now follows with a fine series ofmoves, again virtually forcing white's play.Black always seems to find the counterpunch before white's blow can arrive.

White's position continually deteriorates;he has difficulty coordinating his pieces.

20. Qd4 Kc721. f4 Nxd722. Qxg7 Rag823. Qd4 Nc524. Bxf7 Rd8 25. Qe3 Rxd1+26. Kxd1 Rd8+27. Kc2 Nxe4

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28. Bb3 Re829. Qxe4 Qxe4+30. Nxe4 Rxe431. Kd2 Re732. Bd1 Rg733. Bxh5 Rxg334. Be2 Kd635. h5 Rh336. Ke1 Rh437. Kf2 Rxf4+

Queens and pieces are exchanged, andblack consolidates his lead by picking offone of the separated white pawns.

At this point there is only the endgameexercise left. With three pawns each stillon the board, black's exchange differenceis more than sufficient to win.

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38. Kg3 Rf639. Bd3 Ke540. b3 c5 41. Bc2 b542. Bd3 c443. bxc4 Kd444. Bb1 bxc445. a4 c3

Black's play is razor sharp, again breakingup the remains of white's defenses as hemoves downfield, then creating a passedpawn which moves towards promotion.

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46. a5 Rf147. Bc2 Rh148. Kg4 Rh2 49. Bh7 c250. Bxc2 Rxc251. h6 Rh252. Kg5 Kc5

White loses his bishop to stop the pawnpromotion. Afterwards black's rook coverseasily as his king moves over to capturewhite's rook pawn. It's time to resign.

An impressive win with superior tacticalplay: that's what master level chess is allabout; and the Defense Game is definitelycapable of winning at master level!


Game 5: Defense Game DvEF with BlackHere the author with black triumphs in adifficult game against the computer. Blackplays DvEF, one of the better D-game lines,preparing for a push of the e-pawn.

White plays the 3 pawn standard classicalopening, one of the most frequently seenresponses to the Defense Game, and also atheoretically perfect development.

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Be3 Be77. Bd3 O-O8. O-O Bf6

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White prefers to avoid an exchange ofcenter pawns, looking instead to open theQ-side. Black's play is concentrated onmaintaining the pawn structure intact, andtrading the pieces - the beginner's strategyin playing the Defense Game.

9. Qd2 e510. d5 Nc511. Bc2 a612. b4 Nd713. Qd3 Re814. c5 Ndf815. Ba4 Bd7

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White exchanges bishops and pawns andmoves his rooks to the opened c-file, butblack is able to keep step with him easily.

Black's knight invades, inviting anotherpiece exchange. White doesn't want tolose time retreating with his queen, and sohe accepts the piece trade.

16. cxd6 cxd617. Bxd7 Qxd718. Rac1 Rec819. Rc2 Rc7 20. Rfc1 Rac821. a4 Nf4

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More pieces are traded, as black shores uphis position with a queen relocation. Blackcan now respond to any piece invasion onhis side of the board.

Note that no difficult moves were neededby black to maintain parity to this point;the main strength of the Defense Game isthat it's easy for everyone to play!

22. Bxf4 exf423. Ne2 Rxc224. Rxc2 Rxc225. Qxc2 Be526. a5 Qb527. Qd2 h6

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28. Nfd4 Qd729. h3 Nh730. Nf5 Nf631. f3 Nh532. Kh1 Kh733. Kg1 Qa434. Qe1 g635. Nfd4 Ng3

Now there is a tactical phase, as blackrepulses a knight invasion, and occupiesthe 'hole' on g3 with his knight.

White's knights have little scope, and hisqueen is tied up in the defense of theb-pawn, hardly a worthy task for such animportant piece.

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36. Qb1 Qa337. Kh2 Qe338. Qd1 g539. b5 axb540. h4 gxh4

Black brings his queen in close to aid inthe attack, and now his penetration bearsfruit. At move 39 white is effectively in'zugzwang', meaning 'obliged to move' -but any moves he makes result in losing.White offers both his rook pawns toescape from the bind.

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41. Kh3 Qf242. Qc1 Nxe243. Nxe2 Qxe244. Qc7 Kg7

Black will probably not be able to keep his2 pawn advantage, since his own doubledpawns are weak; what has been gainedhowever, is the passed b-pawn.

White then abandons his knight andattacks with his solo queen in a desperateattempt to find a perpetual check.

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45. Qd7 Qf246. Qg4+ Kf647. Qf5+ Ke748. Qg4 Qg3+49. Qxg3 hxg350. Kh4 b40-1

Black forces a queen exchange, and nowhis passed pawn goes straight in forpromotion. White no longer has anychance, so he resigns.

If the author managed to beat thecomputer, then merit has to be givenmainly to the opening system he's using!


Game 6: Close Variant Dv3'D with BlackHere is a fine victory with black playing theDefense Game. Black reacts to the bishoppin by moving his queen away from theattack, then completing his normal knightmaneuver and bishop development. Alsogood is running the bishop off with a rookor bishop pawn advance. The line shownhere is often played in the D-system evenwhen there is no bishop early attack.

1. d4 d62. c4 Nd73. Nf3 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bg5 c66. e4 Qc77. Qd2 Ng68. Be2 Be7

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Following the bishop exchange blackbrings his knights over to the K-side; aftersome preparation, he pushes the e-pawn.

White avoids the pawn exchange, andadvances instead. Black is also content toclose the center: he now has good play onboth flanks and will not be concernedabout a white invasion on his side of theboard - solid D-game elementary strategy.

9. Bxe7 Nxe710. O-O O-O11. Rfd1 Ng612. Rac1 Re813. h3 Nf614. Bd3 e515. d5 c5

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Black advances and exchanges a Q-sidepawn, opening a file for queen and rooks.

White finds little that he can do to improvehis position - he moves a knight over tothe K-side, echoing black's earlier doubleknight placement. Black's knight shiftsforward, occupying a good 'hole' on f4.

16. Ne2 Nh517. Rf1 b618. Bc2 Rb819. b3 Nhf420. Ng3 b521. cxb5 Rxb522. Rfe1 Rb823. a3 Qb6

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Black advances and exchanges anotherQ-side pawn. His pieces are slowly gainingin effectiveness, and he already has aslight positional advantage.

Note now how black's constant shifting ofhis queen will make it difficult for white toassess his intentions - black's threats maybe feinted or they may be real.

24. Ra1 Ba625. Rab1 Qc726. Rbc1 c427. bxc4 Rec8

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28. Ba4 Bxc429. Re3 Qb730. Rec3 Qa631. Bd7 Rc532. Ne1 h5

White is beginning to have trouble findingdecent moves. He sends his bishop toharass the black rooks, but it ends upbeing the object of attack itself.

It doesn't appear much is happening inthis phase, but a seemingly pointless 33rdmove by white signals that his game isgoing down. Analysis shows that he haseffectively lost the game at this point!

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33. Kh2 Rd834. Bc6 h4 35. Nf5 Ne2 36. Rxc4 Rxc437. Bb7 Qa438. Bc6 Qb339. Rxc4 Qxc4

The knight invades and black wins theexchange. Now the situation turns clearlydesperate for white: black's pieces slicethru his defense, and his own pieces arenot capable of striking any targets of valueon the other side of the board.

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40. Qa5 Rf841. Nxd6 Qc1 42. Nf3 Nd443. Nd2 Qe1 44. Bb5 Nf4

Now black sets up the mating net, with thequeen and knight to provide the final blow.White no longer has any way of stopping itand so he tries a diversionary attack.

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45. Nb7 Qxf246. Bf1 Rc847. d6 Nfe248. Qd8+ Kh7 49. Qxh4+Qxh4

White's attack doesn't slow black frommoving towards checkmate. Finally whitethrows away his queen to prolong thegame. Black is left with the easy task ofmating with advantage of a queen:

54. gxf3 Nxf155. Kxf1 Qd256. a4 Rc1#

50. Nc5 Qf4+51. Kh1 Ng3+52. Kg1 Rxc553. Nf3 Nxf3+


Game 7: Defense Game Dv0 with WhiteHere's another of the author's numerousdraws playing the Defense Game against atop strength computer rival. The D-game isprobably the best system ever found fordrawing in chess, it's a real achievement!

White completes his standard opening asblack plays the 2 pawn standard classicaldefense, ending with a rook pawn attack.

1. e3 Nf62. Ne2 d53. Ng3 e54. d3 Bd65. Nd2 O-O6. Nb3 Nc67. Be2 Be68. Bd2 a5

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White plays a beginner's version of theD-game: castling, retreating his knight inface of the rook pawn attack, avoidingexchange with the rook pawn, and theninviting exchange of knights on the K-side.The computer rates the knight exchange tobe in his favor, and accepts. Black's queenforay is then repelled easily. The computerjudges all this as solid positional gain.

9. O-O a410. Nc1 a311. b3 Qe712. Nh5 Nxh513. Bxh5 Qh414. g3 Qf6

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Black brings his bishop down to harassthe rook, and tries to open the center.White refuses center pawn exchanges, andconsolidates his defense. The computerstill rates his position as far superior, butwhite is not that easy to attack; unless thecomputer is willing to sacrifice material, adraw is already the most probable result.

15. c3 Bh316. Re1 e4 17. d4 Rad818. Be2 Be619. Bf1 Qg520. Ne2 Ne7 21. Bg2 c6

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Black tries to press along the e1-h5 shortdiagonal, but only succeeds in exchangingbishops. White tries to lock up the pawnstructure; the only way black can breakthru is with a sacrifice of material thatcannot be recuperated easily, and hisprogram logic won't accept this!

22. Rf1 Bg423. h3 Bh524. Qe1 Bf3 25. Nf4 Bxg226. Nxg2 b527. b4 Ra8

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28. Qe2 Nf529. Qg4 Qxg430. hxg4 Ne731. Nh4 f532. gxf5 Nxf533. Nxf5 Rxf5

White proposes more exchanges, and thecomputer accepts, reasoning that by sodoing, he improves his positional strength- but he is only helping the weaker humanplayer achieve his aim of drawing.

With the queens and knights removed, andmost of the pawns still present, there isnow almost no way that black can reopenthe game without risking to lose.

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34. Kg2 Kf735. f4 h536. Rh1 Ke637. Rh3 g638. Rah1 Rf639. Bc1 Kf5

Now the pawn structure closes: white'sadvancing f-pawn could be taken en-passant, but the computer judges thiscapture as less favorable than refusing it,and so misses his last opportunity to openthe game. Note the characteristic zigzagwhite pawn formation, with the bishopprotecting the backward pawns - thisstructure is totally resistant!

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40. Rh4 Re641. R4h3 Ree842. Rh4 Be743. R4h3 Rf844. Kf2 Kg445. R1h2 Ra646. Kg2 Bf647. Rh1 Ra7

The computer finally understands, but it'stoo late now to do anything about it.White's position, which had been rated asutterly inferior, is now judged by thecomputer evaluation to be perfectly equal.

Here's to thinking machines, and to thehumans that programmed them! You'renot as likely to find human adversaries aswilling to permit you to draw!


Game 8: Defense Game DvEH with WhiteHere is a typical master level DefenseGame, with a sharp tactical struggle thruthe entire contest. The Defense Gameconcedes little to the adversary, and givesyou equal chances in the middle game, butin order to win, you have to work hard!

Black plays the strong 2 pawn classicalopening and opts for the Q-side castle. Byclassical standards his opening is perfect.

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. d3 Nf64. Nd2 Nc65. Ng3 Be66. Be2 Bd67. O-O Qe78. Re1 O-O-O

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Heavy trades follow: 3 pieces and a pawneach. Such exchanges are typical whenplaying the D-system - often most of theminor pieces are traded off, and queen androok endgames result. These endgamesare relatively easy to master, another veryfavorable aspect for system players.Following the trades white tries a queensortie; black advances his K-side pawns.

9. e4 dxe410. Ndxe4Nxe411. Nxe4 Qd712. Be3 f513. Nxd6+Qxd614. Bf3 Bd515. Bxd5 Qxd516. Qh5 f417. Bd2 f318. g3 g6

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White piles up on the isolated king pawn;at first black tries to defend, but then heabandons it. Black shifts his queen toallow an invasion of white's back rank.Both sides have potential attacks - thetension is reaching a climax.

Analysis shows that black did somewhatbetter with 26..g5, but white already has adefinite advantage in any case.

19. Qg4+ Kb820. Bc3 Rhf821. Qe4 Qd722. Qh4 Rde823. Re4 h524. Rae1 Qe6 25. a3 Qf526. b4 Qf7

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White attacks first, giving check, but blackis a move away from giving checkmate,and at the end of this episode white mustyield: he has an adequate response - Rf1,but he must return his pawn advantage.

Black now has a choice of pawns to take -which is the better one?

27. Bxe5 Rxe528. Rxe5 Nxe529. Rxe5 Qa230. Qe4 a531. Re8+ Ka732. Qd4+ b633. Re1 Re8

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34. Rf1 Qxc235. bxa5 Qc636. h4 Re637. Qf4 Qd638. axb6+ cxb639. Qxf3 Qxa340. Rb1 Kb841. Qf4+ Kb742. d4 Qe7

This is the critical phase of the game.Black goes for the c-pawn, and then fallsback to defend his threatened king. Whiterelieves tension on his castled positionwith h4, then gains time with checks and isagain able to win a pawn.

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43. d5 Rd644. Rd1 Qc745. Qe3 Rd746. Rc1 Qd847. Qe4 Rd648. f3 Qf649. Qc4 Qd850. Rd1 Qc751. Qe4 b5 52. Kf2 Qc5+

Now follows a tactical phase, in whichwhite profits from the positional advantageof a centrally placed queen and advancedpawn. Black plays stubborn defense,blocking the pawn advance and preventingwhite from extending his margin. Theoutcome is not yet clear - one pawn up inthis type of endgame is often not enough.

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53. Ke2 b454. Rd4 Ka755. Rxb4 Rxd556. Ra4+ Kb757. Rc4 Qd658. Kf2 Ka759. Rc2 Rd2+60. Rxd2 Qxd2+61. Qe2 Qd662. f4 Kb7

Now pawns and rooks are exchanged.Black avoids a queen exchange that wouldgive white a clear margin of victory. Thestage is set for a tough finale, and onlyprecisely calculated moves will allow whiteto bring home the victory.

White's next move is the key to his victory:can you find it?

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63. f5 Qc5+64. Kg2 Qxf565. Qf3+ Kc766. Qxf5 gxf567. Kf3 Kd668. Kf4 Ke669. Kg5 Ke570. Kxh5 Kf671. Kh6 Kf772. Kg5 Ke673. Kg6 1-0

White's f-pawn advance, seeming to lose apawn outright, wins the game. It's a movenon-expert players probably wouldn't find.

The endgame is where the best playersshow their stuff - where accuracy is mostcritical, and where the slightest errors areseverely punished. After trying his best,black resigns. A tough win with a toughopening: the brand new Defense Game!


Game 9: Close Variant DvGG with Black:Here is an interesting game in which blacktrades down to a pawn endgame and winsin fine style. It shows the powerful drawingcapabilities of this opening, which becomewinning capabilities when combined withgood endgame technique.

White tries playing aggressively, attackingwith both bishops and the center pawns aswell. His efforts will soon prove pointless.

1. Nf3 Nf62. d4 d63. e4 e64. Bg5 Be75. Nc3 Nbd76. Qd2 Nb67. e5 Nfd58. Bb5+ Bd7

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After the opening, white finds little betterthan to trade his bishops and knight, butobtains no advantage from the exchanges.

Black has centralized both rooks, and isprepared to challenge for the center files:all solid chess technique, that works withthe D-system as well as with any other.

9. Nxd5 exd510. Bxd7+Qxd711. O-O O-O12. Bxe7 Qxe713. Rfe1 Rfe814. b3 Rad8

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White tries to press, but meets only solidresistance, offering no better course thanto continue trading down: both rooks areexchanged, and now white must look forsome way to utilize his move advantage.

White's next move, though by no means amistake, nevertheless gives black a slightedge, and in this case that is decisive.

15. Rac1 dxe516. Rxe5 Qd717. Rxe8+ Rxe818. Ne5 Qd619. Re1 Nd720. Nxd7 Qxd721. Rxe8+ Qxe8

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White offers a queen exchange. Movingthe king to f1, or almost any pawn movewould have been better, giving equality.

We're now in the endgame, and what anodd one it is: a pawn ending with 7 pawnseach side! Has anyone ever seen thisbefore? Black anchors the center andQ-side. He's targeting the backward pawnon e3: if he can win it, he wins the game

22. Qe3 Qxe323. fxe3 f524. c4 c625. cxd5 cxd526. h3 a527. g4 Kf728. Kf2 g529. Kg3 Kg6

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30. a3 fxg431. hxg4 h532. gxh5+ Kxh533. b4 axb434. axb4 Kg6

Black now takes control of the game.White cannot bring his king forward thruthe gap between black's pawns, but theblack king can advance there. Black canalso cover an attempt at promotion, eg.had white played 31.e4 instead.

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35. b5 b636. Kg4 Kf637. Kg3 Kf538. Kf3 g4+39. Kg3 Ke4

This is the way the position resolves:white must retreat with his king, givingaccess to black. White now loses hiscentral pawns, and with them, the game.

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40. Kxg4 Kxe341. Kg3 Kxd442. Kf4 Kc343. Ke5 d444. Kd5 d345. Kc6 Kc446. Kxb6 d2

For the beginners, here's the checkmate:note how black is able to win more quicklyby delaying his promotion a move.

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47. Kc7 d1=Q48. b6 Kc549. b7 Qd6+50. Kc8 Qc6+51. Kd8 Qxb752. Ke8 Qg753. Kd8 Kd654. Ke8 Qg8#

With his queen advantage, black givescheckmate in short order.

Of course you can say white should haveplayed less aggressively and not tradeddown as much - but this game shows youthat with this system, you can trade downquickly, and benefit from simplifications.There's no easy way to beat the D-game!


Game 10: Defense Game Dv7G with BlackBlack's Defense Game is challenged in theopening moves by a rook pawn earlyattack. Black retreats with his knight andthen counters with g5. This aggressiveresponse is recommended for betterplayers; less skilled players survive betterwith the quieter g6. Black can now attackon the K-side: he will be taking seriousrisks in doing so - but that's chess!

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 Ngf88. h6 g5

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Black challenges and exchanges his kingknight, which leaves a pawn hanging, buthe has a response ready should white takeit. Also good was 12..c5, sacrificing theadvanced pawn, but allowing black goodplay later on.

White goes for the long castle, with playon the d-file after further exchanges.

9. Be3 Ng610. Bd3 Nf411. Bxf4 gxf412. Qd2 e513. Nd5 c614. Nxe7 Qxe715. dxe5 Nxe516. O-O-OBe6

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White leads off the attack, but black stayseven materially and tactically, and has notyielded any advantage to his adversary.

The forced queen exchange helps blackavoid the complications of dangerousattacking combinations. Afterwards blackis able to hold effectively; even the opend-file does not present serious problems.

17. Qxf4 Nxd3+18. Rxd3 Bxc419. Rxd6 Bxa220. Nd4 Rg821. Nf5 Qg522. Qxg5 Rxg523. g3 Be624. Ng7+ Ke7

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White's try to exploit the d-file only resultsin a rook exchange. Black's clever 27..Rd5should be in the repertoire of all systemplayers - a response opponents may notsee in their haste to attack. White now hasno more threats; like many attackingplayers, he becomes frustrated when hisschemes don't pan out, and now startsplaying for a draw. Black has other ideas!

25. Nxe6 fxe626. Rhd1 Rc5+27. Kb1 Rd528. exd5 Kxd629. dxc6+ Kxc630. Re1 Kd631. Kc2 e5

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32. f4 exf4 33. gxf4 Rf834. Rd1+ Kc635. Rf1 Rf636. f5 Kd637. Rd1+ Ke738. Re1+ Kf739. Ra1 a640. Rf1 Rxh6

Black wins a pawn with the help of hisactive king. By contrast, white's king iscompletely out of the game, and hispawns are advanced and vulnerable.Note that this is mainly due to the factthat white castled, and black did not!

With a pawn advantage, black now haswinning chances, but still it requirescompletely accurate play on his part.

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41. b4 Kf642. b5 a543. b6 a444. Rf4 Rh2+45. Kb1 a346. Rf3 Rb2+47. Kc1 Rxb648. Rxa3 Kxf549. Rh3 h650. Rh1 Kg6

Black plays to remove white's remainingpawns, and is able to extend his lead totwo pawns, virtually insuring his victory.

Both pawns are ready to advance forpromotion, and there's little black cando to prevent it. If black's lead was asingle pawn, there would be drawingchances; as it stands white is cooked!

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51. Rg1+ Kf652. Rf1+ Kg753. Rg1+ Kh754. Rh1 Rb555. Kc2 h556. Kd3 Kg657. Rg1+ Kf558. Rf1+ Kg459. Rg1+ Kf3

Now follows a tactical phase of movingforward with the king to prepare theadvance of the pawns. Note how black'srook stays on the cross point, protectingboth pawns. White can only harass theking, he can't stop both pawns at once.

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60. Rh1 Kg261. Rh4 Kg362. Re4 h463. Re3+ Kg464. Re4+ Kg5 65. Ke3 h366. Kf2 Rb2+67. Kg3 h268. Re5+ Kf669. Rh5 b5

With the approach to promotion, whitecan't capture either pawn, even withhelp of his king - black would exchangerook and pawn for rook, and still winafter promotion of his remaining pawn.The game ended after:

74. Rh3 Rc2 75. Kg3 b276. Rh6+ Kg577. Rh8 b1=Q

70. Kf4 b471. Rh6+ Kg772. Rh3 b373. Rg3+ Kf6


Game 11: Defense Game DvBE with BlackHere's an action packed encounter withblack's defense game playing against thethree pawn standard opening by white.

Black's line has shown to be very playable,although his life is not going to be withoutproblems! As in many continuations, whitewill now exchange bishop for knight, inorder to damage the D-game castle.

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Be3 Be77. Bd3 O-O8. O-O Nf6

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Although white obtains a slight positionaladvantage with this exchange, it is not allthat easy to capitalize on this weakness insubsequent play. Here white tries harderthan most adversaries, going a pawn downtemporarily in order to disrupt black'scastle and invade with knight and bishop.

9. e5 Ng410. Bd2 dxe511. Bxg6 exd412. Bxh7+Kxh713. Nb5 c514. Bf4 Bd715. Bc7 Qc816. Bd6 Qd8

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Heavy exchanges follow, with both sidesmaking the most of intermezzo moves totry to destabilize the opponent. When thedust clears, white emerges with a slightmaterial lead, but his position is not thatgood - neither of his rooks is in play yet,and his queen is away in the corner.Moreover, black has a mass of pawns inthe center ready to advance; white's rookswill have a tough time stopping them!

17. Ng5+ Bxg518. Bxf8 Bxb519. cxb5 Nxh220. Qh5+ Kg821. Bxg7 Kxg722. Qxh2 Qd5

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White brings his rook into the assault,doing his best to attack black's king, butblack is able to repulse the attack andexchange rooks, which helps his cause.

At the end of the episode black launcheshis passed center pawn; white's in trouble!

23. Qg3 Kf624. f4 Bh6 25. Qh4+ Kg726. Rf3 Rh827. Rg3+ Kf828. Qf6 Rh729. Rh3 Bg730. Qg5 Rxh331. gxh3 d3

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32. Qxd5 exd533. Rb1 Bd4+34. Kg2 c435. Kf3 f536. a4 b637. Rh1 Bxb238. Ke3 d4+39. Kd2 Bc3+40. Kd1 Bb4

White trades queens, and prepares to meetthe advancing mass of black pawns. Afterassessing the situation white abandonsthe defense of his b-pawn, and moves hisrook over to support his h-pawn advance.

Black's pawns move forward menacingly,well supported by the bishop. It definitelylooks grim for white at this point!

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41. h4 c342. Rg1 Bd643. Rf1 Kg744. Rg1+ Kh645. Rf1 Kh546. Ke1 Kxh447. a5 bxa548. Kf2 Kg4 49. Rg1+ Kxf4

Now white's game collapses completely.His rook is unable to do anything otherthan pester the black king, which movesdown the board gobbling pawns.

White starts throwing away material; thereis really nothing left to do but resign.

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50. Ra1 c251. Rf1 Bb452. Kg2+ Ke353. Rxf5 d254. Rf3+ Ke4 55. Rf6 c1=Q56. Re6+ Kf557. b6 d1=Q58. bxa7 Qg5+59. Kh3 Qh1#

Here's the resolution and final checkmate.Another ferocious predator of the D-gametakes his place in the trophy case!

The author really likes this opening; areyou beginning to appreciate it as well?


Game 12: Defense Game DvEF with WhiteWhite plays strong continuation DvEF ofthe Defense Game, relocating his bishopto support a center pawn advance.

Black plays the 2 pawn standard classicaldefense, opting for the long castle. By allconventional standards, black has a betterposition; but conventional standards mayneed revision in light of the D-system!

1. e3 e52. d3 d53. Ne2 Nf64. Nd2 Nc65. Ng3 Be66. Be2 Bd67. Bf3 Qd78. O-O O-O-O

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Following the opening, both sides attackthe adversary castle. Games such as thiswhere castling is performed opposite,often give rise to exciting sequels withboth sides attacking.

White is more successful getting started:the open c-file and mobile Q-side pawnsallow him to seize and keep the initiative.

9. c4 Bb410. cxd5 Nxd511. a3 Bxd212. Bxd2 Nde713. Be2 h614. b4 Nf515. Ne4 Qd516. Rc1 f6

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White configures his attack, but black isable to defend adequately. Positions suchas these require a great deal of insight,preparation, and patience - inadequatelyplanned assaults can't break down strongcastle walls, bristling with defenders.

17. Rc5 Qd718. b5 Nce719. Qa4 Kb820. Rfc1 Nd521. R5c2 Qe822. Nc5 Nb623. Qa5 Bc824. Bf3 Nd6

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White has to reconfigure his attack, andblack then has an interval to launch hisown counter. White falls back a whileunder the black advance, then launchesthe first wave of his attack, sacrificing hispawns to open the black position.

Even now it is uncertain white's attack cansucceed: the first wave of his onslaughthas barely damaged black's castle.

25. a4 g526. Qb4 g427. Be2 Nd528. Qb3 Qf729. a5 f530. Bf1 Rhf831. b6 cxb632. axb6 Nxb6

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33. Qb2 Qf634. Ba5 Nf735. Rb1 Rd636. Na4 g337. hxg3 f438. Nxb6 axb639. Bxb6 Rxb640. Qxb6 Qxb641. Rxb6 fxg342. fxg3 Rg8

Now the full attack is unleashed. Whitepiles up on the defending knight as blackdefends the best he can. Major exchangesfollow, resulting in a win of the exchangeand a pawn. Even when the defender playswell, heavy advantages can be gained inchess - but they can be wiped out in aninstant by reversals of fortune in theskirmishes that follow!

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43. Rf6 Nd844. Be2 Rxg345. Bf3 Nc646. Rc5 Bd747. Rxh6 Rg748. Rf6 Kc7 49. Kf2 Re750. g4 Kb651. Rd5 e4

White is able to retain his lead with sharpplay in the ensuing open field battle. Blacknow struggles as the material difference isdecisively against him.

Black's last move e4, although seeming togive away a pawn, is nevertheless wellconsidered - white must recapture bydoubling his pawns, reducing his chancesof forcing a promotion.

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52. dxe4 Kc753. g5 Ne554. g6 Bc655. Rd4 b556. Bh5 Kb6 57. Rf7 Re858. Rf5 Nd759. g7 Rg860. Rg5 Nf6

White is able to press the attack and pushfor promotion, in spite of dogged defenseby black. White even offers the exchangein order to expedite things, but blackwisely refuses, and falls back to block thepawn's forward movement. Although whitehas the lead and is close to victory, blackstill keeps on the pressure, now with aknight fork of king and rook.

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61. Bf7 Nxe4+62. Ke2 Nxg563. Bxg8 Bf3+64. Kd3 Bh565. Rd6+ Kc766. Rh6 Bg467. Bb3 Bf5+68. Kd4 Bh769. Rxh7 Nxh770. g8=Q Nf6

Finally white crushes the last resistance,promoting his pawn, and winning.

An excellent example of play with the newDefense Game, and also a fine illustrationof the difficulty of overcoming tenaciousdefensive play by the opponent.


Game 13: Distant Variant Dv138D with BlackHere's a delightful game with black playinga D-system distant variant. White uses ananti- D-game strategy, anticipating black'se6 with a bishop pin on the pawn. Blackdevelops his queen instead, stops asubsequent rook pawn attack, and finallyruns the bishop off. White's trying his bestto attack the D-system opening, throwingeverything he can at his opponent.

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Bg5 c64. Nf3 Qc75. Bd3 Nb66. a4 a57. O-O h68. Be3 e6

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White now attacks with the center pawns,gives check, and then invades with hisknight. Black is under pressure, but hiscounter attack keeps him out of serioustrouble. Black could continue with theobvious 16..Re8, but instead he goes for arazor sharp continuation: Ng4, which losesa piece immediately with white's knightcheck, but black isn't giving anythingaway: he's threatening check!

9. c4 d510. cxd5 exd511. exd5 Nxd512. Re1 Nxe313. Rxe3+ Be714. Ne5 Nf615. Bc4 O-O16. Ng6 Ng4

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White goes for the check, but has to coverwith Rg3 or lose the exchange. White thengrabs two pieces for his rook, but getsslammed with a queen check, and theblack rooks move in position. White can'texchange queens: the rook pair wouldcome to the back rank and win two pieces.Things are not going the way white hadplanned: the attacker is being attacked!

17. Nxe7+ Kh818. Rg3 Qxe719. Rxg4 Bxg420. Qxg4 Qe1+21. Bf1 Rfe822. Qf4 Re423. Qd2 Rd824. f3 Rdxd4

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White trades queens and rooks, and getsout of the frying pan, but now there's thefire - black's Q-side pawns are close to thelast rank - only by sacrificing his knightcan white stop their promotion.

Somewhat better for white was to play27.Na3. When the ship starts sinking, it'shard to stay cool and collected!

25. Qf2 Qxf2+26. Kxf2 Rxa427. Nc3 Rxa128. fxe4 a429. Be2 b530. e5 Rc131. Nxb5 cxb532. Bxb5 Ra1

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33. Bc4 Rb134. Bxf7 Rxb2+35. Kf3 a336. g4 Rxh237. e6 Rh138. e7 Re139. Bc4 Rxe740. Kf4 Re2

Black now snaps up two of white'sremaining pawns and develops hispromotion threat, while covering white's.Black can offer his rook to stop it, sinceafterwards white's bishop can no longerstop his pawn advance. It's time to resign.

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41. g5 Rf2+42. Ke3 Rc243. Bd5 h544. Kf3 Kh745. Be4+ g646. Bd5 Kg747. Kf4 a248. Bxa2 Rxa2

Playing on for the interest of beginners,black continues by forcing white's bishopto exchange for his advanced pawn.

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49. Kg3 Kf750. Kf4 Ke651. Ke4 h452. Kd3 h353. Kc4 Rg254. Kd3 h2 55. Kc4 h1=Q

Black now gets his queen, and givescheckmate in the classic beginners style:56. Kb3 Qh457. Kc3 Rg3+58. Kb2 Qh2+59. Ka1 Rg1#

The author finds this game very amusing:the essence of humor is surprise, andwhite certainly had his fill in this game : )


Game 14: Defense Game DvEH with Black Here's a neat little Defense Game with theauthor playing black. It's an illustration ofthe impressive drawing capabilities of thisnew system for playing chess.

Black plays a main line of the opening,castling and developing the rook. Whiteuses the optimal 3 pawn classical opening.

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Be3 Be77. Bd3 O-O8. O-O Re8

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White heads off with a center pawn attack.Black avoids initiating the exchange, whichwould open the center; instead he developsthe fianchetto, inviting white to invade withhis bishop and knight. This attack doesn'treally achieve anything however - white hasto find something else.

9. e5 b610. Be4 Rb811. Nb5 a612. Na7 Bb713. Nc6 Bxc614. Bxc6 Qc8

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Now white initiates exchange of pawns,and brings his heavy pieces to the center.Black is still reacting in his play, trying tofree his side of the board of the invaders.

15. exd6 Bxd616. Qe2 Rd817. Bg5 Be718. Rfe1 Bxg519. Nxg5 Nf620. Rad1 Ne7

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Black finally succeeds in driving off all theenemy pieces. Now follows his only clevermove of the game, offering a pawn only toregain it a few moves later. Nothing reallybrilliant, but enough to stay even and havethe satisfaction of attacking for a while.

White did his best to refute this openingbut at this point he's on the defensive.

21. Ba4 h622. Nf3 b523. cxb5 axb524. Bxb5 Qb725. a4 c626. Bc4 Qxb2

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27. Rd2 Qc328. Rc2 Qb429. Ra1 Nf530. Rd2 Ne431. Qxe4 Qxc432. Rc2 Qd5

Now black invades with his knight andqueen, threatening to win the d-pawn.Black forces an exchange of pieces andthen challenges the white queen.

Post-game analysis showed 30..Ra8 wasbetter, offering black winning chances.

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33. Qxd5 Rxd534. Rxc6 Nxd435. Nxd4 Rxd436. a5 Ra4

Queens and knights are exchanged, andit's still an even game. Black now forces arook exchange to simplify further. Black can already draw at this point:36..Rb2, 37.h3 Rdd2, and then perpetualcheck following ..Rxf2 and ..Rxg2.

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37. Rcc1 Rxa138. Rxa1 Kf839. a6 Ke7 40. f4 Kd641. Kf2 Ra842. g4 Kc643. g5 Kb644. gxh6 gxh6

Black moves over to capture the isolatedrook pawn, as white moves in to clean upon the K-side. Even so white can no longerwin, because he's going to be left withonly a rook pawn, and there's no way toforce its promotion.

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45. Kg3 Rxa646. Rxa6+ Kxa647. Kg4 f6 48. Kh5 e549. fxe5 fxe550. Kg4 Kb651. Kf5 Kc652. Kxe5 Kd753. Kf6 h554. Kf7 h4

Black plays on till white accepts the draw.The D-game can almost always draw; if itsadversary makes a mistake, it can win!

The most important thing is that all of thisis the kind of chess that even less skilledplayers can imitate and improvise - thestrong point of the Defense Game is thateverybody can understand and play it well!


Game 15: Distant Variant Dv3'DGG with WhiteThis game is a good illustration of one ofthe main strength of the Defense Game, toget quickly to the endgame, where goodresults can be obtained with accurate play.

White's Defense Game variant develops onthe Q-side, and waits to see how black willcommit. White chases off the forwardbishop, but then black springs a disclosedattack on his knight.

1. c3 d52. Qc2 e53. d3 Nf64. Nd2 Nc65. Ngf3 Bd66. Nb3 Bf57. Nh4 Be68. Bd2 Ne4

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Following the opening, white consolidatesnicely with a K-side fianchettoed castle,and now has excellent play. Black, likemost adversaries, retires his bishop ratherthan accept an exchange with the knight,allowing it a temporary forward posting.

Black can't find any objective for attack -he tries advancing the rook pawn, but it'sonly a probe, there's nothing serious in it.

9. g3 Nxd210. Nxd2 O-O11. Nhf3 Re812. Bg2 a513. O-O a414. e4 dxe415. Nxe4 Be7

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Now the heavy exchanges occur. As oftenhappens, all the minor pieces are removedfrom the board, leaving the queens, rooks,and lots of pawns - an ideal situation for agood endgame player.

White is temporarily down a pawn, but it'sno problem to equalize: black's doubledoubled pawns cannot be defended.

16. b4 axb317. axb3 Qd518. b4 Red819. Nfg5 Ra220. Qc1 Rxa121. Qxa1 Bxg522. Nxg5 Qxd323. Nxe6 fxe624. Bxc6 bxc6

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White equalizes easily, then maneuversabout looking for a way to unbalance theblack position. Black missed a better linewith 26..Rb8; he seems to be playing for adraw at this point, shuttling his queen andking back and forth pointlessly. But evenin drawish positions, skilled players canfind lines leading to a decisive advantage.

25. Qa7 Qd626. Qe3 c527. bxc5 Qc628. Rb1 Qd529. Re1 Kf730. h3 Qc631. Rb1 Kg832. g4 Qd5

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33. Re1 Kf734. Qg5 Ra835. Qh5+ Kg836. Qxe5 Ra137. Qe2 Rxe1+38. Qxe1 e539. Qe3 h540. c4 Qxc441. Qxe5 hxg442. Qe8+ Kh7

A few more feints and shifts, then whitestrikes, giving check and gaining a pawn.White's queen exploits the situation to themaximum, moving on open lines,

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43. Qh5+ Kg844. hxg4 Qe445. Qg5 Kf746. Kh2 Qf347. Qh5+ g648. Qh7+ Kf6 49. Qh4+ Ke550. Qg5+ Kd4

White keeps the pressure on black, bychasing the king. Black has no hope ofsurviving unless he can get his king intoplay, but he is so exposed that white tripshim on every occasion. Notice how whiterefuses to exchange queens with 46.Qf5and double his K-side pawns: this wouldleave him little chance of winning.

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51. Qxg6 Qxf2+52. Kh3 Qf3+53. Kh4 Qh1+54. Kg5 Qc1+55. Kf6 Qxc556. g5 Qe5+57. Kf7 c5

White's king now becomes the object ofattack; black is able to equalize at the endof the episode, but white is still a stepahead in the race for promotion.

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58. Qf6 Qxf6+59. gxf6 c4 60. Ke6 c361. f7 c262. f8=Q c1=Q63. Qg7+ Kd31/2-1/2

White forces the queen exchange andpromotes first, after that it's a draw.

The endgame is the only part of chesswhich can be thoroughly analyzed; sincethe Defense Game offers a quick route togood endgames, it is a practical strategyfor chess. If your opponent doesn't makemistakes, you draw; if he slips, you win!


Game 16: Close Variant Dv3'D with Black In this contest black plays close variantDv3'D of the Defense Game, moving hisqueen away from a bishop pin early attack.

White plays a 3-pawn classical opening.Black can run the bishop off with an f-pawnpush, but he prefers not to weaken hisK-side; with this line he can challenge thebishop later with normal moves.

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. Bg5 Nd75. c4 Nb66. Nc3 c67. Be2 Qc78. O-O Ng6

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White tries every way possible to attackblack's position, using rook and centerpawn attacks, and a queen invasion.

Black holds well, but his position is nowrather cramped. It will take him the nextseveral moves to mobilize his pieces, aswhite goes for control of the open d-file.

9. a4 Be710. a5 Nd711. Bxe7 Nxe712. b4 O-O13. c5 dxc514. dxc5 Nf615. Qd6 Ne816. Qxc7 Nxc7

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Black's knights and bishop move out, andclear the back ranks. White has control ofthe open file, but this no longer poses athreat for black; he now has equal chancesfor the ensuing game.

17. Rfd1 Ng618. Rd6 Rb819. Rad1 e520. R1d2 Bg421. h3 Bxf322. Bxf3 Ne823. Rd7 Nf624. R7d3 Nf4

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White tries to press by attacking theQ-side pawns, but black stays even with arook sortie. The game is beginning toassume a drawish look, although whitekeeps trying to press the attack with hislast move; better was a quick 32.Rxa6.

25. Rd6 Ne826. Rd8 Rxd827. Rxd8 Nf628. Rd6 Rb829. a6 Ne830. Rd7 bxa631. Rxa7 Rxb432. Bg4 Rc4

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33. Ra8 Kf834. Bd7 Ke735. Bxe8 Rxc336. Bxc6 Rxc537. Rxa6 Rc1+38. Kh2 Rc239. Kg3 Ne2+40. Kh2 Nd4

White again presses with an attack on theking and then the pinned knight, but blackstays even by capturing white's poorlydefended Q-side knight and pawns.

At the end of the episode black gains atempo with a king check, and now has achance to go up a pawn temporarily.

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41. Ra7+ Kd642. Bd5 Rxf243. Rxf7 Rxf744. Bxf7 Ne245. Bg8 Kc546. Bxh7 Kd447. h4 Nc348. g4 Nxe449. g5 Ke350. Kh3 Nc5

An interesting tactical endgame follows,with white again threatening, and blacksaving himself by trading down. Thebishop is superior to the knight in theendgame, but when the bishop can't coverthe promotion squares, this advantagevanishes. Black now has a passed pawn,and his backward pawn is a seriousimpediment on white's path to promotion.

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51. Kg4 e452. h5 Kd253. Bxe4 Nxe454. h6 gxh655. gxh6 Nf6+56. Kg5 Nh7+

Here's how the situation resolves - whitehas to offer his bishop to stop black'spawn from advancing. White then tries toaccompany his pawn to the last rank,where only the black knight can defend.

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57. Kg6 Nf8+58. Kg7 Ne6+59. Kf6 Nf860. Kf7 Nh761. Kg7 Ng562. Kg6 Ne663. Kf7 Ng5+64. Kg8 Ke365. h7 Nxh71/2-1/2

But king and pawn cannot get past theknight, even on the edge of the board.White tries all the possibilities, thenaccepts the draw.

Even when faced by the most aggressiveattackers, the Defense Game is capable ofresisting to the end; but it also offers yougood chances of winning whenever youropponent leaves you any opportunity!


Game 17: Defense Game DvDxE with WhiteHere's a speed chess game played by theauthor against his strong computer rival.It's an illustration of what any amateur cando with the D-system - play decent chess.

Black uses the 2 pawn classical defense,and challenges white with a bishop earlyattack and exchange. This often benefitsthe D-system player, simplifying the game.

1. d3 e52. Nd2 d53. e3 Nc64. Ne2 Nf65. Ng3 Bg46. Be2 Bxe27. Qxe2 Be78. O-O O-O

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White holds his own after the opening. Heuses typical beginner's play, attackinganything that gets too close. Black createssome damage to white's position andsome disturbance with his knight foray,but black can cope with these problems.

9. Re1 Qd710. Nf3 e411. dxe4 dxe412. Nd2 Qd513. a3 Bd614. c4 Qe615. b3 Be516. Rb1 Bxg317. hxg3 Ne518. Bb2 Nd3

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White goes for control of the d-file, and isable to get it. His only real problem is hispoorly placed knight, which is completelyout of the game. White has to remedy thisproblem in order to have any hope ofmaintaining equality.

19. Red1 Nxb220. Rxb2 Rfe821. Nf1 c522. Qd2 Qa623. a4 Rac824. Qd6 Qa5 25. Qd2 Qb626. Qc3 Re627. Rbd2 Qc7 28. Nh2 h6

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White gives up a pawn in order to get hisknight back into the game. Afterwards hisliberated knight is able to create somedisturbance on the Q-side.

29. g4 Qe730. Nf1 Nxg431. Rd7 Qh432. Qc2 Re7 33. Rxe7 Qxe734. Ng3 Re835. Qd2 Nf636. Ne2 Qc737. Nc3 Qb6

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38. Nb5 a639. a5 Qc640. Nc3 Qc7 41. Nd5 Nxd542. Qxd5 Qxa543. Qxb7 Qc344. g3 a545. Rd5 a446. Qb5 Ra847. bxa4 Qa1+

Now white is able to equalize by bringinghis forces to the Q-side, after theexchange of knights. The game actuallypresents white some winning prospects,since he will have a passed central pawn.

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48. Kg2 Kh7 49. Rxc5 Qxa450. Qb7 Ra751. Qxe4+g652. Rd5 Qc653. Qd4 Ra454. Qf4 Kg755. Qe5+ Qf656. Qxf6+ Kxf657. Rd6+ Ke7

White is now able to go ahead materially,due to the positional circumstances, bygiving check and then taking a pawn.

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58. Rc6 Kd759. Rf6 Ke760. Rf4 Ra261. Rd4 Rc262. Kf3 h563. g4 hxg4+64. Rxg4 Ke665. Kg3 Kd666. Rf4 Ke6 67. Re4+ Kd6

White looks for a way to continue andbring his advantage toward a victory.

There follows an exchange of K-sidepawns, with white still holding on tightly tohis precious passed pawn.

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68. Rd4+ Ke669. f3 f570. e4 Rc371. exf5+ gxf572. Kf4 Ke773. Kxf5 Rxf3+74. Ke4 Rg375. Kd5 Kd776. c5 Rg177. Rd3 Kc7

The game simplifies to a rook and pawnversus rook endgame, difficult even for thebest of players. The author played on foranother twenty moves, but wasn't able tofind a way to win. Still it's satisfying todraw against the computer, especiallywhen you have more material at the end!


Game 18: Defense Game Dv0 with BlackHere's a wild game with black playing thestandard Defense Game versus white's 3pawn standard classical opening.

The Defense Game is not often played inits standard form, because most of theD-game close variants are stronger; but itcan be played when the adversary refrainsfrom attacking early, as in this case.

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Ne74. Nc3 Ng65. Nf3 Be76. Be3 Nd77. Bd3 Nb68. O-O Bd7

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White attacks for all he's worth after theopening, bringing his queen out and thenexchanging the center pawns to clear filesfor his rooks. Better for white was toposition his rooks before starting his fullonslaught; he is focused on an aggressiveand direct attempt at refuting the opening.

9. c5 Nc810. Qb3 b611. cxd6 Nxd612. e5 Nc813. d5 exd514. Nxd5 c615. Bxg6 hxg616. Nxe7 Nxe7

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White continues on the attack with a rookinvasion, then a knight sacrifice which hasblack under severe pressure.

Though his situation looks perilous, blackis in fact much better off than white. Theimportant thing for black was to avoidoverreacting to the attack.

17. Rad1 Qc718. Rd6 Nf519. Ng5 O-O20. Nxf7 Rxf721. Rxd7 Qxd722. e6 Nxe3

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Now white misplays slightly: better was23.exf7, retaining his rook for the sequel.For the first time white's furious attackruns out of steam, as black counterseffectively with his rooks.

A classic endgame is the result: queenversus rooks, and the material is balanced.

23. exd7 Nxf124. Kxf1 Rd825. Qe6 Rxd726. Qxc6 Rd2

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27. f3 Kh728. Qc4 Rf529. Qc3 Rd1+30. Ke2 Rh131. Qc7 Rc5

Black's rooks invade the back rank andboth sides prepare to grab pawns. Notehow black's doubled pawn shields his kingfrom enemy queen checks, allowing hisrooks more autonomy of movement.

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32. Qxa7 Rc2+33. Ke3 Rxb234. h3 Rxg235. Qxb6 Rxa236. Qb3 Rg2 37. Qf7 Rxh3

Black's rooks are truly 'wild pigs' cleaningup all of white's pawns. White's queentakes what she can, but the doubled pawncan't be attacked. Black goes a pawn up,and is now ready to win another pawn.

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38. Qf8 Rgg339. Qf4 Rxf3+40. Qxf3 Rxf3+41. Kxf3 Kh642. Kf4 Kh5 43. Kf3 Kh444. Kf4 g5+0-1

Black takes the pawn, exchanges pieces,and advances for promotion with hisdoubled pawn. Black then resigns.

Though slightly less strong than most ofits close variants, the standard opening isnevertheless capable of performing well,as this game testifies.


Game 19: Distant Variant Dv55xE with WhiteHere's an exciting contest with whiteplaying the remotely classical lookingD-system distant variant Dv55xE.

Black builds a solid 2 pawn defense, thenmoves his knight forward, accepting theinvitation to exchange for white's bishop.He then throws in a rook pawn attack,inviting white to take the gambit pawn.

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. e4 Nf64. Ne2 Nc65. Ng3 Be66. Be2 Nd47. O-O h58. exd5 Bxd5

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White has pressure on the half open e-fileafterwards, but black is able to defendadequately and castle to safety.

Note the long diagonal filled with pawns:rarely seen before in chess practice.

9. c3 Nxe2+10. Qxe2 Qe711. Re1 Nd712. Nf3 f613. d4 O-O-O

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Heavy exchanges now follow. Playing thruthis part of the game, It appears as thougheach side has calculated his line one movedeeper than the opponent! The attacking issharp on both sides, but the game remainsequal and perfectly balanced materially.

14. dxe5 Bxf315. Qxf3 Nxe516. Qf5+ Kb8 17. Ne4 Nd318. Rd1 Qd719. Qxd7 Rxd7

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White tries to apply pressure, but blacksaves himself with the fine 23..Nxb2. Whiteis now a move behind.

The pawn structure is unbalanced, makinga drawn game less probable than before.

20. Be3 Be721. Rd2 Rhd822. Rad1 g623. Bd4 Nxb224. Rxb2 c525. Nxc5 Bxc526. Kf1 Kc7

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27. Rdb1 Bxd428. Rxb7+Kc629. Rxd7 Rxd730. cxd4 Rxd431. Ke2 Ra4 32. Rb2 Kd5

More sharp exchanges follow, with whiteable to recoup a tempo with the rookchecks and exchange. Now the pawnasymmetry has been repaired, and thegame definitely looks drawish.

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33. f3 g534. Rd2+ Ke535. Kf2 g436. fxg4 hxg437. Kg3 f538. Kh4 Rd4 39. Rxd4 Kxd440. Kg5 Ke441. a4 a5

Black and white struggle for control of theK-side, where the game can be won if apassed pawn is produced. After the rookexchange, this reaches an impasse.

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42. g3 Ke543. Kh4 Kd444. Kg5 Ke4 45. Kf6 f446. gxf4 Kxf447. Kg6 g348. hxg3+ Kxg3

White has his adversary in a bind - there'sno way that black can support a pawnadvance now. Both pawns are exchanged,and a race to the Q-side starts, with whitea move ahead.

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49. Kf5 Kf350. Ke5 Ke351. Kd5 Kd352. Kc5 Kc353. Kb5 Kd454. Kxa5 Kc51/2-1/2

Here's how the situation resolves: whitegets to the Q-side first, but the rook pawnpromotion cannot be forced, so it's a draw.

The typical character of D-system Gamesis seen in this game: after the openingcome sharp exchanges, often leaving rookendgames and many pawns on the board.Study up on rook endgames and you canplay great chess with the D-game!


Game 20: Defense Game Dv5'E with BlackHere's a good example of tough positionalchess with the Defense Game. Black playsone of the main D-game lines, castlingprior to challenging the center with e5.

White's 3 pawn F back classical opening isone of the best responses to the D-game,going for long term positional strengthrather than pressing with early attack.

1. e4 e62. Nf3 d63. d4 Ne74. Be2 Nd75. c4 Ng66. O-O Be77. Nc3 O-O8. Be3 e5

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After the opening both sides continue tobuild. White constructs a big forward pawnwall and then repositions his rooks. Blackadopts a compact and resistant recessedpawn formation, and replaces his pieces.in the characteristic side-by-side manner.The stage is set for contact on the Q-side.

9. Qc2 c610. a3 Qc711. b4 Nf612. h3 Bd713. Rfd1 Rfb814. Rab1 b6

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White tries to set up a rook barrage, but ispreempted by black's pawn advance, andcloses the pawn structure instead. Whiteexchanges center pawns, creating a holefor his knight on d5, which he thenoccupies. Black doesn't exchange with theforward knight, as this would create anadvanced passed pawn, which could bedecisive in the endgame.

15. Rb2 a516. b5 c517. dxe5 dxe518. a4 Be619. Rbb1 Rd8

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White maintains his strong knight posting,but is not able to bring any other piecesforward to create an attack around it.

White's position is somewhat better, as hehas more space and a piece in enemyterritory; but exploiting this theoreticaladvantage is not an easy task.

20. Bd3 Bc821. Nd5 Qd622. Bc1 Bb723. Bb2 Re824. Re1 Rad825. Rbd1 Nd7

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26. Qc3 Bf627. Bc2 Qb828. Qa3 Be729. g3 Ngf830. Qc3 Bd631. Bd3 Ne6

White tries reconfigurations of his pieces,but he appears to be at a loss for ideas.Black also shifts his pieces around, andnow is ready to move his knight to his own'hole' on d4. After he does so, he will bewell placed to attack on the K-side.

White's positional advantage has beenerased. Black is now at least equal, andmay even be slightly better off.

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32. Bf1 Nd433. Bg2 Bf834. Qd2 Qd635. Qd3 Nf636. h4 Bc837. Nh2 Bd738. Rd2 Nxd539. exd5 Bf5

Black occupies his forward knight post;after more piece relocations, he exchangeswith white's knight: finally a bit of action!

Black has mobilized his K-side. and nowchallenges the white queen. Black has theinitiative, still the game remains balanced.

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40. Qc3 Qg6 41. Nf3 f642. Nh2 Bd6 43. Rc1 Re744. Qe3 Bc2

Black now configures his attack on theK-side, with the participation of all hispieces and a few mobile pawns. At theend he invades with his bishop andthreatens white's backward a-pawn.

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45. Qa3 Be446. Qe3 Bc247. Qa3 Be448. Qe3 Bc21/2-1/2

Although black can open a K-side attackwith 45..e4, it is not obvious that this cansucceed. Black prefers to go for a draw byrepetition instead.

If you like positional play and have thepatience to outlast your adversary, youwill find in the Defense Game an excellentbasis for this style of play.


Characterizing Play With the Defense Game

For players of all skill levels most of the moves of the standard opening can be carried withminimal or no modifications, and a solid defense is constructed. Afterwards the system playerstarts to expand his position with pawn advances and piece relocations, usually the knights.Pawn advances inevitably push back the adversary and gain space. The knight replacementstypically draw pawn attacks, often marking the beginning of real contact on the board.

The recessed pawn formation of the Defense Game prevents any breakthru by theadversary in the center. He usually settles for exchanging one or more pieces, especially if this isseen to produce some damage in the pawn structure, or other positional advantage. In mostgames, exchanges of pieces occur soon after the opening, whereas pawn exchanges are lessfrequent. The center pawns typically are not exchanged until the system player prefers to do so.

There are many different ways to play this system, but the main lines are those which go fordevelopment of the K-side portion of the standard opening, typically followed by castling and acenter challenge. The center challenge is well supported by the disposition of pieces, and forcesthe opponent's hand in subsequent play. Another way of playing the system, less aggressive,waits for the opponent to advance center pawns. In this latter case the system player can usuallydecide whether to close or open the pawn structure.

Closed pawn structures give good drawing chances for lesser skilled players. Openstructures lead to sharper play, with good attacking prospects for both sides. There are alsomany lines which attack exclusively on the flanks, but the most commonly used strategy incontinuing play from the standard opening is based on the building of a concentration of piecessupporting a center pawn challenge.

The adversary responses to the Defense Game are highly predictable: typically he plays the2 or 3 pawn standard classical openings, sometimes with a piece on the second instead of thethird rank. Since the adversary reactions are so predictable, it is easy for all players to developexperience rapidly in playing this system. Even beginners can quickly acquire the experience andtactical skills to play confidently and correctly after the opening and well into the middle game.

During the opening a system player carries out a standard opening, in most cases with nomodification forced by opponent play. This is the great strategic advantage of the Defense Game,that it confronts successfully all possible adversary opening deployments. But development cancontinue long after the standard moves, as he proceeds according to plan along preferred lines.Using the standard opening, any system player can prepare deep into the middle game; andanyone that well prepared will have an adequate basis to become an extremely solid player.

5. Early Attacks on the Defense Game

The adversary of the Defense Game can choose from a large number of valid responses tothe D-system opening. He can focus on his own development, as does the Defense Game itself,which he is free to pursue without opposition. Many opponents use this opportunity to buildstrong classical positions which occupy and control the center, and provide good play afterwards.In master level play, such well constructed classical defenses are those most frequently used.

It is also possible to attack the Defense Game during its opening moves, or immediatelyafterwards. These early attacks have limited scope, seeking in general only to exchange a pieceor pawn. Early attacks do not seriously affect the standard opening, and are neither dangerousnor disruptive. In many cases Defense Game lines can be completed despite an early attack; inother cases a change of lines is better. Players of the Defense Game should be familiar with all ofthe early attacks, and also know several of the most effective ways to respond to all of them.

The Defense Game always plays the same opening moves, so all the early attacks aregenerally valid against it, that is they can almost always be played. For each type of early attack,some sequences of the standard opening will be more vulnerable than others. The system playertherefore does well to vary his sequences of opening, to keep his opponent guessing.

Some of the early attacks are shut down by ‘prophylactic’ moves that are also occasionally

used in continuing play from the standard position. The most common prophylactic moves arethe rook pawn advances and second advances of the center pawns. If your opponent favors earlyattacks you may prefer to introduce one of these moves. This only delays your standard openingslightly and in most cases shuts down the early attack completely.

The underpinning provided by prophylactic moves justifies their introduction; but they aremostly defensive in nature and so do not contribute best to an attack. The sharper lines thereforeare those where little use is made of prophylaxis, and the system player counter attacks ratherthan defending against an early attack. The Defense Game is highly resistant to early attacks ofany kind; against all of them it is capable of generating sharp counter play, retaining equality anda solid position, and occasionally punishing the adversary for his impatience and aggression.

The early attacks on the Defense Game fall into a small number of very distinct categories:rook pawn, bishop, and center pawn. Combinations of early attacks are also possible. All theearly attacks are easy to recognize; and in most cases the obvious responses are also correct, soeven beginners should be able to deal with them adequately. Better players will be able toformulate strong counterattacks to any early attacks. Beginners should stick to prophylaxis, andavoid sharper exchange and counter attacking lines until their chess playing skills improvesignificantly. in chess, before you attack you should be confidant that your defense is adequate.

Early Attacks 69

Rook Pawn Early Attacks on the Defense Game

The most frequent early attack on the Defense Game is the rook pawn attack. In it youradversary attacks your relocated knight with his rook pawn on that side. The attack may obligeyou to move the knight, so you must have a good relocation square for the knight. Rook pawnattacks are somewhat disruptive, but experience in play has not shown them capable of providinga decisive advantage. In many cases the advanced rook pawn becomes a liability, because it canbe attacked later. There are many different ways to respond to the rook pawn early attack: someare quiet, others more aggressive. Here are a few examples of rook pawn early attacks andresponses, playing with black. The scenarios are very similar when the system player has white.

Rook pawn early attacks usually start assoon as one of the knights is relocated.The most serious case is the K-side rookpawn early attack against black, as shown.

Here black develops his bishop after therook pawn advance. On his next movewhite continues the rook pawn advance;black can now choose either Nf8 or Nh4.

Example 1:1. Nf3 d62. e4 Nd73. d4 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bd3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 ...

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If the knight retreats, the adversary oftencontinues advancing his rook pawn; avariety of responses are then possible.

Here is one of the easiest to play, 8..g6.White lodges the rook pawn, but it doesn'tcause any real inconvenience for black,who proceeds with normal development,and a center challenge. This line is best forbeginners and most intermediate players.

Example 1a:7. ... Ngf88. h6 g69. Be3 e510. Nd5 Nf611. Nxf6+ Bxf612. dxe5 dxe513. Qe2 Ne614. O-O-O O-O

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An aggressive alternative to 8..g6 is 8..g5 -the doubly advanced knight pawn is wellsupported, and can advance further todislodge the knight, and participate in ageneral K-side assault. Here we see one ofthe possible continuations based on thisstrong counter attacking move.

Example 1b:7. ... Ngf88. h6 g59. Be3 Ng610. Qe2 a611. O-O-O b512. e5 Bb7

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§��³˜§�”“�—¹“�“��“”��¯��”��’‘��–›�•’�‘’‘¬�’��²¤��¤

Example 1c:7. ... Ngf88. h6 Rg89. hxg7 Rxg710. g3 c611. Bh6 Rg812. Qd2 Qa513. O-O-O e5

The other alternatives playable for black's8th move are Rg8, gxh6, and Bf6. Here isan example based on Rg8, inviting a pawnexchange and opening the g-file forblack's rook. In this continuation, blackchooses a sharp counter attacking line.Though compromised, his position is stillcapable of warding off any white attack.

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Example 1d:7. h5 Nh48. Nxh4 Bxh49. h6 g610. Be3 Bg511. Bxg5 Qxg512. Qf3 O-O

The alternative move for black'sthreatened knight is 7..Nh4, inviting anexchange with the white knight. This canbe a very good line for black, as in thecontinuation shown here, where black isable to consolidate and maintain equality.

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Example 1e:6. h4 h57. Be3 Be78. g3 Nb69. a4 a510. O-O Bd7

Another way of reacting to the rook pawnearly attack is to block it with a doubleadvance of your own rook pawn, shuttingdown the attack. This is the standardreaction to the attack on the Q-side. On theK-side it has liabilities, but avoidspressure for a while. Here black shutsdown 2 rook pawn attacks, and completesthe Defense Game in standard form.

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“��—”��‘��‘��–��‘’‘¬›’‘�¦��²��¤

Example 1f:6. h4 e57. h5 Ne78. Be3 exd49. Nxd4 Ne510. Be2 N7c611. O-O Nxd412. Qxd4 c6

It's also possible to counter attack in theface of a rook pawn attack. The exampleshown here with 6..e5 leaves blacksomewhat behind in development, but withfree play, and no immediate threats. Alsoworth considering is 6..c5. You may wishto reserve these moves for surprise effect.

There are many valid responses to a rookpawn early attack; develop your repertoire!

Early Attacks 71

Bishop Early Attacks on the Defense Game

In the bishop early attack, your opponent brings a bishop out to attack your king or queen,most commonly by pinning your knight. Bishop early attacks are frequently seen in play againstthe Defense Game. Forward bishop placements can always be challenged, using flank pawnadvances, but these challenging moves weaken your position somewhat, and should be used withreserve. The alternative reaction is to move your king or queen off the line of attack. The principalaim of the attack is to provoke you into advancing one of your pawns, or to maintain pressure onyour game if you do not. There is a wide variety of adequate responses to this attack.

A bishop pin can be challenged by yourrook pawn and forced to exchange orretreat; most adversaries prefer to retreat.

If the bishop retires to the flank, you cancontinue to harass it with flank pawnadvances. If it retreats to the center, youhave gained a move, but your advancedflank pawn can prove to be a weak point inyour normal development afterwards.

Example 2:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Bg5 h6

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Here white retreats to the flank, and blackpursues the bishop with his flank pawns,then develops his bishop in fianchetto.

In subsequent play white's other bishop isdeveloped forward, challenged by black'sknights, and exchanged off. Black is nowin good shape, even though he has movedaway from the standard lines.

Example 2a:6. Bh4 g57. Bg3 Bg78. Bc4 Nb69. Bb3 Nc610. h3 Na511. O-O Nxb312. axb3 h5

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If the adversary bishop retreats to thecenter, you can proceed with your normaldevelopment, but keep in mind that yourknight on that side may be exchanged offlater, leaving you an undefended pawn.

Here black completes his development andpushes on the center with e5, exchangespawns and challenges the forward knight.Also good here were 11..Nc5 and 11..Nf6.

Example 2b:6. Be3 Ng67. Bd3 Be78. Qd2 O-O9. O-O-O e510. Nd5 exd411. Nxd4 Nb6

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”��˜�”��—”��•��–‘��›��‘’‘¬�’‘’��²¤��¤

§��¯³��¨”�”—˜“¹��”�”“�“”��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²�

Example 2c:6. Be3 g67. Bd3 Bg78. O-O b6

Regardless of how the opponent reacts,after your rook pawn advance you canmove into a close variant of the Beginner'sGame, while retaining the initiative. TheBeginner's Game with its close variantshave shown to be a powerful and versatilegeneral purpose opening system. In thediagram black plays B-system variant Bv8.

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Example 3:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Bg5 f6

The forceful response to the bishop earlyattack is to advance your bishop pawn andoblige it to retreat. On the Q-side thismove is fine for everyone, but on theK-side it's recommended mostly for betterplayers, because of additional risks toyour king.

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Example 3a: 6. Be3 Ng67. Bd3 Be78. h4 Nb69. h5 Nf810. h6 g611. Qd2 e5

Here black continues normal developmentdespite his weakened K-side. White thentries a rook pawn attack. Black latercounters in the center, but his position issomewhat weak after the f-pawn advance.

§��³¹�¨”“��”“�¯“”�”—��–‘��‘‘’‘�›’‘�¦��ª�¤²�

Example 3b:6. Be3 Nb67. Bd3 e58. O-O Bg49. Be2 Ng610. h3 exd411. Nxd4 Bd712. Nd5 c613. Nxb6 Qxb6

Here's a more aggressive continuation:black goes for the attack, and keeps it forseveral moves; white loses the initiative.

All of these lines, like the Defense Gameitself, will be unfamiliar to your adversary,allowing you to gain a psychologicaladvantage with rapid and incisive play.

Early Attacks 73

Of course you are under no obligation toreact to the bishop pin immediately; youcan continue your development on theopposite side, and react later, if at all.

Example 4:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Bg5 Nb6

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Here's an example continuation with blackdeveloping Q-side, and then moving offthe line of the bishop pin. Blackexchanges center pawns, and now hasvarious ways to react to the bishop attack.

Example 4a:6. Bd3 Bd77. O-O Bc68. a4 a59. Re1 Qd710. b3 d511. exd5 Nbxd512. Nxd5 Bxd513. c4 Bc6

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A standard D-game response is to developyour c-pawn and bring the queen out, sorelieving the bishop pin. You can thenproceed with your usual play.

The best defense is a good offense; hereblack's counter attack encourages white toretire the invading bishop voluntarily.

Example 4b:6. Bd3 c67. O-O Qc78. a4 a59. Qe2 e510. Be3 Ng611. d5 Be7

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After you have freed the pinned piece, anddeveloped your knight and bishop on theattacked side, the adversary will have toexchange with your bishop, or retreat. Inmany games he chooses to exchange. Inany case, that's the end of the episode.

Example 4c:6. Bd3 c67. O-O Qc78. Qd2 Ng69. Rfe1 Be710. Bxe7 Qxe7

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Example 5:5. Bg5 e56. dxe5 dxe57. Be2 h68. Bh4 c69. O-O Qb6

If your opponent persists in using thebishop early attack, you might want toshock him occasionally with a completelydifferent reaction, such as this earlydeparture from the system with a centerchallenge and a queen sortie, which is amore aggressive way of eluding the pin.

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Example 6:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Bb5 a66. Ba4 b57. Bb3 Nb68. O-O Bd7

On the Q-side the bishop attack is lessbothersome, and all possible reactions toit are good. An immediate c-pawn push isespecially strong, and fits into your gameperfectly, but the a-pawn push may beeven better, especially if your opponentchooses to retreat to the flank, as shown.

You can also proceed with normal K-sidedevelopment and castle away from the pin.

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Example 7a: 1. e4 d62. d4 Nd73. Bg5 h64. Bh4 g55. Bg3 c56. dxc5 Bg77. c3 Nxc5

Another bishop early attack is the pin onthe pawn. You're not likely to see it unlessyour opponent expects you're playing theD-system. The reactions to this attackinclude those already seen, plus severalothers that are valid. Here black runs thebishop off with his flank pawns, developsthe bishop in fianchetto, and uses it toequalize effectively early after opening.

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Example 7b:3. Bg5 Ngf64. Nc3 e65. Nf3 Be76. Bb5 c67. Bd3 O-O

Since the knight is not pinned, it can bebrought out in normal fashion, offeringanother way to respond to the attack. Hereblack has completed a D-system variantand is in good shape, with the bishopattack no longer causing any difficulties.

Early Attacks 75

Center Pawn Early Attacks on the Defense Game

In the center pawn attack, your opponent advances one of his center pawns to the fifthrank, proposing a center pawn exchange. Although center pawn attacks may seem to be a goodway of engaging the Defense Game, analysis and experience in play has shown that these movesare not the best continuations for the adversary. In master level play against the Defense Gamethey are rarely seen, confirming their relatively low value. Although center pawn attacks are notparticularly dangerous, they are playable; in amateur games you are likely to see them quite often.Below are shown a variety of center pawn attacks, versus the Defense Game played with black.

Center pawn attacks can start as soon asthe 5th move, although they usually start abit later. They are not really dangerous,and are not usually the best attacking line.

Here white starts a center pawn attackearly. Black has his choice of responses:accept the exchange, advance his attackedpawn or continue with his development.

Example 8:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. d5 ...

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Here we see a continuation in which blackaccepts the exchange, and then continueswith his normal development. White laterexchanges his bishop for black's knight,causing some damage on the K-side, butotherwise black's position is satisfactory.

The usual aim of the center pawn attack isto free the action of the bishop, allowingthis exchange. It's nothing really serious.

Example 8a:5. d5 exd56. exd5 Ng67. Bd3 Be78. Bxg6 hxg69. Qe2 O-O10. Be3 Re811. O-O-O Bf612. Nd4 a613. Rhe1 Nb6

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When your opponent develops a 3 pawncenter, you are still not at risk, as long asyou delay development of your Q-sideknight, as black does here.

White tries the center pawn attack; blackcontinues with his normal development,and emerges in very good shape afterwhite exchanges a center pawn.

Example 9a:1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. d5 Be77. dxe6 fxe68. Bd3 O-O9. O-O Bf6

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Example 9b:6. d5 exd57. cxd5 Be78. Bb5 O-O9. O-O a6

Also good is initiating the exchange ofcenter pawns. Black has no difficulties atall in the continuation shown here.

Avoiding the exchange by advancing yourattacked center pawn is quite playable,and recommended for beginners, becauseit tends to closed games. It's not generallythe strongest line for better players.

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Example 10:1. e4 d62. d4 Nd73. Nf3 Nb64. Bd3 Bd75. c4 e66. Nc3 Ne77. c5 ...

Somewhat more problematic are thesequences of the D-game which developthe Q-side knight early, against adversary3 pawn openings. Here black's knight willbe forced to retreat to c8, whether or nothe chooses to exchange center pawns.

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Example 10a:7. c5 dxc58. dxc5 Nbc89. Qb3 Rb810. Be3 Nc611. Rd1 Na512. Qc2 Nc6

In this continuation black is left with acramped position, and now has problemsgetting his pieces into play. Better wasbringing the knight to f6 so retaining theaction of the king bishop against thec-pawn advance, but this too is weak.Avoiding such early attacks is one of thereasons that most lines of the D-gamerelocate the Q-side knight only later on.

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Example 11:1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nc3 d64. f4 Nd75. Nf3 Ng66. Bd3 Be77. f5 exf58. exf5 Nh49. O-O Nxf3+10. Qxf3 O-O

Against K-side 3 pawn centers, there islittle to fear from center pawn attacks,since the king knight has a flight square,and threatens to exchange with theadversary's knight in its usual placement.Here black initiates the exchange of pawnsand knights, then castles and has a finegame. Since the K-side of the D-game isvery strong, this type of 3 pawn opening israrely attempted by the adversary.

Early Attacks 77

6. Playing Against the Defense Game

This can be considered a difficult subject, or an easy one. Until now no responses havebeen found to the Defense Game that consistently put it in serious difficulty. But a large numberof responses have shown to be very strong. We can already identify many of the best defenses.Among them are the strongest conventional openings that have ever been seen in chess; each atheoretically perfect deployment. But non of them have proved superior to the standard opening.

The Defense Game allows the adversary to play any opening he wants, almost withoutopposition. Responses to the standard opening are the least constrained and so in principle themost varied possible. The Defense Game has to face hundreds of valid adversary defenses, morethan for other openings in chess. Most of these defenses are new, in the sense that they have notbeen playable until the present. In fact, a completely new game of chess results from playing thissystem, because the opening positions on both sides have never been seen before!

It is a fascinating quest to find the best rivals to the Defense Game. When one is at almostcomplete liberty to compose, play in the opening becomes an exercise for the imagination, quitedifferent from the close contact and blow-by-blow character of conventional opening play. Theusual dynamic clash of force and constraint becomes instead a calm deployment phase as oneplays the component moves of a preferred opening position. It is as though you are setting upthe board deep into the opening and starting the game from there!

Here we present a sampler of adversary openings that have shown to be strong against theDefense Game. It is a highly varied assortment of stunning new openings. All readers areencouraged to choose a few that look interesting to try in play. Beginners and lesser intermediateplayers should mostly play the variants of the Defense Game, while they are gaining experience inthe system. Better players should try some of everything. It’s a completely new game of chess!

This discussion of playing against the Defense Game is divided into five parts: earlyattacks, classical defenses, custom defenses, B-system defenses, and C-systems defenses. Theseare all strong responses, but none of them have shown to be stronger than the Defense Game.

Early Attacks:

Early attacks start at the 5th to 8th move. Those most frequently seen in master level playare the rook pawn attacks and bishop early attacks; the center pawn attacks are used less often.When attacked early, usually only one or two moves of the standard opening are affected; mostdevelopment and resulting play remains the same. In general early attacks do not succeed inpushing the Defense Game significantly off track. Often they result in loss of time and initiativefor the adversary. All early attacks can be avoided by defensive play and can also be challengedby aggressive counter play. Early attacks are aggressive, but not more aggressive than responseswhich avoid early conflict and build strong positions. At master level, early attacks occur in aminority of games: it would appear they are not the strongest responses to the Defense Game.

The author’s assessment of the different early attacks:! Rook pawn attacks have a number of effective responses. ! Bishop attacks are not dangerous, but can provoke some weakness in pawn structure ! Center pawn attacks are usually not problematic.

Early attacks have scored wins in games from the positions shown below at 8 moves. Most winswere recorded with the rook pawn attacks, but all the early attacks have won on occasion.

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“”“��”��”��‘��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤A4v8 Rook Pawn

§��¯³��¨”“”��“�“��—”“�“’��’‘��¹��–›��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²��¤

A3v88Gx Rook Pawn

§˜�¯³��¨”“”—¹“”“��”“��‘��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘�¦��ª²��¤

A4v8 Rook Pawn

§˜��³¹�¨”“¯��“”��“”“�—”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ A3vC3CF1 Bishop

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“��˜�”“��”��”��‘’‘��›�•��‘’��’‘’¦•�ª�¤²� A3vC3C Bishop

§��³��¨”“�—¯“”“��“”“�—��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²�A2vC3Cx Bishop

§˜�¯³�§�”“”“¹“”“��“��‘��’‘�ª��–��‘’‘��’‘�¦��²›�¤A3v8GxD7 Rook Pawn &Queen

§˜�¯³��¨”“”�¹“�“��“�—��“��’‘��–��•��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤A3v888xC2 Rook Pawn &Bishop

§˜�¯³��¨”“”�¹“�“��“�—��“��’‘��–��•��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤A3v88xC2 Center Pawn

Playing Against the Defense Game 79

Classical Defenses:

The classical defenses shown here are the strongest conventional openings that exist.They use two or three doubly advanced center pawns, and strong central piece placements.Castling is usually performed, and the queen relocated. Classical defenses place a great mass ofmaterial in the center, maximizing the potential for attack while retaining a strong defense. Thoseshown below are among the defenses most commonly used. For purposes of illustration, only theDefense Game standard opening is shown. These defenses were first described in 'The Beginner'sGame.' Coded names are explained briefly below; descriptive names are simpler but less precise.

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��—��˜��”“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C3vF1 3 Pawn F back

§��³��¨”“��“”“�¯—¹�˜��”“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C3vD2 3 Pawn Queen out

§��¯�¨³�”“��“”“��—¹�˜��”“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C3v0 3 Pawn Standard

§��¯§�³�”“”��“”“��—¹�˜��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C2vC1H1 2 Pawn C back

§��¨³�”“”�“”“��—��˜��¹“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C2vF2 2 Pawn F center

§��¨³�”“”�“”“��—¹�˜��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C2v0 2 Pawn Standard

§��¯�¨³�”“”��“¹“��—��˜“��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C2v7F5 2 pawn F fianchetto

§��¨³�”“”�¹“”“��—��˜��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C2vD1F1 2 pawn F back

§��¨³�”“”�“”“��—�“˜��¹“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤C1v5C2F2 1 pawn FC center

Custom Defenses:

A custom defense is one which has been specially designed to confront the Defense Game.Many imaginative and often impressive openings can be designed. The custom defenses shownbelow have all proved to be strong responses to the standard opening. These defenses were firstintroduced and named by the author in 'The Beginner's Game.' Despite their expansive andaggressive deployments, until the present the custom defenses have not proved to be strongerthan the more commonly played classical defenses. (NB: in this and next sections only DefenseGame standard opening is shown in diagrams; they are not starting positions from actual games.)

§��¯³��¨”“�—˜�”“��¹��”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤D4vB1G1 4 pawn ‘Tomahawk’

§��¯³��¨”��—�“”“�”�¹�˜��”“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤D3v2B1C5 3 pawn ‘Shotgun’

§��¯³��¨”“��”“��—¹�˜��”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤D4v0 4 pawn Standard

§˜�¯³��¨�“��˜�”��¹��”�”“”“�“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤D6vG1 6 pawn ‘Six Gun’

§˜�¯³��¨��“”“��¹�˜��”“”“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤D5vC1 5 pawn ‘Queen Wing’

§��¯³��¨�“”��“”��—¹�˜��”��“”��“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤D4v18 4 pawn ‘Battle Axe’

The coded names attempt to give details of the opening: first the type of response (early Attack,B-system, Classical, custom Designed), then the number of doubly advanced pawns, then ‘v’(meaning ‘variant’), and then the figures that moved differently from the related standard opening:first numbers (1-8) for the pawns, and then letters (A-H) for the pieces. The pieces have severalvariant moves; the number following the piece letter indicates which of these moves was made. Ifa figure is moved twice, this is indicated by repeating the pawn number or piece letter. Note thatD-system openings have names starting with the Initials 'Dv', whereas custom designed defenseshave names with D3v, D4v, D5v, D6v, so the two naming schemes are easily distinguished. In thesame way the names of classical defenses are distinguished from the C-system defenses.


B-system Defenses

B-system openings are related to the Beginner's Game, and all obey a set of rules similar tothat of the D-system, using pawn chains and piece placement mostly behind the pawns. Theirnames list component moves different from the Beginner's Game. The coded names use a morecompact form of the nomenclature used for classical and custom defenses. The defenses shownbelow with black are a only a few of the many B-system openings that are strong responses to theDefense Game. B-system close variants, which imitate closely the Beginner's Game, are amongthe best defenses, but almost all of the B-system variants are playable, and most are very strong!

§��¯³��¨”�”�˜“¹“�”—”“�“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ BvB

§˜�¯³�—¨”��¹“�”“”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Bv3’6’

§��¯³��¨”�”—˜“¹“�”�”“�“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Beginner's Game

��³¨�¹—¨”�¯—�“”“�”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Bv3’DE’

§��¯³��¨”�”—˜“¹“�”�”��“��”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Bv5

§��¯�¨³�”�”—¹“”“�”�”“˜��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤

BvEFG

§��¯³��¨”“�—˜�”“��“¹�”��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤

Bv3'456'C'F'

§˜��³�—¨”��”�¹“�”�”��“��”��“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤

Bv36D'

§˜��³�—¨��¯�”“¹““��”��“��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤

Bv123D

C-system Defenses

Among the best defenses to the Defense Game are the variants of the C-system. Virtuallyall of the C-system variants are playable against the Defense Game, and most all of them are alsovery strong responses. Those shown below with black are just a few of the C-system variants thathave proved to be very effective against the standard opening. Variant names list theircomponent moves that are different from the six standard moves of the Center Game.

§˜�¯�¨³��“”�¹“”�“��”“˜�”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ CvEG

§��¯³�—¨�“��¹“”�“�—”“��”��”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv3B

§˜�¯³�—¨��”�¹“��“��”“��”�“��”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv27

§˜�¯³��¨�“”�¹��“��”“˜�”��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv67G

§��¯³��¨�“��¹“”�“�—”“˜�”��”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv3BG

§˜�¯�¨³��“”�¹“”�“��“˜�”��“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv4EG

§˜�¯³�—¨��”�¹“��”�”“�“�”��“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv12'7'8

§˜�¯³�—¨��”��“¹�“��”“��”�“��”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv27CF

§��¯³�—¨��¹�”““�—”“��“”��“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ Cv236B


In addition to the early attacks, classical openings, custom openings, and B and C systemopenings, the D-system openings can also be played against other D-system openings, with goodresults. In this case both players are generally being cautious about their opening play, preferringto see how the other player deploys before committing themselves to an offensive line.

All of the defenses shown in this chapter are very effective against the standard opening.But there are hundreds of others that are just as good. All of the openings in this great multitudeare as strong or stronger than anything which has ever been seen before in chess. We can onlyreact with utter amazement that none of this great multitude have proved to be consistentlyeffective against the standard opening, with its fixed set of moves!

The enormous variety of valid responses to the Defense Game increases the chance thateventually some will be found which can present serious problems. But even if defenses arefound that put the standard opening in real difficulty, there are so many possible sequences, andso many close variants, that there will always be ways of avoiding specific problematic lines. Thelarge number of move sequences and diversity of strong variants is the best possible guaranteethat the Defense Game will never be surpassed in its ability to respond to attacks of any kind.

7. The D-system Definition

We have already seen examples of variants of the Defense Game, which modify moves ofthe standard opening. Some of these result from reactions to adversary play, as in the earlyattacks. In most such variants however, introduced moves are not forced but voluntary. Oftenintroduced moves are chosen from those typically used in continuing play after the standardopening. If the omitted moves are then performed later, these variants are in fact different threadsof the same basic opening, and should be included in a general system of play associated with it.

Pawn moves are commonly introduced during the opening, especially the center pawn,rook pawn, and queen bishop pawns, but almost any of the possible pawn moves may be played.Knight moves are also frequently introduced, especially when used as reactions to early attacks.Castling is another example, but there also many other introduced moves that are playable. Mostof these moves contain valid lines and so merit inclusion in a general schema for opening play.

In an attempt to describe a complete system around the standard opening, which is bothvalid and clearly related to it, the author here proposes the D-system definition. All openings inthe D-system contain most of the standard opening moves, and also resemble the Defense Gamein the general style of play that results. A simple rule-based definition of the D-system allows todistinguish clearly openings that are in the system from those that are not.

Many of the variants of the Defense Game are in the B-system and the C-system; it wouldbe possible to base a D-system definition on a subset of these systems, eg. all B/C systemmembers that contain most of the standard moves. But many interesting variants of the DefenseGame are outside these system rules. The obvious violations of the B-system rules are pawn andknight double moves. If we want to include these variants in the D-system, we must use adifferent set of rules from that of these other two systems.

The D-system definition proposed differentiates and distinguishes the D-system from the Band C-systems. The Defense Game itself is very different from the both, although some movesfigure in all three systems. They are also very different in the style of games that result. TheD-system rules chosen help keep these three systems at a significant and recognizable distance.

The D-system definition is based on openings at eight moves, as are the B-system andC-system definitions, and is intended to contain most of the best lines associated with theDefense game. Each D-system member contains at least four of the eight standard moves, and upto four additional moves to distinguish it as a variant of the Defense Game.

Openings which are close to the Center Game and the Beginner's Game are of specialinterest to chess. The author calls these openings the BD and CD hybrids. They contain aspectsof both these standard openings, and so are links between the two systems of play. Knowing howto play the BD/CD hybrids increases a system player's capacity to move between and exploit thenatural strengths of these three powerful new chess opening systems.

The D-system Definition 85

D-system Rules:

An opening is in the D-system if and only if during the first eight opening moves:! At least four of the eight standard moves of the Defense Game are played ! Bishops are developed initially behind the pawns ! Single pawn advances are generally used: double advances are allowed when that

pawn joins a pawn chain; (an exception is made for pawn double advances used as response to the rook pawn early attacks.)

! At least one knight is relocated in the characteristic manner (Nd2-Nb3 or Ne2-Ng3)

The set of all openings which obey the above rules is called the D-system. D-systemmembers are also called D-system variants. Openings that perform six standard moves first arealso called Defense Games. Openings that play at least six standard moves are called closevariants. Openings that play only four or five standard moves are called distant variants.

The nomenclature for D-system openings makes clear their relationship to the DefenseGame. Members of the D-system are denoted by the letters 'Dv' (D-system variant), followed by 1to 4 figure symbols for pawn or piece moves in that opening not in the standard set of six moves.

The variants generated using these rules are almost all playable and very strong. There arenot too many of them, it is a manageable collection. They also retain a clear similarity in style ofplay to the Defense Game, the main characteristic sought for in the formulation of suitable rules.

There is another motive in defining the D-system other than to enrich play with the Defense

Game. The Defense Game is a completely new opening, and shows some promise of eventuallyproving to be an optimal way to play chess. Most of the openings in the D-system are also brandnew, rarely if ever seen before in play. If defined correctly, this new system may also prove to beoptimal or very close to it. In other words the D-system attempts to define an optimal subset in thespace of all possible chess openings, which is at the same time is completely new.

Only very few members of the D-system have ever been seen before in play, and very rarelyat that. Those that have been played are considered experimental or alternative openings, and arenot documented in current catalogs of chess openings. The D-system as a whole bares littlecommonality with or resemblance to chess openings played until the present. It is a totally newapproach to playing the game. In any case the D-system is distinguished from conventionalchess practice, and is certainly not based on any of the known openings.

The rules for the D-system are precise enough to allow us to determine immediatelywhether any candidate opening is in the system or not. A few examples of valid D-systemopenings, and openings not in the system are given here to make these distinctions clear:

§��¯³��¨�“”�¹“”““˜�”“�—�� Dv1'

§˜�¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“��”“�—�� DvE

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—��

Dv0

§��³��¨”“¯�¹“”“�˜“”“˜�� Dv3'DG

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“��—”“�—�� DvBE

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��”“�—��”�� Dv3E

§��¯³��¨”“��˜“”��˜“¹“��”��“�� Dv3'48'F'

§��¯�¨³��“”�¹“”�“�—”“�—”�� Dv1'8'BE

§��¨³�”“”¹“”“��—”“�—�� DvBD'E

Valid D-system Openings

§��³¹�¨”��“¯“”“�”—�“�—��”��

Only 3 standard moves ('borderline' opening)

§��³¹�¨��””“”““˜�”�˜��“��

Only 3 standard moves('borderline' opening)

§��¯§�³�”“”��“”“��—¹“�—��“��

Only 3 standard moves('borderline' opening)

§��¯³¹�¨��”�˜“”��”—”“��””��

No Knight Maneuver

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”�˜��”��

Bishop developedin front of pawn

§��¯³��¨”�”�¹“”“�˜�”“˜��“��

Advanced pawn not in pawn chain

Non D-system Openings

The D-system Definition 87

Note that the D-system also includes many openings which contain exchanges, whether ornot these are forced by adversary play. On the whole the D-system is a well-defined set: it’s fairlyeasy for anyone to look at an opening and tell right away if it’s in the D-system or not.

The D-system rules result in the generation of hundreds of variants. The author has not yetmade an attempt to catalogue them all, but estimates that there are more than a thousand,including the exchange variants. This gives a large variety of possible lines for D-system players.

The main characteristic of the Defense Game and the entire D-system is its extraordinaryresilience to adversary play. Most of the D-system openings are generally playable, meaning thatthey confront successfully most adversary openings. The entire system gives you the bestpossible guarantee of passing intact thru the opening, with a solid position for the ensuing game.Like Defense Game itself, D-system openings can usually succeed in carrying out preconceiveddevelopments with minimal or no alterations imposed by adversary play.

The D-system is so vast that a system player can stay comfortably within its limits, whileconstantly varying his game. His opening moves may appear restrained because they are basedon compact and highly resistant defensive structures, but after the opening he will show his trueaggressiveness. His choice of moves will be highly varied, but whatever he plays in the openingcan build to a position within the D-system, without having to leave its large confines.

Also interesting are the 'borderline' openings, which obey the D-system rules except thatthey contain only three moves of the standard opening. Borderline openings were definedoutside the D-system because they are considered too distant from main lines to be integral to thesystem. Most of the borderline openings are completely new to chess. The borderline openingsconstitute a vast constellation of openings associated with the D-system, which continue to sharemany similarities in style of play. It is certainly worthwhile experimenting with these more distantvariants. Borderline openings of most interest to system players are those with introduced movesfor exchanges and BD and CD hybrids, which are variants of the Beginner's Game / Center Game.

D-system Rules OK

The D-system rules were quite ad-hoc, so it is quite possible that some other set of rulescould be even better. Relaxing the rules would include many more strong openings; tighteningthem would refine the system. Here the author has drawn a line in the sand. On one side are theDefense Game and the D-system, virtually unknown. On the other side are all the chess openingsplayed until the present, along with a great multitude of new openings that are even stronger,including virtually everything which is conceivably playable. A great battle between them is aboutto begin. You wouldn't think so at first, but the Defense Game and the D-system have a realchance of winning this battle. If they do, then we'll say that the D-system rules OK.

8. D-system Variants

The Defense Game is the basis for the definition of a new set of chess openings called theD-system. All D-system openings respect a restrictive and well-defined set of rules for openingplay. They also resemble the Defense Game, containing most of its component moves, and addingother moves which combine well with its basic pawn structure and recessed piece placements.

The main interest in defining the D-system is to identify openings close to the Defense

Game, in the sense of being alternative lines of the standard opening. Due to their proximity to theDefense Game and their conformity to the same set of rules, all D-systems openings are related interms of the style of games that result, so there is good commonality of play in the entire system.

The classification system for D-system openings defines any opening in the system as avariant of the Defense Game. Variants are named by indicating the pawn and piece moves in thatopening that are not present in the Defense Game. Pieces are labeled A - H, and pawns 1 - 8,starting from the queen side. For example, a variant of the Defense Game in which the king knightis developed to Bishop 3 is called a variant G, whether for white or for black. All variant namesstart with the letters ‘Dv’ (meaning 'D-system variant') and then put the variant moves in firstnumerical, and then alphabetical order. Variant names do not specify the move ordering used.

§˜��¨³�”“¯�¹“”“��”“�—��”�� Dv3DE

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��”“�—��”��

Dv3E

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—�� DvE

In some cases, such as for the variants shown above, the variant name gives a completelist of the component moves of the opening. More commonly however, we do not know from thevariant name which moves of the standard opening were left out. If this detail is needed, we canappend a version qualifier to the variant name, listing the moves not played, as shown below. Ingeneral we refer to D-system members using only the variant names, without version qualifiers.

§��³¹�¨”“¯�˜“”“�˜�”“��”�� Dv3D - Version FG

§��³¹�¨”“¯��“”“�˜�”“�—��”��

Dv3D - Version CF

§��³��¨”“¯—¹“”“��”“�—��”��

Dv3D - Version BC

The variant name, even with inclusion of the version qualifier, still does not give a completedescription of the opening. Missing in particular, is the move order. Also missing is a descriptionof how pawn and piece moves different from the Defense Game were actually performed. The ideais to have a convenient nomenclature for openings in the D-system, that makes clear theirrelationship to the Defense Game. Including too much information in the variant names makes

D-system Variants 89

them long and unusable. We can leave out information on move order because, as in the DefenseGame, these variants may be produced using many different sequences of moves. But it is usefulto indicate for the modified moves how the piece or pawn actually moved.

A shorthand for variations of the modified moves is suggested here which appendsmodifiers to the pawn number or piece letter for less frequently used moves, but not to the mostfrequently used moves. This shorthand makes the variant names more precise, without makingthem too complicated. The pieces and pawns have different rules for use of qualifiers, accordingto which of their moves are most frequently made. Here is the suggested syntax:

Less Frequent Moves - Single Qualifier

Pawns: single advanceKnights: to Bishop 1*Bishops: to King 3 / Queen 3Rooks: to King 1 / Queen 1Queen: to Queen 2 King: Queen side castle

Most Frequent Moves - No Qualifier

Pawns: double advanceKnights: to Bishop 3Bishops: to Knight 2Rooks: to Knight 1 Queen: to Queen Bishop 2 King: King side castle

Other moves, eg. Bishop to rook 3, Queen to King 2 (or to King 1 or Queen Bishop 1), havea double qualifier. The single qualifier is the apostrophe; the double qualifier is the quote sign.The qualifier ‘x’ is used when a pawn or piece captures. If a piece moves a second time, only thefigure symbol is repeated in the variant name*. This scheme for use of move modifiers is almostidentical* with the one used for the C-system. With this shorthand for moves, we can now nameand catalog all the openings in the D-system. Below are some examples with move qualifiers:

§˜�¯��—¨�“”��³”�“��¹“”�”��“�� Dv46'E"F'

§˜��³�—¨��¹“”��”“”“��””��

Dv13'D'

§��¯³�—¨��”—¹“”��”�”“��””�� Dv12'C"

This naming scheme allows us to refer to all D-system members in a convenient fashion.Unlike other nomenclatures for chess openings, it succeeds in giving an accurate and adequatedescription of an opening set of moves, in a way that anyone can understand and use quite easily.

The ‘distance’ of a D-system variant from the Defense Game is equal to the number ofmoves in the first eight that are different from the standard opening, which is equal to the numberof figure symbols in the variant name. D-system variants exist at distances 1 to 4. Most Classicalopenings are not in the D-system of course, but we can measure their distance from the DefenseGame in the same way. Most are 6 to 8 moves distant; the overall average is about 6.5 moves. So the Defense Game doesn’t have much in common with conventional chess openings. Now wepresent a brief catalog of D-systems variants. Although small, this D-system sampler containsmany of the better openings. They are listed according to their distance from the Defense Game.

D-system Variants at Distance 1: Close Variants

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”��—��”�� Dv5

Distance 1 variants perform 7 of the 8standard moves, introducing just 1move from the allowable set. Dv4 andDv5 perform all 7 of the otherstandard moves; the other distance 1variants omit one bishop move.

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜��“�—��“�� Dv4

§��¯³¹�¨�“”��“”““˜�”“�—�� Dv1'

In most cases either of the bishopmoves may be omitted, so most ofthe distance 1 variants have twoversions, eg version C, shown in Dv1left, or version F, as in Dv1' right.

§��¯³��¨�“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—�”�� Dv1

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”��˜�”“�—��“ Dv8

Among the most commonly seendistance 1 variants are responses torook pawn early attacks; Dv8 rightshuts the attack down with a pawnadvance; DvB' left retires the queenknight when it is threatened.

§�—¯³¹�¨”“”��“”“��”“�—�� DvB'

§��¯³¹�¨”“��“”“�˜“”“�—�� Dv3'

Dv3 and Dv3' are among the bestdistance 1 variants. Dv3 especiallyhas proved to be an aggressivecounter attacking line. Both preparefor the queen move to queen bishop2, its usual replacement.

§��¯³��¨”“��¹“”“�˜�”“�—��”�� Dv3

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜��“�—��“�� Dv4'

Dv5' and Dv4' introduce a secondsingle advance of a center pawn,either striking at the opponent'spawn center or avoiding a pawnexchange following an adversarycenter pawn advance.

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”��—��”�� Dv5'

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”��—�� Dv5x

DvE left, is one of the few distance 1variants with only one version. Dv5xright has exchanged the king pawnreacting to a center pawn attack.Both are very commonly played.

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—�� DvE


D-system Variants at Distance 2: Close Variants

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“”“�—�� Dv3'E

Most of the main lines of the DefenseGame are distance 2 variants. TheQ-knight is usually not relocated, anda castle and c-pawn advance arecommonly introduced, as in thesetypical examples.

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��”“�—��”�� Dv3E

§��¯�¨³�”“”—¹“”“��”��—��”�� Dv5'E

These two are perhaps the mostfrequently played of all the distance 2variants. Dv5'E strikes at the centeron its 8th move, while DvEH movesthe rook onto the e-file before makingthe e-pawn advance.

§��¯§�³�”“”—¹“”“��”“�—�� DvEH

§˜��³�—¨�“��¹“”�“¯�”“��”��”�� Dv3D"

Two strong and generally playableD-game lines are those with a c-pawnpush, and a queen relocation. Dv3'Dleft has not yet shown where it willattack, while Dv3D" has announcedits intention of attacking Q-side.

§��³��¨”“¯—¹“”“��“”“�—�� Dv3'D

§��¯³¹�¨�“��˜“”“�˜“”“��”�� Dv13'

A number of distance 2 variants arereactions to early attacks; Dv3'6' hasreacted to one or two bishop attacksand Dv13' has reacted to rook pawnand bishop attacks on the Q-side.

§��¯³��¨”“�—¹�”“��“”“”—�� Dv3'6'

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“��”“�—��˜�� DvB"E

Other distance 2 variants seek tomove into other lines than thosecommonly played in typical D-games.Dv2E is a fianchetto variant worthtrying; in DvB"E the forward knightoften tries to exchange for a bishop.

§��¯�¨³�”�”—¹“”“�”�”“�—�� Dv2E

§��¯�¨³��“”—¹“”““��”“�—�� Dv1'E

These are two other D-game linesthat are very commonly played. DvEFleft gives additional support to the e5square; Dv1'E appears quiet, but canexpand rapidly on the Q-side.

§��¯�¨³�”“”—�“”“��”“¹—�� DvEF

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“�“��”“��”� Dv7G'

Among the numerous distance 2variants that are reactions to earlyattack are these two, both areenergetic responses to a adversaryrook pawn early attack.

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“”“��”��”�� Dv5'G'

§��³��¨�“”—¯“”““��”“�—�� Dv1'Dx

Other commonly seen reactions toearly attacks are these with an earlybishop exchange followed byrecapture by the queen.

§��¨³�”“”—¯“”“��”“�—�� DvDxE

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“”“�˜�� Dv45x

Many distance 2 variants result fromcenter pawn exchanges, which maybe due to an advanced D-game pawnas in Dv45x right, or an advancedadversary pawn, as in Dv4xE left.

§��¯�¨³�”“”—¹“”“��“�—�� Dv4xE

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜�”“�˜�”“�� Dv66x

Two variants somewhat off thebeaten D-game track are Dv3'4, with astrong d-pawn based triangle, andDv66x, with an early opening of thef-file, leading to sharp continuations.

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“�“�—��“�� Dv3'4

§��¯³��¨”“�—¹“”“��“”��—��”�� Dv3'5'

Dv3'5' is a main D-game line, strikingat the center after the c-pawn move.DvB'G is a strong close variant whichhas reacted to the rook pawn attackon the Q-side. Both are often played.

§�—¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“��”“˜�� DvB'G

§��¯³¹�¨”“��“”��˜“”“�—”�� Dv3'8'

Rounding out the list are two otherdistance 2 variants, DvCG with itsconventional king knight placement,and Dv3'8', a cautious defensive line.

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“˜�� DvCG


D-system Variants at Distance 3: Distant Variants

§��¯³��¨”“”—�“¹��”“�—”��”� Dv78'F

Distance 3 variants contain a largenumber of alternatives to the DefenseGame. Distance 3 variants begin todiverge from main D-game lines, soenriching play in the D-system.

§˜�¯³��¨”“”—¹“”��”“��”�� Dv8'G'G

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—��”“��”—��“�� Dv45x6'

Often distance 3 variants arereactions to early attacks. Dv3xBBreacts to a center pawn attack, whileDv45x6' responds to a bishop attackand also includes a center pawnchallenge and exchange.

§��¯³¹�¨”“��˜“”“�˜�”“�� Dv3xBB

§˜�¯�¨³�”“��¹�”“��”“”—��”�� Dv36'E

Many of the distance 3 variants delaypiece development in favor of pawnmoves, establishing different lines ofdefense and opening to alternativeattacking lines.

§��³¹�¨”“¯—�“”��“”“�—”�� Dv3'8'D

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—�“”“��—�“�� Dv4xB"G"

The combination of center pawnchallenges combined with multipleknight moves gives rise to a numberof alternative D-system lines, withsharp tactical continuations.

§��¯³¹�¨”“��˜“”“��”“��˜�� Dv3BxG"

§��¯³¹�¨”“”��“”“��“˜—�� Dv44xB"

Many of the distance variants includemaneuvers with the knights, typicallyin response to early attacks, but inother cases seeking to disorient anadversary expecting positional play.

§��¯³��¨”“��¹“”“�˜“”“��—�� Dv3'GG"

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“��˜�”��“”�� Dv7'8'Cx

Among the few possibilities for theadversary are exchanges of pieces asin Dv1'GxE, or pawns as in Dv7'8'Cx.Opening exchanges rarely presentany difficulties for D-system players.

§��¯�¨³��“”—�“”““��”“�—�� Dv1'GxE

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“�“�—��“�� Dv3'4E

Openings based on the characteristicd-pawn triangle can be strong, even ifseveral additional moves are used inits construction, as in Dv3'4'B" left. InDv3'4E right no moves were 'lost.'

§��¯³¹�¨”“�—˜“”“��“�“��“�� Dv3'4'B"

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“�˜“”“˜�� Dv3'EG

The D-system rules generally resultin compact but resistant defensivestructures with plenty of offensivepotential. These two with 3 pawncenters are typical examples.

§��¯³��¨”“��¹“”��˜“”“˜�”�� Dv3'8'G

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜��“˜��“�� Dv4EG

As in classical chess, early pawnchallenges in the center give youadditional freedom of movement foryour pieces; many of the strongestdistance 3 variants include them.

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“�“�˜�”��“�� Dv55x7'

§��¯³¹�¨”“�—�“”��“�“�“��“�� Dv3'48x

Try experimenting with Q-side pawntriangular structures. Your K-side willusually be immune to any attack,even after piece exchanges, such asin Dv3'48x right.

§��¯�¨³�”��—¹“”“�”�”“�—��”�� Dv2'3E

§��¯³��¨�“��¹“”““˜�”“˜��”�� Dv1'3G

Distant variants have different pawnstructures and enable alternativepiece placements. The number ofplayable lines is so large that youropponent cannot possibly orient anyspecific counter strategy.

§��¯³¹�¨”��—�“”��“”“�—��“��“ Dv23'8

�¨�¯³¹�¨”�”—�“”“�”�”“�—�� Dv2'AC

These two distance 3 variants with aQ-side fianchetto are examples of themany alternative lines possible withthe D-game. The adversary cannotanticipate which of the possible linesyou as system player will choose.

�¨�¯³¹�¨”��—�“”“�”�”“�—��”�� Dv2'3A


D-system Variants at Distance 4: Distant Variants

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜��˜��”�� Dv4x5EG

Distance 4 variants often result fromclassical center challenges combinedwith conventional knight placements,as in these two typical examples.

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”�˜�� Dv55xEG

§��³¹—¨”“”��“”“�˜�� Dv4x5C'Dx

Here are two more distance 4 variantsof the same description: both havemade strong center challenges andexchanged off the center pawns.

§��¯³¹�¨”“��˜“”“�˜��“�� Dv3'3x45x

§˜�¯³��¨”“��¹“”��“�“�—”�� Dv3'44x8'

Here are two additional exampleswith early pawn challenges andexchanges. Compact pawn structuresof D-system openings are ideal forsupporting these pawn pushes.

§��¯³¹—¨��”��“”�“˜�”“��”�� Dv1'2Bx8'

§˜�¯³��¨”��“¹“”“�”��“�—�� Dv2'33xC

A number of strong variants at thisdistance are based on a standardD-game K-side, with an expandedQ-side including the fianchetto.

§˜�¯�¨³�”��“¹“”“�”��“�—��”�� Dv2'3CE

§��¯³��¨�“��˜“”“�˜“¹“��”��“�� Dv13'4F'

Try defining other pawn structuresand piece placements related to themand you will see the wide range ofpossibilities with the distant variants.

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“��˜�”�˜�”��”�”� Dv578'G

§��¯³�—¨�“��”“¹“�˜�”��“�”�”�� Dv137'F

Other strong distance 4 variants canbe based on a K-side fianchetto, andusually attempt an offensive on theQ-side, lead by the advancing pawns.

§��¯³��¨�“”�”“¹“�˜�”�˜“�”�� Dv17'FG

§��¯³��¨”“¹�˜“”“�˜“�“��“�� Dv3'4F'F

There are hundreds of distance 4variants, and a large number of themare generally playable, that is, validagainst most lines of adversary play.

§��¯�¨³��“”“¹“”�“�—�“�—”�� Dv1'8'BE

§��¯³�—¨��”��“¹““˜�”“�“��“�� Dv1'27'F

The wide variety of distant variantswill allow you to define your ownD-system openings and use themeffectively in combination with themore familiar system lines.

§��³��¨”“”�”“¹��˜�”��”��”� Dv78'D"F

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“��˜�”�˜�”��”�”� Dv578'G

The great range of possible linesinsures that a player of the D-systemcan vary his openings significantly,while remaining within the samebasic structure for opening.

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜��˜��”�� Dv4x5EG

§˜�¯³��¨”“”“�“�“��“¹�� DvFxFFGx

These two variants are reactions torook pawn attacks. Dv18AB" shutthem down on both flanks. DvFxFFGxresponds by advancing and thenexchanging the challenged knight.

�¨�¯³¹�¨�“”��“”�—��”“�—�”��“ Dv18AB"

§��¯³��¨�“”��“”“�˜�¹“˜��”��“�� Dv14F'G

Here are two different styles ofdistant variants, showing the greatvariety of openings in the D-system.Dv14F'G right has proved effectiveagainst K-side fianchetto openings.

��³¨�¹—¨�“¯�”“”““˜�”��”�� Dv1'3DE'

The author hopes that the brief exposition of the D-system given here will stimulate all readers totry them in play. You can be a true pioneer in chess by defining your own new openings in thesystem and researching the best continuation lines well into the game. Set out on your own!


Borderline or DB Variants:

§˜�¯³��¨”��“�“”“�”��“�—��¹�� DBv233xCF

Borderline variants contain only 3standard opening moves: a centralpawn move, the knight move behindit, and knight relocation. By definitionthey aren't in the D-system, but theystill share many similarities in play.

§��¯�¨³��“”�”“¹“�˜�”�˜“�”�� DBv17'EFG

§��¯�¨³�”“”“�“¹��—�“�—”��”� DBv78'BEF

The borderline variants are denotedby the prefix 'DBv' followed by themoves not in the standard opening.There are very many such variants,probably more than there are in theD-system. Most of them are also new.

§��¯³¹�¨��”“�“”�“�—�“�—”�“�� DBv1'28'BC

§��¯³¹�¨”�”��“”“�”—�“�—�� DBv2'44xBC

Many of the borderline variants areexchange lines of D-system distantvariants, such as these with centralpawn exchanges. Exchanges areoften initiated by the system player,as is the case in these two examples.

§��³�—¨”“”�”“�“�˜��“�� DBv4x7'DxFFx

§��¯³��¨”“��”“¹��˜“”��“˜��“ DBv3'7'8FG"

Many of the borderline variants arealso generally playable, that is, validagainst most lines of adversary play.This is usually determined by theirresistance to center pawn attacks.

§��³¹�¨”�¯“�“”“—”“�“�—�� DBv2'3'B"CD

§˜��³¹�¨”��“�“”“�”�“�—��”�� DBv2'3CDD

Many of the borderline variants aremore aggressive versions of systemopenings, which attack early andmove into different lines, based on avariety of piece placements.

§��¯³��¨”�”��“”“�”—¹“�—��“�� DBv2'4BCF'

§��³¹�¨��”“¯“”““”—�“�—�� DBv1'2'BCD"

Like D-system openings, borderlinevariants contain a great wealth ofalternatives that can surprise youradversary and oblige him to enterlines that he has never seen before.

§��¯�¨³�”“”�”�¹“�˜�”��“˜��“�� DBv67'EFG"Try experimenting with the borderline openings; most of them are new and most are very strong!

9. Playing the D-system

D-system variants use opening play similar to that of the newly discovered Defense Game.Play is positional, with single pawn advances or doubly advanced pawns in chains, and thebishops placed behind the pawns. Like the Defense Game, D-system openings are basicallypreconceived positions for starting play after the opening. All have many possible sequences oftheir component moves, and many of them have several versions as well. All D-system openingsalso have a number of transpositions to other members within the system.

The D-system probably includes more than a thousand different members, but they are allsomewhat similar in their style of play. Use of recessed pawn structures, the characteristicknights relocations, and bishop placements initially behind the pawns tends to result in openingsthat share many common aspects.

Though only a tiny subset of the possible openings, the D-system is believed to containsome of the strongest opening lines in chess. The D-system rules result in most cases inopenings that share strengths of the Defense Game, such as a resistant defense and a powerfuloffense. Most D-system variants give rise to tactical continuations within positional play.

There are so many openings in the D-system, that it is not possible in a book of this size topresent the entire system. Also most testing was done with the Defense Game and close variants,in order to establish the validity of the standard opening lines. Research with the distant variantshas been limited to trying about one hundred of the more plausible ones as a quick test of theirgeneral pliability. In these first tests almost all of them performed extremely well.

Several of the D-system variants are shown here in action during and after the opening.

Excerpts are taken from complete games in the final section of the book. The scant introduction toplaying the D-system given here is only sufficient to wet the intellectual appetite. Many of theD-system variants are among the strongest openings in chess, and almost all of them arecompletely new. Players of all levels should select a few interesting variants and experiment withthem. Your game will improve as you develop the ability to move from the standard opening intochosen variants, especially when these have been carefully selected to respond to adversary play.

Close Variants

With the Defense Game alone a player can respond well to virtually anything the adversarycan do in the opening. The standard opening with its numerous strong continuation lines is acomplete system, offering great flexibility of play for those who wish to use it exclusively.

Close variants of the Defense Game have at least six of the standard opening moves, butdo not necessarily put them first in the actual move order played. By this definition all DefenseGames are close variants, but most close variants are not Defense Games. Introducingnonstandard moves early in the opening gives more possibilities to the system player, allowinghim to enter lines not normally reachable with pure Defense Games.

Playing the D-system 99

In many cases, Introduced moves in close variants are reactions to an adversary earlyattacks. When introduced moves are not reactions to early attack, they are often moves whichchallenge the center. Adversary reactions to introduced moves often results in your having to playinto distant variants. This depends on the type of introduced moves, and when they are played.The more aggressive the introduced moves and the earlier they are played, the more likely youradversary is to react to them, and the more likely you are to play into a distant variant.

The best way for beginners and most intermediate players to approach the variants is tomove into them gradually, introducing moves relatively late, after having played most of thestandard moves. In this way you will be able to see the differences in the resulting games moreclearly, and your exploration of alternative lines of the Defense Game will be more systematic.Close variants will not be discussed further here because they have already been discussed inprevious chapters. There are also many more examples of close variants in the games section.

Distant Variants

Distant variants include only 4 or 5 of the 8 standard opening moves. Distant variantsgenerally have at least one advanced pawn, and usually have forward piece placements as well.These moves offer the opponent more to engage, so there are more lines with modificationsimposed by adversary play. Even so, many of the distant variants are generally playable, that isstrong against most adversary deployments. As D-system members, distant variants still retainmost characteristics of the Defense Game and general similarities in play.

Playing the distant variants requires more tactical skills than playing the Defense Game andits close variants. Beginners and most intermediate players should venture into this enormousspace of possibility only after they have mastered the standard opening and its close variants,and are enjoying some success in playing them. Better players can rely on their general skills tostart playing distant variants right away, but they too are encouraged to explore themsystematically. Examples of distant variants are shown in the examples below.

Game 13: Black's Dv13'8'D advances both rook pawns and develops the queen early. Bothsides go for tactical play after the opening. White's attack appears serious, but black is intent onstealing the initiative from him early on, developing his own K-side threats soon after opening.

§��¨³��“¯�¹“”��“��•””��‘�›’��—��¦��’��’‘’¦•�ª��²�

9. c4 d510. cxd5 exd511. exd5 Nxd512. Re1 Nxe313. Rxe3+ Be714. Ne5 Nf615. Bc4 O-O16. Ng6 Ng4

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Bg5 c64. Nf3 Qc75. Bd3 Nb66. a4 a57. O-O h68. Be3 e6

§��³¹—¨�“¯��“”��˜“”“��””��‘��’‘��›�•��’‘��’‘’¦•�ª�¤²�

Game 19: White's Dv55xE contains an early center pawn challenge and exchange. Bothsides have good play after the opening, but white remains a step ahead with sharp play. White haspressure on his adversary with the pin on the knight, and was able to maintain initiative later on.

�´�¨�¹�¨”“”��”��”��ª�“��•��’—��‘’��’‘’¦��¤��²�

9. c3 Nxe2+10. Qxe2 Qe711. Re1 Nd712. Nf3 f613. d4 O-O-O14. dxe5 Bxf315. Qxf3 Nxe516. Qf5+ Kb817. Ne4 Nd318. Rd1 Qd7

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. e4 Nf64. Ne2 Nc65. Ng3 Be66. Be2 Nd47. O-O h58. exd5 Bxd5

§��¯³¹�¨”“”��“”��˜��”��“��˜��‘��–�‘’‘–›’‘’¦��ª�¤²�

Game 101: Black starts with normal K-side moves, then shifts to fianchetto variant Dv2'3CEfollowing white's center pawn advance. After the opening black counter attacks with his pawns inthe center and on the Q-side, finding good play despite white's efforts to disrupt his game.

§��¨��³��¯�¹“”�“�—�“�“��”�’��•��”��ª�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��¦�²�

9. dxc5 bxc510. Re1 Nc611. Qe2 Qb612. Na4 Qc713. Nc3 a614. Qe3 d515. Bxg6 hxg616. Na4 d417. Qd3 Rfd8

1. e4 e62. Nf3 Ne73. d4 Ng64. Bd3 Be75. e5 O-O6. O-O b67. Nc3 Bb78. Bd2 c5

§˜�¯�¨³�”��“¹“”“�”��“�—��”�’��’��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²�

Game 103: White's Dv3'44x5x counter attacks in the face of a combination of rook pawn,center pawn, and bishop early attacks. In spite of the serious threats that his adversary developsearly on, white is able to win a pawn and start trading down towards a favorable endgame.

§˜��³��”“��“��“��‘¹��’��‘’��°�‘�¦•��

9. Kf1 Bf810. e4 Qd611. fxg7 Bxg712. exd5 Rxh213. Rxh2 Qxh214. Kxf2 Be515. Qg1 Qg3+16. Kf1 Bg417. Qf2 Qxf2+18. Kxf2 Bxe219. Kxe2 c6

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 h55. d4 h46. dxe5 hxg37. exf6 Bb4+8. c3 gxf2+

§˜�¯³��¨”“”��“”��’��“��¹��’�’��‘’��›”‘’¦•�ª²��¤


Game 104: White's Dv37'BF with a K-side fianchetto challenges a 3 pawn classical defense.White goes for the sharpest lines and wins material quickly after the opening. Afterwards white'sexposed position and retarded development obliged him to resolve his problems by drawing.

��³�”�—¹“”“��˜��”��‘��‘’��ª��’��²�–¤

9. Nxb7 Bxb710. Bxb7 Nbd711. Bxa8 Qxa812. f3 c413. Rc1 Rc814. b3 dxe215. Qxe2 cxb316. Rxc8+ Qxc817. axb3 Qb7

1. d3 e52. Nd2 d53. Nb3 Nf64. Bd2 Be75. g3 O-O6. Bg2 c57. c4 dxc48. Na5 cxd3

§˜�¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��˜��–�”�”��“��’�‘’��‘’›’¦��ª²�–¤

Game 78: White plays Dv4x5B" with a center challenge. Heavy exchanges occur during andafter the opening. White loses right to castle, but maintains equality and has an active position.White was able to overcome his opponent later in a long and difficult four rooks endgame.

§��¨³�”“”�¹“”��‘��“��”��’�‘’‘�°’�’¦��¤

9. Bxf3 Qxd1+10. Bxd1 Be611. Bd2 h512. Bc3 h413. Nf5 Bxf514. exf5 e415. Be2 Nd516. Bd4 Nf417. g3 Nxe218. Kxe2 O-O

1. d3 e52. e4 Nc63. Ne2 Nf64. Nd2 d55. Ng3 Be76. Be2 Nd47. Nf3 dxe48. dxe4 Nxf3+

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“��˜��”��‘��—–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤

Game 83: Black's Dv4'5x6' responds to a bishop early attack, then strikes at the 3 pawncenter. Afterwards black goes for simplification, exchanging off several pieces, and causing somedamage to white's pawn structure. Black had a tough time of it later, but finally managed to draw.

§��³¹�¨”“��”“��“��”��‘��’—��–��‘’��’�’¦��¤²�

9. Nc3 dxc410. Bxc4 Nb611. O-O Nxc412. Qa4+ c613. Qxc4 Bg414. d5 Bxf315. gxf3 Ne516. Qe2 Qd717. f4 Qg4+18. Qxg4 Nxg4

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Nd74. Nf3 Ne75. Be2 Ng66. Bg5 f67. Be3 d58. exd5 exd5

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—��”“��”—��“��‘’��•��‘’��›’‘’¦•�ª²��¤

Game 85: Black responds to a bishop incursion, and then moves into the fianchetto variantDv7'8'Cx. Black finds good play later, threatening white's Q-side with his fianchetto, and laterwinning two pawns by exploiting effectively the lines open for his bishop and rook.

��´��¨�“”˜��”�”��“”��•��’ª�•��§¹��’‘’�¤��¤²�

9. Bxb6 axb610. Bc4 Bg711. Qd3 Bxc412. Qxc4 Qd713. Qd3 f514. O-O fxe415. Nxe4 Bxb216. c3 Kd817. Rab1 Rxa2

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Bg5 h66. Be3 Nb67. d5 g68. dxe6 Bxe6

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“��˜�”��“”��‘��–��•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª²›�¤

Game 84: Black plays Dv36'E with a late challenge in the center. Sharp exchanges followthe opening, but black maintains the initiative, and finally takes a pawn. The game continued withmore exchanges and a quick entry to the endgame, where black always stayed in the lead.

§��¯��³�”“��¹§”“��”��—–ª��–��‘’��’‘��¤�¤²�

9. h4 cxd410. Nxd4 Nxh411. Bg4 f512. exf5 exf513. Bf3 Nxf3+14. Qxf3 Rf715. Rad1 f416. Bc1 Nd717. Bxf4 Nb618. Qe4 Nxc4

1. c4 e62. Nc3 Ne73. d4 d64. Nf3 f65. e4 Ng66. Be2 Be77. O-O O-O8. Be3 c5

§˜�¯�¨³�”“��¹�”“��”“”—��”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª�¤²�

Game 88: Black's Dv3BxG plays right into a rook pawn attack, losing two moves, but laterstriking against white's center and regaining lost time. Black advances the K-side pawns,exchanges pieces, and succeeds in opening the white castle. The game ended in an early draw.

��§¯³��¨”“��¹“��—”��”“��’��‘��–ª�‘��‘�‘��’��¤��¤²�

9. O-O Bd710. b4 Nxd311. Qxd3 Nc612. Rb1 Rc813. Bf4 e514. Bg5 f615. Be3 Bg416. h6 Bxf317. hxg7 Bxg718. gxf3 f5

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. h4 d64. Nf3 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. h5 Ne77. Bd3 c58. dxc5 Nxc5

§��¯³¹�¨”“��˜“”“��”“��˜��‘��‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²��¤


Game 89: Black's Dv4xBG draws a center pawn attack and exchange, and gains a pawnquickly, when white is unable to find a forcing continuation. Black then consolidates his positionnicely, and is in excellent shape for the ensuing game, where he was able to win.

§��¨³�”��¯“”“�”“�“�—��‘��–��¬�‘’��›’‘’��¦��¤²�

9. Bb5 Bxc510. Qd2 O-O11. Rd1 Qe712. O-O Nde513. Nxe5 Nxe514. Be2 b615. Bxc5 Qxc516. Rc1 Qe717. Qf4 Ng618. Qg3 c6

1. Nf3 d62. d4 Nd73. e4 e64. c4 Ne75. Nc3 Nb66. c5 dxc57. dxc5 Nd78. Be3 Nc6

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—�“”“��—�“��’��‘��–��•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª²›�¤

Game 95: White's Dv55xD"Dx includes a conventional center pawn challenge and anunusual line with a queen exchange. Black tries to disrupt white's game after the opening,sacrificing a piece for two pawns, but white survives his assault and went on to win handily.

��³¨��¨”“”�¹“”��–��˜•��‘��¦��’›’��°�¤

9. Nc4 h410. Ne4 h311. c3 hxg212. Bxg2 Be613. b4 Ndxb414. cxb4 Nxb415. Ke2 O-O-O16. Nxe5 Nc217. Rb1 Bxa218. Rb2 Nd4+19. Kf1 Bd5

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. e4 Nc64. Ne2 Nf65. Ng3 h56. exd5 Qxd57. Qf3 Be78. Qxd5 Nxd5

§��³��¨”“”�¹“”��—��—”��“��‘��–�‘’‘–�’‘’¦��²›�¤

By now the reader should have a better appreciation of the D-system and its relevance tothe Defense Game. Players of all levels are encouraged to stay within the D-system when theyplay variants of the Defense Game. In this manner you will profit most from any improvisationsyou make, taking note of the variants that you are playing, and how well they do versus differentadversary responses. With experience you should be able to select familiar variants that respondmore sharply to adversary play than does the Defense Game with its continuation lines.

The author hopes that the brief introduction to playing the D-system given here willstimulate the interest of all readers to experiment with them. Try playing some of the variantsshown, and others in the D-system variants chapter and in the games section. Better yet, definenew openings of your own in the system, and carry them forward to victory!

10. Why Wasn’t It Found Before?

As with the discoveries of the Beginner's Game and the Center Game, the author was onceagain amazed to discover yet another vast and completely new system for the chess opening.How was it possible that such strong and valid systems had gone so long undiscovered? Surelythis was a terrible oversight in the natural progression of our understanding and mastery of thegame. The author likens this oversight to that of failing to discover several of the continents of theearth until the present day. In fact, it's even worse, because while few people have the necessarybacking and experience to go on long expeditions, hundreds of millions of people have playedchess, and any of them could have discovered these new systems as easily as did the author.

The obvious reason for this failure is that our play in the chess opening has been purelyimitation. Most players seem to have accepted tacitly that the openings have already beenthoroughly researched, and that the best anyone can do is to imitate the established lines. Thatalmost all players repeat as best they can the known lines still seems a strange, given that in therest of the game everyone is completely on his own. Imitation rather than innovation has alwayscharacterized any traditional activity, but often to its detriment. Starting with the premise that itwas possible to find something new, the author discovered three new and completely validsystems for playing chess that, placed together, are as vast as all of existing opening practice.

Aside from our error in imitating rather than thinking for ourselves, fault has to be laid withthe whole world of chess, for doing so little to make the opening accessible for beginners. Thestyle of playing chess used by the best players has always been proposed for those learning toplay or trying to improve. But the type of play used by the best players is not at all similar to thatused by everyone else. Top players have developed an ability to visualize the chessboard as itappears after many moves, and so they can analyze in depth. Lesser players don't have thiscapability to any real extent; in general they can't see anything more than just a few moves away.

The result is that lesser players are not even capable of understanding, much less ofimitating, master level play, and so it's not a practicable approach to tell them to try to do so. Theinsight and intuition necessary to play chess at master level is out of the reach of most players.You can't imitate what you don't understand, and no one should be optimistic about findingbrilliant combinations when he has almost no capacity to think forward on the chessboard.

What was needed instead were systems of play that lesser players can understand andplay well, systems that naturally develop into positions that are easier to scan and do not requirethe depth of analysis that is needed to play chess the way it has been played until now. All thesystems invented by the author are simple to play in the opening, but the Defense Game iscertainly the best of the lot, because it is easy to play the whole game! With this new systemeveryone can play decent chess the entire game, and have good chances of drawing againstplayers far stronger than themselves. This is something very significant for the future of chess.

A analogy that the author likes to use is that of chess with music. If you sit a beginner atthe piano, tell him that he should play any notes, and then ask him to make an improvisation, you

Why Wasn't It Found Before? 105

can only expect that most horrendous cacophony imaginable. If on the other hand you tell him tolimit his choice of notes to a major scale, the result will be better, but still not very melodic. But ifyou teach him a five note blues scale, not only will he be able to make fair improvisations in shortorder, soon he will also be able to play along with any music he hears, and sound reasonablygood. When his choice of notes is more limited, he understands more quickly, and develops abasis for improvisation, that is a true start towards the development of real competence.

Now in chess we have the equivalent of what the blues was in music - something simple,that everyone can play. While classicists will lament the vulgarization of their exalted and complexart forms, the general public will probably be delighted to learn that chess, like music, is not at alldifficult to master in this simpler form. Soon they will be showing more appreciation for the musiccoming from next door than for that coming from the high altar. There's more music being madetoday using basic blues than there is based on classical forms, and in the near future we canexpect the same shift of tastes in chess. Philosophically speaking, people who are free to choosewill eventually prefer something that they can understood and master to something they cannot.

Other arguments on why these chess opening systems were not found before are given in'The Beginner's Game.' These are listed in summary form here

! Play in the opening was mostly imitation, even for players who knew only a few moves.! The most aggressive opening moves have always been preferred, eg. e4 or d4.! Opening moves have always been preferred which react closely to adversary play.! The object of opening play for both sides was control of the center.! Play in the opening aimed at obtaining any advantage, however slight.! Practically no one was looking for new ways of playing the opening.! There was little interest in using systems playable for both white and black.! The less aggressive opening moves (such as e3 and d3) were particularly neglected.! The few master level players who experimented with openings still played aggressively. ! Chess playing programs used their openings books, and so did not innovate. ! Even without openings books computers would not have discovered these new systems.

The Defense Game is one of the best openings in chess largely because it is free of manyof the preconceptions and prejudices of the past. it avoids conflict, shuns exchanges andsimplifications, and does not attempt to produce any advantage. Not only is it completely free ofpsychological factors, it is virtually independent of, and largely uninfluenced by, adversary play.It is capable of confronting even the most aggressive adversary responses, while remainingwithin a structure for play that even beginners can master quickly and use effectively.

The intent is neither to bury classical chess nor to praise it. Classical openings haveevolved from the simpler style of early days to the positional play of recent years. At the end ofthis long road we have found the Beginner's, Center, and Defense Games. This is a great advancein the evolution of chess practice, especially for average players, who should now be able toconfront even the strongest adversaries without fear of being torn apart in the opening moves.

No reference is made in this book to any of the known openings, and minimal reference tothe players that invented or used them. Nor are there any examples taken from the rare games ofothers who played D-system openings; all the games reported here were played by the computer,or by the author. Here many readers will object, arguing that all that anyone can do is add to theexisting knowledge, and that this is best done by referring to what has already been agreed anddocumented. But this argument is not valid in the present case, for several reasons.

The standard opening and the close variants are completely new, and even the distantvariants are virtually unknown in the current practice of chess. The D-system contains no lines ofthe well known conventional openings. Extremely few games taken from conventional playrespect the D-system rules, and these rules are definitely not in conformity with the guidelines foropening play expounded in virtually every book ever written on chess. The Defense Game and theD-system are as radically different from conventional chess theory and practice as can beimagined. You could say that they are ideologically opposed to classical chess.

All of the openings described in this system are eight moves deep. This results in the leastpossible overlap with any existing openings, systems, or nomenclatures that have been used todate. Openings in the D-system that have ever been played before may be better described andunderstood by relating them to this new system than to any previous one.

The Defense Game and the D-system were discovered by the author without referring to theaccumulated knowledge of the chess openings. No other player had any influence on him inmaking this discovery. The few players who have used openings in the D-system obviously havenot recognized the full extent or significance of the system. Few of them used the same openingswith white and black, or with different move sequences, both key aspects of play in the D-system.

To date, the author has not found games on record in which the standard opening or itsclose variants were played. A handful of distant variants have been played, but they are extremelyrare (a few games in 100,000). Those instances were mostly with black, and from recent years, byplayers of different master levels. The few players who tested this approach to opening playabandoned it quickly; probably their impression was that it was too passive.

Rare and isolated occurrences should not detract from the serious and authentic claims tothe discovery of the Defense Game and its related system of variants. Never before has therebeen any real familiarity with or understanding of this vast and powerful new system for playingchess, nor a suitable announcement of it to the world. It is one thing to pass along a new pathwayand notice something glittering on the ground. It is quite another to dedicate a good portion ofone’s life to working there, mining and refining the precious matter hidden below, and thenbringing it back to town, minted into coin whose value anyone can recognize.

Why Wasn't It Found Before? 107

11. How the Defense Game Was Found

The Defense Game was discovered by the author alone, unassisted by other persons, orspecial chess playing programs, and without reference to the chess literature or previously playedgames. It is completely original, not based on or even similar to, other openings used to date.

The chess opening is probably the most researched subject of all time, so nothing could bemore surprising than finding something completely new, making a pristine discovery. Here in themidst of the incredible complexity of the chess opening was a simple arrangement that even asmall child could reproduce with ease. It was perfect in shape, proved very hard to break, andhad sharp cutting edges: it was a true jewel, something unique, of great and everlasting beauty.

The Defense Game was discovered by the author following the publication of 'The

Beginner's Game' and 'The Center Game'. It resulted from an attempt by the author to define anew opening system related to both these two new and powerful systems. The original idea wasto find a third system that was 'between' the other two, in the sense that it shared moves of eachbut was still recognizably distant from each of them.

The first effort to find a new opening was tried with the moves d3 and e3 (with white) ofboth Beginner's and Center Games, then the knight moves Nd2 and Ne2 of the B-game, followedby the pawn moves a3 and h3 of the C-game, and later redeploying the knights with Nb3 and Ng3.This trial opening soon proved to be too passive and vulnerable, and was discarded after only afew games. The next attempts left out the rook pawn advances a3 and h3, and proved to be muchbetter. When the bishop placements Bd2 and Be2 were added, the Defense Game was born.

The new Defense Game soon showed to be extremely easy to play, because it had a

relatively small set of good lines. In the first experiments, the new opening began to hold its ownagainst a variety of classical defenses. It was already demonstrating strong resilience toadversary play, the main characteristic sought by the author in all his research on chess. Itdefinitely merited further research.

Significant discoveries are rarely lucky finds. If you are not actively looking for something

definite, even if you stumble on an important find you may not recognize it at all. The author foundthe Beginner's Game and the Center Game and their related systems only because he was activelylooking for them. When the Defense Game was first composed, the author quickly recognized itshigh degree of independence to adversary play, as had the other two systems. The Defense Gamewas not a lucky find, and that’s the way it should be, because chess is a game of skill, not of luck.

The Defense Game showed early on to be tough defensively: in the first games played itwas able to shut down any adversary attack, and was never put in serious difficulty. The key to itsresistance was its extremely solid center, but also its flanks proved quite resistant. The adversaryseemed at a loss for finding ways to attack after the opening. He rarely attempted any attack in thecenter - this seemed to be one of the least promising approaches. Most often he was content to

trade off pieces, or close the pawn structure and wait. Early experiments were limited to playingwith black, so provided early confirmation of the validity of the system for white as well.

The previously invented B-system and C-system generally did not respect conventionalguidelines for opening play, and the Defense Game was also radically opposed to them. Therecessed pawn structure and the knight replacements were a completely new way of playing thegame of chess. A quick scan of the games databases revealed that practically no one had evereven experimented with this approach to opening play: this was a new way of playing the game!

When the Defense Game was tested more extensively, the results were surprising indeed:in spite of its apparent vulnerability to early attack, it was always able to defend adequately. Theseeming weaknesses of the opening could not be exploited easily by the opponent, who could dolittle to disrupt opening play. These were important first tests of both its validity and strength.

Adversary responses to the Defense Game were invariably the same: 2 and 3 pawnclassical defenses and close variants. The limited range of reactions to the Defense Game was asignificant finding of early research, pointing not only to the validity of the opening, but also to itspotential optimality. If an optimal opening system exists, it probably has this characteristic, that itprovokes or constrains the adversary to play one of a limited number of standard responses.

A surprising finding emerging from early research was the aggressiveness of the Defense

Game. On defense it rarely conceded the adversary any piece placements on its side of theboard; the compact and resistant pawn structure and aggressive piece placements didn't allowthem. In most games there was no adversary penetration on our side of the board until the middlegame. There were the obvious challenges with the bishop and rook pawn early attacks, but all thepossible responses to these attacks proved acceptable. On our side play was rarely forced.

On offense, the Defense Game consistently showed an aggressive character. Following the

standard opening It almost always found good attacking lines, and quickly gained ground againstthe adversary, who often lost several moves with his pieces adjusting to this new and unfamiliardeployment. In the middle game it consistently controlled its share of the chessboard. All theearly research pointed to both the validity and the strength of the new system.

The author remained skeptical during experimentation, because the D-game seemed toopassive to be a solid candidate for inclusion in the collection of tried and true openings. Inparticular, the apparent vulnerability to the bishop and rook pawn early attacks placed it in aquestionable light. All the possible refuting lines had to be thoroughly explored before beginningto look at its performance along lines where it was not challenged in the opening moves.

Extensive experimentation with the Defense Game gradually began to wear away theauthor's skepticism. In game after game played at master level, the opening piled up wins anddraws. With black results were truly impressive: this was a fighting defense! The quality of thesefirst games was excellent; each was a valid original contribution to chess.

How It Was Found 109

Three months of continuous experimentation confirmed the validity of the Defense Game.The opening did well against all the classical defenses, and had even less problems with customdesigned unconventional openings. All the possible responses were explored, and none werefound which could put the standard opening in real difficulty, or give any impression of being arefuting line. The computer was main tool for this research, but only to test openings improvisedby the author. All the D-system openings were designed by the author, not the computer.

After playing several hundred games at master level, the author compiled the results. TheDefense Game had consistently won its share of games. With white, results were good; withblack, they were excellent. Most importantly, no defense or early attack was found which coulddefeat the system in a series of games. Soon the Defense Game was worthy of presentation to theentire world. It clearly merited a complete exposition in a book of its own. The selection of gamesand drafting work began, using the format of the first two books.

The most remarkable thing about the D-game is the ease of play with this system. Theauthor has been able to draw many games against some of the world's best chess playingprograms, and increased his ELO rating about 200 points within a few weeks of adopting thesystem. Ease of play of the D-game is the key to its success - many of the best lines for playingthe system are obvious. Everyone who tries the system should appreciate this, but they shouldalso see a dramatic improvement in their results in competition play.

The author is an amateur chess player who is in no sense an 'authority'. He enjoys chess,but is not a master level player. Some readers may disparage this book because it was written byan amateur, but this is unfair. Most serious players now make extensive use of chess playingcomputers; using them even amateurs can do valid research and analysis, and make significantdiscoveries. Games generated by computer are more likely to be correct than games betweenhumans. In any case top players frequently use lines suggested by computer analysis, and theoriginal content of master level games during opening play is typically quite small.

The Defense Game is not a just a curiosity to be filed away in the literature on irregularopenings. It is a new approach to playing chess, with the potential to change the entire practiceof the game. Based on a standard configuration that can almost always be played, and aconstellation of variants closely related to it, the Defense Game, like the Beginner's Game and theCenter Game before it, is another of the perfect jewels of chess. You can only marvel at itssimplicity and beauty, which like chess itself, is eternal. The author hopes that the amazement thisdiscovery must provoke in others will inspire them to use their own ability to think for themselves,which is the only way that we can rise above our limitations, and gain true mastery of our lives.

12. Can It be Refuted? Is It Optimal?

The singular properties of the Defense Game and the positive results using it in play atmaster level make these two questions quite serious indeed. Of course we must start by trying toanswer the first question, whether the Defense Game can be refuted. All serious chess playerswill certainly try their best to do so, and we can expect that in the period following theannouncement of this system there will be widespread and concerted efforts to overturn it. But itis improbable that this system will ever be refuted, for a number of good reasons.

There are many possible ways of playing the opening moves. If some of these sequencesprove to be problematic, we can use other sequences instead. In this respect the Defense Gameis less likely to be refuted than conventional openings, with strict or limited move orderings.

Experimentation doesn’t support the conjecture. In hundreds of games played at masterlevel, there have been very few in which the Defense Game was in any real difficulty during orafter the opening. Serious problems were seen only where the continuation of the opening wasbadly misplayed. No adversary opening has yet been found which could consistently win fromthe same opening positions, and most of the best defenses and early attacks have been tried.

All games seen to date demonstrate the difficulty of attacking this opening. The defense isso compact and coherent that it resists all attacks. There are practically no weaknesses that canbe exploited. Even if some lines are found where serious weaknesses can be provoked, strongresponses will be found: there are always other sequences of the standard opening that countereffectively, or we can move into one of the large number of variants.

The D-system close variants are all extremely strong. Further research will determine whichof them are strongest in the context of particular adversary responses. The distant variants add alarge number of lines, which retain the basic character of the system. All of this insures that theD-system should be able to resist any opposing play, while remaining close to its main lines.

On the offense, there is always a range of options present. The open field in front of the

position makes almost all the pawn moves playable. The pieces all have relocation squares, andare ideally placed to support the pawn advances, which can be made on any front. Various queenplacements and castling options exist as well. The attacking potential of the Defense Game hasbeen demonstrated in the games played with it. It seems to be a natural consequence of thestandard opening that it can always uncoil into powerful attacks.

Certainly some D-systems openings will prove useful only in defined contexts, becausethey contain forward placements that can’t always be supported, or because other members in thesystem are more effective along given lines. The main lines of the Defense Game are almostcertainly the most generally playable of the D-system openings. But most of the openings in thisnew system should prove valid against most lines of adversary play, and the entire D-system isworthy of inclusion in a revised compendium of chess openings. In summary, it is highly unlikelythat the Defense Game, and most of its variants in the D-system will ever be refuted.

Can It Be Refuted? 111

Optimality:

There are various possible definitions of optimality. The strong definition is that it isalways possible to win or draw using the opening. If an optimal solution in this sense is found, itconstitutes in effect a solution to the game of chess. Optimality in this sense is extremely hard toprove, given the immense number of possible games, even from advanced starting positions. Asimpler, operational definition would be that the opening results in the largest percentage of wins(and draws) in games at master level between players with similar ratings.

If an optimal opening according to the strong definition does exist, it is likely to have thecharacteristics of the Defense Game. Principal among these is use of the same opening for blackand white, and the ability to confront any adversary with a standard deployment. The existence ofa small and well defined set of related variants, such as the variants of the D-system, would alsolikely be a part of an optimal system. These variants offer flexibility in responding to those fewsituations in which an adversary could develop a significant advantage.

General playability of a standard set of opening moves may be considered an indicator ofpossible optimality, but the real question is of course, what happens after the opening. Here acandidate for optimality must show superior ability on offense and on defense. Experience in playto date with the Defense Game strongly supports its validity, but can only hint at optimality.

The author had suggested the optimality of the Beginner’s Game and the Center Game; forthe Defense Game the conjecture arises again, with different prospects for success. There aresome factors which enhance its prospects, and others which diminish them. During the opening,the Defense Game can be attacked, and these represent possible refutation lines. The DefenseGame also has a more restricted set of lines than do the other two opening systems. But this canalso work in its favor, because it is easier to demonstrate validity of a smaller number of lines. Theauthor believes that the Beginner's Game and Center Games have better chances of eventuallyproving to be optimal however, because in general they develop more complex positions.

A true test of strong optimality would require the compilation of millions of games, withextensive research into lines that put the standard opening in difficulty. The vast majority ofthese games could be generated by computer, but still with significant human participation. TheDefense Game was not found by a computer, and the best defenses to it may not be found by acomputer either. A real test of strong optimality can only be done with massive experimentation;but even a limited experiment would furnish an excellent indication of operational optimality.

With highly specialized chess playing programs alone we should be able to come veryclose to a definitive response to the question of strong optimality. The participation of manyexperts would still be necessary: not only expert players, but also designers and analysts capableof modifying and improving these programs. Any competent group that decides to dedicatethemselves to this research will certainly find a receptive audience for their findings.

With even a modest amount of organization, it should be possible to collect and builddatabases of games generated by players of this system. The chess playing community could beenlisted to research advanced positions, and submit results for compilation. Using large gamedatabases, we can identify problematic lines, and begin pruning the move trees. With theparticipation of a large number of interested persons, it should be possible to obtain a veryreliable response to the question of strong optimality.

Because the entire process is one of gradually approaching absolute certainty, researchinto the optimality of the Defense Game may go on for many years. And if the final answer isaffirmative, it doesn’t mean the end of chess, or even the end of chess as it has been played untilthe present. It does mean the end of the real competition between humans and computers. Theywill finally be unbeatable, as has always been predicted. But this shouldn’t conceal the triumph ofthe human over the computer, because most of the moves of their lookup game will have beentaught to them by humans. Moreover it was humans who designed, built, and programmed them!

The author ventures the following odds on the possible results of strong optimality: ! White can always win or draw: about 1/8! Black can always win or draw: about 1/8

In all this discussion we have not considered what is probably the best practical definitionof optimality: that the greatest number and variety of players can adopt the system andimmediately improve their game. Under this definition the Defense Game is definitely optimal!

The X3 series Experiments

The author ran a controlled experiment with the Defense Game and D-system to see howstrong it is. A series of 100 games was generated, played by the computer from the ninth moveonwards, using different ‘personalities’. Most games used classical defenses, invented by thecomputer. A small minority of games used strong custom defenses such as those presentedpreviously, invented by the author. Both sides had equal computing time of 45 minutes.

The results of this experiment are good: the Defense Game won 39% and drew 29% of thegames. Wins with black were almost as frequent as with white, whereas white showed a higherpercentage of draws. The first impression from reading these results is that this is definitely afighting system for black, and most probably a drawing system for white. Other experimentsshowed that, using the D-system, anyone can play at master level thru the first 10 moves, and hasa reasonable chance of maintaining equality thru 15 moves. With this system even beginners canplay well enough in the opening to make the game interesting for any opponent, however skilled.

Although far too limited to be a serious indicator of how well the Defense Game willperform in practice at master level, these experiments should nevertheless serve to arouse ourinterest. Not only have we found the easiest and probably one of the best systems ever forplaying the opening, we may well have found an optimal way of playing the game of chess.

Can It Be Refuted? 113

13. What Happens Now to Chess?

Unless extensive analysis and experience in play refutes this new system, or proves it to beinferior, it is almost certain that the game of chess will never be the same as before, or evenanything like it. If this new system proves valid and strong in play, as the author believes it will,then it definitely has the potential to change dramatically the entire practice of chess.

Regardless of the evaluation that master level players will finally condescend to give it, thissystem has already found a niche in chess, at the amateur level. Here it will certainly survive andprosper, because it is by far the easiest way of playing the opening that has ever been found.With this system any beginner can play correctly not only in the opening but during the entiregame. When complemented with modest middle game and endgame skills, the Defense Gamebecomes the quickest route ever found to what can be called true mastery of the game of chess.

Another niche where the Defense Game will certainly thrive, and find many enthusiasticpractitioners, is in speed chess. In games of 15 minutes or less, this system should prove to be astellar performer. The main component in its favor is again the ease of opening play, but also thelimited nature of typical responses. The combination of the two allows blitz players to quicklymaster a number of strong lines which will surprise and confound the adversary, and help themgain an important psychological edge with rapid and incisive play during and after the opening.

Beginners and lesser intermediate players should be easy converts to the Defense Game:for it is the quickest route to playing well, and one of the few systems allowing them to survive formore than a few moves against superior opponents. Better players will be more difficult toconvince, but as they face these openings more often, they will learn not only how to play againstthem, but how to play with them. As their initial curiosity in the novel system grows to a deepappreciation, more and more good players will try it, in casual play at first, then in competition.

Most advanced players will be reluctant converts, because they have made tremendousefforts to master their current games and push their way up using them. But current openings donot work against this new system, and like it or not, they are moving into a completely differentpractice of opening play. The lines they wish to pursue against it are rich in possibility, so everytop player can have his own novel defense. We can expect to see plenty of tough chess againstthe Defense Game, and certainly there will be many top players who will relish bringing it down.But even the best players should finally appreciate that there is no easy way to stop the D-system.

Given the impact the new system will make on chess, it is likely to divert the interest of

analysts. The Defense Game and its related system is an very fertile field for original research.The strongest defenses to confront them have to be found, and the sharpest lines explored.These defenses will be strong in the hands of superior players. But where skills are evenlymatched, the new system should begin to show a positive balance of outcomes.

In chess, as in most difficult games, better players usually win, and that formula doesn’tchange with the introduction of a new opening, however strong it is. So the best players with

their well known classical openings will probably remain at the top for a long time. Eventuallysome champions will come forward from the increasing ranks of good players already using thesystem regularly. Maybe some of them will have learned to play chess with the Defense Game!

Can we say adieu to classical chess? Not at all: it will continue to live and thrive. But it willgradually be less practiced, first by beginners, then by occasional and club players, and finally bythe top players. Will the new chess be better or worse than the old chess? In the opinion of theauthor it will be much better. It will be better because it will be more accessible: there is noreason now why anyone cannot learn quickly to play reasonably well. There should be a surge innew players, and so an increase in interest in the game as played at championship levels. Eventop players holding out against the new system will benefit from all the new interest in the game.

The new chess will also be better because the quality of games resulting from play with thissystem is superior. All of the games the author has seen with the Defense Game and theD-system are very interesting; many of them are superb. These openings give rise naturally tohighly complicated positions that encourage the most brilliant combinations and tactical play.

Another principal improvement will be that more games will be close, between players ofdiffering skill levels. When in the past could a beginner offer an interesting game to an expertplayer? Many potentially interested people have turned away from chess after a few humiliatingexperiences of being badly beaten. The better player is often bored or arrogant, makingeverything worse. Most people don’t react well to failure, especially when it reflects on theirintelligence. But anyone who plays well can feel satisfied, even in defeat. This is very important.

Chess is fascinating, even exciting, to those interested in it, but it is incredibly boring tothose who aren’t. A little compassion for non-players goes a long way. What is the interest ofsitting in silence for hours hunched over a board? Life is to be lived, not contemplated. Noweven those with a justified aversion to chess can learn quickly to play reasonably well, and sobegin to share your passion for the game. Your whole world will brighten up if you spend moretime with your loved ones and less in the isolation of a pastime they cannot appreciate.

Chess has always been a predominately male pursuit. Wives, daughters, sisters, and

girlfriends take note: you can gain the respect of someone close to you by learning to play. In theprocess maybe you can help them understand that all games, and life in general, should be fun.Chess is also famous for attracting and producing introverts, lost in this interior world. There istoo often a somber atmosphere to the game, imposed by those who take it too seriously. So whatif you lose - set the pieces up again! Reintroduce the human element into the game: lighten up,enjoy yourself, laugh when you lose, and do something else occasionally than play chess.

The world of chess should recognize that this totally new system is valid and strong.Finally the game of chess is accessible to all; never again should beginners and lesser players behumiliated in the opening moves of the game. Good chess playing is now within the reach ofeveryone, not just a select few with the perseverance to study and master the arcane world ofopening theory. Now everyone can play good chess - power to the people!

What Happens Now to Chess? 115

14. Games Section

Now we propose a large collection of complete games. In all games the author played theD-system opening to at least eight moves. After that, unless otherwise noted, the computerplayed both sides until the conclusion. In all games the computer played at top strength, and wasgiven one and a half hours computing time, with equal time for each side. Games have beenanalyzed to insure they are free from serious errors, and that lines chosen by both sidesconsistently from among the most promising. The quality of play overall is at the master level.

These are excellent chess games, but they are not really a careful selection. They weretaken from a series of less than 250 generated games. The intention of this compilation isprincipally to document the variety of openings in the system, and some of the best defenses,especially the classical ones. Many of these games may prove to contain best lines for playingthe D-system, but in general they should be considered as first experiments with the system.

Only wins and draws are presented in this collection. Of course there were losses, andmany of them are quite interesting and instructive. The author is not proposing strategies for theadversary however: finding best defenses to the Defense Game and other D-system openings isleft to the imagination and analytical skills of all readers.

The collection presents a variety of openings. There are many Defense Games, Containingat least six standard moves, but with various continuations, some of which are responses to earlyattacks. Then there are many games with close variants, also containing at least 6 of the standardmoves, but with introduced moves figuring in the first six. There is also a good selection ofdistant variants, which include only four or five moves of the standard opening. Games areordered by the distance of the variants that are played.

Games are reported on one page each, with a brief text outline giving highlights of each.Six diagrams per game are shown, presenting snapshots of the ongoing contest. Better playersshould be able to follow most of the action from these diagrams alone. In all games the positionof the board after eight moves each side is shown. Afterwards, diagrams show the progress ofthe game at intervals, trying to catch some of the more interesting moves. Diagrams are labeledwith the move about to be made. Asterisks in the move lists flag the corresponding diagrams.

There are a large number of openings in the D-system; this collection only attempts todocument some of the interesting ones. It is just an introduction to the system; the variantspresented here still have to be tested more thoroughly in order to firmly establish their validity.Hopefully this collection of games will stimulate the interest of all readers to research theD-system openings, and by using them in competition help to establish their rightful places in theopenings pantheon.

Openings in the D-system give rise to highly positional games. Most have a series ofexchanges soon after the opening, but resulting in no material gain for either side. A fairlycomplex middle game then follows in which superior combinatorial skills are needed in order toobtain any advantage. Many games remain balanced until relatively late in the game, while othersare characterized by sacrifice of material in exchange for superior position.

The Defense Game and the D-system openings generally evolve from positional struggles

and simplify quickly with rapid exchanges, often reaching the endgame by the 30th move. Tosucceed with this system, you must develop a feel for finding the best continuations from yourchosen initial deployment, and a natural intuition of how best to exchange off the pieces. Youusually do not need to find brilliant combinations in order to play this system well however; it isusually sufficient to concentrate on solid defense, maintain equality materially, and strive toobtain slight positional advantages that can be decisive in the endgame.

Even with an easy to play system like the Defense Game, master level games can be hard tofollow for lesser skilled players. Master level games challenge your ability to follow andunderstand the moves chosen. This book makes an important step towards making chessaccessible for everyone, especially the chess opening, but it cannot make the game simplistic.The beginner's level strategy for drawing with the Defense Game is easy to understand andimitate, but master level play with the D-system is far more complex. If you want to play chess atmaster level you must work hard and develop your skills. Playing thru games in this collectionwill help you acquire a feel for correct and incisive play, and help develop your mastery of chessin the middle and endgames, where the contest is usually decided.

As with any collection, readers should look for games of special interest and play themfirst. But all of these games are worthy of review; they are all good examples of play within theD-system, and each one you work thru and understand will help you on the road to completemastery of the game of chess. Find those that appeal and .. attack!

Games Section 117

Game 21: Defense Game Dv0 with White

White's Dv0 triumphs over a 3 pawn custom opening (9) in an interesting display of tactical chess.After a few opening trades black abandons his rook pawn for the attack (15), and finds a goodcontinuation (25), but not enough to equalize. White is then able to find the right moves (34,39) towin in a tricky bishop and pawn endgame. The Defense Game is definitely one tough opening!

��›��´�”“��“��’�’��²‘’�� 34. d5

��“�´��”��’��‘��›��²�’�� 39. Bxh7

33. cxb4 Ke734.* d5 Kd635. dxc6 Bxc636. Ba6 Kc737. g4 Kb638. Bd3 g539.* Bxh7 Kb540. Ke3 Kxb441. Kd4 Bf342. Bf5 Kb543. Ke5 Kc544. Kf6 Kd645. Kxg5 Ke746. Kg6 Bg247. h4 Kf848. Kf6 Bf349. g5 Bh550. Be6 Bf751. Bg4 Bd552. h5 Ke853. h6 Be454. Bf5 Bxf555. Kxf5 Kf756. g6+ Kg857. Ke6 Kh858. Kf6 Kg859. g7 Kh760. Kf7 Kxh661. g8=Q Kh562. Qg3 Kh663. Qh4#

1. d3 d52. e3 e53. Ne2 f54. Nd2 Nf65. Nb3 Nc66. Bd2 Be77. Ng3 O-O8. Be2 Qd69.* O-O f410. Nh5 Nxh511. Bxh5 fxe312. fxe3 Rxf1+13. Qxf1 Be614. Qe2 a515.* a4 Rf816. Nxa5 Nxa517. Bxa5 Bg518. Bc3 d419. exd4 exd420. Bd2 Bxd221. Qxd2 Bd722. a5 Rf523. Bf3 Rb524. c4 dxc325.* bxc3 Rxa526. Rxa5 Qb6+27. d4 Qxa528. Bxb7 Qa1+29. Kf2 c630. Qc2 Qa531. Qb3+ Kf832. Qb4+ Qxb4

§��¨³�”“”�¹�”“��—¯�˜��“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��³��“”�¹�”“��—¯��”��“”��›‘��•�‘’��’‘�ª�‘’¦��²� 15..Rf8

��³��“”��”“��¯��’§��’‘�›��¬��‘’¦��²� 25..Rxa5

Game 22: Defense Game Dv0 with Black

Black's standard D-game faces the 3 pawn standard classical opening (9). White offers a pawn,with a dangerous attack ensuing (11), but black is able to consolidate and retain the pawn (20). Inthe face of an immanent K-side pawn storm white tries for counter play (31), but black keeps thelead, trading down to a comfortable endgame, and even offering a piece (48) to move things alongquickly. Though they seem vulnerable, D-game knight placements have proved to be quite good.

�´�¨��”��§��”��”�”��—��”��’��’��ª��’‘��¤¦�²� 31. Bb2

��—��’��”³�°��”�� 48..Kb3

32. Rxd7 Rxd733. Qxf6 Qxf634. Bxf6 gxh435. Bxh4 Kb736. Re7 Rxe737. Bxe7 Nd538. Bf8 h539. g3 a540. Kg2 Kc641. Kf3 Kb542. Ke4 Kc443. f3 a444. Bh6 b545. Bc1 b446. g4 hxg447. fxg4 a348.* g5 Kb349. Kxd5 a250. Bf4 a1=Q51. Be5 Qb152. Ke6 Qg6+53. Bf6 Kc254. Ke5 b355. Kf4 Kd356. Kg4 Ke457. Kg3 Qf558. Bd4 Qf3+59. Kh2 Qg460. Be5 Kf361. Bg3 Qxg3+62. Kh1 Qg2#

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. c4 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Nf3 Ng66. Be3 Be77. Bd3 Nb68. O-O Bd79.* c5 Nc810. Qb3 b611.* c6 Bxc612. d5 Bd713. dxe6 Bxe614. Bb5+ Bd715. Nd4 c516. Nc6 Qc717. Nd5 Qb718. Ncxe7 Ncxe719. Nxe7 Nxe720.* Rad1 O-O-O21. Bxd7+ Rxd722. Rfe1 d523. exd5 Nxd524. Bc1 f625. a3 Rhd826. Qh3 Kb827. Qf3 g528. h4 h629. b4 cxb430. axb4 Qc631.* Bb2 Nxb4

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—��‘’‘��–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. c5

§�—¯³��¨”�”�¹“”“�”�”“�—��’��’‘��ª–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��¤²� 11. c6

§��³��¨”��˜“”“�”�”��›”��‘��ª��‘’��’‘’��¤�¤²� 20..O-O-O

Defense Games 119

Game 23: Defense Game Dv0 with White

The author with white plays the D-game standard against black's 2 pawn classical opening withrook pawn attack (9). White follows an easy line trying for simplification and black obliges (17). Inview of black's strong Q-side pawns white decides to exchange his knight for three pawns (24),livening up a slow game somewhat. White trades rooks (32) and develops his promotion threat togo a pawn up (46), but is not able to win in the pawn endgame. Close, but not quite enough!

�¨�¨��“”��¹��³�—”��”��‘�‘�’��‘’��’‘�°��¤¦�� 32..Rxd8

��¹��“”��³��”’‘��”‘��‘˜‘�‘��°��’�� 46. Kb7

��³��”°��‘¹��‘�� 63. e5

37. b4 Kd638. c4 Bd439. a4 Nf840. Ke2 Ne641. a5 Ba742. Kd3 Ng543. f4 Ne644. f5 Nd445. Bc3 Kc646.* b5+ Kb747. b6 Bb848. Bxd4 exd449. Kxd4 Bxg350. c5 Be151. Kc4 Bxa552. Kb5 Bc353. c6+ Kc854. Kc4 Be555. Kd5 f656. Ke6 Bd457. b7+ Kc758. Kf7 Be559. Kxg7 Kxc660. Kxh6 Kxb761. g5 Bf462. Kg6 Bxg563.* e5 fxe564. Kxg5 e465. Kf4 Kc666. Kxe4 Kd667. Kf4 Ke768. Kg5 Kf769. f6 Kf870. Kg6 Kg871. f7+ Kf872. Kf6 1/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. d3 d53. Nd2 Nc64. Nb3 Nf65. Ne2 Bd66. Ng3 Be67. Be2 Qe78. Bd2 a59.* O-O a410. Nc1 O-O11. a3 Rfd812. Re1 h613. Na2 Qd714. Nh5 Nxh515. Bxh5 b516. h3 Ne717.* Bg4 Bxg418. Qxg4 Qxg419. hxg4 c520. f3 Rab821. Nc3 c422. dxc4 dxc423. Rad1 b424.* Nxa4 c325. Nxc3 bxc326. Bxc3 Bc727. e4 Kf828. Kf2 Bb6+29. Ke2 Ng630. g3 Ke731. Bb4+ Ke632.* Rxd8 Rxd833. Rd1 Rxd134. Kxd1 Bf235. Be1 Bd436. c3 Bb6

§��³��¨�“”�¯“”“��—¹�˜��”��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¨��³��”˜“”��¹��”�“�“”��“��›�’��‘’��‘•’‘��’‘�¦��ª¦�²� 17..Bxg4

�¨�¨��³��˜“”��¹��”��”��“”“��‘�’�–�’‘��’‘��‘��¤¦�²� 24. Nxa4

Game 24: Defense Game DvE with Black

Black plays DvE against an irregular opening by white (9). Black expands his position; white hasdifficulty finding good lines, and finally sacrifices a pawn to open the game (17). Afterwardsblack's extra pawn is a constant aggravation (26), requiring white to regroup and defend. Anothertry for counterplay is sidelined by black's knight tour (37). The tension climaxes when black defersrecapture to push his pawn (44). White is unable to cover the multiple threats (53) and goes down.

��§��³��“”“”��“�—�¨��‘��‘��”�–�¦��ª��–�’‘’��¦��²� 37..Nf4

��§��³��“”“”��“��¨��‘��‘��”��¦��¬•’‘’�•�¤��²� 44..a2

��³��“�”��“��§¯‘��•��“��’‘’¦��¬�²� 53. Rxa2

29. Re1 Qc730. Rbb1 b6 31. Rbc1 Qd732. Qc2 Qb733. Re3 Rdc834. Qb1 Ra535. Nd2 Qa636. Qa2 Bb537.* d5 Nf438. Qa1 Nd339. Rd1 Nb440. Rg3 Nc241. Qa2 Nd442. Ndb1 Bc443. Qd2 Ne2+44.* Nxe2 a245. dxe6 g646. exf7+ Bxf747. Na3 Rxa348. Rxa3 Qxa349. Ra1 Qb350. Qe1 Qb251. Nf4 Rc452. Nd3 Qd453.* Rxa2 Qxd354. f3 Qc355. Qxc3 0-1

1. b4 e62. Bb2 d63. e3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Nf3 Ng66. Be2 Be77. O-O O-O8. d4 Nb69.* Qd2 d510. a3 Bd711. Rab1 Bd612. Bd3 a613. Qe2 Qf614. Rfd1 Rfd815. Na2 a516. b5 Qe717.* c4 dxc418. Bxc4 Nxc419. Qxc4 Bxa320. Bxa3 Qxa321. Nc3 c622. e4 Rac823. Rb3 Qe724. bxc6 Bxc625. Qd3 a426.* Rb2 a327. Rb6 Ra828. Qe2 Qd6

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—��’�’��–�’•��‘�‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd2

§��¨��³��“”�¯“”“�˜�¹“�—�”‘�“��’��’��›’•��•�‘�ª’‘’�¤�¤��²� 17. c4

��§¨��³��“��¯“”“��“�—��“��’‘��–ª�•��¦��’‘’��¤��²� 26..a3

Defense Games 121

Game 25: Defense Game Dv4' with Black

Black's Dv4' counters in response to a rook pawn attack (9), a response worth remembering.Black gains a tempo with another counter attack (15), and after the exchange of minor pieces, isable to win a pawn beginning (22). A long and tough queen and rooks endgame follows (35), butblack presses well (45,54), cleaning up white's pawns to insure the win. A very instructive game.

��¨³��“¨��”��”��¤��ª��‘��‘²��¦�� 35..Qc2

��“��”³��¨�”��ª��¨��¯‘��¤�‘��¤��²� 45..Rh4

��“��”³��§”��ª��§��¯��°��¦‘��¦�� 54..Ra4

40. Qh5 R8f641. Rd7 Rg642. Re2 Qc343. Rd1 Qg3+44. Kh1 Rgf645.* Kg1 Rh446. Qe8 Rxh347. Qe4+ Rg648. Rf2 Rh449. Qf5 Qh2+50. Kf1 Rg451. Re1 Qh1+52. Ke2 Qh453. Rc1 Re4+54.* Kd3 Ra455. g4 Qxg456. Qxg4 Rgxg457. Rb1 Rg3+58. Ke2 Re4+59. Kf1 Re760. Rfb2 Rf7+61. Ke2 Rc762. Kd2 Rcc363. Rxb7 Ra364. Ke1 h565. R1b4 Rg266. Kf1 Raa267. Rf4 Rh268. Kg1 Kh669. Rb6+ g670. Re4 Rag2+71. Kf1 Rc272. Kg1 Rhf273. Rbe6 Rg2+74. Kf1 Rh275. Kg1 Rcg2+76. Kf1 Rf2+77. Kg1 Rhg2+78. Kh1 Rb2

1. e4 d62. d4 Nd73. Nc3 e64. Nf3 Ne75. Be2 Ng66. O-O Be77. Be3 Nb68. a4 d59.* a5 dxe410. axb6 exf311. bxc7 Qxc712. Bb5+ Bd713. Qxf3 O-O14. Bxd7 Qxd715.* d5 Bb416. Bxa7 Bxc317. dxe6 fxe618. Qxc3 Nf419. Qf3 Qb520. Rfe1 Qxb221. Qe4 Rac822.* Be3 e523. Bxf4 Rxf424. Qd5+ Rf725. Rad1 Qxc226. Rxe5 Qxf2+27. Kh1 Kh828. h3 Rfc729. Qe4 Qf730. Re1 Kg831. Rf5 Qd732. Rh5 h633. Rd5 Qc634. Qd3 Rf835.* Kh2 Qc236. Qg3 Rcf737. Rd6 Kh738. Re5 Rf3 39. Qg4 R3f4

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜��“�—��“��‘��’‘��–��•��’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. a5

§��¨³�”“�¹“”“��“�—��‘��–��ª��’‘��’‘’¦��¤²� 15..Bb4

��§��¨³��“��”“��“��ª˜��¯‘��’‘’¦��¦�²� 22..e5

Game 26: Defense Game DvE with Black

Black plays DvE against the 2 pawn standard classical defense (9). White offers a pawn for theattack (12), but it backfires seriously when black counters (17). Even so white continues to pressfor a long while afterwards (33), finally succeeding in regaining some lost material with a fork ofking and queen, but not enough to equalize. Black avoids subsequent forks (42) and cruises onto victory. A good illustration of the resistance of the Defense game to center pawn attacks.

��¦��”³§–“�“”�””��¨��’��‘’��¦��²� 33. Nd7

��³��¤��”�§�“�•”�””��¨‘’��¦�²� 38. Nxg7+

��§�“�³��””��¨��•�‘��’��¦�²� 42..Ke7

32. Nb6 Rb433.* Nd7 Kg634. Re1 Rxb235. Nf8+ Kf7 36. Nxe6 Rxf237. Rd7+ Ke838.* Nxg7+ Kxd739. Nxh5 Rf540. g4 Re541. Nxf6+ Ke642.* Ne4 Ke743. Kf2 a444. Ke3 a345. Kd4 Re646. Kc3 Ra447. Kb3 Rexe448. Rxe4+ Rxe449. Kxa3 Rxg450. Kb3 Rh451. Kc3 Rh3+52. Kd4 Kd653. Ke4 c554. Kf4 c455. Kg4 Rd356. Kf5 c357. Ke4 Rd558. Kf3 c259. h4 c1=Q60. Ke2 Qc361. Kf1 Rd262. h5 Qa1#

1. d4 e62. Nf3 Ne73. e4 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bd3 Nb66. Be3 Ng67. Qd2 Be78. O-O O-O9.* a4 a510. d5 c511. dxc6 bxc612.* e5 Nxe513. Nxe5 dxe514. f4 exf415. Bxf4 Bc5+16. Be3 Nc417.* Bxc4 Qxd218. Bxc5 Re819. Ne4 Qxc220. Nd6 Rf821. Rf2 Qg622. Raf1 h623. Rd2 Ba624. Bxa6 Rxa625. Nc4 Rb826. Rd7 f627. Rc1 Rb328. Rcd1 Qh529. Bf2 Rb430. Rc1 Rxa431. Rd8+ Kh7

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”“�—��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘¬�’‘’¦��¤²� 9. a4

§��¯�¨³��¹“”“�˜“”“�—�”��‘��‘��–›�•��’‘¬�’‘’¦��¤²� 12. e5

§��¯�¨³��“”“��“�“��”�¹��‘�—��–›��’‘¬��‘’¦��¤²� 17. Bxc4

Defense Games 123

Game 27: Defense Game DvE with White

White plays DvE, as black builds the impressive 4 pawn standard custom defense (9). White foilsall his adversary's attempts at attacking later in the center (15). Black keeps trying, but in thesecond wave of exchanges (21) he loses a pawn. The sequel is a tricky queen and rooksendgame, where white improves his position (32) and wins another pawn. Afterwards white hasthe necessary advantage to overpower black (36) and win (50). The D-game is tough enough!

��¨��³��“��“”��§��¤��‘¬��’��’�”�’�’��¤��²� 32. Qe3

��¨��³��¦��“�ª¯“��‘�§��’��’�”�’�’��¤��²� 36..Qxe6

��¦‘��³��§��’��’��¨�”��°��¤�� 50. g4

35. Qe3 Rd336.* Qe6+ Qxe637. Rxe6 Rxb338. Rxg6+ Kf739. Rxc6 Rxb240. h4 Rb541. f4 Rb242. Kf2 Rd343. Rc7+ Ke644. h5 Rd545. h6 Rh546. h7 Rh2+47. Kg1 Rh548. Kg2 Kd649. Rg7 Kc650.* g4 Rh451. Kg3 Rh652. Rg6+ Rxg653. h8=Q Rb3+54. Kh4 Rd655. Qc8+ Kb656. Qb8+ Kc657. Qxb3 Kc758. Qc3+ Kb759. Qc5 Rh6+60. Kg5 Rc661. Rb1+ Kc762. Qe7+ Kc863. Qe8+ Kc764. Qb8+ Kd765. Rb7+ Rc766. Qxc7+ Ke867. Rb8#

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. e3 c54. Ne2 f55. Ng3 Nf66. Nb3 Nc67. Be2 Be68. O-O Bd69.* Bd2 O-O10. Nh5 Qc711. Nxf6+ Rxf612. Nc1 e413. g3 d414. exd4 cxd415.* Bg5 Rff816. Nb3 Rae817. Qd2 h618. Bf4 Kh719. Bxd6 Qxd620. dxe4 fxe421.* Bb5 d322. cxd3 Bxb323. Bxc6 bxc624. axb3 exd325. Rxa7 Qd426. Ra4 Qd727. Qc3 Rd828. Re4 d229. Rd1 Rf530. Qc2 g631. Qc3 Rd532.* Qe3 Qf533. Re7+ Kg834. Qxh6 Qf6

§��¯³��¨”“��”“��—¹�˜��”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Bd2

§��³�”“¯��”“��—¹�¨��“��”“��‘��’�‘’‘�›’�’¦�–ª�¤²� 15. Bg5

��§¨��”“��”³��—¯��”�›��”“��•��’�‘’‘¬�’�’¦��¤²� 21..d3


Black plays Dv1, shutting down the Q-side rook pawn attack (9), then closing the center. Blackoffers his Q-side pawns in exchange for a strong K-side attack (16). A solid rook sacrifice (23)allows him equalize and take the initiative. In the endgame material is balanced, but white has apassed pawn (33), so black brings the game to an early conclusion with perpetual check (44,50).This game, like many others, shows the surprising capabilities of the D-game for counter attack.

§��³��“”��”��‘¬��‘’¦��° 33..Qd5

��³��“��“”¨��¯��‘�ª¦��’��’��²�� 44..Rxa4

��¦��“´��“”��ª��’��’��²�� 50..Qe2+

29. d7 Qd230. Qxe5 Qxd731. Qxa5 h632. Qb4 Ra833.* Ra1 Qd534. h3 Qa535. Qe4 Rd836. Rb1 Qc737. Qb4 Ra838. Rd1 Qe539. Qh4 Ra540. Qc4 Qe841. Rd4 Qe1+42. Kh2 Qe5+43. g3 g644.* h4 Rxa445. Rd8+ Kg746. Qxa4 Qe2+47. Kg1 Qe1+48. Kg2 Qe2+49. Kh3 Qf1+50.* Kh2 Qe2+51. Kg1 Qe1+52. Kh2 Qf2+53. Kh3 Qf1+54. Kh2 Qe2+1/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Nf3 Nb64. Nc3 Bd75. Bd3 e66. a4 a57. O-O Ne78. Be3 Ng69.* d5 e510. Qd2 Be711. Bxb6 cxb612. Qe3 O-O13. Bb5 Bxb514. Nxb5 Qc815. Qxb6 Nf416.* Nxd6 Qg417. Ne1 Qg618. Nc4 Qxe419. Ne3 Rac820. Nd3 Rxc221. Qxb7 Re222. Rac1 Qxd323.* Qxe7 Rxe324. fxe3 Ne2+25. Kh1 Nxc126. Rxc1 Qxe327. Rg1 Qd428. d6 Qxb2

§��¯³¹�¨�“”��“”“�˜�”“�—�”��‘��’‘��–›�•��’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. d5

§��¨³��“��¹“”“�¬�–��”��‘”��‘��‘˜��•��’‘��’‘’¦��¤²� 16..Qg4

��¨³��¬“”“��”��‘”��‘��˜��–��’��§’‘’��¦��¤²� 23..Rxe3

Defense Games 125

Game 29: Defense Game DvB' with Black

Black's DvB' responds to the rook pawn early attack (9). Black expands on the Q-side and winswhite's isolated rook pawn (18). After calmly adjusting his position, black opens a Q-side attack(39,48), then begins slicing thru the white defenses (57,68), all the while defending neatly againstpotential mating threats. By all standards of the game, truly a lovely victory for black.

�¯��³��¹��“”§��“��”��“’“��“’��’�§’��¤��ª’‘�¦��•²� 48..Rb1

��³��¹“’§��“��“’“��“’��”�’�¦��’‘��ª��•²� 57..Bg5

��“�³��“��¹��“’“��“’��’��’ª��’��•²� 68..Qe1

39.* Rf3 b440. Qc2 bxc341. bxc3 Rb342. Qd2 Bb643. Qa2 a544. Nf1 Rh545. h4 Qb846. Rh3 Bc747. Qe2 Rh748.* Bc1 Rb149. Qa2 Rxa150. Qxa1 Bd851. h5 a452. Bf4 Be753. h6 a354. Bc1 Qb355. Re3 Qd156. hxg7 Ba457.* Qb1 Bg558. Qb4 Kxg759. Bxa3 Bc260. Qf8+ Kg661. Qg8+ Rg762. Qh8 Bxe363. Bf8 Bh664. Bxg7 Bxg765. Qh3 Bd366. Qg3+ Kh767. Qh3+ Bh668.* g3 Qe169. Qg2 Qxc370. f4 Qxd4+71. Qf2 Qxf2+72. Kxf2 c373. Ne3 d474. g4 fxg475. Ng2 c276. Ne1 c1=Q

1. d4 e62. Nf3 Ne73. e4 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bd3 Nb66. O-O Ng67. a4 Bd78. a5 Nc89.* a6 b610. Be3 Be711. Qd2 O-O12. Bc4 c613. e5 d514. Bd3 Bb415. Bxg6 hxg616. Qd3 c517. Ne2 c418.* Qd1 Bb519. c3 Ba520. Qc2 Ne721. Rfd1 Qd722. Bg5 Bxa623. Ng3 Bb524. Nh4 Rac825. Rf1 Nf526. Ngxf5 gxf527. Nf3 a628. Rfe1 Ra829. Re2 Qc730. Qb1 Rfe831. Re1 Reb832. Nd2 Kh733. Qd1 Rh834. Nf1 Kg835. Ng3 Bc636. Qe2 b537. Qd2 Rh738. Re3 Rb8

§�—¯³¹�¨”“”��“”“��”“�—�’��’‘��–›�•��’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. a6

§�—¯�¨³�”��“”�‘”��“�“��“’��¹“’��•��’‘�•’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 18..Bb5

�¨��³��¯��“”§“��“��¹“�“’“��“’��’��¤–��’�¬�’‘’¦��²� 39..b4


Black's Dv1 shuts down a rook pawn attack (9). White tries to build an offensive based on hispieces in the center, but black dismantles it without complications (17). White sacrifices a pawntemporarily to try another attack, but black covers everything easily (29), retaining the initiativeand threatening to clean up on the Q-side (35). Black drives for promotion (43), but white is ableto stop his opponent short of victory with an exchange sacrifice (50) and hold on for the draw.

ª��¹��´“�”��—�”��”��‘¯��‘��‘’��¤�° 35. Qf3

��¤��¹�´“��—��“��ª��’°��’�� 43..a3

��¦��¹�´“��¯�˜��”��’°��ª��’�� 50. Rxa3

38. g3 e439. Qxe4 Qxb340. Rb1 Qf741. Kg2 Qa2+42. Kh3 a443.* Rb7 a344. Ra7 Qb245. Qe6 Qf646. Qc4 Ne547. Qe2 Qh6+48. Kg2 Qc6+49. Kh3 Qc550.* Rxa3 Qxa351. Qxe5+Bf652. Qc7+ Kh653. Qf4+ Bg554. Qf5 Qe755. Kg2 Kg756. h4 Be357. Qg4+ Kh658. Qf5 Qd659. Qe4 Bc160. g4 Qg661. Qc4 Bd262. g5+ Bxg563. hxg5+ Kxg564. Qd5+ Kh4+65. Kh1 Qb1+66. Kh2 Qb2+67. Kg1 Qg7+68. Kh1 Qe769. Qd4+ Kh570. Qd5+ Kh671. Kg2 Qe2+72. Kg3 Qe1+1/2-1/2

1. d4 e62. e4 d63. Nc3 Ne74. Nf3 Nd75. Bd3 Nb66. O-O Bd77. a4 a58. Be3 Ng69.* Nd2 Be710. f4 e511. fxe5 dxe512. Nc4 Nxc413. Bxc4 O-O14. Qf3 exd415. Bxd4 Be616. Nd5 Bd617.* Qc3 c618. Nb6 c519. Bxg7 Qxb620. Bxe6 fxe621. Bxf8 Bxf822. Rad1 Bg723. Qh3 Qc624. b3 Qxe425. Rde1 Qd4+26. Kh1 e527. Rd1 Qb428. Qe6+ Kh829.* Rf7 Rf830. Qd5 b631. Rxf8+ Bxf832. Qa8 c433. Rf1 cxb334. cxb3 Kg735.* Qf3 Be736. Rd1 b537. axb5 Qxb5

§��¯³¹�¨�“”��“”“�˜�”“�—�”��‘��’‘��–›�•��’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Nd2

§��¯�¨³��“”��“”“��¹��—�”��•��‘�›�‘��¬��’‘��‘’¦��¤²� 17..c6

§��´�“��¤¹“��ª�—�”�”�”��‘¯��‘��‘��‘’��¤��° 29..Rf8

Defense Games 127


White's DvE faces the 2 pawn F center classical defense (9). Following the opening trades, theposition remains balanced (21). Both sides look for K-side attacking angles, but there are none tobe found (33). Black finally sacrifices a pawn to launch his rook pawn (47), and white later followssuit. Despite best efforts by both sides to prevail in the endgame, a drawn game is the result (78).

��“´��“�”›¹�¯��’��’�’ª�‘��’°�� 47..Bxe3

��›��“��¹³�“�”��‘�°’�’��‘�� 57. f5+

��¹‘��›“��”��°��´�� after 78. Kd3

40. Bf1 Qd641. Bc4 Qe742. Qd5 h443. gxh4 c644. Qf3 b545. axb5 cxb546. Bxb5 Qe5+47.* Kg2 Bxe348. Ba4 Bf449. c4 Qd450. Qd5 Be551. Qxd4 Bxd452. f4 Kf653. Kf3 Ke654. Ke4 Bc555. Bb5 Ba356. Be8 Bd657.* f5+ gxf5+58. Ke3 Ke559. h5 Bc5+60. Kf3 Kf661. h6 Kg662. Bd7 Bd663. h7 Kg764. Ke3 f4+65. Kd4 f666. h4 Kxh767. Kd5 Bc768. Ke4 f5+69. Bxf5+ Kh670. Bd7 Kh571. c5 Kxh472. Ba4 Kg373. Bd1 Bb874. c6 Bc775. Be2 Bd876. Bd1 Bb677. Bh5 a478.* Kd3 1/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 Nc65. O-O Bc56. d3 O-O7. Nd2 Be68. Nb3 Bb69.* Bd2 a510. a4 Qd611. c3 Ne712. d4 Nf513. Nxf5 Bxf514. dxe5 Qxe515. Nd4 Ne416. Nxf5 Qxf517. Qc2 Rfe818. c4 dxc419. Bxc4 Rad820. Bc3 Qh521.* Rfd1 Nxc322. bxc3 Bc523. Be2 Qh424. Rab1 Rxd1+25. Rxd1 b626. Bd3 Bd627. h3 Qh528. Bf5 Rd829. Rd4 g630. Be4 Qe531. g3 Qe732. Bg2 Bc533.* Qe4 Qf634. Rd5 Kg735. Rd3 Rxd336. Qxd3 Qd637. Qc2 Qd738. Qe4 h6 39. Kh2 h5

§��¯�¨³�”“”��“”“�¹—��˜��“”��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Bd2

��¨§�³��“”��“”“�¹��”��‘�›�—��’��’ª��’‘’¦��¤²� 21. Rfd1

��¨��³��”�¯“�“�”��“�”�¹��‘��¦��’�’�’‘��ª��’›��²� 33. Qe4

Game 32: Defense Game Dv1 with WhiteIn an example taken from analysis of beginner's style D-game lines white's Dv1 confronts a 2pawn standard classical defense with Q-side rook pawn attack (9). White's pawn offer (14) resultsin a doubled pawn for black. White attacks on open lines (23), and forces simplifications (30). Theendgame is fairly easy for beginners; it allows the opponent to draw (36,48), but only if he doesn'tmake any mistakes. Finally something even beginners can understand and play well!

§��´��•��“�“��“��”��”��‘��¯��‘¬��’��‘’��¦��° 30. Qd6+

��¨��“´“��“��”��”�–��‘��‘��’��‘’��¦��²� 36..Rd2

��•��´��“��”��”��§�“�“‘��’�’�‘¦�²�’�� 48..Kf7

31. Nxd6 Bb332. Ne4 Re833. Ra1 Kg734. Kg1 Rd835. Nc5 Bc236.* Rc1 Rd237. b3 f538. h3 Kf639. f4 h540. h4 Ke741. g3 f642. Re1+ Kf743. Re3 Bd144. Nb7 Rd545. Kf2 Bc246. Rc3 Be447. Ke2 Ke748.* Ke3 Kf749. Nc5 Bb150. Rc4 Ba251. Rc2 Bb152. Rc1 Ke753. Rxb1 Rxc554. Kd4 Kd655. Re1 Rd5+56. Kc4 Rc5+57. Kd4 Rd5+58. Kc4 Rc5+59. Kd4 1/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 Bd65. d3 O-O6. Nd2 Nc67. Nb3 a58. a4 Be69.* Bd2 Re810. O-O Qe711. Re1 e412. d4 Nb413. Bc3 c614.* Nc5 Bxc515. dxc5 Qxc516. Bxf6 gxf617. c3 Nd318. Bxd3 exd319. Qxd3 Qf820. e4 Qh621. exd5 Bxd522. c4 Be623.* Ne4 Bf524. Qg3+ Kf825. Nd6 Rxe1+26. Rxe1 Qd227. f3 Qd4+28. Kh1 Be629. Nxb7 Bxc430.* Qd6+ Qxd6

§��¯�¨³��“”��“”“��—¹�˜��”��“”��‘��•�‘’�–��’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. Bd2

§��§�³��“��¯“”“��“¹�˜��”��“��‘˜�’“��•��’�–��’‘�›’‘’¦��ª¦�²� 14. Nc5

§��§�³��“��“�“��“��”�¯”��‘�‘��ª��–��’��’‘’¦��¦�²� 23. Ne4

Defense Games 129

Game 33: Defense Game DvB' with Black

The author with black retreats from the rook pawn attack with DvB' (9). After a few trades, black isable to pile up on and win the isolated rook pawn (23,26), but white later equalizes and threatensto attack Q-side. Black simplifies further (33), and pushes for promotion, allowing white's queen toinvade (42). White then chooses to force draw by perpetual check (49). All quite straightforward.

��¨³��—¯�”“•��“�“��“�“’��’�’��–�ª��’‘’¦��²� 33..Bb7

��¬��³”“��“�“��“’“’��’��–��’‘’��²� 42..b4

��ª��´�”“��“�“��’“’��’��“��’‘’��•²� 49..Ke8

26.* Nf3 Nb827. Ne1 Rxa628. Nd3 Rxa229. Qxa2 a630. Nc5 Nd731. Nxa6 c532. b4 cxd433.* cxd4 Bb734. Nc5 Nxc535. bxc5 Ra836. Qb2 Rxa1+37. Qxa1 Bc638. Qa5 Qb739. Qb4 Qa640. Qd2 Qa441. Qg5 Kf742.* Qd8 b443. Nf1 b344. Qc7+ Bd745. Qb7 Ke846. Qb8+ Ke747. Qb7 Ke848. Qb8+ Ke749.* Qb7 Ke81/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bd3 Nb66. O-O Bd77. a4 Ng68. a5 Nc89.* a6 b610. Be3 Be711. Qe2 O-O12. Rad1 c613. e5 d514. Bxg6 fxg615. Qd2 b516. Ne2 Nb617. b3 Bc818. Ra1 Nd719. Ra2 Nb820. Rfa1 Nd721. Bg5 Rf722. Bxe7 Qxe723.* c3 Rb824. Ng5 Rf825. Ng3 Rb6

§�—¯³¹�¨”“”��“”“��”“�—�’��’‘��–›�•��’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. a6

§��³�”��—¯§”“‘�“�“�“��“�“’��’��‘’��•��¤��¬•’‘’¦��²� 23..Rb8

��¨³�”��—¯�”“‘¨“�“�“��“�“’��’��‘’��•–�¤��¬�’‘’¦��²� 26..Nb8


White's DvE faces the impressive 4 pawn standard custom defense, striking immediately at the bigforward pawn wall (9). Black is content to trade down (14); white tries to keep the game going.Black attempts to simplify by creating an isolated doubled pawn (19) but his scheme fails. White isa pawn up in an early finale (27) and keeps his advantage until the end, but can't quite force a win(44). Experience in play shows that more expansive defenses are no better than classical ones.

��³��”“��˜��”��’��§��’‘’��¤��²� 27. f4

��¦��´��’��²��§�� 44..Ke7

24. Bxc5 Rd225. Bxa7 Rxa226. Rd1 Rc227.* f4 exf428. Rd8+ Kf729. Rd7+ Ke630. Rxg7 Rxc331. Rxh7 Nc632. Bb6 Rc1+33. Kf2 Ne534. Rg7 Rc2+35. Kf1 f336. gxf3 Rxh237. Rg3 Rb238. Bd4 Rb339. Bxe5 Rb1+40. Kf2 Kxe541. Rg8 Rb442. Kg3 Kf643. f4 Rb144.* Rf8+ Ke745. Rf5 1/2-1/2

1. d3 d52. Nd2 c53. e3 e54. Ne2 f55. Nb3 Nc66. Ng3 Nf67. Be2 Be68. O-O Bd69.* e4 fxe410. dxe4 Nxe411. Nxe4 dxe412. Nd2 O-O13. Nxe4 Be714.* c3 Qxd115. Rxd1 Rad816. Be3 b617. b3 Rxd1+18. Rxd1 Rd819.* Rc1 c420. Bxc4 Bxc421. bxc4 Na522. c5 bxc523. Nxc5 Bxc5

§��¯³��¨”“��”“��—¹�˜��”“”“��•�‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. e4

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹�”“��—��”�”��•��’��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 14..Qxd1

��¨��³�”��¹�”“�”—��”�”��•��‘’��‘��›’‘’��¦��²� 19..c4

Defense Games 131

Game 35: Defense Game Dv5'E with Black

Black plays Defense Game main line Dv5'E, against white's 2 pawn standard classical opening(9). Black gains space, attacking on both flanks (19). White's attempts to counter (25,28) result indisastrous loss of material (36,40), and he goes down like a sawn tree. Analysis shows white'splay was valid, but the result was total destruction. What does that say about the Defense Game?

§��³��¹�”“§��”��—��—”��”��•��‘��‘›��¬�’‘–¦��¦��° 28. h4

§��³��¹�”“§��”��”��‘�•˜�‘��›��¦��‘�¦��° 36..Bxe4

§��³��¹�”“��§��”��”¤��•˜�‘��²�›��¦�� 40..e4

26. cxb3 b427. Ne4 Nxd528.* h4 Nxh429. f3 Nxe330. Rxe3 d5 31. Rd3 Be632. Qc2 dxe433. fxe4 Qc834. Qxc8+Bxc835. Rd2 Bb736.* Ng4 Bxe437. Kh2 Bxg238. Kg3 Rg639. Rc1 Bf340.* Rc4 e441. Kf2 Bxg442. Rxe4 Bc5+43. Kf1 Bf344. Rf2 Rxa245. Re8+ Kf746. Rf8+ Kxf847. Rxf3+ Ke748. Rg3 Rxg349. Ke1 Rg1#

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bd3 Ng66. O-O Be77. Be3 O-O8. Qd2 e59.* a4 Nf610. h3 c511. d5 Bd712. a5 Qc713. Qe2 Nh514. Bc4 Nhf415. Qd1 b516. axb6 axb617. Qd2 Qb718. Rfe1 b519.* Ba2 f520. exf5 Rxf521. Nh2 Rff822. Kh1 Ra623. Bb3 c424. Ba2 Rfa825.* b4 cxb3

§��¯�¨³�”“”—¹“”“��”��—��”��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘¬�’‘’¦��¤²� 9. a4

§��¨³��¹“”“��”��—��“”‘”��‘˜��–��•�‘›’‘¬�’‘�¦��¦�²� 19..f5

§��³��¹�”“§��”��—��“�‘”��“��˜��–��‘›’‘¬�’‘–¦��¦��° 25. b4

Game 36: Defense Game DvDxE with White

White responds to the frequently seen bishop early attack, playing DvDxE (9). After center pawnsare exchanged, white piles up on black's advanced pawn and wins it (17), then retains his leadafter minor pieces and queens are traded (22,36). White's powerful Q-side passed pawns providethe winning margin, but it takes careful play to bring them home (51,68). An educational game.

��“��³”“��“��¤��‘��‘��‘��¨‘²�� 36. a4

��´��‘��¤��‘��”��‘��¨�”°��‘�� 51. Re7+

�¦��‘��‘��³��²��§��“�� 60. Rg8

36.* a4 Ra237. a5 e538. Rxb7+Kf639. b4 e440. b5 Ra141. Kg3 Ke542. a6 Ra3+43. Kg4 h5+44. Kxh5 e345. Re7+ Kd646. Re4 Kc547. Kg4 Rc348. Kf3 g549. Re5+ Kb650. Re6+ Ka751.* Re7+ Kb652. Rb7+ Kc553. b6 g4+54. Ke2 Rc2+55. Kxe3 Rxg256. Rb8 Rg3+57. Ke4 Rc358. b7 Rxc4+59. Ke5 Kb560.* Rg8 Kb461. b8=Q+Kc362. Qb1 Rc5+63. Kf4 Rc4+64. Ke3 Rb465. Rc8+ Rc466. Qe1+ Kc267. Rxc4+ Kb368. Rb4+ Ka269. Qf2+ Ka370. Qb2#

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. d3 Nf64. Nd2 Nc65. Ng3 Bg46. Be2 Bxe27. Qxe2 Be78. O-O O-O9.* Nf3 e410. Nd4 Nxd411. exd4 c512. dxe4 dxe413. dxc5 Bxc514. Bg5 Re815. c3 Qb616. Rae1 Rac817.* Bxf6 Qxf618. Nxe4 Qf519. Qc2 Bb620. Re2 Re621. Qa4 Bc722.* Ng3 Bxg323. Rxe6 Bxh2+24. Kxh2 fxe625. Qxa7 Qb526. Qe3 Rc627. Rb1 Rd628. b3 Qd329. Qc5 Qd530. Qb4 Ra631. c4 Qd6+32. Qxd6 Rxd633. Re1 Kf734. Re5 Rd235. Rb5 Rxf2

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“��—��˜��“”��‘’�–�‘’‘–ª’‘’¦��¤²� 9. Nf3

��§�§�³�”“��“”“�¯��˜��¹��“��’��–�‘’��ª’‘’��¦¤²� 17. Bxf6

��§��³�”“¹��“”“��§��ª��•��’��‘’��¤’‘’��¤²� 22. Ng3

Defense Games 133

Game 37: Defense Game Dv7G with Black

Black's Dv7G with a double advance of the g-pawn is an energetic response to the rook pawnattack. Black's scattered position offers good play, and he takes a pawn with an interposed check(18). White's attempt to attack the king (27) drops another pawn; black always seems to find a wayto trip up his adversary (35). White's last attempt to win (43) goes down in equally humorousfashion (53), and black takes his pawn in for the victory. A thoroughly entertaining contest.

��´��¨”�”��“�‘��”§”��‘��¤”��‘��›��‘��²��¤ 35..f5

��¨”�´��¨‘›�“��”�¦“��‘��”��²��‘��¤�� 43. Re6

��¨��¦��‘‘�“�³��“�“��“��²�� 53..c3+

35.* a4 f536. Ree1 Bd737. Kb2 Rd238. Kc3 Rxg239. Rxe5 Rg740. Rb1 Kc841. Bd3 c642. Ba6+ Kc743.* Re6 Bxe644. Rb7+ Kd645. Rxg7 Bd546. Bd3 Ke547. Rxa7 Bxf348. Rf7 Be449. a5 f350. Bxe4 fxe451. Kd2 c452. a6 Ke653.* Rc7 c3+54. Ke3 Kd555. Rd7+ Kc456. Rd4+ Kb557. Rxe4 Rxh758. Kxf3 c259. Re1 Ka460. Rg1 Kb361. Ke4 Re7+62. Kd4 Ra763. Rg3+ Kb264. Rg2 Kb165. Rg1+ c1=Q66. Rxc1+ Kxc167. Kc5 Rxa60-1

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 Ngf88. h6 g59.* Be3 Bf610. Rh5 Rg811. Bd3 e512. dxe5 Nxe513. Nxe5 Bxe514. Qa4+ Bd715. Qb3 b616. Bc2 Ne617. O-O-ONf418.* Rhh1 Bxc319. Bxf4 Bxb2+20. Qxb2 gxf421. e5 Qg522. f3 dxe523. Bxh7 Rh824. Be4 O-O-O25. h7 Qe726. Qc2 Rdf827.* c5 Qxc528. Qxc5 bxc529. Rh6 Be630. Bb1 Rd831. Re1 Rd532. Bc2 Kd833. Re4 Bd734. Rh1 Bb5

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“�“��”“��’��”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Be3

§��¯³�§�”�”��“�“�”�”��’��¹�”��‘�‘˜��ª–��‘’›��’‘��²¤��¤ 18..Bxc3

��³��¨�¨”�”�¯“�‘�”��”��‘�›”��‘��‘�ª��‘��²¤��¤ 27. c5

Game 38: Defense Game DvDxE with Black

Black's DvDxE responds to a bishop early attack and exchange (9). Both sides try to inflictstructural damage (17), but black succeeds more, leaving white's king exposed to queen and rookchecks (25), and gaining enough time to grab a pawn. Black then exchanges off the remainingpieces (32) and pushes white's king away from the game winning passed pawn (39,45). Like manyothers, this game shows one of the best ways to play the D-system: trade everything in sight!

��”“��¦“”³��§��“��’��‘��ª��‘��°’�� 32..Re6+

��”�“��“´��“��’�²��’��’�� 39..e5+

��“�”��“�³��‘��’��²�� 45. Kd4

26. b3 Rg6+27. Kf1 Qh3+28. Ke2 Qh5+29. Kf1 Qxh230. Qd3 Qh1+31. Ke2 Qh5+32.* Qf3 Re6+33. Rxe6 Qxf3+34. Kxf3 fxe635. Kf4 Kg636. b4 Kf637. b5 a538. bxa6 bxa639.* a3 e5+40. dxe5+ Ke641. a4 a542. f3 g643. Ke3 Kxe544. f4+ Kf545.* Kd4 Kxf446. Kxd5 g547. Kc4 g448. Kb5 g349. Kxa5 Ke50-1

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Nf3 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Be2 Ng66. Bg5 Be77. Bxe7 Qxe78. O-O O-O9.* Qd2 Nf610. e5 Nd511. exd6 cxd612. Nxd5 exd513. c4 dxc414. Bxc4 Bg415. Bd5 Qd716. Be4 d517.* Bxg6 Bxf318. Bxh7+ Kxh719. gxf3 Qf520. Rac1 Rac821. Rfe1 Qxf322. Rxc8 Qg4+23. Kf1 Rxc824. Re7 Qf325.* Kg1 Rc6

§��¨³�”“”—¯“”“��”“�—��’‘��–��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd2

§��¨³�”“��“”“��›��“��’��•��‘’�¬�’‘’¦��¤²� 17..Bxf3

��§��”“��¦“”³��“��’��‘’�¬�’�’��°�� 25. Kg1

Defense Games 135

Game 39: Defense Game Dv5'G' with White

Challenged by the rook pawn early attack, white retreats with the knight, then strikes at the centerwith Dv5'G'. Following the opening trades, white's position is compact and active (17). Blackopens the attack with a pawn offer (19), but white is able to cover all his threats and take 2 pawnsin the process (28,34). White has the winning margin, but it still takes a while to close it out (54).

�´�¨��”“�§��¯��”�¦��”��‘¹‘�ª��‘��‘�‘��²��¤�� 28. Rb1

�´��¨”“��§��”��‘¯‘��‘��‘¦‘��ª�²��¤�� 34. a3

��§��“”�´��‘²¤’‘��’��¦��§�� 54. Rxg2

36. Qg6 Rg737. Qf6 Rh238. Qf8+ Qxf839. Rxf8+ Kc740. Re8 Kd641. c5+ Kxc542. Rxe5+ Kd643. Ra5 b644. Rd5+ Ke645. Kb3 Rhg246. a4 R7g547. Rd8 Rg848. Rd4 Ke749. Rc4 Kd650. Kc3 R2g551. d4 Rg3+52. Kb4 a653. c3 Rg254.* Rxg2 Rxg255. Rc8 Rb2+56. Kc4 Kd757. Ra8 b5+58. Kd5 bxa459. Rxa6 Rb360. Rxa4 Rxc361. e5 Rb362. e6+ Ke763. Ra7+ Ke864. Ke5 Kf865. d5 Re3+66. Kd6 Re467. Ra8+ Kg768. e7 Kg669. e8=Q+ Rxe870. Rxe8 1-0

1. e3 e52. d3 Nf63. Ne2 d54. Nd2 c55. Ng3 h56. Be2 h47. Ngf1 Nc68. e4 Be69.* exd5 Nxd510. Bf3 Nd411. Ne3 Nxe312. fxe3 Nxf3+13. Qxf3 Qc714. b3 h315. Bb2 hxg216. Qxg2 O-O-O17.* O-O-O Kb818. Kb1 f619.* h4 c420. Nxc4 Bd521. e4 Bxc422. bxc4 Bc523. h5 Rd724. Qg4 Rhd825. h6 Qb626. Ka1 gxh627. Rxh6 Bd428.* Rb1 Rc729. Rg6 Rh730. Qg2 Qc531. Rxf6 Bxb2+32. Rxb2 Rdh833. Rf1 Qd434.* a3 Qd735. Ka2 Qe7

§��¯³¹�¨”“��“”��—��˜��”“”��‘��”��‘��‘’‘–›’‘’¦��ª²•�¤ 9. exd5

��³¨�¹�¨”“¯��“”��”�”��‘�‘’��‘�‘–��ª’¦��²��¤ 17. O-O-O

�´�¨�¹�¨”“¯��”��”��”�”��’�‘�‘’��‘�‘–��ª��°�¤��¤ 19..c4

Game 40: Defense Game DvDxE with White

The author plays DvDxE against black's 2 pawn classical opening with bishop early attack (9).White simplifies with piece exchanges (17), then begins chasing the black queen (25). Twentymoves later the situation is much the same (45), with little chance of a break thru for either side,and so a draw is agreed. The D-game is ideal when playing for a draw against stronger players.

��¨§�³�”��“”“�”��¹��”“��’��’’ª�‘‘’��‘��¦¤��²� 25. Qf1

��¨��³��¹“”“�”��”“��“��§’�’’�’�’ª’��’��²��¤��¦�� after 45..Qg6

24. Qf3 Qd325.* Qf1 Qe426. Qf3 Qa427. a3 Qb328. Rb1 a529. Re1 Qc230. Qd1 Qg631. Qg4 Qe432. Qf3 Qa433. Qd1 Qc634. Qf3 a435. Kf2 Qb536. Qe2 Qb337. Qd1 Qc438. Qe2 Qe439. Qf3 Qd340. Qe2 Qc241. Qd1 Qg642. Qg4 Qh643. g3 Re444. h4 Be745.* Qf3 Qg61/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. d3 Nf64. Nd2 Nc65. Ng3 Bg46. Be2 Bxe27. Qxe2 Be78. O-O O-O9.* c3 Qd710. d4 Rae811. Nb3 b612. dxe5 Nxe513. Nd4 c514. Nf3 Bd615. Nxe5 Bxe516. Rd1 Qe617.* Nh5 Rd818. Nxf6+ Bxf619. Bd2 Rfe820. Qf1 Qg421. h3 Qg622. Rac1 Be523. f4 Bf6

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“��—��˜��“”��‘’�–�‘’‘–ª’‘’¦��¤²� 9. c3

��§¨³�”��“”“�”��˜��”“¹��’�’�–�‘’��ª’‘’¦��¤��²� 17. Nh5

Defense Games 137

Game 41: Defense Game DvCG with White

White's interesting DvCG confronts black's 3 pawn C center classical defense (9). After theopening exchanges white pursues a provocative line offering a pawn for control of the open files(20). A bishop sacrifice (29) opens an attack with the queen and rooks. Black keeps in the leadand threatens promotion (44), but his undeveloped castle position obliges him to fall back todefend (51). White then cramps his position, and delivers the coup de grace (65). Great chess!

��§��³��“”“��‘��’��’��“��²�’¦�¦§�� 44..Rd2+

��§�³��‘��“”“��’��§��’��“��°�¦�¦�� 51..Rdd8

�¨��¨��‘¦��“”³��’��‘��²��¤�� 65. Rc8

37. Rbd1 Rf838. Kf2 Qa439. Qxa4 bxa440. Ra5 c241. Rc1 Rfc842. Rxa4 Rd743. b5 Rd144.* Raa1 Rd2+45. Ke3 Rxh246. b6 Re8+47. Kd3 Rd8+48. Ke4 Rhd249. b7 Re8+50. Kf3 Rd3+51.* Kg2 Rdd852. Rxc2 Rb853. Rc7 Kf854. g4 Rbd855. Ra2 Rb856. Kf3 Red857. g5 Kg858. Re2 Rf859. Rd7 Kh860. Rc2 Kg861. f5 Rbe862. Kf4 Rb863. Rdc7 h564. gxh6 Kh765.* Rc8 Rfxc866. bxc8=QRxc867. Rxc8 gxh668. Ke5 Kg769. f6+ Kg670. Rg8+ Kh571. Rg7 Kh472. Rxf7 1-0

1. e3 e52. Be2 d53. d3 Nf64. Nd2 Bd65. Nb3 c56. Bd2 O-O7. Nf3 Nc68. Bc3 Bf59.* O-O Qc710. Ng5 Rad811. e4 dxe412. dxe4 Bxe413. Nxe4 Nxe414. Qd3 Nxc315. Qxc3 e416. g3 b617. Qe3 Rfe818. Rad1 Qc819. Nd2 Nb420.* Nxe4 Nxc221. Qc3 Rxe422. Qxc2 Re523. Bd3 Rh524. f4 c425. Be2 Rc526. Rfe1 c327. b4 Rc728. a3 a529.* Ba6 Qxa630. Rxd6 Rf831. Rd3 axb432. axb4 Qa333. Rc1 Rfc834. Rb1 b535. Rd5 Qa7+36. Kf1 Qa8

§��¯�¨³�”“��“”“��—¹�˜��”“”��•�‘’•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

��¨§�³�”��“”“�”�¹��”��˜��“��¬�’�‘’‘–›’�’��¤�¤²� 20. Nxe4

��¨��³��¨��“”“�”�¹��”��’��’��’�”��’��ª�›��’��¤¦�²� 29. Ba6

Game 42: Defense Game Dv3E with WhiteWhite's Dv3E is one of the best Defense Game attacking lines (9). Here white maintains easyequality after the opening, foiling black's attempted attack (18) and winning a pawn in the process.Black finds no way to equalize (25), as white simplifies (31) and takes another pawn. Even his twopawn advantage doesn't guarantee white a win however (48,57). Still . . better 2 up than 2 down!

��³�”��—�“�“��§��“��‘��‘��‘�§¦•�‘’��¤��²� 31. Rxd7

��¦��“��³�“�’��’��“��’�’��’�§��²�� 48. Ke1

��’��¦“��’��“��’³’��§��°�� 57. Rxg6+

31.* Rxd7 Rxe232. Rxa7 Kg733. Kf1 Rc234. a4 Kf635. a5 Ra236. f4 h537. e5+ Ke638. h4 Ra439. Ra6+ Ke740. g3 Ra241. Kg1 Ra1+42. Kg2 Ra2+43. Kh3 Ra344. Ra7+ Ke645. Kg2 Ra2+46. Kf3 Ra3+47. Kf2 Ra2+48.* Ke1 Rg249. Ra6+ Ke750. Rb6 Rxg351. a6 Rg252. Kf1 Ra253. Rb7+ Ke654. a7 f655. Rb6+ Kf556. Rxf6+ Kg457.* Rxg6+ Kxf458. Rg7 Kxe51/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. d3 Nf64. Ng3 Be75. Be2 O-O6. Nd2 c57. O-O Nc68. c4 dxc49.* Nxc4 Be610. Bf3 Qc711. Bxc6 Bxc412. dxc4 Qxc613. Qc2 b514. cxb5 Qxb515. b3 Rfc816. Ba3 Rab817. Rfd1 Qa518.* Bb2 c419. bxc4 Rb420. Qc3 Rcxc421. Qxe5 Qxe522. Bxe5 g623. Rd2 Rb624. f3 Re625.* Bd4 Bc526. Bxc5 Rxc527. e4 Rec628. Ne2 Rc229. Rad1 Nd730. Rxc2 Rxc2

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��—��˜��”�”��“��‘’�–�‘’�–›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Nxc4

�¨§��³�”��¹“”“��˜��¯�”�”��‘��’�–�‘�ª��’‘’¦��¤��²� 18..c4

��³�”��¹“�“��§˜“��§��’‘–�‘��¦��‘’¦��²� 25..Bc5

Defense Games 139

Game 43: Defense Game Dv66x with White

White strikes at the big four pawn wall of a custom defense with Dv66x (9). After several sharpexchanges in the center white has to castle to safety, and he loses a pawn (16). White has severalopportunities to regain it later, but attacks instead (21,28), emerging a pawn up (32) with a winningposition in the pawn endgame (38). Chess will never cease to surprise and delight us!

��³¨��“��“��“��ª��“��¯��‘”‘��‘’�°�¤�� 28. Rxd8+

��´��ª��“��’��“”��¯��”‘��‘’�°�� 32. Qd5+

��“‘´��”��°��”��‘��‘’�� 38. Kd5

30. a4 Qd431. a5 Qc332.* Qd5+ Kc733. a6 Qe1+34. Kxb2 Qb4+35. Qb3 Qxb3+36. Kxb3 f437. Kc4 Kb638.* Kd5 Kxa639. Ke5 Kb540. Kf5 h641. h3 Kc442. Kg6 Kd443. Kxh6 g444. hxg4 Ke345. Kg6 f346. gxf3 Kxf347. Kf5 Ke348. Ke5 Kd249. g5 Kxc250. g6 Kd351. g7 Ke352. g8=Q Ke253. Ke4 Kf254. Qg4 Ke155. Qg2 Kd156. Kd3 Ke157. Qg1#

1. d3 d52. e3 e53. Ne2 f54. Nd2 Nf65. Nb3 c56. Bd2 Nc67. f4 Bd78. fxe5 Nxe59.* Nc3 c410. Nd4 Bc511. Nf3 Qe712. d4 Nxf3+13. Qxf3 Bxd414. Nxd5 Nxd515. Qxd5 Bxe316.* O-O-O c317. Bxe3 Qxe3+18. Kb1 O-O-O19. Bd3 Qb620. Qc4+ Qc721.* Qd4 cxb222. Qxa7 Qc323. Qb6 g624. Rhe1 Rhe825. Rxe8 Rxe826. Bb5 Bxb527. Qxb5 Rd828.* Rxd8+Kxd829. Qxb7 g5

§��¯³¹�¨”“��”“��˜��”“˜“��•�‘’��‘’‘�•�‘’¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Nc3

§��³��¨”“��¯�”“��ª�“��“��¹��‘’‘��‘’¦��²›�¤ 16. O-O-O

��³¨��¨”“¯��”“��“��ª��”›��‘’‘��‘’�°�¤��¤ 21. Qd4

Game 44: Defense Game DvDxE with Black

Black responds to the bishop early attack, playing DvDxE (9). After the opening black is left withan isolated center pawn, but has no real problems otherwise until white opens the Q-side (15),resulting in the gain of a pawn. Black can equalize, but has poor prospects of winning and sobrings the game to a quick conclusion instead with perpetual check (21,23). As easy as it gets!

��³��–—¯�”“��“�“��’§��‘��‘¬�’�’��¤��²� 21..Qh4

��³��–ª��”“��“�“��’��¯�‘��§��‘��’��¤��²� 23..Rg3+

16. axb5 axb517. Rxa8 Bxa818. Nxb5 Bxf319. gxf3 Rxf320. Nxc7 Rf521.* Rd1 Qh422. f3 Rxf323.* Qxd7 Rg3+24. hxg3 Qxg3+25. Kh1 Qh3+26. Kg1 Qg3+27. Kh1 Qh3+28. Kg1 Qg3+29. Kh1 1/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Bd3 Nd75. O-O Ng66. Bg5 Be77. Bxe7 Qxe78. Nc3 O-O9.* Qd2 Nf610. e5 dxe511. dxe5 Nd712. Rfe1 a613. Bxg6 fxg614. b3 b515.* a4 Bb7

§��¨³�”“”—¯“”“��”“�—��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd2

§��¨³��”—¯�”““��“�“��“��’��‘–��•��‘�‘¬�’‘’¦��¦�²� 15. a4

Defense Games 141

Game 45: Defense Game Dv3'E with White

Here is a typical example of the many draws that the author has produced playing the DefenseGame. White's Dv3'E faces a 2 pawn standard classical defense (9). Black closes the center andthen exchanges knights (13), bishops, and queens (19). Afterwards the presence of all the pawnson the board leaves little scope for the remaining rooks, and white's knight covers the holes in thepawn structure (30). Black maneuvers for a while afterwards (40), but can't break thru anywhere.

��§��“”�´“”��¨��”��˜�”��“�‘”‘�‘�’��‘�‘��’¤�•²‘��¤�� 30. Nc1

��”��”��³”�¨��˜�”�”�“�‘”‘��’��‘�‘��’��¦‘¨��–��°¦� 40..Rh1

��¨��´��”“�—”��”�”�“�‘”‘��’��‘�‘��’�¦•�‘¨��°¦� after 52..Ke7

27. f3 Ke728. Ne2 Ne629. Kf2 Nc530.* Nc1 Re631. Rdd2 Rh832. Ke1 h533. gxh5 Rxh534. Rf2 Reh635. Rf1 g536. Rcf2 Rh237. Rg1 Ke638. Kf1 b639. Ke2 f640.* Kf1 Rh141. Rd2 c642. Kf2 R1h243. Kf1 Rh744. Kf2 Kd645. Kf1 Rh846. Kf2 R8h647. Kf1 Ke648. Kf2 Kf749. Kf1 Ne650. Ne2 Rh751. Kf2 Rh852.* Kf1 Ke71/2-1/2

1. e3 Nf62. Ne2 d53. d3 e54. Nd2 Nc65. Ng3 Bd66. Be2 Be67. O-O O-O8. c3 Re89.* e4 Be710. Re1 Qd711. Bf3 d412. c4 a513.* Nh5 Nxh514. Bxh5 a415. a3 Bg516. Nf1 Bxc117. Rxc1 Ra518. h3 h619.* Bg4 Bxg420. Qxg4 Qxg421. hxg4 Ra622. Ng3 Rb623. Rc2 Rb324. Rd1 Nd825. Ne2 Kf826. Nc1 Rb6

§��¯§�³�”“”��“”“��—¹�˜��“”��’‘’�–�‘’�–›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. e4

§��§�³��“”¹“”“��—��˜��”��”��‘”‘��‘�›–�‘’�–�’‘’¦��ª¦�²� 13. Nh5

��§�³��“”�“”��—��”¨��”��“�‘”‘�›�’��‘��‘�’��’‘��¦ª¦•²� 19..Bxg4

Game 46: Defense Game Dv5'E with Black

The author with black plays Defense Game Dv5'E (9) and draws against his strong computer rival.Black invites the knight for bishop exchange, consolidates, and challenges the king knight (15).White obliges with trades of pieces and queens, producing a doubled pawn, but no real problemsotherwise (20). Black then challenges on the open file and exchanges both rooks (24). All that'sleft is to close out the pawn structure (30) and then it's a draw (35). Chess has never been easier!

§��¨��³��“��“��”�”�”’“�‘”��’��‘��›��’‘’��¦�¦�²� 24..Rdc8

��“��“��”�”³”’“�‘”��’��‘’��’��›��’��²� 30. f5+

��“´�“��”�”�”’“�‘”‘�°�’��‘��›��’��’�� 35..Bd7

20.* c5 Rd821. cxb6 cxb622. a4 Bd723. a5 b524.* Rac1 Rdc825. g3 Rxc126. Rxc1 Rc827. Rxc8+ Bxc828. Bc2 Kg729. f4 Kg630.* f5+ Kg731. Kg2 Bd732. Kh3 Bc833. Kg4 Bd734. Kh5 Bc835.* Bd3 Bd736. Be2 Bc837. Bd1 1/2-1/2

1. e4 d62. Nf3 Nd73. d4 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bd3 Ng66. O-O Be77. Be3 O-O8. Re1 e59.* Nd5 Nf610. Nxe7+ Qxe711. d5 a612. c4 Nd713. b4 b614. Qc2 Nh415.* Qe2 Nxf3+16. Qxf3 Nf617. Bg5 h618. Bxf6 Qxf619. Qxf6 gxf6

§��¯�¨³�”“”—¹“”“��”��—��”��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª¦�²� 9. Nd5

§��¨³��”—¯“”““”�”��‘”��’‘�‘��˜��›�•��‘�ª��’‘’¦��¦�²� 15. Qe2

§��¨³��”��“��“”�”�”�”��‘”��’‘�‘��›��‘��’‘’¦��¦�²� 20. c5

Defense Games 143

Game 47: Defense Game Dv6G" with White White counters a rook pawn attack with Dv6G" (9). White launches an all-out assault (16) whichpushes black to the wall, even going two pawns down temporarily to keep up the pressure (24).Black trades down to relieve pressure, but white keeps finding sharp lines (34), and later a clearpath to promotion for his passed pawn (44). In a tense finale black barely salvages a draw. Heavy!

��—��³�”��“”�“��›��’��‘��§��’¦��²� 34. Rd1

��”��“”³“��’��—’��¦��²›’¨�� 44..Ra4

��”�¤��’³�”�’��§��°˜�� 56..Ng2

39. Rb8 Rb1+40. Kf2 Bd341. Ke3 Rd142. Bg2 Nf5+43. Kf2 Ra144.* Rb2 Ra445. Bd2 Be446. Bxe4 Rxe447. Rb7 Nd448. Kg3 Re249. Bf4 Rc250. Bd6 Kg651. Rxa7 a552. h4 Nf5+53. Kg4 Rc4+54. Bf4 Nxh455. Ra6+ f656.* gxf6 Ng257. fxg7+ Kxg758. Rxa5 Nxf459. Kf5 Nd360. Ke6 Nb461. Rb5 Re4+62. Kd6 Rd4+63. Ke6 Rc464. Rb6 Re4+65. Kd6 Kf766. c6 Re6+67. Kc5 Nd3+68. Kb5 Re5+69. Kc4 Nf470. c7 Re171. Rc6 Rc1+72. Kb5 Rxc673. Kxc6 Ng674. Kd7 Ne775. c8=Q Nxc81/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. d3 c54. Ng3 Nf65. Be2 h56. O-O h47. Nh1 Nc68. f4 h39.* g4 Bd610. Nc3 exf411. exf4 Ne712. g5 Nd713. Nb5 Bb814. c4 Nb615. a4 Be616.* a5 Nbc817. Nc3 O-O18. Bf3 Bc719. a6 bxa620. Ng3 Rb821. f5 Nxf522. Nxf5 Bxf523. Bxd5 Qd724.* Qa4 Qxa425. Nxa4 Bxd326. Rf3 Bg627. Nxc5 Bb628. Be3 Re829. Bf2 Bxc530. Bxc5 Rxb231. Rxh3 Rc232. Re3 Rxe333. Bxe3 Bd334.* Rd1 Bf535. c5 Ne736. Bb7 Re237. Bf4 Rb238. Rd8+ Kh7

§��¯³¹�¨”“��“”��—��˜��”“”��’��‘’��“‘’‘�›�‘’¦•�ª�¤²• 9. g4

§¹�¯³��¨”“��˜“”��˜��•”“��’�‘�‘��’��‘��“�’��›��’¦��ª�¤²• 16. a5

�¨—��¨³�”�¹�“”�“��”›��’��‘��–‘��“�’��’¦��ª�¤²� 24. Qa4

Game 48: Defense Game Dv3'E with White The author with white plays Defense Game Dv3'E versus the 2 pawn standard classical defense(9). White retreats from a center challenge and is under some pressure afterwards (18), but hisD-game defense holds, and he can even look for attacks (26). After some maneuvering white isable to force a series of trades (33,37,49), and close out the game for a draw. Not at all bad.

��¨��³��¯�¨“”��”��˜�””ª”“��–‘��’�’‘��‘’��²‘��¤��¤ 33. c4

�¯��³��“”��”��˜�””�”�¨��ª��–‘��’‘��‘’��²‘��¤�� 37. Nd5

��”³��”�”��”��‘²‘��“��‘��’��‘�� 49. e5

30. Nf4 Bh731. Rcd1 Rde832. Bc1 Rd833.* c4 dxc434. Rxd8+Qxd835. Qxc4 Qb836. Rd1 Re537.* Nd5 Nxd538. Rxd5 Qe839. Rxe5 Qxe540. Qb5 Qe641. e4 Bg642. Bf4 Qxa243. Qxb6 a444. Kg3 Qb345. Qb8+ Kh746. Qxb3 axb347. Bd2 f648. Kf4 Be849.* e5 fxe5+50. Kxe5 Bb551. g5 hxg552. Bxg5 Bf153. g3 Kg654. Be3 c455. Bd4 Be256. f4 Bg457. Kd5 Be21/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. d3 Nf64. Nd2 Nc65. Ng3 Be66. Be2 Bd67. O-O Qe78. c3 O-O9.* Re1 Rad810. Bf3 e411. Be2 Bxg312. hxg3 exd313. Bxd3 Ne514. Qc2 Nxd315. Qxd3 Rfe816. Nf1 c517. Qe2 Bg418.* f3 Bh519. g4 Bg620. Bd2 b621. Rad1 h622. Ng3 Qe523. Kf2 Bc224. Rc1 Bh725. Rcd1 a526.* Qb5 Qc727. Rh1 Bc228. Rc1 Bg629. Ne2 Re7

§��¨³�”“”�¯“”“��—¹�˜��“”��’‘’�–�‘’�–›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Re1

��¨§�³�”“��¯“”“��˜��”“��’�’�’�‘’��ª’‘�¦��¦•²� 18. f3

��¨§�³��“”��”��˜�””�”“¯��‘��’�’‘–�‘’��ª²‘��¤¦�� 26. Qb5

Defense Games 145

Game 49: Defense Game DvB'G with White

White's DvB'G reacts to a rook pawn attack, and uses one conventional knight placement (9).White retreats initially, then expands his position (15,22). He builds the tension nicely and opensan attack with a fine sacrifice of the exchange (27). White then exploits the position perfectly (35),finally capturing all of black's remaining pawns (45) for a resounding victory. Wunderbar!

��¨³��”��”“��”��“��§�—’—¦��”ª��’��‘�•�•�‘’��¤²� 27. Rxe4

��”�´�”“��˜��–“��¬��’��‘��²‘’�� 35. Qa5

��“��´��”ª��¯��“²��’��‘’�� 45. Qe5+

35.* Qa5 Ne636. Nxe6 Kxe637. a4 Qd538. Qc3 Qa2+39. Kg3 Qxa440. Qxg7 Qb441. Qg8+ Kf642. Qd8+ Kf543. Qd5+ Kf644. Kf4 c545.* Qe5+ Kf746. Qxe4 c447. Qxh7+Kf648. Qh8+ Kf749. Qd4 Qb8+50. Kf3 Qc851. Qd5+ Kf852. Ke2 Qa653. Qf5+ Kg754. Kd2 Qa2+55. Qc2 Qa656. Kc3 Qf6+57. Kxc4 Qc6+58. Kd3 Qd5+59. Kc3 Qc6+60. Kb2 Qb5+61. Kc1 Qf1+62. Qd1 Qc4+63. Kd2 Qd5+64. Ke1 Qxg265. Qd4+ Kg666. Qd6+ Kf767. Qf4+ 1-0

1. d3 e52. Nd2 d53. e3 Nc64. Be2 Nf65. Nb3 a56. Bd2 a47. Nc1 Bd68. Nf3 O-O9.* O-O Qe710. d4 e411. Ne1 a312. b3 Be613. c4 b614. f3 Bb415.* Nc2 Bxd216. Qxd2 Qd617. cxd5 Bxd518. Bc4 Bxc419. bxc4 Ra420. fxe4 Nxe421. Qd3 Qe722.* c5 Na523. Ne2 Nc424. Rf4 f525. Raf1 bxc526. Qb3 Qd727.* Rxe4 fxe428. Rxf8+ Kxf829. Nc3 Nb230. Nxa4 Nxa431. Qxa3 Qb532. Kf2 Ke733. dxc5 Nxc534. Nd4 Qc4

§��¯�¨³��“”��“”“��—¹�˜��“”��“��‘’•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦�–ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¨³��”�¯“”“�”—��˜��“��¹‘’“��”‘��’‘��‘��›�‘’¦�–ª–¤²� 15. Nc2

��¨³��”�¯“”“�”—��§�‘’—��”��ª’��‘�•��‘’¦�–��¤²� 22. c5

Game 50: Defense Game DvFxG with Black

Black reacts to the rook pawn early attack by bringing his knight forward and exchanging (9).White sacrifices a pawn in an attempt to build an attack (14,23), but it soon fizzles out, leaving himtwo pawns to the worse. After that he has to fall back and defend (34). Black opens the castle forhis rook and bishops (43), and crushes the rest with unerring precision (63). Grandiose!

��¨³¹”��“�”��“’��”“¨��”�–�¦��‘��¬�‘’��‘�²��¤�� 34. Rhh1

��§�³¹��“�”�¯��“’”��“”��ª��‘’��•¦‘�²�� 43..c3

��³��¹“��“�”��’��”�”��•�¤��§��²�� 63..Re3

38. Qh4 c439. dxc4 dxc440. Ne2 Bd341. Qg4 Rxf142. Rxf1 Bh843.* Rf2 c344. Bc1 cxb2+45. Bxb2 Qe646. Qxe6+Rxe647. Nc1 Re148. a4 Be449. Ka2 Bd5+50. Ka1 Bc651. Ba3 Re852. Nd3 Bxa453. Rb2 b554. Bc5 b455. Rd2 Bb556. Kb2 Bf657. g4 Bg558. Rd1 Re2+59. Kb1 Ba460. Rf1 Bc2+61. Ka1 Bxh662. g5 Bg763.* Rf3 Re364. Rf4 Rxd365. Kb2 b366. Rf1 Rd167. Rf6 Rb1+68. Ka3 d369. Be3 Ra1+70. Kb2 Ra2+71. Kc3 b272. Kc4 b1=Q73. Rb6 Bb3+0-1

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bd3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 Nh48. Nxh4 Bxh49.* Qg4 Bf610. Ne2 e511. Qg3 exd412. h6 g613. Bf4 O-O14.* O-O-O Nc515. Kb1 Be616. Bd2 Nxd317. cxd3 Qe718. Rc1 Rae819. f3 c520. Ka1 Qd721. Rcd1 Be522. f4 Bh823.* f5 Bxf524. Nf4 Bg425. Rc1 f526. exf5 Bxf527. Rhf1 Re528. Rf2 Rfe829. Rh1 d530. Rc1 b631. Rh1 Bg432. Rff1 Rf833. Rh4 Bf534.* Rhh1 a535. Rf2 Ree836. Rc1 Be537. Rff1 Qd6

§��¯³��¨”“”—�“”“��”“��‘��’‘��¹��–›��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²��¤ 9. Qg4

§��¯�¨³�”“”—�“�“��”�¹“’��”‘��›��¬�‘’‘�•’‘�¦��²��¤ 14. O-O-O

��§¨³¹”“��“�“��”��“’��”��”‘’��‘��¬�‘’��•�‘�²��¤��¤ 23. f5

Defense Games 147

Game 51: Defense Game Dv7'G' with Black

Black's Dv7'G' is the cautious reaction to the K-side rook pawn early attack (9). Black thenadvances on both flanks and gains some space (16). Black has to react to a queen invasion (25)and goes a pawn down as white gains tempo by attacking (36). Black has a rough time of it in thefour rooks endgame but finally equalizes (58) and is able to make a goal line stand (71). Whew!

�¨��³�¨��“��“’��¦“��“�›��‘’��’‘��¤��²� 32. Be6+

�¦��¨�´��“��“’’��¦��²��§�‘�� 58. a6

��¤��‘��´��“��°¦§��§�� 71..Rgh4

40. Rf4+ Ke641. Rc6+ Kd542. Rcc4 Rb743. Rfd4+ Ke644. Re4+ Kf645. Rg4 Rd746. Rc5 Ra747. Rf4+ Ke648. Rcc4 Re249. Kg3 Ra550. Rc6+ Kd751. Rb6 Re752. Rb7+ Ke853. Rfb4 Ra754. R7b5 Kd855. a5 Re3+56. Kf4 Re257. Rb8+ Kc758.* a6 Rxa659. R4b7+Kc660. Rxh7 Rxg261. Rg7 Ra4+62. Kf3 Rag463. Rc8+ Kd564. Rd8+ Ke565. Re8+ Kf566. Rf8+ Ke567. Re7+ Kd668. h7 R4g3+69. Ke4 Rh370. Rb7 Rg4+71.* Rf4 Rgh472. Rxh4 Rxh4+73. Kf3 Ke674. Kg3 g575. h8=Q Rxh876. Kg4 Rf877. Kxg5 1/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 Ngf88. h6 g69.* Be3 e510. d5 f511. Be2 Nf612. O-O Nxe413. Nxe4 fxe414. Nd2 Nd715. Nxe4 Nf616.* Ng3 c517. dxc6 bxc618. Bf3 d519. cxd5 cxd520. Qc2 O-O21. Rfd1 Bb722. Ne4 Qd723. Nxf6+ Rxf624. Rac1 Rd825.* Qc7 Rf726. Bxa7 Qxc727. Rxc7 Ba828. Bb6 Rb829. Bc5 Bxc530. Rxc5 e431. Bg4 Ra732.* Be6+ Kf833. Bxd5 Bxd534. Rdxd5Rxb235. a4 Rb1+36. Kh2 Rb237. Rc8+ Kf738. Rd4 Rxf239. Rxe4 Ra2

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“�“��”“�“’��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Be3

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹��“��”�˜“’��‘”��‘��–�‘’��›’‘�¦��ª�¤²� 16..c5

��¨��³�”�¬¹��“��¨“’��“”��›��‘’��’‘��¦¤��²� 25..Rf7

Game 52: Defense Game Dv7G' with Black

Black plays Dv7G', a more aggressive response to the rook pawn attack (9). Black launches hisK-side pawns into the attack (15), despite the risks of exposing his king. A standoff in the centeris broken up by a pawn sacrifice by white (24), who brings both knights forward, but can then findno better continuation than to offer the exchange (34), and draw by perpetual check (38,45).

�¨�¯�¨³�”��“��“��’��”�–�¹¤��˜‘–��›�‘”�‘��¬��‘��¦��²� 34. Nxe6

�¨��¨³�”��•�“��“��’��”�–��¤��›˜‘��‘”�‘��‘��¹��²� 38. Nd6+

�¨�–�¨�´”��“��“–��’��”��¤��›˜‘��‘”�‘��‘��¹��²� 45. N8f7+

28. Qd2 g329. f3 Nd430. b4 Rf8 31. bxc5 dxc532. Ne5 c633. Nxf4 Bg534.* Nxe6 Bxd235. Nxd8 Bxc136. Bc4+ Kh837. Ndf7+ Kg838.* Nd6+ Kh839. Nef7+ Kg840. Ng5+ Kh841. Ndf7+ Kg842. Nd8+ Kh843. Ngf7+ Kg844. Nd6+ Kh845.* N8f7+ Kg846. Rg5+ Bxg547. Nxg5+ Kh848. Ngf7+ Rxf749. Nxf7+ Kg850. Ne5+ Kh851. Nf7+ Kg852. Ne5+ Kh853. Nf7+ Kg81/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. c4 Nd74. Nc3 Ne75. Nf3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 Ngf88. h6 g59.* Bd3 Ng610. Be3 e511. Nd5 g412. Nd2 exd413. Bxd4 Nde514. Be2 O-O15.* Be3 f516. Qb3 f417. Bd4 Kh818. Rh5 b619. Rc1 Bd720. Qa3 Bh421. Kf1 Kg822. Kg1 Be623. Qc3 Rf724.* c5 bxc525. Bxe5 Nxe526. Nc4 Nc627. Bd3 Rb8

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“�“��”“��’��”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Re1

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“�“��”��—’��•˜��‘�‘�“��‘’�–›’‘�¦��ª²��¤ 15..f5

§��¯��³�”�”��§�“�”�”��—’��•˜��¤��‘�‘”“¹��¬��‘’�–›’‘��¦��²� 24. c5

Defense Games 149

Game 53: Defense Game DvBE with White

White plays the strong Defense Game DvBE (9), and wins in this remarkable contest. After someposition adjustment, white opens two files (19), but black seizes control, winning three pawns(30,42) as white keeps trying to find a counter attack. Poor coordination among the black forceslater allows white to equalize, drive for promotion, and build a mating attack (58,62). Black has tosurrender a piece, and after that it's all white's game. Plenty of surprises in this one!

��¨��“”³�”��¹””��•��‘˜��‘��¨��“�ª��‘’��¦��¤²� 42. Rc7

��¹��‘�“��˜��³”��”�“��¦��–‘§��‘��ª²� 58. Bd2

��¹��‘�“´��˜�¦��–��”�“��‘§��‘��ª²� 62. Bc3+

39. Qe2 Ra340. Rf1 d341. Qf3 Kh742.* Rc7 Rxa443. Be3 Ra244. Rb7 d245. Rd1 b546. Rxb5 Nc647. Rd5 Ne548. Qf1 Rxd549. exd5 Qg450. Bxd2 Nc451. h3 Qe452. Bf4 g553. Bc1 a454. d6 Kg655. Ng3 Qc656. d7 Bd857. Rd4 Nb658.* Bd2 Kg759. Nf5+ Kg860. Rd6 Qc461. Nxh6+Kg762.* Bc3+ Kf863. Qf5 Nxd764. Rxd7 Bb6+65. Kh2 Qf4+66. Qxf4 gxf467. Rxf7+ Ke868. Be5 a369. Bd6 Kd870. h4 Ra171. Rxf4 Kd772. Be5 Re173. Ng4 Bg1+74. Kg3 Bc575. h5 Rh176. h6 1-0

1. d3 e52. Bd2 d53. e3 Nc64. Ne2 Nf65. Ng3 Be76. Be2 O-O7. O-O Be68. Nc3 a69.* a3 Re810. Bf3 Qd611. b4 Red812. e4 d413. Na2 Qd714. Nc1 h615. Nb3 b616. Be2 a517. b5 Na718. a4 c619.* f4 exf420. bxc6 Nxc621. Bxf4 Rac822. Qb1 Nb423. Bd1 Ng424. Bxg4 Bxg425. Rf2 Be626. Re2 Re827. Rf2 Bh428. Re2 Rc629. Kh1 Rec830.* Kg1 Nxc231. Ra2 Bxb332. Qxb3 Nb433. Ra1 Rc334. Qd1 Qg435. Bd2 Rxd336. Nf5 Bf637. Re1 Qg638. Rc1 Rd8

§��¯�¨³��“”�¹“”““�—��˜��“”��–‘’�–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. a3

§��¨��³�˜��¹“”��”“��˜�””‘��”��‘��”‘��•�‘��–��‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 19. f4

��§��³��“”��”§��””��‘˜�”‘��¹�•�‘��–��‘�¤�‘’¦ª��²� 30..Nxc2

Game 54: Defense Game Dv3E with Black

Black's powerful Dv3E strikes at the center of white's 3 pawn opening. White retreats rather thanexchange (9), and the game remains closed until black starts to open it gradually (20,33). Afterlengthy maneuvers black is able to create and win a doubled pawn (49), and push on to win in along and difficult positional battle (73). If you like positional play, and have the patience to outlastyour adversary, then the Defense Game and the D-system is absolutely the best that you can find.

��§¯§�³��“¹�“��”��“��˜‘��““�“�‘’�’–�–��¦‘�’��¦›²�ª�� 49..Bf6

�¨��³��§��“��”��“¹��˜‘�“��“��‘’�”��’��‘��¤–��›²��•�¤�� 73..Nd3

87. Nc6 Rf488. Kd2 Re489. Kc2 Re2+90. Rd2 Rxd2+91. Kxd2 a392. Kc2 g593. Ne3 Rb794. Kd3 g495. Nd4 gxh396. Ng4 h297. Nxh2 Bxh20-1

75. Kg1 Rc776. Na5 Re877. exf5 Bxf578. Kh1 Ne179. Ra2 Bg380. Rd2 Bd381. Rf6 Nf382. Rxd3 Re1+83. Bf1 Rxf1+84. Kg2 Rg1+85. Kxf3 Rf1+86. Ke2 Rxf6

38. Re3 Qb639. Na3 Nb340. Rde2 Nd441. Rd2 Nf542. Rf3 Nxh443. gxh4 Qb444. Qb1 Nf645. Nc2 Qb646. Na3 Nd747. Kh2 Nc548. Rg3 Qd849.* Rf2 Bf650. Rf1 Bxh451. Re3 Nb352. Qd1 Qb653. Qe2 Nd454. Qd2 Qa755. Rd1 Bf656. Bh1 Rc757. Rg3 h458. Rgg1 Nb359. Qe2 Bd460. Rg2 Bg761. Nab1 Bc862. Rgg1 Bd763. Rgf1 Rb864. Bg2 Nd465. Qf2 Rcb766. Rd2 Nb367. Qxa7 Rxa768. Rc2 Rab769. Nd1 f570. Rg1 Nc571. Nd2 c372. bxc3 Bh673.* Rf1 Nd374. Nc4 Bxf4+

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. Bd3 Be77. O-O c58. Be2 O-O9.* Be3 b610. Qc2 Bb711. d5 Re812. Rad1 a613. Rfe1 Qc714. Nd2 Bf615. Ndb1 Be516. Qd2 Nf617. f3 Rab818. Bf1 Rbd819. a4 Qd720.* Bf2 exd521. cxd5 Bf422. Qc2 Bg523. Na3 Qc724. g3 Ne525. Bg2 Bh626. Qe2 g627. Rf1 Bg728. Rfe1 h529. Be3 Nfd730. Bg5 Rc831. f4 Ng432. Nc2 c433.* Rd2 b534. Kh1 bxa435. h3 Ngf636. Qd1 Nh737. Bh4 Nc5

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��”“�—��”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Be3

��¨§�³��“”““”�”“˜—��”‘¹��‘�‘�‘��–��‘��’�¬��‘’�•�¤¦›²� 20..exd5

��§�§�³��¯—�“¹�“”�”��“��‘��“‘�“�‘’—��–��’��’•¦ª�›’��¦�²� 33..b5

Defense Games 151

Game 55: Close Variant Dv4 with Black

Black's Dv4 responds well to any 2 pawn center, here a K-side fianchetto (9). Black loses a pawnand is invaded K-side (22), but his defense holds and he follows by taking all white's Q-sidepawns. Black appears to have the game won (51), but after harassment by white's queen he loseshis lead and nearly loses the game (69,77). Chess is full of surprises, this game is one of them!

��³��¯��“��“��“�“’��§��’ª��’�“��°�¦�� 51..d4

��¨��´��‘��¬�“��’°“��¤�� 69..Qe7

��³��¨��¬��‘��“��“��°�� after 77..Kf7

40. Qc3 N6d741*. Nd3 Qe3+42. Kg2 Qh643. Ne5 Nxe544. dxe5 Ra845. f4 Ne646. Nd4 Nxd447. Qxd4 Qg748. Qa1 Ra449. Qd1 b550. Qg4 a251.* Ra1 d452. Qe6+ Qf753. Qxc6 Ra554. e6 Qa755. Qe8+ Kg756. Kh3 Qb757. f5 gxf558. Qd8 Ra759. Qg5+ Kh860. Qxf5 b461. Qe5+ Kg862. Qxd4 b363. Qd8+ Kg764. Qd4+ Kg665. Qg4+ Kh766. Qh4+ Kg667. Qg4+ Kh668. Qh4+ Kg769.* Rf1 Qe770. Qg4+ Kh871. Rf7 Qxf772. exf7 Rxf773. Qd4+ Kh774. Kg2 Rf875. Qe4+ Kg776. Qe5+ Rf677.* g4 Kf71/2-1/2

1. g3 e62. Nf3 Ne73. d4 d54. Nc3 Nd75. Bg2 Nb66. O-O Bd77. Qd3 Ng68. e4 Be79.* h4 h510. exd5 exd511. a4 a512. Re1 O-O13. b3 c614. Bg5 Bxg515. Nxg5 Qf616. Nf3 Rfe817. Qd2 Bf518. Nh2 Nd719. Bf3 Qd620. Bxh5 Nf621. Bf3 Rad822.* h5 Nf823. h6 gxh624. Qxh6 Bxc225. Rxe8 Rxe826. Ng4 Bg627.* Ne5 Qb428. Ne2 Qxb329. Re1 Qxa430. Kg2 Qb431. Rh1 N6h732. Bh5 Be4+33. f3 Bg634. Kf2 a435. Bxg6 fxg636. Qe3 Qd637. Qd3 a338. Qb3 Qe739. Re1 Nf6

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“�˜��“�—��“��’‘��–ª�•’�‘’‘��’›’¦��¤²� 9. h4

��¨§�³��“��“”��“¯�˜—�”��“��‘��’��’�‘–��›’��‘¬�’�–¦��¦�²� 22. h5

��§˜³��“��“��“¯�˜�¬”��“–��‘��’��‘–��›’��’��¦��²� 27..Qb4

Game 56: Close Variant DvB' with White White responds to a rook pawn attack Q-side, then completes his standard opening (9). Blackcloses the center (19), and waits for white to open it (26). White picks off black's advanced pawneasily (35), and follows with a serious K-side assault (43) that nets him two more pawns and theexchange (66), and then overcomes black's crumbling defense. An Impressive win!

§��³��—¨“�“��¯�˜“��“�“�‘��“�“’��’�’��‘–��’�¬“�‘’¦��¦�²� 35. Nxf2

§��¨³��¦“��˜“��“�“�•��“�“’��’�’��‘��’�¬��‘’¦��²� 43. Qg5

�¨�˜¤��¦��“´��“��§��’��“–�’��’�’��’��‘��²� 66. Ne6+

40. Bh6 Re841. Nf5 Nf842. Bxf8 Rxf843.* Qg5 Nh744. Qg3 Ra645. Rc7 Qe646. Ne7+ Kh847. Re1 Qd648. Rc5 Qxg349. hxg3 Rb850. Nxd5 Nf851. Rc7 Rd652. Nb4 Kg853. Ree7 Ne654. Ra7 Nd855. d5 Rc856. g4 Kg757. g5 Kg858. Re8+ Kg759. f4 Rb860. Na6 Rc861. Nc7 Rd762. Nxb5 Rxd563. Nd4 Rb864. Rxa4 Rc565. Ra7 Rd566.* Ne6+ Nxe667. Rxb8 Nxf468. Rbb7 Rf569. g4 Ne2+70. Kg2 Rf471. Rb8 Rxg4+72. Kf3 Rxg573. Kxe2 Re5+74. Kf3 Rf5+75. Kg4 Kh676. Rh8+ Kg777. Rc8 Kh678. Rxc4 1-0

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. Nb3 Nc64. Bd2 a55. e3 a46. Nc1 Nf67. Nge2 Bd68. Ng3 O-O9.* Be2 Qe710. a3 Rd811. O-O Bc512. c3 Bb613. d4 Bd714. Bb5 Nb815. Bxd7 Nbxd716. Nce2 Qe617. Qc2 c518. Rfc1 c419.* Re1 e420. Nf4 Qc621. Nf5 Re822. Qd1 Kh823. Rf1 Bc724. Ng3 Kg825. Qc2 g626.* f3 Bxf427. exf4 e328. Bc1 Re729. Re1 Rae830. f5 b631. Nf1 e232. Ng3 Qd633. Bg5 b534. Qd2 Ra835.* Nxe2 Ree836. Bf4 Qb637. Ng3 Rec838. fxg6 hxg639. Re7 Qc6

§��¯�¨³��“”��“”“��—¹�˜��“”��“��‘’�–�‘’‘��’‘’¦�–ª²›�¤ 9. Be2

§��¨��³��“�—�“”“�¹��˜��“”��“�“’��’�’�’�–��’ª�•’‘’¦��¦�²� 19..e4

§��§�³��“¹—�“�“��˜“��“��“�“’“–��’�’�’�–��’ª��’‘’¦��¤²� 26. f3

Close Variants 153

Game 57: Close Variant Dv5'E with Black

The author plays his favorite opening, avoiding a central pawn exchange with Dv5'E (9). Black hasno difficulties following the opening, and deploys his forces K-side (19). Black's multiple threatswin a pawn (25), which he returns with an exchange sacrifice (28), opening the white castle. Blackis just a hair away from winning when white offers the exchange (64), and then stalemates (74).

�¨��¨�´��¹�”�“�“”��”��”��‘��˜��•�‘�’ª��’‘�¦��¦�²� 28..Rxf3

��¦��“��”’��“��“��¹��§��³��¤’��’�”��°�� 64. Rxf4+

��“��’��“��“�§´��”��¤��° 74..Rxd3

38. Kg2 Rd439. Re4 Bg540. Re2 Kg841. a5 Kf742. Rc2 Ke643. Kf1 c444. Ra4 d545. Ke2 g646. Ra3 Kf547. Ra1 Rd348. Ra4 Rb349. Ra2 Rb450. Kd1 Bf651. Ke2 Kf452. Rc1 Rb353. Rd1 Rb554. Rg1 g555. Rc1 e456. fxe4 Kxe457. Rc2 Rb358. h4 gxh459. Kf1 h360. Re2+ Kf361. Re6 Bg562. Re8 h263. Rf8+ Bf464.* Rxf4+ Kxf465. Kg2 d466. Ra4 Rxb267. Rxc4 Rxf2+68. Kh1 Kg369. Rc3+ Rf370. Rd3 h571. Rd1 Kh372. Rd3 Kg373. Rd1 d374.* Rxd3 Rxd31/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Be2 Ng66. d5 e57. O-O Be78. Be3 O-O9.* Qd2 a610. a3 Nf611. Qd3 Ng412. Bd2 Nf413. Qc4 Nxe2+14. Qxe2 f515. Qc4 Nf616. exf5 Bxf517. Rfc1 Kh818. h3 h619.* Be3 Bh720. Qb3 Qd721. a4 c622. dxc6 bxc623. Rd1 Rab824. Qc4 Qc825.* Bc1 Bxc226. Re1 Nd527. Qe2 Nxc328.* Qxc2 Rxf329. gxf3 Nd530. Kg2 Rb431. Re4 Qf532. Re2 Qxc233. Rxc2 c534. Bd2 Rh435. Kg3 Nf436. Bxf4 Rxf437. Re2 Bh4+

§��¯�¨³�”“”—¹“”“��”��—��‘”��‘��–��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd2

§��¯�¨�´�“”�¹�”�“��”�˜�”��‘”��ª��’�–��•�‘�’‘��’‘�¦�¦��²� 19..Bh7

�¨��¨�´��¹�”�“�“”�˜�”��”��‘�ª��–��•�‘�’‘��’‘�¦��¤��²� 25. Bc1

Game 58: Close Variant Dv3'6' with Black

Black's solid Dv3'6' faces the 3 pawn classical defense with an early bishop attack blocked by hisf-pawn advance (9). Black jams the center, and refuses to initiate exchanges (14,19), resulting in acompletely closed position. Afterwards black explores opportunities to break thru (25), but neitherside finds motivation to open the game (35). The game ends in an agreed draw with all pieces andpawns on the board (51), evidence of the amazing tenacity of the Defense Game and its variants.

§¨��˜³��“¯—¹�”““��”�”��”‘”��‘�‘�‘��–��’›�’ª–�’�’¦��¤��²� 25..Qa5

§��¨�˜³��—¹�”““”�”�”��”‘”��‘�‘�‘��’��–ª�‘’›�’�–��°�¦��¦�� 35. Kh2

§��§�³��¯—¹�”�“”�”�”—��”‘”›�“‘�‘�‘��’�‘–ª�‘’��–��²¦��¦�� 51..Qb7

27. Kg2 Nb628. Re1 Nbd729. Nb3 Qc730. Bf5 b6 31. Nd2 Rdb832. h4 Rd833. Bh3 Bh534. Qd3 Qb735.* Kh2 Bf736. Qe2 Qc737. Nb3 Qb738. Qc2 Bg639. Nd2 Bf740. Bg4 h541. Bf5 Ng642. Kg2 Qc743. Bf2 Qb744. Bg1 Qc745. Be3 Qb746. b3 Qc747. Rac1 Rdb848. Qd3 Re849. Rcd1 Qb750. Ra1 Qc751.* Kh2 Qb752. Bh3 Red81/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. c4 c63. Nc3 e64. e4 Ne75. Bg5 f66. Be3 Ng67. Bd3 Nd78. Nf3 Be79.* O-O e510. Be2 O-O11. Qc2 Nb612. Rad1 Be613. Qb3 Qd714.* d5 Bf715. a4 Qc716. Rfe1 Nd717. Qc2 a618. Bf1 Rfe819.* Rc1 c520. Nd2 Nf421. g3 Ng622. Bg2 Rec823. Ra1 Rcb824. Red1 Ngf825.* Bh3 Qa526. f3 Rd8

§��¯³��¨”“�—¹�”“��“”“”—��‘’‘��–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. 0-0

§��¨³�”“�¹�”“�˜“”�”—��‘”��‘�‘��ª–��•��‘’��›’‘’��¤�¤²� 14..Bf7

§��§�³��“¯—¹�”““�“”�”—��‘”��‘�‘�‘��–��•��’ª��’‘’��¦�¦›²� 19..c5

Close Variants 155


The author with black plays Dv3'E (9), this time going for the win. White backs away from abishop exchange and black consolidates his defense (17). After further exchanges, black is ableto bring both knights downfield (28) and exchange them off effectively. The crunch comes whenwhite has to abandon the defense of his backward pawn (41), giving black the lead. Black pushesthru a tangled mass of pawns (49) and stays ahead in the difficult endgame exercise (62).

��§��³��”��”�”��“�‘”��‘”‘�¦�’��ª�‘��’�²�� 41. Ra2

��”��“´�“¨‘”“��‘”‘’��‘��¦��°�� 49..fxg4

��‘¦��“´��”��§�“²�� 62..g5

38. Qf3 Nf4 39. Nxf4 Qf1+40. Kh2 gxf441.* Ra2 Qe142. Qe2 Qxe243. Rxe2 Rxc344. Rb2 Rc545. Kg2 g646. h4 f547. f3 Kg748. Kf2 Kh649.* Kg2 fxg450. fxg4 Rc351. Rxb5 Rg3+52. Kf2 Rxg453. Rb6 Rxh454. Rxd6 Rh2+55. Kf3 Rh3+56. Kg4 Re357. Re6 Rxe458. d6 Re359. d7 Rg3+60. Kh4 Rd361. Re7 f362.* Kg3 g563. Rxe5 Rxd764. Kxf3 Rf7+65. Kg3 Rf166. Re8 Rg1+67. Kf2 Rb168. Kg3 Rb3+69. Kg4 Rb4+70. Kg3 Rc471. Rg8 Kh572. Rh8+ Kg673. Rg8+ Kf674. Rf8+ Kg7

1. Nf3 e62. e4 d63. d4 Ne74. Bd3 Nd75. Nc3 c66. O-O Ng67. Bg5 Be78. Be3 O-O9.* Qd2 e510. Rad1 Bf611. d5 c512. Nb5 Nb613. h3 a614. Nc3 Bd715. Rb1 Nc816. b4 cxb417.* Rxb4 b518. Rfb1 Nh419. Ne1 Be720. g4 h621. R4b2 Bg522. Bxg5 hxg523. a4 bxa424. Rb7 f625. Ra1 Ra726. Rxa7 Nxa727. Nxa4 Nb528.* Nb2 Nd429. Kh1 Bb530. Bxb5 axb531. Qe3 Qc732. c3 Nb333. Ra3 Nc534. Ned3 Nxd335. Nxd3 Rc836. Qe2 Ng637. Qd1 Qc4

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“”“�—��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd2

§�—¯�¨³��“��“”““��”�¹—��‘”��¦��‘��–›�•�‘‘�‘¬�’‘��¤²� 17..b5

��¯�¨³��”�“��”�”��—�‘”�”��‘�‘˜��›��‘�–‘¬�’��¦��–�²� 28..Nd4

Game 60: Close Variant Dv4xE with Black

Black's Dv4xE responds well to a center pawn early attack (9), preventing white from castling.White drops a pawn trying to develop any threat (13). The tension builds as black powers thru inthe center (27). When black brings his rook downfield (40), it starts a complex series of exchangesleaving white with a doomed piece (46). Black then brings his own pieces close in for the kill (78).

�¨�¨��³�¯�¹��”��”��“�‘��•˜“’�¦”��¬�’�‘��¦��›�° 40..Rb2

��¨��³��¹��”��”��“�‘��•��’�¦��”�’�‘�—��° 46. Rh2

��¤��”��“�³��¹�’—��’��¨��•²� 78..Rxf4+

40.* Bf1 Rb241. Qxa3 Qxa342. Nxa3 e343. Bc4 Bxc444. Nxc4 Rc245. Rxc2 Nxc246.* Rh2 Nxe147. Nxe3 Nf348. Rb2 Nd449. Rb7 Re850. Nc4 Rc851. Ne3 Ba552. Rd7 Rd853. Re7 Bb454. Rb7 Be155. Kh2 Ra856. Rb2 Ra357. Nf1 Rf358. Kg2 Kh759. a4 Ra360. Kh3 Rxa461. Rb1 Nc262. Rb2 Rc463. Rb7 Re464. Ra7 Re265. Nh2 Ne366. Ra1 Bc367. Rc1 Bf668. Rc8 Nd169. Nf1 g570. hxg6+ Kxg671. Rc7 Nf2+72. Kg2 Ne4+73. Kh3 Kh574. Rh7 Nf2+75. Kg2 Ng4+76. Kh1 Rf277. Kg1 Bd478.* Rd7 Rxf4+

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Nd74. Nf3 Ne75. e5 dxe56. dxe5 Ng67. Qe2 Be78. g3 O-O9.* Bg2 Nc510. Nc3 Nd3+11. Kf1 c512. h4 f613.* Be3 Ngxe514. Rd1 Qb615. Nxe5 Nxe516. f4 Nc617. Kg1 Nd418. Qf2 Rd819. Na4 Qa520. b3 e521. Bd2 Qc722. Nc3 Bd623. Nd5 Qf724. Re1 Be625. h5 h626. Bc3 Rac827.* Be4 f528. Bg2 e429. Ne3 Bc730. Rc1 a631. Be1 a532. Qb2 a433. Rh4 Rb834. b4 b535. bxc5 bxc436. Qf2 Qe737. Kh1 a338. Nxc4 Qxc539. Qe3 Qa7

§��¯�¨³�”“”—¹“”“��“�—��’��‘��•’�‘’��ª’�’¦•��²›�¤ 9. Bg2

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹�”“��“”—��”�’��‘��’��–—�•’�‘’��ª’›�¦��°�¤ 13..Ngxe5

��§¨��³�”“��”��¹�”�”��”•”��‘��‘˜›’��‘��’�‘��¬��¦�²¤ 27..f5

Close Variants 157

Game 61: Close Variant Dv3'D with Black

Black's Dv3'D continues with normal development despite the bishop early attack (9). White offersa pawn to open the center, but black still maintains the initiative (19). White tries hard to get hispawn back (33), but nothing seems to work (41). Down 2 pawns in the four rooks endgame (59)white has to scramble but finally manages to draw, since black's passed pawn can't advance (78).

��¨�´”“��“��›��“��’��¨��‘��¦��’��’��¦�²� 41..Rxg4+

��¦��“��¤�”�¨��´��¨��²� 59..Rd5

��¤��“´��§°�� after 78..Kb4

40. Re3 Rb441.* Bxc6 Rxg4+42. Kh1 bxc643. Rxh3 Rf244. b3 a545. Rd3 Kg746. h3 Rgg247. Re7+ Kh648. Rdd7 Rh2+49. Kg1 Rfg2+50. Kf1 Rb251. Rxh7+Kg552. Kg1 Rhc253. h4+ Kf454. Rhf7+ Kg355. Rd1 Rxb356. Rf6 Rxc557. Rxg6+Kxh458. Rd7 Rbc359.* Rdg7 Rd560. Kf2 Rf5+61. Ke2 Rcc562. Rg1 Rg563. R7xg5Rxg564. Rh1+ Kg365. Rc1 a466. Rxc6 Ra567. Rc3+ Kf468. Ra3 Ke469. Kd2 Kd470. Kc2 Kc471. Rf3 Re572. Kb2 Rd573. Ka3 Kb574. Rf8 Rd3+75. Ka2 Rh376. Rf5+ Kb677. Rf4 Ka578.* Rf5+ Kb4

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Bg5 c66. Nc3 Qc77. Be2 Ng68. O-O Be79.* Bxe7 Kxe710. Qd2 Re811. Rad1 Kf812. e5 dxe513. dxe5 Ndxe514. Nxe5 Qxe515. Rfe1 Qf416. Qd3 Kg817. Ne4 Qf518. Qc2 Nf419.* Bf3 Nh3+20. Kf1 Ng521. Rd3 e522. Qb3 Qg623. Nxg5 Qxg524. Rde3 Qe725. Kg1 f626. Qc2 Rd827. Be4 g628. Bd3 Rd429. g3 Bh330. f4 Qd731. fxe5 fxe532. c5 Kh833. Qc3 Qd534.* Be4 Qxa235. Bf3 Qc436. Qxc4 Rxc437. Rxe5 Rb438. R5e2 Rb539. g4 Rf8

§��³��¨”“¯—¹“”“��“”“�—��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Bxe7

§��§�³�”“��“”“��“�“��‘�•˜��›��‘’ª��’‘’��¤¦�²� 19..Nh3+

§��´”“��“��“��“��’”��¨��¬›¦�’�‘’��’��¦�²� 34. Be4

Game 62: Close Variant Dv5'Cx with Black

White tries a combination bishop and center pawn early attack; black responds with Dv5'Cx (9).White goes all-out on the attack (21), but black's active defense holds well (28), and retains a pawnadvantage. Afterwards black invades with a coordinated and insistent assault which finally winshim the exchange (44). His rook pair keeps white nailed to the back rank, allowing black's king tocome down the board (58). Black closes the game out with a clever knight trap (69). A solid win.

��¨��³��§¯�”“��”��”��‘��¦—��‘��•��¬‘’�¤��•²� 44..Nd2

��”��”�”��”�´��‘��‘��¨¤�‘’¨��–°�� 58..Raa2

��”“��”��‘��”¦��–‘�‘§��´��‘²�§�� 69..Rxa3

38. Rbb1 Nb339. Rc2 Qb440. Nf1 a441. Rc6 a342. Ra6 Bc443. Nc2 Qe744.* Rxa3 Nd245. Rc3 Bxf146. Rxf1 Nxf147. Kxf1 Rd1+48. Ne1 Qb449. Qa2+ Kf850. Qc4 Qxc4+51. Rxc4 R8d252. Rc8+ Kf753. Rc7+ Kg654. Rc6 Rb155. Rc3 h656. Ra3 Kg557. Re3 Ra158.* Re2 Raa259. Re3 h560. Rb3 g661. Rc3 h462. h3 Kf463. Rc1 Rf2+64. Kg1 Ke365. Rc3+ Ke266. Nc2 Rf1+67. Kh2 Kd268. Ne3 Rb169.* Ra3 Rxa370. Nc4+ Kd371. Nxa3 Rb372. Nc2 Kxc20-1

1. e4 d62. d4 Nd73. Nd2 e64. Bd3 Ne75. Bb5 Ng66. d5 e57. Ngf3 Be78. Bxd7+Bxd79.* O-O O-O10. Re1 c611. Nf1 cxd512. Qxd5 Qc713. Bd2 Qxc214. Rac1 Qxb215. Rb1 Qa316. Qxb7 Be617. Ne3 Bxa218. Rb5 Be619. Bb4 Qa220. Nf5 Rae821.* Nxd6 Rd822. Nf5 Rd723. Qc6 Bxb424. Rxb4 Rfd825. Ne3 f626. Reb1 Bg427. Ne1 Ne728.* Qc5 Be629. Qb5 a630. Qf1 a531. Rb6 Nc832. R6b2 Qa433. Rc1 Nd634. Qa6 Bf735. f3 Qa336. Qe2 Nb537. Qf2 Nd4

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“��”��—��‘”��‘��•��‘’‘–�’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

��§¨³�”ª��¹“”“��”��—��¤��”•��‘��•��’‘’��¦�²� 21. Nxd6

��¨��³�”��§˜�”“��”��¬�”��¦��‘��–��’‘’�¤��–�²� 28..Be6

Close Variants 159

Game 63: Close Variant Dv4xG with White

White's Dv4xG invites a center pawn attack (9). Despite his damaged pawn structure, white castlesK-side, again inviting the attack (14). Black has difficulty finding a forcing continuation; he offers apawn (19) and regains it easily, but white then starts a series of simplifying exchanges (25,30), andforces a draw (49). The D-game defies the normal logic of chess, winning or drawing with tacticsthat until now have been considered inferior, or contrary to established principles of sound play.

��¨³�”“��¨“”��¹��”�¤��–�¯��’�˜›�‘‘�‘�ª��’��¦° 25. Rxb7

��³�”��“”��›¹��”��’��¦‘‘¨•�ª��’��¯��° 30. Rg1

��´��¦��‘��°�“”��“��§��’�� 49. Kd6

27. Bc6 Rb228. Rg3 Nxc229. Nxc2 Qc1+30.* Rg1 Qxc231. Qxc2 Rxc232. Rd1 Be733. Rd7 Rxc334. Bd5 Rc1+35. Kg2 Rc536. Rxe7 Rxd537. Rxa7 Rd2+38. Kg3 Rd3+39. Kg2 Kf840. a4 Rd2+41. Kg3 Ke842. a5 Rd3+43. Kg4 g644. h4 f5+45. Kf4 Rd4+46. Ke5 Rxh447. a6 Ra448. Ke6 Kd849.* Kd6 Ke850. Ke6 Kd851. Kd6 Ke852. Ke6 1/2-1/2

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. Nb3 c54. Bd2 Nc65. e3 Nf66. Nf3 Bd67. Be2 e48. dxe4 dxe49.* Ng5 h610. Nh3 Bxh311. gxh3 O-O12. f4 exf313. Bxf3 Ne414.* O-O Qg5+15. Kh1 Qe516. Qe2 Rae817. Qg2 c418. Nd4 Nxd219.* Qxd2 c320. bxc3 Na521. Qe2 Re722. Rg1 Nc423. Rab1 Nxe324. Rb5 Qf425.* Rxb7 Rxb726. Bxb7 Rb8

§��¯³��¨”“��“”“��—¹�˜��”��“��•��’•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. Ng5

§��¯�¨³�”“��“”��—¹��”��”��—��•��’›�‘‘’‘��’¦��ª�¤²� 14. Qg5+

��§¨³�”“��“”��—¹��”��¯��“–��’›�‘‘’‘¬��’¦��¤�° 19..c3

Game 64: Close Variant Dv4'5x with Black

Black departs early from the standard opening, striking at the center with Dv4'5x (9). Black tradesdown quickly (16,24), and keeps pace with his adversary in the endgame (31), where his fine playdefends well against white's promotion threat (40,50), and a draw results. The early departures areinteresting lines of the D-system which are certain to surprise even the most expert opponents.

��”¤��”“��”³��˜��‘��’�¨��‘’��°�� 31. Rxa7

��¤�’��”��³�“��—��°��§ 40..Nd4+

��¦��‘�—��”³��°��”��¨�� 50..Nxf8

33. Ke1 Rxh234. Rxg7+Kf535. b4 h536. Rh7 Nc437. b5 Nd238. b6 Nxf3+39. Kd1 Rh1+40.* Kc2 Nd4+41. Kd3 Nc642. b7 h443. Rh5+ Kg644. Rc5 Nb845. Rc8 Nd746. Kc2 Rh2+47. Kc3 Rh3+48. Kc4 Rh149. Rd8 Rc1+50.* Kb5 Nxf851. Rxf8 Rb1+52. Kc6 Kf553. b8=Q Rxb854. Rxb8 h355. Kd6 Kg456. Ke6 Kg357. Rg8+ Kf258. Rh8 Kg259. Rd8 h260. Rd2+ Kg161. Rd1+ Kg262. Rd2+ Kg163. Rd1+ Kg264. Rd2+ 1/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Nd75. Nc3 d56. cxd5 exd57. exd5 Nb68. Bb5+ Bd79.* Qe2 Bxb510. Qxb5+Qd711. Qxd7+Kxd712. Ne5+ Ke813. O-O Nexd514. Re1 Be715. a4 f616.* a5 Nxc317. axb6 Nb518. Nc4 Kf719. bxc7 Nxc720. Bf4 Nd521. Nd6+ Bxd622. Bxd6 Rhd823. Ba3 Rdc824.* Rac1 Rxc125. Rxc1 Re826. Kf1 Re427. Rc8 Rxd428. Rb8 Nf429. Rxb7+Kg630. f3 Rd231.* Rxa7 Nxg232. Bf8 Ne3+

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“”“�˜��›�‘��’��–��•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. Qe2

§��³��¨”“”�¹�”“�˜��”��’��—–��’��–��’��’‘’¦��¦�²� 16..Nxc3

§�§��”“��³”“��”��—��’��’��’‘’��¦�¦�²� 24..Rxc1

Close Variants 161

Game 65: Close Variant Dv3'4 with Black

Black's Dv3'4 consolidates the K-side early, and then tries a center pawn attack (9). Blackprepares carefully, then begins his invasion (17), gradually gaining territory and opening lines(25). Black wins the exchange (35) and never lets up the pressure afterwards in a long knights androoks endgame (55,63). This particular opening may interest those seeking an aggressive D-gamevariant which offers solid positional play and a gradual opening on the Q-side. Looks good!

��³��¯“�“�”��“��¨��“’�”��–—˜ª�’‘¨��•��’‘’�¤��¦�²� 35. Rxe4

��“��“�³��•�—’��“�”��•��’��§��’��§��’��¤��°�� 55..b3

��“��“�³��¨�’��“��•��’�’–§˜��’��”��²��¦�� 63..Nb5

39. Nc6 Rxa340. b4 Rab341. Ra1 Nd542. Kf1 Rb243. g3 Kg744. h4 b545. Rc1 Kh646. Nd8 Kg647. Nb7 Rxb448. Nbc5 Ra349. Nd6 Ra250. Nd3 Rd451. Nc5 b452. Re1 Rc253. Nb5 Rdd254. Ne4 Rd355.* Rb1 b356. Na3 Rd457. Nd6 Rb458. Re1 Rc359. Ndb5 Rc560. Nd6 Nc361. f4 b262. Kf2 Rb363.* Ndc4 Nb564. Rb1 Nxa365. Nxa3 Rc166. Kg2 Rb467. g4 Rc368. f5+ exf569. gxf5+ Kxf570. e6 fxe671. Rf1+ Kg672. Nb1 Rc173. Rf2 Rxb174. Kf3 Rg475. Rg2 Rf1+76. Ke3 b1=Q

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 Ng64. Be3 Be75. Nc3 O-O6. Bd3 c67. O-O d58. Re1 Nd79.* Qe2 a610. a3 b611. Nd2 Qc712. Qf3 Bb713. Qh3 Rfe814. e5 c515. Nf3 cxd416. Bxd4 Nc517.* Qg3 Ne418. Qg4 Rec819. Ne2 a520. Qh5 Ba621. Rac1 a422. Red1 Bc523. Ra1 Ra724. Rab1 Kh825.* Qh3 Bxd426. Nexd4Kg827. Ra1 Bc428. Qh5 Ra529. Rab1 Qe730. Bxc4 Rxc431. Re1 Nf432. Qg4 g533. b3 axb334. cxb3 Rc335.* Rxe4 h536. Qxg5+Qxg537. Nxg5 dxe438. Nxe4 Rd3

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“�“�—��“��’‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª¦�²� 9. Qe2

§��§�³��¯�¹“”““”��“�—��˜“’��’�–›�•¬��’‘��’‘’¦��¦�²� 17..Ne4

��§��´¨�¯��“”“�”��“�—��¹“’��“��—��’��›�•�ª�’‘�•’‘’�¤�¤��²� 25..Bxd4

Game 66: Close Variant DvGG with Black

Black feints a classical opening and wastes 2 knight moves with DvGG (9), but still wins in trulyimpressive style in this brilliant game. Black invites the attack time and again (16,21), and canafford to do so, because his advanced pawn is headed for early promotion (26). Afterwardswhite's lone queen is no match for the bishop and rook pair (36,44), and white gets roasted. Themoral: there is more in the chess opening than there was in our conception of how to play it!

��§��¨�´”ª��”��‘��”��¹��‘�“��’‘’��¤²� 26..c1=Q

�¹��¨�´��¨��”��‘��”�ª��‘��’��’��°�� 36..Rfc8

��”³��ª¹�”��‘��§��’��¨��’��²�� 44..Rg4

37. Kg2 Rxc638. Kh3 Rc239. Qd7 Be540. Qe6 Bf641. Kg4 Kh742. h4 R8c4+43. Kh3 R2c344.* Kh2 Rg445. Qe1 Ra346. h5 Rg547. Kg2 Rb348. Kh3 Rxh5+49. Kg4 Rg5+50. Kh3 Bd451. Kg2 Rb2+52. Kh3 Bf253. Qe5 Rxg3+54. Qxg3 Bxg355. Kxg3 h556. Kf3 Rb3+57. Kg2 Kh658. f6 g559. f7 Kg760. Kf2 h461. Kg2 h3+62. Kf2 Rb2+63. Ke3 Ra264. Ke4 h265. Kd3 h1=Q66. f8=Q+ Kxf867. Ke3 Qe1+68. Kd3 Rd2+69. Kc4 Qc1+70. Kb3 Rb2+71. Ka4 Qa1#

1. c4 Nf62. Nc3 e63. e4 Be74. e5 Ng85. d4 d66. exd6 cxd67. Nf3 Nd78. Bd3 Nb69.* O-O Nf610. Bg5 h611. Bxf6 Bxf612. c5 dxc513. dxc5 Nd514. Nxd5 exd515. Re1+ Be616.* Nd4 O-O17. Nxe6 fxe618. Rxe6 Bxb219. Rb1 Qc820. Bc4 dxc421.* Qd5 c322. Re8+ Kh823. Rxc8 Raxc824. Qxb7 Ba325. Rf1 c226.* c6 c1=Q27. Rxc1 Bxc128. g3 Bd229. a4 Bc330. f4 Bd4+31. Kf1 Bb632. a5 Bxa533. Qxa7 Bc734. Qa6 Bb835. f5 Rc736.* Qb5 Rfc8

§��¯³�—¨”“��¹“”“�˜�”“��‘’��–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¯³��¨”“��“”��¹�”��’“��–��›��‘’��’‘’¦��ª¦�²� 16..O-O

§��¨³�”“��”��¤��”��’ª��“��‘¹��’‘’�¤��²� 21..c3

Close Variants 163

Game 67: Close Variant Dv13' with Black

Black plays Dv13' against a 2 pawn classical defense with a rook pawn attack (9). Black strikes atthe center with a surprising gambit (12) that he recovers quickly, then presses the attack (21).Black takes a pawn and sets up for a devastating continuation (28.30), which wins a piece andthreatens mate. White ends up having to throw away material to delay an inevitable rout (34). Animpressive and overpowering win with black, using the newly discovered D-game!

§��³��“�¤��”“��“��”��¨��‘��¬•��¦“’��’‘��’��²� 28..Bxe4

§��³��“�¤��”“��”�”�¨��‘��’��¬�¦“’��’‘��²� 30..f2+

��§´��“�¤��”“��”�”�¨��‘�ª��’��¦�’��’‘��²�� 34. Rf7+

23. Ne4 Qh524. Qe3 Rf525. Bc4 Bxc426. Rxd7 Rxe527. Qd4 Bd528.* Re3 Bxe429. h4 c530.* Qc3 f2+31. Kxf2 Qf5+32. Ke1 Rae833. Qc4+ Kf834.* Rf7+ Qxf735. Qxf7+ Kxf736. Kd2 Bf537. Rxe5 Rxe538. h5 Rd5+39. Kc3 Be640. h6 Rg541. hxg7 Rxg3+42. Kd2 Rg2+43. Kd3 Kxg70-1

1. e4 d62. Nf3 Nd73. d4 e64. Nc3 Nb65. Bd3 Bd76. O-O c67. Be3 Ne78. a4 a59.* Re1 Ng610. Nd2 Be711. Qh5 O-O12.* Nf3 e513. dxe5 dxe514. Nxe5 Be615. f4 Bd616. Nxg6 fxg617. Qf3 Bxf418. Bxf4 g519. Rad1 gxf420. e5 Qg521.* Qf2 f322. g3 Nd7

§��¯³¹�¨�“��˜“”“�˜“”“��”��‘��’‘��–›�•��’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Re1

§��¯�¨³��“��¹“”“�˜“”“�—�”��ª‘��’‘��–›�•��’‘��’‘’¦��¦�²� 12..e5

§��¨³��“��”“�˜“��”��’�¯�‘��”��–›��’‘��¬‘’��¤¦�²� 21..f3

Game 68: Close Variant Dv3'D with Black

Black's Dv3'D confronts the 2 pawn F back classical defense (9) in this interesting contest. Blackinvites a sacrifice (13), which quickly reveals to be a ghastly failure (15). Afterwards black's strongacross-the-board attack soon has white on his knees (21) and ready for execution, which comes incrisp style (34,38). An impressive victory with superior tactical play using the powerful D-game!

§��¨³�”�¯��“”��“��¹›˜��–�’��’�–��’‘¬��‘’��¦¤²� 21..Ba6

��¨��³��“”��”�¦��‘��§˜��‘’��¦��° 34..c4

��¨��³��“”��¦��‘��˜��‘��“��²‘��§¦�� 38..Rxe1

26. Ne4 Qxb227. Qa5 Rxd328. Qa6 Rcd829. Nxf6+ Qxf630. Qxa7 Qd631. Qe7 Qxe732. Rxe7 Nxf533. Re5 Ne334.* Re1 c435. Kg1 c336. Rc5 c237. h3 Rd138.* Kf2 Rxe139. Kxe1 Rd440. Rc8+ Kh741. Rc3 Rc442. Rxc2 Rxc243. g4 Ra244. a5 Kg645. a6 Kg546. a7 Kf447. g5 Kxg548. a8=Q Rxa849. Ke2 Kf450. Kd2 Rh80-1

1. Nc3 d62. d4 Nd73. Nf3 e64. e4 Ne75. Be2 c66. O-O Qc77. Be3 Ng68. Qd2 Be79.* Bg5 Nf610. Rae1 O-O11. Bc4 e512. a3 h613.* Bxh6 exd414. Nxd4 d515.* exd5 Ng416. f4 Nxh617. dxc6 bxc618. Bd3 Bf619.* Bxg6 Rd820. Nb3 Qb6+21.* Kh1 Ba622. Bd3 Bxd323. cxd3 Qxb324. f5 c525. a4 Rac8

§��³��¨”“¯—¹“”“��“”“�—��’‘��–��•��‘’‘¬›’‘’¦��¤²� 9. Bg5

§��¨³�”“¯�¹“”��“”�˜—”��”��›’‘��’�–��•��’‘¬�’‘’��¦¤²� 13. Bxh6

§��¨³�”“¯�¹“”��“��˜—��‘��›–��’�–��’‘¬�’‘’��¦¤²� 15..Ng4

Close Variants 165


Black's mainstream Dv3'E challenges a 2 pawn standard defense with a bishop early attack (9).Black opens the game with a well coordinated Q-side advance (14), bringing his pieces forwardcarefully, then striking hard with a two-pronged attack (28). Black brings his rooks into the action(32), and then systematically destroys white's position with an overwhelming assault (37,41).Games such as this demonstrate the enormous offensive potential of the D-system openings.

�¨§��³��“”“�¯��“��”•¹��‘�“��¬��’�•’‘¦°��’�¤�� 32..Rd8

��³��“”“�¯��“��”•�§��‘�“��¬��’��’‘�°��’��–��¤¹� 37..Bxc2

��³��”“�¯��“��”��§�“��‘�“��–��ª’��’�¹°��’��–��¤�� 41..Qxb2

29. Nb5 Nxf230. Bf3 Ne431. Bxe4 Bxe432.* Ke2 Rd833. Rbd1 Rd534. Re1 Rbd835. Rxd5 Rxd536. Rf1 Bg137.* Nc1 Bxc238. Qf3 f539. Ke1 Be340. Nc3 Bd2+41.* Ke2 Qxb242. Kf2 Bxc343. Ne2 Bd344. Rd1 Bxe245. Qxe2 Rxd146. Qxb2 Bxb247. Ke2 Rd448. Ke3 c349. Kxd4 c2+50. Kc5 c1=Q+51. Kd6 Kf752. g4 Be5+53. Kxe5 Qc5+54. Kf4 Qf2+55. Ke5 Ke756. g5 Qe3#

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 d64. Nc3 Nd75. Bb5 c66. Be2 Ng67. O-O Be78. Be3 O-O9.* Qd3 b510. a3 Bb711. Rfd1 a612. a4 Qc713. Qd2 b414.* Na2 c515. dxc5 Nxc516. Qxb4 a517. Qa3 Nxe418. Qb3 Rfc819. Rac1 Nc520. Bxc5 dxc521. Qe3 Bd622. g3 c423. Rd2 Bc524. Qc3 Bd525. Nd4 Rab826. Rb1 Qb627. Bh5 Ne528.* Kf1 Nd3

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“”“�—��’‘��–��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd3

§��¨³��¯—¹“”““�“”“�—��‘”�’‘��•��•’‘¬›’‘’¦��¤��²� 14..c5

�¨§��³��“”“�¯��“��”�¹�˜��›‘�“–��¬��’�•’‘¦�’�’�¤��°�� 28..Nd3

Game 70: Close Variant Dv5'G' with Black

Black retreats from the K-side rook pawn attack, and then strikes at the center with Dv5'G' (9).White castles Q-side, offering a pawn to open the king rook file (13). Black covers all white'sthreats while counter attacking (24), winning another pawn. White continues to throw his forceson the ramparts (30), but it achieves nothing (35); black pushes on for a decisive victory (58).

��§��³�”“¯�¨“”��¦��”�›”��‘��¹��‘��‘’ª��°�¤�� 30. g4

��§��³�”�¯�¨“”��”��›”��¦��’�¹��‘�ª��°�¤�� 35..Qf4

��¦��“´��›��”��‘��¹��°��”��¨�� 58..g2

40. Kc2 Re341. Rd3 Re2+42. Rd2 Re643. Rd7 a644. Bc4 Rf645. Ra7 Rf346. Kd1 Rb1+47. Kc2 Rb2+48. Kd1 Rb849. Rxa6 Rc350. Bb5 Ra351. Rc6 g552. Rc7 g453. Ke2 Kg754. Rd3 Ra2+55. Rd2 Rxd2+56. Kxd2 g357. Bc6 Rb2+58.* Kd3 g259. Bxg2 Rxg260. Kc4 Rb261. a5 Rb4+62. Kd5 Ra463. Ra7 Kf664. Kc6 Ra165. Ra8 c466. Kb5 c367. Rc8 Kf568. a6 Ke469. a7 Rxa770. Kc4 Re771. Kb4 Kd372. Ka4 Rb773. Ka5 c274. Ka6 Ra7+75. Kb5 Bc376. Rd8+ Ke377. Kb6 Ba5+0-1

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Nf3 Ng66. h4 Be77. h5 Ngf88. Be3 e59.* dxe5 dxe510. Qc2 c611. O-O-OQc712. g3 Nf613.* Nh4 Nxh514. Nf5 Bxf515. exf5 Nf616. Be2 h617. f4 N8d718. fxe5 Nxe519. Ne4 O-O20. Bf4 Rfe821. Nxf6+ Bxf622. Kb1 c523. Rd5 Qb624.* Be3 Nxc425. Bxc4 Rxe326. Rd7 Re727. Rhd1 Rae828. R7d6 Qc729. Bb5 Rc830.* g4 Bd431. f6 Bxf632. R6d5 Bd433. b4 b634. g5 hxg535.* Rxg5 Qf436. Rd5 Qe437. Qxe4 Rxe438. bxc5 bxc539. a4 Rb8

§��¯³˜�¨”“”—¹“”“��”��”��‘��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ 9. dxe5

§��³˜�¨”“¯�¹“”“��“��˜��”��‘��‘�‘��–��•’�‘’ª��’��²¤�›�¤ 13. Nh4

§��§�³�”“��“”��¯��¹�”��”¤˜‘��‘��’�‘’ª�›��°��¤ 24..Nxc4

Close Variants 167

Game 71: Close Variant Dv1'Dx with Black

Black responds to a bishop early attack and exchange with Dv1'Dx (9). White opens the gamewith the intention of attacking (13), but black refuses to retreat (18,23), matching blow for blow.The contest simplifies to a symmetrical queen and rooks endgame favoring neither side, but blacksurprisingly outplays his opponent to win a pawn (36), and the game (43). Really good chess!

�¨��³��”“¤��”•�—��§��¬��’‘’��¤��²� 23..Ne5

��¨��¯�”³��”��ª��’��¨�’��¤¦��°�� 36..Qa3

��¨�´��”��”��‘��ª��§¯��¤��¦��° 43..R8f4

26. Nxf7 Qxf727. Raxd6Rxf428. g3 Rf529. R6d2 Rf830. Qe2 Qa7+31. Kg2 Qc532. Rc2 Re533. Qd3 Qe734. h4 Re335. Qd5+ Kh736.* Rdd2 Qa337. Kh2 Rxg338. Qe4+ Kh839. Qe6 Rgf340. h5 Qb441. Qc4 Qb8+42. Kh1 Qg343.* Rf2 R8f444. Qxf4 Qxf445. Rxf3 Qxf3+46. Rg2 Qxh5+47. Kg1 g548. Rd2 Kg749. Ra2 Qd1+50. Kh2 0-1

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 a64. c4 d65. Nc3 Nd76. Be2 Ng67. Bg5 Be78. Bxe7 Qxe79.* O-O O-O10. Qd2 b611. a4 Bb712. Qe3 c513.* a5 bxa514. Rfd1 f515. exf5 Rxf516. dxc5 Nxc517. Rxa5 Rb818.* b4 Bxf319. bxc5 Bxe220. Nxe2 Rxc521. Rxa6 Rxc422. Nd4 Qd723.* Nxe6 Ne524. Ng5 h625. f4 Nf7

§��³��¨�“”—¯“”““��”“�—��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¨³��—¯“”““”�”“�—��”��‘�‘’‘��–�¬•��’��›’‘’¦��¤²� 13. a5

�¨��³��¯�”““��”“�—�¦�˜��§��’‘��–�¬•��›’‘’��¤��²� 18..Bxf3

Game 72: Close Variant Dv3'D with White

White plays strong close variant Dv3'D, against black's 3 pawn center with rook pawn attack (9).Black lodges the pawn, but it causes no inconvenience to white's well coordinated defense (18).White tries for the offensive beginning (24) and is able to press somewhat (30,38), but finally hasto settle for a draw (41). The Defense Game puts master level chess within the reach of amateurs!

��³��¹“”��”��¨��ª��‘’�’“��–�’¦��²� 30. d4

��“”��´��”��ª��’�’“��²�’�� 38. Qxd4+

��”��³��“��’��°’“��’�� 41. g4

32. Rxa4 Qxa433. Qxe7 Qd1+34. Kf2 Qxd335. Qd8+ Kh736. Qh4+ Kg637. Qg4+ Kf638.* Qxd4+ Qxd439. exd4 Ke640. Kf3 f541.* g4 Kd542. gxf5 Kxd443. Kg4 Ke444. Kxh3 Kxf545. Kg3 Kg646. Kg4 Kh647. Kf5 Kh548. Ke6 Kg549. Ke5 Kg450. Ke6 Kh551. Kf5 Kh652. Kg4 Kg653. h3 Kh654. h4 Kg655. Kf4 Kf656. h5 Ke657. Kg5 Kf758. Kf5 Ke759. Ke5 Kd760. Kd5 Kd861. Ke6 Ke81/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. d3 d53. Ne2 Nf64. Nd2 c55. c3 Nc66. Qc2 Bd67. Ng3 h58. Be2 h49.* Ngf1 h310. g3 O-O11. e4 Be612. exd5 Nxd513. Ne3 Be714. O-O Qd715. b3 Nxe316. fxe3 Bg417. Ne4 Rfd818.* Nf2 Bxe219. Qxe2 a520. c4 a421. Bb2 axb322. axb3 Rxa123. Bxa1 Ra824.* Qh5 Ra325. Bxe5 Nxe526. Qxe5 Rxb327. Ra1 b528. cxb5 Rxb529. Qe4 Rb430.* d4 cxd431. Nd3 Ra4

§��¯³��¨”“��“”��—¹�˜��”“”��”��’‘’�–�‘’ª–›’‘’¦��²��¤ 9. Ngf1

§��¨��³�”“�¹“”��—��”�”��•��‘’‘’�’“‘�ª�›��’¦��¤²� 18. Nf2

§��³��“�¹“”��—��”�”��‘��‘�‘’�’“��ª–�’��¤²� 24. Qh5

Close Variants 169

Game 73: Close Variant Dv3'5' with White

White's mainstream Dv3'5' challenges the center of the 3 pawn f back classical opening (9). Whitetrades knights for bishops and has a fine position later, when black sacrifices a pawn (19)followed by a rather desperate attempt to build an offensive (25,30). But white survives all hisschemes easily, and wins by virtue of an overwhelming material advantage (49) in the finale.

��³��“��“��“¬��’�˜§��‘��‘�§��’‘’¦��¤²� 30..Nf5

��³��“��“��‘��˜��‘��’‘’��ª��²� 37..Qxa2

��’��“��—´��ª��’‘’��²� 49. Qxf7

35. Rxd4 Nxd436. Qd1 a437.* bxa4 Qxa238. Be5 Nc639. Bc3 Qc440. Qa1 Kf841. a5 Ke742. a6 Ke643. Bg7 Kd544. Bh6 g545. Bxg5 Qe446. Be3 Qe847. Qa2+ Kd648. a7 Qa849.* Qxf7 Qh850. h3 Qa851. g4 Nxa752. Qxa7 Qxa753. Bxa7 Ke554. h4 Kd555. h5 Ke656. g5 Kf557. g6 Ke658. Bd4 Kf559. g7 Ke460. g8=Q Kxd461. h6 Kc562. Qg5+ Kd463. h7 Kc464. h8=Q Kb365. Qb5+ Kc266. Qhb2+ Kd167. Q5e2#

1. d3 d52. c3 e53. Nd2 c54. e3 Nf65. Ne2 Nc66. Ng3 Be77. Be2 O-O8. e4 Be69.* O-O Qc710. Qc2 b511. Nb3 c412. Nd2 cxd313. Bxd3 Rac814. exd5 Bxd515. Nf5 a616. Ne4 Bxe417. Bxe4 g618. Nxe7+ Nxe719.* Bf3 e420. Bxe4 Rfe821. Bg5 Nxe422. Qxe4 Nf523. Qf3 b424. cxb4 Qe525.* b3 h626. Bd2 Nd427. Qe3 Qd528. Qxh6 Rc229. Bf4 Re430.* Bg3 Nf531. Qg5 Rxb432. Rac1 Rxc133. Qxc1 a534. Rd1 Rd4

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��—��˜��”“”��‘��’‘��–�‘’�–›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

��§��¨³��¯�˜“�““��˜“��“��”��’��›��‘’ª��’‘’¦��¤²� 19..e4

��§�§�³��“�““��“��¯—��’��‘��ª��‘��’‘’¦��¤²� 25..h6


The author with black plays the main line Dv3'E, and wins against his strong computer rival, hereplaying the 3 pawn standard classical opening (9). Black goes for a closed game in the center,then offers a knight exchange (15). Black's bishop is trapped, but there's a answer to this (25)which opens the K-side to his pieces (35). Still equal in the endgame, white tries to free the wayfor his b-pawn (46), but it turns out to be in black's favor instead (54). Finally won one!

�¨��³��”�’��””‘”‘¯�”��‘��¹’�–��¬��’��¤²� 35..Bh3

��³��”�¯��””‘”‘��”�•�‘��’��¬��’��²� 46. Qe6+

��’�´��”�”‘��²“�’��“��’�� 55..c4

31. Rbd1 Bg432. Rc1 Rxf1+33. Rxf1 Bh334. Rf3 Bg435.* Rf1 Bh336. Rc1 Rf837. Qd3 Bf538. Qd2 Re839. Bf2 Bxf2+40. Qxf2 Rf841. Qd2 Qxd642. Rf1 Bg643. Rxf8+ Kxf844. Na4 Ke745. Qe3+ Kd746.* Qe6+ Qxe647. dxe6+ Kxe648. Nxb6 Kd649. Kf2 Bf750. Ke3 h551. Ke4 g452. Nd5 Bxd5+53. cxd5 h454. b6 h355.* Kf4 c456. b7 Kc757. Kxg4 c358. Kxh3 c259. Kg4 c1=Q0-1

1. Nf3 e62. d4 Ne73. c4 d64. e4 Nd75. Nc3 c66. Bd3 Ng67. O-O Be78. Be3 O-O9.* Qc2 e510. Rad1 Re811. d5 c512. a3 a613. b4 b614. Rb1 Rb815.* Qd2 Nh416. Nxh4 Bxh417. Bc2 h618. Ba4 Rf819. b5 a520. Bd1 f621. g3 Bg522. f4 exf423. gxf4 Bh424. Bg4 Qe825.* Rf3 Ne526. fxe5 Bxg427. Rf4 f528. exd6 g529. Rff1 Qe530. exf5 Bxf5

§��¯�¨³�”“�—¹“”“��“”“�—��‘’‘��–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qc2

�¨�¯§�³��—¹“”““”�”��—��”‘”��’‘�‘��’�–›�•��¬�’‘’�¤��¤²� 15..Nh4

�¨��¨³��—��”��”�”�”�””‘”‘��‘�‘’›¹’�–��¤��¬��’�¤��²� 25..Ne5

Close Variants 171

Game 75: Distant Variant Dv8'G'G with Black

Black responds to the rook pawn attack with a king knight tour, playing Dv8'G'G. White seizes thecenter, but black counter attacks strongly on the K-side (16,24) and gains the initiative. Blackdevelops multiple threats to win the exchange (35), then simplifies for the endgame (40), where hisK-side pawns cannot be stopped (61). The D-system makes winning chess look easy!

��§�³��“��“”�“��”��¯��‘’�¬•��¤��²� 35..Qe7

��¨��³��“��“”�“��”��ª–�‘’��°�� 40..Qxa2

��³��°��”��”��•�“��§�� 61..g4

34. Kg1 Re835.* Bf2 Qe736. Ng3 Bxd137. Qxd1 Rd838. Qf3 Qd739. Kg2 Qd540.* Be3 Qxa241. Qxb7 Qd5+42. Qxd5 Rxd543. Ne2 g544. Nc3 Rd845. Bf2 f546. b4 Rd247. Kf1 Rc248. Be1 Kf749. b5 axb550. Nxb5 f451. Nd4 Rb252. Bc3 Rb1+53. Kf2 h554. Kf3 Kg655. Ke4 h456. Nf3 h357. Nh2 Rh158. Ng4 Rg159. Nh2 Rg260. Nf3 Re2+61.* Kd5 g462. Nd4 Re863. Nb3 h264. Bd4 h1=Q+0-1

1. d4 e62. c4 Ne73. Nc3 d64. e4 Ng65. h4 Be76. h5 Nf87. Nf3 h68. Be2 Nfd79.* O-O O-O10. Qc2 e511. Rd1 exd412. Nxd4 Bf613. Be3 Bxd414. Rxd4 Nc615. Rd2 Nf616.* c5 Bg417. f3 Be618. Rad1 Nxh519. cxd6 cxd620. Qa4 a621. Rxd6 Qh422. Nd5 Ng323. Bd3 Ne524.* Nc3 Bg425. Be2 Nxe2+26. Nxe2 Nxf3+27. gxf3 Bxf328. Qc2 Rac829. Qd2 Rfe830. e5 Rxe531. Rd8+ Re832. Rxc8 Rxc833. Kf1 Bg4

§˜�¯³��¨”“”—¹“”��”“��”��‘��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘�¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¯�¨³�”“”��“”��—”�˜�”��’��‘��‘��–��‘’ª¦›’‘�¦��²� 16..Bg4

§��¨³��“��“”�“��¦��”��˜��ª��‘��¯��–›�‘˜�‘’��‘��¤��²� 24..Bg4

Game 76: Distant Variant Dv55xG with White

White responds to a rook pawn early attack by bringing his knight forward, playing Dv55xG (9).White attacks the center, finding an interesting knight sacrifice (12) which disrupts black's game.White has a positional edge, and goes a pawn up (22), but black gets the better of him in a piecetangle in the corner (35), then simplifies for the draw (42,51). An action packed chess encounter!

��¦��´��”��‘��§�‘�‘’“§’—��²�’�¤�� 35..Nxa3

��”³��§��’��‘��˜��‘²“�¦��’�� 42..Nd5

��²“´��‘�� 51. Kd5

28. Rhc1 Rb829. Ba3 Rb330. Rc7 Ke831. Ra7 Nd4+32. Kf2 Nc233. Ra8+ Kf734. Rf8+ Kg735.* Rd8 Nxa336. Rxd7+Kg637. Ra7 Rxd338. g4 Nxb139. Rxa2 Rxd540. b4 Rb541. Rb2 Nc342.* Kg3 Nd543. Kxh3 Rxb444. Rxb4 Nxb445. Kg3 Nc646. h4 Ne547. g5 f548. h5+ Kxh549. Kf4 Kg650. Kxe5 Kxg551.* Kd5 Kf452. Ke6 Ke353. Kxf5 Kxf31/2-1/2

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. e4 Nc64. Ne2 Nf65. Ng3 h56. Be2 h47. Nh5 Ng88. exd5 Nd49.* Nf3 Nxe210. Qxe2 Qe711. Nxe5 f612.* Nxf6+ gxf613. Ng6 Qxe2+14. Kxe2 Rh515. Nxf8 Kxf816. c4 h317. g3 Bd718. Bf4 Rc819. Be3 Ne720. f3 Rh721. Rae1 Nf522.* Bxa7 b623. c5 Ra824. cxb6 cxb625. Bxb6 Rxa226. Bc5+ Kf727. Rb1 Rh8

§��¯³¹—¨”“”��“”��‘”��•��˜��”��‘��‘’‘–›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. Nf3

§��³¹—¨”“”�¯�”��”��‘–��•��”��‘��‘’‘�ª’‘’¦��²��¤ 12. Nxf6+

��§��´��”“”��§��”��‘�—��‘��‘�‘’“‘’��°��’��¦��¤ 22. Bxa7

Distance 3 Variants 173

Game 77: Distant Variant Dv3'35F with White

White avoids a center pawn exchange, and plays the bishop forward early with Dv3'35F (9). Aftermost of the pieces and the queens are traded (17), white's active bishop is enough to provide thewinning margin (23). Black drops the exchange rather than abandon the center file to white'srooks, and the rest is a waltz for white (27). Winning chess doesn't get much easier than this!

��—�³��”��“”“��”��‘�‘”��“��’��’‘’��¤²� 27. c5

��“”“�¦“´��’�˜��’‘’��²� 35. a6

27.* c5 c6 28. Rd1 Nc729. Rxd3 Ne630. b4 axb431. a5 Nxc532. Rxd4 Kf833. Rxb4 Ke734. Rb6 Kd635.* a6 Nxa636. Rxa6 g537. Ra7 f638. Rxh7 c539. Kf1 Ke540. Ke2 Ke441. h4 gxh442. Rxh4+Ke543. Kd3 f544. f4+ Kd545. Rh6 c4+46. Ke3 Kc547. Rf6 c348. Rxf5+ Kc449. g4 c250. Kd2 Kd451. g5 Ke452. Rf8 1-0

1. d3 e52. Nd2 d53. e4 Nf64. Be2 Nc65. c3 Be76. Bf3 d47. c4 O-O8. Nb3 a59.* a4 Be610. Ne2 Bb4+11. Bd2 Bxd2+12. Qxd2 Qd613. O-O Nd714. Ng3 Nc515. Nxc5 Qxc516. Nf5 Rfe817.* Qg5 Bxf518. exf5 Qe719. Qxe7 Nxe720. Rae1 Nxf521. Bxb7 Rad822. Re2 Nd623.* Bc6 e424. Bxe8 exd325. Re5 Rxe826. Rxe8+ Nxe8

§��¯�¨³��“”�¹“”“��—��˜��”��”��‘”‘��•�‘�›��‘’��’‘’¦��ª²�–¤ 9. a4

§��§�³��“”��“”“��—��”�¯�”•¬�‘�‘”‘��‘�›��’��’‘’¦��¤²� 17..Bxf5

��¨§�³��›”��“”“��˜��”��”��‘�‘”��‘��’��¤’‘’��¤²� 23. Bc6

Game 78: Distant Variant Dv4x5B" with White

White pursues an interesting line with a center challenge and alternative knight relocation,Dv4x5B" (9). Black continues to force exchanges (17), depriving white of castling and obliging anearly king sortie, but these turn out to be to white's advantage: he stays a step ahead of black inthe 4 rooks endgame (25,41,57) and this tempo provides the margin to win. Really good chess!

��³��“¦��“��“��§��’�§��’��’��¦�²�� 41. h5

��³��¤��¤��“��“¨��‘��‘²��¨�� 57. h6

��³��¤��¤��“��’�“¨��‘��°��§ 60..Rxh6

36. Rf2 Kg737. Kh3 Kg838. Raf6 c639. Rd6 f540. Kh2 Rc441.* h5 Kh742. Rxf5 Rxb2+43. Kh3 Re244. Rf7+ Kg845. Rb7 Re846. Rdd7 Rc547. Rg7+ Kh848. Rh7+ Kg849. Rbg7+Kf850. Rf7+ Kg851. Rhg7+Kh852. g4 Re3+53. Kh4 Re154. Rh7+ Kg855. Rfg7+ Kf856. Rb7 Kg857.* h6 Rh1+58. Kg3 Rg1+59. Kh3 Rh1+60.* Kg2 Rxh661. Rxh6 Rc462. Rd6 Rxg4+63. Kf2 Rf4+64. Ke3 Rf165. Rxc6 Re1+66. Kd4 Rd1+67. Kc5 Rd868. Kxb5 1-0

1. d3 e52. e4 Nc63. Ne2 Nf64. Nd2 d55. Ng3 Be76. Be2 Nd47. Nf3 dxe48. dxe4 Nxf3+9.* Bxf3 Qxd1+10. Bxd1 Be611. Bd2 h512. Bc3 h413. Nf5 Bxf514. exf5 e415. Be2 Nd516. Bd4 Nf417.* g3 Nxe218. Kxe2 O-O19. f3 exf3+20. Kxf3 Rfd821. Rhe1 Bf822. Re4 Rd523. f6 Bc524. Bxc5 Rxc525.* Rxh4 Rxc226. fxg7 Kxg727. Rg4+ Kf828. Rb4 Rb829. h4 b530. a4 a631. axb5 axb532. Ra5 Rc533. Rf4 Rd834. Ra6 Rd3+35. Kg4 Rb3

§��¯³��¨”“”�¹“”“��˜��”��‘��—–�‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. Bxf3

§��³��¨”“”�¹“”��‘��“˜�”��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��²��¤ 17. g3

§��³�”“”��“”��’��¨��¤��”��°’�‘’‘��’¦�� 25. Rxh4


Game 79: Distant Variant Dv3DxE with White

White's Dv3DxE responds to a bishop early attack (9). White opens the Q-side (14) with a livelycombination that wins a pawn (21) and gives him strong control of the open lines. With all black'spieces tied down for the defense, white invades the black position (33,42), winning another pawnand leaving black a hopeless rout (49). When played aggressively the D-game is truly formidable!

��”��“�³�”—¨§�“��ª��’��”’�¦�’��‘��’‘��¦��²� 33. Qa8

��ª��“�³�”�¨�¨��˜��”��’��”’��’��‘��¤��’‘��¦��²� 42. Qg4

��¤��¦��“�§�”�¨��´˜��‘��”��‘��”’��‘��ª’‘��²� 49..Nc4

31. Qa4 h432. h3 Kh733.* Qa8 g534. Qb7 Rf635. Qxc7 Na536. Bb2 Qf537. R1c2 Nc638. Qb7 Qe639. Rc1 Qf540. R3c2 Na541. Qc8 Qd542.* Qg4 Rde643. Qh5+ Kg744. Rc8 Rh645. Qf3 Rd646. e4 Qb347. Qe2 Rh748. d5+ Kh649.* R1c7 Nc450. Rxc4 f651. e5 Qxc452. Rxc4 Rd853. exf6 Rf754. Qd2 Rxd555. Qxd5 Rf856. Rg4 Rg857. Qxg8 b558. Qg7+ Kh559. Rxg5#

1. d3 d52. e3 e53. Ne2 Nf64. Ng3 Bg45. Be2 Bxe26. Qxe2 Be77. O-O Nc68. c4 Qd79.* a3 O-O10. b4 a611. Bb2 Rfe812. Nd2 d413. Nf3 Rad814.* b5 axb515. cxb5 Na516. Nxe5 Qd517. Nc4 Qxb518. Bxd4 b619. Rab1 Qd520. Rfc1 Nc621.* Ba1 Qe622. d4 Bd623. Nxd6 Rxd624. Qc2 g625. Qa4 h526. Ne2 Nd527. Nc3 Nxc328. Rxc3 Qe429. Qc2 Qd530. Rc1 Ree6

§��³��¨”“”¹“”“��—��˜��“”��‘��‘’�–�‘’��ª’‘’¦•��¤²� 9. a3

��¨§�³��“”¹“”““�—��˜��”��’‘”��’��‘’•–��ª’‘’¦��¤²� 14. b5

��¨§�³��”�¹“”“�”—��˜��•��’��‘’�–��ª’‘’�¤¦��²� 21..Qe6

Game 80: Distant Variant Dv78'F with Black

Black responds to a bishop early attack by advancing the flank pawns with Dv78'F (9). The K-sideis opened, but white is not able to capitalize on black's more exposed position (15,19,24). In anearly endgame, black is able to keep pace (30,44) and draw. Aggressive responses to early attacksare usually not required to maintain equality; but they should be part of your opening repertoire.

§��“”�´“��“��”��›�‘��‘’‘��‘��²�¦�� 24..Kf6

��“”��“´�“��”��‘¨��¤��‘’‘��‘��²�� 30..Rxd5

��“��´��”��“��°�‘��‘��’�� 44..Ka6

31. Rxc7 Rb532. Rd7 Rb633. a4 Kf834. a5 Rb535. Rxd6 Ke736. Rb6 Rxb637. axb6 Kd638. Kd2 Kc539. Kc3 a540. Kb3 Kxb641. Ka4 Ka642. c4 f543. g3 Kb644.* b3 Ka645. b4 axb446. Kxb4 Kb647. c5+ Kc648. Kc4 Kd749. Kd5 Kc750. Ke5 Kc651. Kxf5 Kxc552. g4 b553. Ke4 b454. Kd3 Kd555. g5 Ke656. g6 Kf657. Kc4 b358. Kxb3 Kxg61/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Bg5 h65. Bh4 g56. Bg3 Ng67. Nc3 Nd78. h4 Bg79.* hxg5 hxg510. Rxh8+Bxh811. Qd2 g412. Nh2 Nb613. O-O-Oe514. dxe5 Bxe515.* f4 gxf316. Bxe5 Nxe517. Nxf3 Qe718. Nd5 Nxd519.* Qxd5 Qe620. Nxe5 Qxe521. Bb5+ Ke722. Rf1 Qxd523. exd5 a624.* Re1+ Kf625. Bd3 Bd726. Rf1+ Kg727. Bf5 Bxf528. Rxf5 Re829. Rf4 Re530.* Rc4 Rxd5

§��¯³��¨”“”—�“¹��”“�—”��”��’‘��’��–��•��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ 9. c5

§��¯³��”“”��“��˜�”��—��¹��‘�“��–��‘’‘¬�’‘–��²¤�›�� 15. f4

§��³��”“”�¯“��”��ª˜��‘��•��‘’‘��‘��²¤�›�� 19..Qe6


Game 81: Distant Variant Dv2'8'G' with Black

Black reacts to a rook pawn attack, then prepares a Q-side fianchetto with Dv2'8'G' (9). Black has agood position afterwards, which resists white's best attempts to disrupt it (18). Black is set to go apawn up, but first trades down (27) and adjusts his position. White's last hopes fade when he isunable to protect his advanced pawn (42,49), and black rolls on to a convincing win (62). Forte!

��¤”³��‘�“��”�—��–§��’‘��²� 42. Rb7

��¦‘�“´“”��§��²‘�� 49..Ke5

��¤��³��”��“�°��§�� 62..Kd4

38. Rd1 Rc339. Rd8+ Kh740. Rd7 Nb541. Rxf7 Rc442.* Rb7 Rxb443. f4 Kg644. Rb8 Rxf445. Rxb5 Rc446. Rb6 Kf547. Rb5+ Kf648. Rb6 g649.* Kf2 Ke550. Ke2 Kd551. Rb3 Kxc652. Rg3 g553. Rh3 Rh454. Rd3 e555. Rd8 h556. Rh8 Kd557. Ke3 Rg458. Rxh5 Rxg259. Kf3 Rg160. Rh8 Rf1+61. Kg4 e462.* Re8 Kd463. Kxg5 e364. Kg4 Kd365. Rd8+ Ke266. Kg3 Rg1+67. Kf4 Kf268. Ke4 e269. Rf8+ Ke170. Rb8 Rg771. Ke5 Kd272. Rb1 e1=Q+0-1

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. c4 Ng65. h4 Be76. h5 Nf87. Nc3 h68. Be2 b69.* O-O Nfd710. Be3 O-O11. Qc2 c512. dxc5 bxc513. e5 Bb714. exd6 Bxd615. Rfd1 Be716. Bf4 Qb617. Nb5 a618.* Bc7 Qc619. Bd6 Bxd620. Nxd6 Ra721. Nxb7 Rxb722. a3 Qc723. Rab1 Nc624. Bd3 Nf625. Be4 Rfb826. Bxc6 Qxc627.* b4 Qe428. Qxe4 Nxe429. Rdc1 Nf630. Ne5 Nxh531. Nd3 cxb432. Rxb4 Nf633. c5 Rxb434. Nxb4 Ne835. Nxa6 Ra836. Nb4 Rxa337. c6 Nc7

§˜�¯³˜�¨”�”�¹“”��”�”“��”��‘��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘�¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§˜��¨³��—¹“”�“¯��“��”�•”��‘��‘��•��‘’ª�›’‘�¦��¤��²� 18. Bc7

�¨��³��§��“”�“��“˜�”��”��‘�’‘��’��•��ª��’‘��¤�¤��²� 27..Qe4

Game 82: Distant Variant Dv3xBB with Black

White's aggressive 4 pawn custom opening with center pawn attack (9) is quickly refuted by black,who wins a pawn (12) and consolidates his position nicely. White tries desperately for an assault(21), but black once again refutes his efforts, emerging with advantage of pawn and the exchange.Black then demolishes the remains of white's hopeless position in short order (32,45). This gameshould serve as a warning to ill prepared attackers: the D-system will teach you to respect it!

§��¯�¨³��“¹“›�¤�“�“��—��’•��ª��•’�‘’��’��²� 25..Nxd4

�¨��³�¨��“�“��¤�“�“��›��‘��¹��‘��–°’�� 32..Rxb5

��¤��°��´��‘��”��“��¹��“��¨�� 45. Kd5

32.* Bb5 Rxb533. axb5 Ra234. Kf3 Rxf2+35. Ke4 e536. Rc8+ Kg737. Kd5 Rxh238. g5 Rg239. Rc4 Rb240. Kc6 f641. gxf6+ Kxf642. Ra4 g543. Ra8 g444. Rg8 h545.* Kd5 Rxb5+46. Ke4 Rb347. Kd5 g348. Rf8+ Kg549. Rg8+ Kf450. Rf8+ Kg451. Rg8+ Kh352. Kc4 Rc3+53. Kd5 g254. Ke6 Rg355. Rh8 h456. Rh6 g1=Q57. Rf6 Ra358. Rf7 Qg859. Ke7 Ra7+60. Kd6 Qxf761. Kc6 Qd7#

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Bd3 Ne74. f4 Nd75. c4 Nb66. c5 Nd77. cxd6 cxd68. Nf3 Nb69.* O-O d510. exd5 Nexd511. Nc3 Bd612.* Bd2 Nxf413. Bxf4 Bxf414. g3 Bh615. Qc2 a616. Rae1 g617. Qb3 O-O18. Ne4 Bg719. Kg2 Bd720. Rc1 Bc621.* Rxc6 bxc622. Rc1 Nd523. Rxc6 Ne3+24. Kg1 Nf525.* Bxa6 Nxd426. Nxd4 Qxd4+27. Nf2 Qxb228. Qxb2 Bxb229. a4 Bd430. Kg2 Ra731. g4 Rb8

§��¯³¹�¨”“��˜“”“�˜�”“��’‘’��›�•��‘’��‘’¦•�ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¯³��¨”“��“”“�˜�¹“��—��’�’��–›�•��‘’��‘’¦��ª�¤²� 12..Nxf4

§��¯�¨³��“��“¹““˜��“�“��’•��ª�›�•’�‘’��°’��¦��¤�� 21. Rxc6


Game 83: Distant Variant Dv4'5x6' with Black

Black repulses a bishop early attack with his f-pawn, then challenges the center with Dv4'5x6' (9).Afterwards black trades down quickly (17) and later chooses a risky line, bringing his solo kingout to the Q-side (20,34). Despite his exposed and vulnerable position, black is able to survive adangerous white offensive (38,59), and finally clench a draw. Lesser skilled players should avoidrisky lines exposing the king unnecessarily; better players may find them worth investigating.

�¨��§¹��¦��”��”��–“��³��’�’��’��¦��²� 34..Ka3

��§��§��¹¤��“”��“�‘��–�’��´��’��¦��²� 38..Rb6

��‘��‘´�¨��¹��–��°��”��¤ 59..Bd6

34.* h4 Ka335. Rf7 Be736. Nc6 Rb737. Nd4 g638.* h5 Rb639. hxg6 Rxg6+40. Kf2 Rf641. Rxf6 Bxf642. Nxf5 h543. Kf3 h444. e4 Rf845. Re1 Bd846. Nd4 h347. e5 Rh848. f5 Kb449. Ne6 h250. Rb1+ Kc451. Rc1+ Kd352. Rh1 Ba553. f6 Kc454. f7 Bb455. Nf4 Rh656. Kg3 Kd457. e6 Ke558. Kg4 Kf659.* Kf3 Bd660. Kg2 Ke761. Rxh2 Bxf462. Rxh6 Bxh663. Kf3 Kxe664. f8=Q Bxf81/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Nd74. Nf3 Ne75. Be2 Ng66. Bg5 f67. Be3 d58. exd5 exd59.* Nc3 dxc410. Bxc4 Nb611. O-O Nxc412. Qa4+ c613. Qxc4 Bg414. d5 Bxf315. gxf3 Ne516. Qe2 Qd717.* f4 Qg4+18. Qxg4 Nxg419. dxc6 bxc620.* Rfe1 Kd721. Red1+Kc722. Rac1 Nxe323. fxe3 Rb824. b4 Kb625. a3 a526. bxa5+ Kxa527. Ne4 f528. Nd2 Bxa329. Rxc6 Rhd830. Rc7 Bf831. Nc4+ Ka432. Rc1 h633. Ne5 Re8

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—��”“��”—��“��‘’��•��‘’��›’‘’¦•�ª²��¤ 9. Nc3

§��³¹�¨”“��”“��“��”��‘˜��’��–��‘’��ª’�’¦��¤²� 17..Qg4+

§��³¹�¨”��”“��“��”��’—��–��‘’��’�’¦��¦�²� 20..Kd7

Game 84: Distant Variant Dv7'EG with White

White's play looks dubious, but it is a valid response to the rook pawn attack: Dv7'EG followed bythe f-pawn advance (9). Black attacks white's vulnerable K-side ferociously (13) but white alwaysfinds an answer (17), and wins the game with a fine combination (20,22) clearing the board andallowing him to clean up black's badly arranged pawns (29). Try provocative opening lines likethis one in blitz and see if you don't impress your adversary and whoever else is looking on!

��¨³��”“��¹“��—��˜��”��‘�‘��–��–“‘’��’��¤��²� 20. Rxd8+

��´��”“��¹“��˜��”��•��‘˜‘��–��“‘’��’��²� 22. Kf2

��”��´��”��“��‘�—��‘��°�“‘��–�’�� 29..Nxf2

28. Kf3 f529.* Nf2 Nxf230. Kxf2 Kd631. Kg3 Ke532. Kxh3 Ke433. Kg2 Ke334. Kf1 a535. a3 Kd436. h4 Ke537. h5 f438. b4 axb439. axb4 Kd440. c5 bxc541. bxc5 Kxc542. h6 Kd543. Kf2 Ke544. h7 Ke445. h8=Q Kd546. Qh5+ Kc447. Kf3 Kd448. Kxf4 Kc449. Ke3 Kb350. Qb5+ Kc351. Qa4 Kb252. Kd2 Kb153. Kc3 Kc154. Qc2#

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 h55. O-O h46. Nh1 h37. g3 Be78. d3 c59.* f4 exf410. gxf4 Nc611. c4 dxc412. dxc4 Qxd113.* Rxd1 g514. fxg5 Rg815. Nc3 Rxg5+16. Ng3 Bg417.* e4 Bxe218. Bxg5 Bxd119. Rxd1 Rd820.* Rxd8+Kxd821. Nf5 Nd422.* Kf2 Nxe4+23. Nxe4 Nxf524. Bxe7+ Kxe725. Nxc5 Nd626. b3 b627. Nd3 Ne4+

§˜�¯³��¨”“��¹“”��˜��”“”��‘’�’“‘’‘�›’�’¦•�ª�¤²• 9. f4

§��³��¨”“��¹“”��—��˜��”��‘��’��’��“‘’��›��’¦•�¤��²• 13..g5

§��³��”“��¹“��—��˜��”��¨��‘��–�’�–“‘’��›��’¦��¤��²� 17. e4


Game 85: Distant Variant Dv7'8'Cx with Black

Black responds to a combination of bishop and center pawn early attacks with Dv7'8'Cx (9). Afterthe opening exchanges, black's strong fianchetto allows him to win two pawns (14) while trippingup white's counter attack (19). Black is under pressure later, especially after white's fine knightsacrifice (31) opens the way for a pawn promotion, but black fights back and stops the threat. Inan unusual finale black's lead proves worthless: a four rooks endgame and a draw is the result.

��“´��§”—��¤”��”��•�§��’��’‘��¤��²� 31. hxg5

��¨��¤��¤��˜�’°��³��‘��§�� 44..Rg8+

��¤��§��²��’��˜�¦��³��¨� 60. Kf7

35. Kg3 Rah136. Rg7+ Kd637. Rbxb7Rxh638. f4 Kd539. Rb5+ Kc440. Rbg5 Nd441. Rc7+ Kd342. Rd7 Rf143. Kg4 Rh844.* Rgd5 Rg8+45. Rg5 Rf846. g3 Rd147. Rgg7 Rg148. Rh7 Rc849. Rhe7 Rf150. Kh5 Rf251. g4 Rxf452. Rf7 Rh8+53. Rh7 Rhf854. g5 Rf155. Kg6 Rg8+56. Rhg7 Rc857. Rgf7 Rg158. Rf4 Rc459. Kf6 Rc6+60.* Kf7 Rxg561. Rdxd4+Kc362. Rd1 Kc263. Rd8 Re564. Rf3 Rc7+65. Kg6 Rce766. Rd6 R5e6+67. Rxe6 Rxe6+1/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 d63. Nf3 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. Bg5 h66. Be3 Nb67. d5 g68. dxe6 Bxe69.* Bxb6 axb610. Bc4 Bg711. Qd3 Bxc412. Qxc4 Qd713. Qd3 f514.* O-O fxe415. Nxe4 Bxb216. c3 Kd817. Rab1 Rxa218. Rfd1 d519.* c4 Ra320. Qd2 Bg721. cxd5 Kc822. d6 Nc623. dxc7 Qxd224. Nfxd2 Kxc725. Nc4 Ra626. Rd6 g527. h4 Re828. Rg6 Rxe429. Rxg7+Re730. Rg6 Re431.* hxg5 Rxc432. gxh6 b533. Rxb5 Ra1+34. Kh2 Rh4+

§��¯³¹�¨”“”�˜“��˜�”��“”��‘��–��•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Bxb6

§��³��¨�“”˜�¹��”�”��“”��“��‘��–ª�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��¤²� 14..fxe4

��´��¨�“”˜��”��“”��“��‘�•��ª�•��§¹��’‘’�¤�¤��²� 19..Ra3

Game 86: Distant Variant Dv3BE with Black

Here's a really impressive win with black with one of the strongest distance 3 variants, Dv3BE (9).White opens the Q-side, but hasn't seen that black can leave his queen on offer (17), and ends updropping a pawn (23). White tries desperately to catch up (27) as black rips apart his position (32)and races into the endgame, where he wins easily (39). Having the opening move has always beenconsidered to be to your advantage, but seeing games like this makes you wonder if it's really so!

§��˜�´”¤��¦“��“��‘��¨�’�’��’��›²� 27. Rxa7

��˜�´¦��“��‘��’��§��²�’��›�� 32. Kf3

��³��¤��—”��‘��¨��›²��’�� 39. Bxg6+

32.* Kf3 Rxh233. Bd3 Rh534. Be4 Rg535. Kf4 h636. Rb7 Kg737. Ra7 Kf738. Ra6 Ng6+39.* Bxg6+Rxg640. Rxg6 Kxg641. Ke5 Bf542. d6 h543. Kd4 Bd744. Ke4 Kg545. Ke3 Kg446. Kf2 Bc647. Ke3 Kxg348. Kd4 h449. Kc5 Be850. Kb6 Kf451. Kc7 Ke552. d7 Bxd753. Kxd7 h354. Kc6 h255. Kc5 h1=Q56. Kc4 Qc6+57. Kd3 Qc158. Ke2 Ke459. Kf2 Kf460. Kg2 Qd2+61. Kh3 Qe262. Kh4 Qg4#

1. c4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nc3 Ng64. Nf3 Be75. e4 d66. Be2 O-O7. O-O c58. Qc2 Nc69.* Rd1 cxd410. Nxd4 Nxd411. Rxd4 Bd712. Be3 Qc713. Rd2 Rfc814. a4 Qa515. c5 d516. b4 Qxb417.* Rb1 Bxc518. exd5 Qh419. g3 Qh320. Bf1 Qf521. Rxb7 Bxe322. fxe3 Qxc223.* Rxc2 Bxa424. Rf2 Rxc325. Rfxf7 Nf826. Rxg7+Kh827.* Rxa7 Rxa728. Rxa7 Bd729. e4 exd530. exd5 Rc131. Kf2 Rc2+

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��—”“�—��”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’ª�›’‘’¦��¤²� 9. Rd1

§�§��³�”“��¹“”“��“�—��’“��‘¯��‘��–��ª¦›’‘’�¤��²� 17..Bxc5

§�§��³�”¤��“”“��“�—��‘��‘��–�’�’��¤��’��›²� 23..Bxa4


Game 87: Distant Variant Dv36'E with Black

Black's Dv36'E is an interesting line for aggressive defense (9). White offers a pawn early (10), butlater has an advanced attacking position (22). Black avoids difficulties by trading down cleverly(26,31). A balanced endgame results, in which black is able to exploit his quality advantage to goahead temporarily, but it's not enough to win (52). The D-system openings have shown to beremarkably resilient to all types of adversary responses, in particular traditional classical ones.

��¯��³��¤��§”““��¹��¤��–ª��¨��‘��’‘��²� 26..Qxe7

��¹��³”““��¦��•��‘��’‘²��¨�� 31..Rc5

��”��²��‘´�� 52. Kd4

32. Rxc5 Bxc533. Kg3 Kf634. Ne3 Bxe335. fxe3 Kf536. Kf3 h537. e4+ Ke538. Ke3 a539. a4 g540. g3 Kd641. Kd4 Ke642. Kd3 h443. gxh4 gxh444. Ke3 h345. Kf3 Ke546. Kg3 Kxe447. Kxh3 Kf348. Kh4 Ke349. Kg4 Kd450. Kf4 Kc551. Ke5 Kb452.* Kd4 Kxa453. Kc4 Ka354. Kc3 Ka255. Kc4 a456. Kc3 Ka357. Kc2 Kb458. Kb1 Kb359. Kc1 Kc460. Kd2 a361. Kc1 Kb362. Kb1 1/2-1/2

1. c4 e62. Nc3 Ne73. d4 d64. Nf3 f65. e4 Ng66. Be2 Be77. O-O O-O8. Be3 c59.* h4 cxd410.* Nxd4 Nxh411. Bg4 f512. exf5 exf513. Bf3 Nxf3+14. Qxf3 Rf715. Rad1 f416. Bc1 Nd717. Bxf4 Nb618. Qe4 Nxc419. Ndb5 Nxb220. Rd5 Bf621. Bxd6 Bd722.* Rb1 Rc823. Rxb2 a624. Nd4 Rxc325. Rxb7 Bf526.* Be7 Qxe727. Qxe7 Bxe728. Nxf5 Bf829. Rxf7 Kxf730. Ra5 Rc1+31.* Kh2 Rc5

§˜�¯�¨³�”“��¹�”“��”“”—��”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’��›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. h4

§˜�¯�¨³�”“��¹�”“��”“”—��‘”‘��’��–��•��‘’��›’‘�¦��ª�¤²� 10. Nxd4

§��¯��³�”“��§”“��¹��•�¤��ª��–��‘˜��’‘��¤²� 22. Rb1

Game 88: Distant Variant Dv3BxG with Black

Black's Dv3BxG plays right into white's preemptive rook pawn attack, wasting two moves (9).Black parries all white's attempted attacks with sharp counter play (14,19,24), and exchanges offthe remaining pieces (30) for an easily drawn endgame (45). Yet another demonstration of theimpressive resilience of the D-system openings in the face of early attack - they are truly amazing!

��¯�¨³�”“��“��”��“��’�¬‘��‘��‘¦§��’��¤��²� 24..Qg5+

��³�”“��§�“��¦��’��“��ª��‘��‘��°’�� 30..exf3+

��“��“��’��’�²��³�� 45. Kc5

26. Qxb2 Qh527. Qb3+ Rf728. Rxd6 Qh1+29. Ke2 fxe430.* Rf6 exf3+31. Rxf3 Qh532. a4 Kf833. Qxf7+ Qxf734. Rxf7+ Kxf735. Kf3 a636. Kg4 Kg637. a5 h638. Kh4 Kf539. Kh5 Kf440. Kxh6 Kf341. Kg5 Kxf242. Kf4 Ke243. Ke4 Kd244. Kd4 Kc245.* Kc5 Kb346. b5 axb547. Kxb5 Ka348. a6 bxa6+49. Kxa6 1/2-1/2

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. h4 d64. Nf3 Nd75. Nc3 Ng66. h5 Ne77. Bd3 c58. dxc5 Nxc59.* O-O Bd710. b4 Nxd311. Qxd3 Nc612. Rb1 Rc813. Bf4 e514.* Bg5 f615. Be3 Bg416. h6 Bxf317. hxg7 Bxg718. gxf3 f519.* Nb5 Nd420. Rfd1 O-O21. Nxd4 exd422. Bxd4 Bxd423. Qxd4 Rxc224.* Rb2 Qg5+25. Kf1 Rxb2

§��¯³¹�¨”“��˜“”“��”“��˜��‘��‘��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘�¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

��§¯³¹�¨”“��“”“��—”��”��‘�’��‘��–ª�•��‘�‘��’‘��¤��¤²� 14..f6

��§¯³��¨”“��¹“��—”��•��”“��’��‘��ª�‘��‘�‘��’��¤��¤²� 19..Nd4


Game 89: Distant Variant Dv4xBG" with Black

Black's Dv4xBG" responds well to a center pawn early attack (9), winning a pawn and developinginto a solid position later (22). Black explores attacks all over the chessboard, but can't crack thewhite defenses until a set of exchanges beginning (65) opens the way for his pieces and pawns(77) and then white must yield (82). A fine demonstration of tactical chess and tenacious defense!

��³��¨�”“��“��’�§��–“’��¤��¦�²� 77..Bd3

��³��”“��“�‘’�§��“��¤��²��§�•¦�� 82. Rexe2

92. Rf7 e393. Ke1Rb294. g5 Rg1+95. Rf1 Rgg296. Rf6+ Kd597. Kf1 e2+98.Kxg2e1=Q+99. Kh3 Rb3+100. Rf3 Qh1+101.Kg3 Qxf3+102. Kh2 Rb2+103. Kg1 Qd1#

79. Nd1Rb180. Kf2 R7b381. g4 Be282.*Rexe2 fxe283. Kxe2 Rg384. Ne3Rh185. Ra8+ Kf786. Ra7+ Ke687. Ra6+ Kd788. Ra7+ Kc689. Rxg7 Rh2+90. Kf1 Rxe391. Rxh7 Rg3

40. Bf1 Bc841. Rc1 Be642. Ree1 Rdc843. Kg2 Qd644. Red1 Qb645. Qb2 a546. Rc3 Rd847. Rcc1 Bg448. f3 Bd749. Bd3 Ra850. Nf1 a451. Nd2 Qd652. Qa3 Bc853. Qb2 Bb754. Bb1 Qf655. Re1 axb356. axb3 Rd857. Qc3 Rcd758. Qe3 Qb659. Qc3 Qh660. Nf1 b461. Qe3 Qc662. Nh2 Qe663. Ba2 Nb564. Rc2 Nc365.* Nf1 f566. Qxc5 fxe467. Qxb4 exf3+68. Kh2 Nxa269. Rxa2 Rf770. Qc3 e471. Ne3 Rd372. Qc5 Qc673. Qxc6 Bxc674. Nc4 Re775. Ne3 Rxb376. Rc2 Bb577.* Kg1 Bd378. Ra2 Reb7

1. Nf3 d62. d4 Nd73. e4 e64. c4 Ne75. Nc3 Nb66. c5 dxc57. dxc5 Nd78. Be3 Nc69.* Bb5 Bxc510. Qd2 O-O11. Rd1 Qe712. O-O Nde513. Nxe5 Nxe514. Be2 b615. Bxc5 Qxc516. Rc1 Qe717. Qf4 Ng618. Qg3 c619. Rfd1 e520. Nb1 Bb721. Qe3 Rad822.* Nd2 Nf423. Bf1 c524. Nf3 Qf625. Re1 Ne626. Qa3 a627. Qc3 Nd428. Nd2 Rd729. Rcd1 Rfd830. Re3 Qf431. h3 Rd632. g3 Qh633. h4 Qe634. Bc4 Qg435. Rde1 R6d736. Bd3 Rc737. Bf1 Qe638. Bc4 Qe739. b3 b5

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—�“”“��—�“��’��‘��–��•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Bb5

��¨�¨³�”��¯“”“�”“��—��”��‘��¬��‘’�–›’‘’��¦¤��²� 22..Nf4

��¨��³��§�“”“��”�”��”��‘��’�‘˜�¬‘’�›�¤��°��¦•�� 65..f5

Game 90: Distant Variant Dv3'8'D with Black

Black plays Dv3'8'D (9), responding to the bishop early attack. Black takes a pawn quickly andthen has to fall back, but later gains time with his knight foray (21), followed by a push on theQ-side (35). White can do little to prevent a general invasion (44), and is a few moves away frombeing totally crushed (51), but finally manages to sneak away with a draw by perpetual check (58).

��§�³��”�“��”�“”‘”‘¯‘��“¨��‘��›��‘’�¹ª��°�¤�¤�� 44..e4

��³��’�“��”��”��‘¯‘“�“��§”��’�¹ª��°�¤��› 51..a3

��³��“�ª��”��”›��‘��“��”��§”��’�¹��°�¤�� 58. Qg6+

33. Qc1 Bb634. Bg4 Bd435.* Ne2 c536. Bf3 Rad837. Qc2 a638. g4 Qg539. Ka1 Rfe840. Kb1 Be341. Nc3 Rd442. Qe2 Bd243. Nd5 Bxd544.* exd5 e445. Bg2 Re546. Bh1 Rdxd547. f6 Rd348. a4 bxa449. Rf5 Rxf550. gxf5 e351.* fxg7 a352. Qf3 Kxg753. Qb7+ Kf854. Bd5 Qxf555. Qb8+ Ke756. Qc7+ Ke857. Qc6+ Qd758.* Qg6+ Kd859. Qb6+ Qc760. Qf6+ Qe761. Qb6+ Qc762. Qf6+ Qe763. Qb6+ Qc71/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. c4 Nd73. Nf3 e64. Nc3 Ne75. Bg5 c66. e4 Qc77. Qd2 Ng68. Be2 h69.* Be3 Be710. h4 e511. h5 Ngf812. O-O-ONf613. c5 exd414. Bxd4 dxc515. Be5 Qd716. Qc2 Qe617. Bg3 N8d718. Nh4 O-O19. f4 Bd820. f5 Qe821.* Nf3 Ng422. Rd2 b523. Kb1 Ne324. Qd3 Nc425. Rdd1 Ba526. Rc1 Qe727. Qc2 Nde528. Nxe5 Nxe529. Rcd1 Bb730. Rhf1 f631. Bxe5 fxe532. g3 c4

§��³¹�¨”“¯—�“”��“”“�—”��‘’‘��–��•��‘’�¬›’‘’¦��²��¤ 9. Be3

§��¹¨³�”“�—�“”��“��˜�”��”��‘�‘��‘��–��•��‘’ª�›�‘��²¤��¤ 21..Ng4

§��¨³�”��¯�”��“��”¹“”�”‘�‘��‘��–��’�‘’ª�›��°�¤�¤�� 35..c5


Game 91: Distant Variant Dv44xB" with Black

Black's Dv44xB" responds well to white's K-side fianchetto opening (9), and gives him a fineposition later on (18). Black initiates a fantastic series of exchanges (22), surviving a dangerouswhite attack (26) with brilliant counterplay. In an equally sensational queen and rook endgameblack outplays his opponent (36,74) to win by a hair. Perilous chess, played at its very best.

��¨�³��“��“��“��”��¹—��ª��’�‘’��’›’��¦��²� 26..Bxf2+

��“´�“”��¨��“��‘��’�‘��¬�²�’��¦�� 36..h4

��¤��‘��´��”��°��§ 74..Rh3

40. Rg4+ Kf741. Rf4 Rg5+42. Kf2 Qd643. Qd4 Rd544. Qc4 b545. Qe4 Rd2+46. Kg3 Kg747. h4 Qe548. Qxe5 fxe549. Rf5 Rxa250. Rxe5 Ra351. Re7+ Kf652. Re3 a553. Kf2 Kg654. Ke2 b455. Re5 Kf656. Re3 Kf557. Rg3 Kf458. Rg5 Ke459. Rg4+ Ke560. Rg3 a461. Rg5+ Kd462. bxa4 Rxa463. Rg4+ Kc364. Rg3+ Kc265. Rg4 Ra266. Ke3 b367. Rc4+ Kd168. Rd4+ Kc169. h5 Rh270. Rc4+ Kb271. Rc5 Ka372. Kd3 b273. Rb5 Rh174.* Ke2 Rh375. h6 Rxh676. Kd3 Rh177. Kc4 Rc1+78. Kd5 b1=Q

1. g3 e62. Nf3 d53. Bg2 Nd74. d4 Ne75. O-O Ng66. c4 Nf67. Nc3 dxc48. Qa4+ Bd79.* Qxc4 Bc610. e4 Be711. Rd1 O-O12. d5 exd513. exd5 Bd714. Bg5 Re815. Rac1 h616. Be3 Bg417. Bd4 Qd718.* Re1 a619. Ne5 Nxe520. Bxe5 Rac821. Qd4 Rcd822.* Ne4 Nxd523. Bxg7 c524. Nxc5 Bxc525. Rxe8+ Qxe826.* Qxg4 Bxf2+27. Kh1 Ne328. Qf3 Kxg729. Qxf2 Nxg230. Kxg2 Rd331. Kg1 Qe632. b3 Re333. Rf1 b634. Qd2 h535. Kf2 Re536.* Rc1 h437. Rc4 hxg3+38. Kxg3 Rd539. Qc3+ f6

§��¯³¹�¨”“”��“”“��“˜—��ª�“’��–��•’�‘’��‘’›’¦��¤²� 9. Qxc4

§��§�³�”“”¹“”��˜—”��‘��ª��–��•’�‘’��’›’��¦�¦�²� 18..a6

��¨§�³��“”¹“”�“��˜�”��‘��¬•��’�‘’��’›’��¦�¦�²� 22..Nxd5

Game 92: Distant Variant Dv1'GxE with Black

Black counters a bishop early attack with Dv1'GxE (9). After the opening black has a comfortableposition with plenty of room to maneuver (25). Black drops his advanced pawn, but after a longand difficult struggle (33,46), finds a way to equalize (51), and clean up white's remaining pawns(56) to win. A fine example of complex tactical chess, at a level only the best players can achieve.

��³��§�“”““��—��’�¯—�•��–›��’��‘��‘’¦��¬��° 44..Nf6

ª��¯�¨“´““��“�’��•˜��’��‘��‘’�¤��° 51..Nxf3

��“´““��“�’��¨‘��’�¬��‘��¤��²� 56..Re4

34. f3 Rxc535. dxc5 Bb536. Qxd5 Nhf637. Qd1 Nxc538. Nbd4 Bc439. Qd2 Nd540. Ng3 Rd841. Ngf5 Ne642. Be4 Qc543. Kh1 Rd744.* Qe1 Nf645. Rb1 Nxe446. Qxe4 Qc747. Rb6 g648. Ne3 Nxd449. Nxc4 Re750. Qa8+ Kg751.* Rb1 Nxf352. Qxf3 Qxc453. g4 Re454. h3 Rf455. Qe3 Qd5+56.* Kg1 Re457. Qf2 Qxa558. Rb7 Qd559. Rb2 Qe560. Rb1 Re361. Rd1 Qxc362. Kg2 Rxh363. Qd4+ Qxd464. Rxd4 Ra30-1

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. Nf3 Nd74. Bg5 Be75. Bxe7 Nxe76. Nc3 O-O7. Be2 Ng68. Qd2 a69.* O-O b510. a3 Bb711. Rad1 Qf612. Rfe1 Rfe813. Bd3 Rac814. a4 b415. Ne2 c516. c4 bxc317. bxc3 c418. Bc2 Rb819. a5 Qd820. Ra1 Nf621. Ng3 Bc622. Ra2 Qc723. Qe2 Ba824. Nd2 Rec825.* Rea1 Nf426. Qe3 N4h527. Ne2 Rb528. Ra4 Rb229. Rxc4 Bc630. Qd3 d531. exd5 exd532. Rc5 Rb533.* Nb3 Ne4

§��¯�¨³��“”—�“”““��”“�—��’‘��–��•��‘’‘¬›’‘’¦��²��¤ 9. O-O

�¨§��³��¯��“”““��”“˜—�’��“’‘��’��–�¤�›–ª’‘’¦��²� 25..Nf4

��§��³��¯��“”““��˜��’§¦“��—��’��•’ª��›�•’‘’¦��²� 33..Ne4


Game 93: Distant Variant Dv3'4'B" with Black

Black's Dv3'4'B" falls back under pressure of white's big pawn wall (9), but later smashes open theQ-side, exchanging a knight for 3 pawns (13). Black's pawn storm scatters white's Q-side pieces(22,28), and his advanced pawn anchors the winning attack (35,38). Unpleasant surprises such asthis are in store for those who expect to smother the compact D-game under a blanket of pawns.

��§¯�¨³�¹��“”�“��“�“��’��¬�”�’��¤��‘�“�•�‘’��–��¤�° 28..d3

��§¨��³�¹��“”�“��“�“��’‘��¤��‘�“�•�‘’��¬¤�° 35. fxe6

��§��´��¹��‘”�“��“��’��¤��‘�“�•�‘’��§¦��° 38. h4

28.* Rb3 d329. Nxd3 Bxd330. Qe1 Re831. Bc1 Qd732. Qd2 Red833. f5 Bb534. Qe1 Qd135.* fxe6 Qxe136. exf7+ Kf837. Rxe1 Rd138.* h4 Rxe1+39. Kh2 Rxe240. Rf3 Rxe541. a4 Bxa442. Rf1 Rf543. Rf3 Rxf344. gxf3 Rc345. Bb2 Be346. h5 Rb347. Bc1 Bxc148. Kg2 Bf449. h6 c1=Q50. hxg7+ Kxg751. f8=Q+ Kxf852. Kh3 Bd7+53. Kg2 Rb2#

1. d4 d62. e4 e63. c4 Ne74. Nc3 Nd75. f4 c66. Nf3 Nb67. Be2 d58. c5 Nd79.* e5 Ng610. O-O Be711. b4 O-O12. b5 a613.* b6 Nxc514. dxc5 Bxc5+15. Nd4 Bxb616. Ba3 c517. Nb3 Bd718. Rb1 Rc819. Kh1 Ba720. Bh5 b521. Bxg6 hxg622.* Ne2 b423. Bb2 Bb524. Nbc1 d425. Qd2 c426. Qxb4 c327. Ba3 c2

§��¯³¹�¨”“�—˜“”“��“�“��’“��’‘’��–��•��‘’��›�‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. e5

§��¯�¨³��“�—¹“”““’“�“�—��’“’��’�’��–��•��‘��›�‘’¦��ª�¤²� 13..Nxc5

��§¯�¨³�¹��“”�“��“�“��“”“’��’��•��‘��•�‘’�¤�ª�¤�° 22..b4

Game 94: Distant Variant Dv3'GG with Black

Black plays the interesting Dv3'GG variant (9), and draws quickly and effortlessly. Black counterattacks in the center (13) instead of reacting to white's threats, and consolidates nicely (17). Whitefinds nothing better than to trade down (21) to an evenly matched endgame, which black closesdown with perpetual check (25). Guess white will have to go home and find something better!

§��¨³��“��”“��“��“��‘¯��›��‘’ª��‘’¦��¤�° 21. Bxf5

��¨³��“�ª��”“��“��‘‘’��‘�¦��° 25..Rf1+

17.* Kh1 O-O18. bxa7 Be619. Qc2 Qxa720. Bd3 Qd421.* Bxf5 Bxf522. Rxf5 Rxf523. Qxf5 Qxc424. Qd7 Rf825.* h3 Rf1+26. Rxf1 Qxf1+27. Kh2 Qf4+28. Kh1 Qc1+29. Kh2 Qf4+30. Kh1 Qc1+31. Kh2 Qf4+1/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Nc3 c64. Nf3 e65. Be2 Be76. O-O Nb67. Be3 Nf68. e5 Nfd59.* exd6 Qxd610. Ne4 Qc711. c4 f512. Nc5 Nxe313.* fxe3 e514. Nxe5 Bxc515. dxc5 Qxe516. cxb6 Qxe3+

§��¯³��¨”“��¹“”“�˜“”“��—’��’��–��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Be3

§��³��¨”“¯�¹�”“�˜“�“��–��“��‘’��’•��‘’��›�‘’¦��ª�¤²� 13..e5

§��³��¨”“��”“�’“��“��‘��¯��‘’��›�‘’¦��ª�¤�° 17..O-O


Game 95: Distant Variant Dv4'4x5x with White

White has fun at black's expense in this delightful game. White's Dv4'4x5x strikes at the middle ofthe three pawn forward wall (9), scattering black's center like so many bowling pins, and winninga pawn (15). White trades down neatly (23) producing a passed pawn that moves straight in (30),forcing a queen exchange (36), and winning the race for promotion by a wide margin (47). Gamessuch as this give you the impression that maybe chess isn't so hopelessly complicated after all !

��¯��³�¬��“�“��“��–‘‘˜§��’‘��¤��²� 30. a4

��¬��“´“‘��“��¯��•��˜‘�‘��§�‘��¤��° 36. Qc5

��“‘��—´��–°�“��¦��‘§�� 47. Ra4

29. h3 Rc230.* a4 Kg731. a5 Nc432. a6 Qd633. Ne4 Qe534. f3 Re235. Kh1 Ne336.* Qc5 Qxc537. Nxc5 Ra238. Rb8 Ra1+39. Kh2 Ra240. Kg3 g541. f4 gxf4+42. Kxf4 Nxg2+43. Ke5 Nh444. Kd5 f545. Rb7+ Kh646. Rb4 Ng647.* Ra4 Ne7+48. Ke6 Rxa449. Nxa4 Nc650. Nc3 f451. Ne4 Kh552. Kd6 Na753. Kc7 Kg654. Kb6 Kf555. Kxa7 Kxe456. Kb6 1-0

1. d3 e52. Nd2 d53. Nb3 Nf64. Bd2 Bd65. e3 c56. d4 cxd47. exd4 Nc68. dxe5 Nxe59.* Bb5+ Bd710. Bxd7+Qxd711. Ne2 O-O12. O-O Rfe813. Bg5 Ne414. Bf4 Rac815.* Qxd5 Nf616. Qd1 Rcd817. Ng3 Qb518. c3 Nd519. Bxe5 Bxe520. Qf3 Nf421. Rae1 Nd322. Re2 g623.* Nd4 Bxd424. Rxe8+ Qxe825. cxd4 Rxd426. Qxb7 Qd827. Qxa7 Nxb228. Rb1 Rd2

§��¯³��¨”“��“”“��¹�˜��“˜��•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª²›–¤ 9. Be3

��§�§�³�”“��“”“��¹��“˜��—��•��‘’‘�•’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 15. Qxd5

��¨§�³�”“��“�“��“��¹��•’—�ª–�‘’��¤’‘’��¤²� 23. Nd4

Game 96: Distant Variant Dv6'7'F with Black

Black's Dv6'7'F starts out on a Beginner's Game line, then repulses a bishop early attack (9). Whiteprevents black from castling, but drops a pawn doing it (14). Black stays in the lead easily thrufurther trades (23), and it becomes a tough knight and pawns endgame (29). Black protects hislead well (47), but is unable to make progress towards promotion, and accepts the draw (54). Allplayers will find a world of new and useful ideas when they play the B and D-system variants.

��”“”��˜��³”��“��”��‘��‘��’�‘��²�’��–�� 29. Nd3

��•��³��”��”��—�‘��°�� 47..Nc5+

��•��—��³��”��”��‘�²�� 54..Nb6

33. Na5 c434. Kc3 cxb335. Nxb3 g436. Nd2 a537. f3 Na4+38. Kc2 gxf339. Nxf3 Nc540. g4 Ne641. Nd2 Ng542. Kb3 Ne443. Nf3 Kc644. Nd4+ Kc545. Ne6+ Kb546. Nc7+ Kc647.* Ne8 Nc5+48. Kc4 Nd749. Kb3 Kb550. Nc7+ Kb651. Ne8 Ka652. Ka3 Kb553. Nd6+ Kc654.* Ne8 Nb655. Nxf6 Kd656. Ne4+ Ke557. Nd2 Kf458. Nb3 a459. Nc5 Nc4+60. Kxa4 Nb2+61. Kb5 Kxg41/2-1/2

1. d4 g62. Nf3 d63. g3 Nd74. e4 e65. Nc3 Bg76. Bg5 f67. Bd2 Ne78. Qe2 Nb69.* Bh3 Bd710. d5 exd511. Bxd7+Qxd712. Nxd5 Nexd513. exd5+ Qe714.* Qxe7+ Kxe715. O-O-O Nxd516. h4 Kf717. h5 Rhe818. hxg6+ hxg619. Bh6 Nb620. Bxg7 Kxg721. Rhe1 Kf722. Rxe8 Rxe823.* Rh1 Kg724. Re1 Rxe1+25. Nxe1 Kf726. Kd2 Ke627. b3 g528. c4 d529.* Nd3 dxc430. Nc5+ Kd531. Nxb7 cxb332. axb3 c5

§��¯³��¨”“”�˜�¹“�˜�”“”“��’‘��–��•’�‘’‘�ª’�’¦��²›�¤ 9. Bh3

§��³��¨”“”�¯�¹“�˜�”�”“��‘��•’�‘’‘�ª’�’¦��²��¤ 14. Qxe7+

��§��”“”��³��˜�”�”“��•’�‘’‘��’��²��¤ 23..Kg7


Game 97: Distant Variant Dv4xGG with Black

Black's Dv4xGG with 4 king knight moves flaunts conventional chess wisdom, but has whiteunder pressure from the beginning (9). Black advances on all fronts, challenging white's centrallyplaced queen (18), scattering his knights, controlling open files (25), and threatening mate. Whiteloses rook for piece and pawn twice to stop his threats (32), then black's rooks clean up quickly(41). Games like this make us reflect on how little we really knew about the chess opening.

��§�³��§”�“��˜�”��”�˜��•”‘�“��’��’‘’ª�¤’�–��¦�²� 32. Rxe4

��§�³��¨�”�“��”��˜��”‘�¤��’��•��’�‘’ª��’�–��²� 35..Nf3+

��§�³��”�“�‘�§��”��”�–��’�‘�•��’��’��’��²� 41..Rd6

37. c5 Qf538. Qb3+ Qf739. c6 Qxb340. axb3 R4e641.* Nd4 Rd642. Nxb4 Rxd443. Nxa6 Ra844. Nc7 Rc845. Nb5 Rd1+46. Kg2 Rxc647. Kf3 Rb648. Nc3 Re149. Ne4 Rxb3+50. Kf4 Rxb251. f3 Rb852. Kg4 Rd853. Nf2 Rd4+54. Ne4 Rf155. h5 Kf756. Kf4 Rd357. Ke5 Rdxf358. g4 Re159. Kd5 Rd3+60. Kc4 Rd861. Nc3 Rc162. Kb4 Rb8+63. Kc4 Rc8+64. Kd3 R8xc3+65. Ke4 Ke666. Kd4 Rc4+67. Ke3 R1c268. Kf3 Ke569. g5 R4c3+70. Kg4 Rg2+71. Kh4 hxg5#

1. e4 d62. d4 Nd73. Nf3 Ngf64. e5 dxe55. dxe5 Ng86. Be2 e67. O-O Ne78. Nc3 Ng69.* Bg5 Be710. Bxe7 Qxe711. Qd4 O-O12. Nb5 c513. Qe3 a614. Nc3 b515. Bd3 Bb716. Be4 Bxe417. Qxe4 b418.* Na4 f619. exf6 Nxf620. Qe2 Nf421. Qc4 Nd722. Qe4 Rae823. Rad1 Rf724. h4 h625.* Rd2 e526. Re1 Qe627. g3 Nh528. c4 Nhf629. Qc2 e430. Nh2 Qh331. Rde2 Ne532.* Rxe4 Nxe4 33. Rxe4 Rfe734. Nxc5 Qc835.* Nd3 Nf3+36. Nxf3 Rxe4

§��¯³¹�¨”“”—�“”“��“�—��’��–��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Bg5

§��¨³��—¯“”““��“�—��”�’��•”��ª��•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��¤²� 18..f6

��§�³��—¯§”�“��“��”��”��•”��ª˜�’��•��‘’‘¦�’‘��¤²� 25..e5

Game 98: Distant Variant Dv4x5EG with White

White plays Dv4x5EG, containing an interesting gambit which black accepts and keeps (9). Whitehas a jump in development, obliging black to react (21). In a complicated situation white attacks(24), but is still trying to regain his pawn late in the middle game (34,45). Finally white's persistentattacking allows him to equalize, and simplify to a winnable endgame (78). Interesting contest!

��§˜��¯��´�“”��“”��ª”��“��”��’��‘��‘’��‘’��¤��²� 34. Bd8

��¨��¬��¤“��´“”’“��”�˜��“��”��’��‘��’��‘’��°�� 45. Qg7+

��°��˜��³��“�’“��”��“��‘��’��‘��’�� after 78. Bf6

40. Bc7 Kf541. Bb6 Kf642. Kf1 Ne643. Rd7 Rf844. Rh7 Ng545.* Qg7+ Kf546. Rxh6 Rg847. Qa7 Rf848. Qe7 Rf749. Qd6 Ne650. g4+ fxg351. hxg3 Qd752. Qxd7 Rxd753. Ke2 Rf754. Rh8 Nf855. Ke3 Kf656. Ke4 Kg757. Rh1 Kf658. Rd1 Rd759. Rxd7 Nxd760. Kd5 Ke761. Kc6 Nf662. Kb7 Kd763. Kxa6 Kc664. Be3 Nd565. Bd2 Nc7+66. Ka7 Ne667. Be3 Nc768. Bg5 Nd569. Kb8 Nc770. Be7 Nd571. Bd8 Kd772. Bg5 Kc673. g4 Nc774. Be7 Nd575. Bh4 Nc776. Kc8 Na677. Be7 Nc778.* Bf6 1-0

1. Nf3 c52. d3 d53. Nbd2 Nc64. e4 e65. Nb3 Bd66. Be2 Nf67. O-O dxe48. dxe4 Nxe49.* Nbd2 Nxd210. Qxd2 Qc711. Rd1 Be712. c3 e513. Qc2 O-O14. Be3 Be615. Ng5 Bxg516. Bxg5 f517. Qa4 f418. Qe4 Qf719. Rd6 Rae820. Bh4 Qc721.* Rad1 Nd422. Bd3 Bf523. Qd5+ Be624.* Rxe6 Nxe625. Bb5 Kh826. Qe4 c427. Bxe8 Rxe828. f3 a629. Bf2 b630. Rd5 Nf831. Rd1 g632. Bh4 h633. Qd5 Kg734.* Bd8 Qa735. a4 Qb836. a5 b537. Qc5 Kf738. Qb6 Qc839. Qa7+ Ke6

§��¯³��¨”“��“”“��—¹“��”��—��•��•��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Nbd2

��§¨³�”“¯��”“��—¦��”�”��ª”��’��‘’��›’‘’��¤��²� 21..Nd4

��§¨³�”“¯��”“��¦��”ª”��˜�”��’›��‘’��’‘’��¤��²� 24..Rxe6


Game 99: Distant Variant Dv2'4F'F with White

White's Dv2'4F'F (9) stakes a claim in the center and aims for a Q-side offensive, but black tradesdown (13) to reduce the threat. After the Q-side is closed (20), there is little scope for attack foreither side, although white tries his best (28,37,55). A draw is agreed after all invitations by whiteto break the game open are refused. An example of tough positional chess with the D-system.

�¨��³�¨“��¯“”““�“��˜��’“��‘’�’“��’�–��¬��›’‘’¦�¦��²� 28. b5

��§�³�¨�¯��“”��“��˜�””�’“��‘��’“��¤��’�–��¬›’‘’�¤��²� 37. Qb2

��§��¨�¯—��´��¦“��“�”�’“�“��‘��’“��”��’��‘�¬��›’‘��¤��•²� 55. Qc3

32. bxc6 bxc633. Rb6 Qc734. Rcb1 Bc835. Qd2 h636. R6b3 Ra737.* Qb2 g638. Qc2 h5 39. Nf1 h4 40. h3 Kg741. Nd2 Nh742. Rb8 Nf843. R8b6 Nd744. R6b3 f545. Qb2 Nf646. Qc3 Ra847. Nf1 Ra748. Rb6 Nd749. R6b2 Nf650. Rb3 Nd751. Qc2 Nf652. Qd2 Re753. Rb6 Re854. Qb2 Nd755.* Qc3 Ra856. R6b2 Nf657. Qb3 Nd758. Qc2 Ra759. Nd2 Nf660. Qb3 Nd761. Qc3 Nf61/2-1/2

1. e3 e62. d4 Nf63. Bd3 d54. Ne2 Bd65. O-O O-O6. b3 e57. Ng3 e48. Be2 Nc69.* c4 Ne710. Ba3 Bxa311. Nxa3 a612. Nb1 c613.* Qc2 Nf514. Nxf5 Bxf515. Rc1 Re816. Nd2 Qe717. Nf1 Rec818. Ng3 Bd719. Qd2 Rab820.* c5 Ra821. a4 Ra722. Qb4 Be623. Qa5 Raa824. Qd2 Ra725. b4 Rca826. Qc2 Bd727. Qb2 Rb828.* b5 Raa829. Qb3 Be630. Qc2 a531. Rab1 Re8

§��¯�¨³�”“”��“”“��—¹�˜��“��’“��‘��’�–�‘�‘�›’‘’¦•�ª�¤²� 9. c4

§��¯�¨³��“��˜“”““�“��˜��“��‘’“��‘��’�–�‘�ª�›’‘’¦•��¤²� 13..Nf5

�¨§��³��“��¯“”““�“��˜��“��‘’“��‘��’�–�‘��¬›’‘’¦�¦��²� 20. c5

Game 100: Distant Variant Dv3'5xBB with White

White's Dv3'5xBB leads off with a conventional knight move, inviting a center pawn attack (9). Asharp series of exchanges follows the opening (14,18,23), winning white material, and very soonafterwards, the game (28,30). This opening, like so many others in the D-system, shows howmuch virgin territory there is still in chess. Define new lines of your own and conquer the world!

��¨��¨”³”��“��¹��“��¯‘��–�‘��‘’¦��ª�¤�° 23. Qf3+

��³��¨”��§��“��”�¯��‘�ª’�‘��‘��¤��¤�° 28. Qa8+

��´��¨¬��§��“��”�¯��‘��’�‘��‘��¤��¤�° 30. Qb8+

27. hxg3 Qe528.* Qa8+ Kc729. Qxa7+Kd830.* Qb8+ Qxb831. Rxb8+Kc732. Rxh8 Rxd333. Rxh7+Kc634. Rc1 Ra335. Rh5 Rxa236. Rcxc5+ Kd637. Ra5 Rxa538. Rxa5 Ke639. g4 Kf640. g5+ Kg641. Kh2 Kf742. Ra6 Kg743. Kg3 Kf744. g6+ Ke745. g7 Kf746. Ra7+ Kg847. Kf4 Kh748. Kg5 Kg849. Kf6 Kh750. Ra8 Kh651. Rh8#

1. Nc3 d52. e3 e53. Nge2 Nf64. Ng3 d45. exd4 exd46. Nce2 Nc67. d3 Bb4+8. c3 dxc39.* bxc3 Bd610. Nf4 Qe7+11. Be2 g512. Nfh5 Nxh513. Nxh5 Bg414.* Bxg5 Qxg515. Bxg4 f516. Bf3 O-O-O17. O-O Ne518.* Bxb7+ Kxb719. f4 Qh620. fxe5 Qe3+21. Kh1 Qxe522. Ng3 Qxc323.* Qf3+ Kc824. Qxf5+ Rd725. Qf3 c526. Rab1 Bxg3

§��¯³��¨”“”��“”“��—��˜��¹��”‘��–�‘’��•’‘’¦��ª²›�¤ 9. bxc3

§��³��¨”“”�¯“�“��—¹��”•��’‘��‘��›’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 14. Bxg5

��³¨��¨”“”��“��¹��˜“¯•��’‘�›��‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 18. Bxb7+


Game 101: Distant Variant Dv2'3CE with Black

Black's Dv2'3CE responds to a center pawn attack with a fianchetto, and a counter challenge (9).Black's strong piece placements support the advance of his central pawns (20), and the creationof an impregnable diagonal piece and pawn barrage, allowing him to win two pawns in uttertranquility (36). With his Q-side pawns ready for promotion, black shatters the remnants ofwhite's defenses with a series of rook sacrifice offers (50,52,53) for a devastating win. Great stuff!

��¹��³��“”��—�“�“��§’��’��”•��“�‘”ª’‘�¦§�¤��²� 50. Rxd3

��¹��³��“”��—�“�“��§’��’��”��ª��¤�‘”�’‘��§�¤��²� 52..Rxe5

��¹��³��“”��—�“�“��¨��’��”��ª��¤�‘”�’‘²�§�¤�� 53..Re1

33. h4 Bd834. Bf4 Rb235. Rc1 Be736.* Re3 Ra237. Ree1 Qxa438. Bg3 Qxa339. Rf1 Qa440. Rfe1 Rb241. Red1 Qb442. Qd3 a443. Qe2 Qb544. Qe4 a345. Kh2 Bd846. Ra1 a247. Kg1 d348. Ne1 d249. Nd3 Rb150.* Qe2 Rxd351. Rxa2 Rd552.* Qf3 Rxe553.* Kh2 Re154. Kh3 Rexd155. Bh2 Rb456. Ra4 Rxa457. g3 Qf1+58. Qg2 Qxg2+59. Kxg2 Rb160. f4 d1=Q61. g4 Qh1+62. Kg3 Rf163. f5 Rf3#

1. e4 e62. Nf3 Ne73. d4 Ng64. Bd3 Be75. e5 O-O6. O-O b67. Nc3 Bb78. Bd2 c59.* dxc5 bxc510. Re1 Nc611. Qe2 Qb612. Na4 Qc713. Nc3 a614. Qe3 d515. Bxg6 hxg616. Na4 d417. Qd3 Rfd818. b3 a519. a3 Ba620.* Qe4 c421. Bf4 c322. Bc1 Rac823. Bf4 Rd524. h3 Bb525. Bg3 Qd826. Red1 Rb827. Bf4 Qd728. Bc1 Qb729. Re1 Bxa430. bxa4 Qa631. Rd1 Qc432. Rd3 Rb6

§˜�¯�¨³�”��“¹“”“�”��“�—��”�’��’��–›�•��‘’‘��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. dxc5

§��¨��³��¯�¹“”��—�“�“�”�”�’��•��”ª��’‘��•��‘��’‘’¦��¦�²� 20..c4

��³��¹“”��—�“�“�”��§’��‘�”ª��’’�”�¦•��¨‘��’‘��¦��²� 36..Ra2

Game 102: Distant Variant DvFxFFGx with White

White responds to the rook pawn early attack by accepting this dangerous gambit (9). Blackinvades with his queen and takes a pawn with a good attack, but white knows how to equalize (12)and avoid trouble afterwards (19). Black does his best to find a forcing line (24), but white has ananswer to everything (29), and triumphs in the pawn endgame (46). Although not to most players'tastes, this game shows that it is possible to accept and survive this risky gambit, and even win.

��³�§¹��”“”��”��–��’��‘��‘’—�°��¤�� 24..g5

��³�§��”“”��˜��°��‘��‘’��¤�� 29. d4

��´��”��“�‘�°��’�� 46. Kg6

28. Bxe5 Nb429.* d4 Nxa230. Ra1 Nb431. Rxa7 Na632. Ra8+ Kd733. Rxe8 Kxe834. d5 Kd735. Kd4 b636. Bh2 Nc537. b4 Nb738. Kc4 Nd6+39. Kd3 Nb540. Be5 Kc841. Kc4 Nd6+42. Bxd6 cxd643. Kd3 b544. Ke4 Kd745. Kf5 Ke746.* Kg6 Ke847. Kf6 Kf848. Ke6 Kg749. Kxd6 Kf650. Kc6 Ke751. d6+ Ke852. Kxb5 Kd753. Kc5 1-0

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 h55. Nxh5 Nxh56. Bxh5 Qg57. Be2 Qxg28. Bf3 Qg59.* d3 Rxh210. Rxh2 Qg1+11. Ke2 Qxh212.* Nd2 Nc613. Bxd5 Bg4+14. Bf3 Bxf3+15. Nxf3 Qh716. e4 f517. exf5 O-O-O18. Qg1 Qxf519.* Qg5 Qe620. Qe3 Nb421. Qxe5 Qxe5+22. Nxe5 Re823. f4 Nxc224.* Rb1 g525. Kf3 Bd626. Ke4 gxf427. Bxf4 Bxe5

§˜��³¹�¨”“”��“”��“”�¯��’›��‘’‘’�’�’¦•�ª²��¤ 9. d3

§˜��³¹��”“”��“”��“”��‘’›��‘’‘�°’�¯¦•�ª�� 12. Nd2

��³¨�¹��”“”��”��—��”��‘�•��‘’‘�°’��¦��¬� 19. Qg5


Game 103: Distant Variant Dv3'44x5x with White

White is hit by the rook pawn early attack, and counters effectively with Dv3'44x5x (9), emerging apawn up and defusing black's best efforts to press the offensive (12,22). Soon In the endgame,white moves forward (31,44) and wins the king and pawn finale (56). One game isn't a refutationof the line, but it should encourage opponents to be cautious in offering this questionable gambit.

��—��”��“��³��–��’�²��‘��‘�� 31. Nc6

��—�’³�°”��•��‘�� 44. Kf7

��³��‘��°�� 56. Ke6

34. axb5 Kc735. Kc5 Nb636. Ne5 f637. Nc4 Nd7+38. Kd5 Nf839. b6+ Kb740. g4 Kb841. Kd6 Kb742. Ke7 Nh743. Ke6 Kc644.* Kf7 Ng5+45. Kxf6 Ne4+46. Ke5 Ng347. g5 Nh548. g6 Kb749. Nd6+ Kxb650. Ne8 Kb751. Kf5 Kc852. Kg5 Kd853. Kxh5 Kxe854. Kg5 Ke755. Kf5 Ke856.* Ke6 Kf857. Kf6 Ke858. g7 Kd759. g8=Q Kc660. Qc4+ Kb661. Ke5 Kb762. Qb5+ Kc763. Ke6 Kc864. Kd6 Kd865. Qd7#

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 h55. d4 h46. dxe5 hxg37. exf6 Bb4+8. c3 gxf2+9.* Kf1 Bf810. e4 Qd611. fxg7 Bxg712.* exd5 Rxh213. Rxh2 Qxh214. Kxf2 Be515. Qg1 Qg3+16. Kf1 Bg417. Qf2 Qxf2+18. Kxf2 Bxe219. Kxe2 c620. dxc6 Nxc621. Be3 b522.* Nd2 b423. cxb4 Bxb224. Rb1 Bd425. Nf3 Bxe326. Kxe3 Rc827. Rc1 Ne728. Rxc8+ Nxc829. Kd4 Kd730. Ne5+ Ke631.* Nc6 Kd632. b5 a633. a4 axb5

§˜�¯³��¨”“”��“”��’��“��¹��’�’��‘’��›”‘’¦•�ª²��¤ 9. Kf1

§˜��³��¨”“”��“¹��¯��‘��’��‘’��›”‘’¦•�ª�°�¤ 12..Rxh2

§��³��”��“��—��“��¹��’��‘’�–°�‘�¦�� 22..b4

Game 104: Distant Variant Dv37'BF with White

White’s Dv37'BF moves into new lines after the first four moves (9), and a wild game results.Following the opening skirmishes white is a pawn to the good (12) but his rook and knight are outof the game, so black's position is more active (17). Black brings his pieces forward, and trapswhite in the corner (22), at which point white is glad to accept a draw by repetition. An odd game!

��³�”��—¹“”“��˜��”��‘��‘’��ª��’��²�–¤ 17..Qb7

��³��“”“��¹—”��‘’��ª�°’��–¤ 22..Ne3+

14. b3 dxe215. Qxe2 cxb316. Rxc8+ Qxc817.* axb3 Qb718. Be3 Qxb319. Bxa7 Nd520. Kf1 Nc521. Bxc5 Bxc522.* Kg2 Ne3+23. Kf2 Nd5+24. Kg2 Ne3+25. Kf2 Nd5+26. Kg2 1/2-1/2

1. d3 e52. Nd2 d53. Nb3 Nf64. Bd2 Be75. g3 O-O6. Bg2 c57. c4 dxc48. Na5 cxd39.* Nxb7 Bxb710. Bxb7 Nbd711. Bxa8 Qxa812.* f3 c413. Rc1 Rc8

§˜�¯�¨³�”“��¹“”“��˜��–�”�”��“��’�‘’��‘’›’¦��ª²�–¤ 9. Nxb7

��¨³�”��—¹“”“��˜��”�”��“�‘’�‘’��‘��’¦��ª²�–¤ 12..c4


Game 105: Distant Variant Dv55xEG with Black

Black's remotely classical looking Dv55xEG leads to easy equality after the opening (9). Blackoffers a superb gambit starting (13), leading to a quick invasion of the 7th rank, a deft opening ofwhite's castle position (22), and a win of the exchange (29). Black then caps a good effort with aquick and precise mating attack (40). Truly a fine contest, with all the flourish and bravura thatonly true masters of the game can imitate. Let's hear it for the amazing new D-system openings!

��¨³��”��”¬�¦‘��•”��’��’°’�� 29..Bc4

��¨³��”��‘¬��°��‘��“��¯�� 40..Qe2

26. Rc5 Qe227. Rxd1 Qxd1+28. Kg2 f429.* Ne4 Bc430. Rxc4 f3+31. Kh3 Qf1+32. Kh4 Qxc433. g4 Qxe434. Qc7 h535. h3 hxg436. hxg4 Qh7+37. Kg3 Qh138. Qe5 Qg2+39. Kh4 Qxf2+40.* Kh5 Qe241. Qe6+ Qxe642. dxe6 f243. e7 Rc844. g5 f1=Q45. e8=Q+Rxe846. Kg4 Re4+47. Kg3 Re3+48. Kg4 Qh3+49. Kf4 Qf3#

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Nc3 e54. Nf3 Be75. Be2 exd46. Nxd4 Ngf67. Nf5 O-O8. O-O Nb69.* Nxe7+ Qxe710. Bg5 h611. Bxf6 Qxf612. a4 a513.* Nb5 Bd714. Nxc7 Rac815. Nb5 d516. exd5 Qxb217. Nd6 Rxc218. Rb1 Qa219. Rxb6 Rxe220. Rxb7 Bxa421. Qd4 Rd222.* Qc3 Qc223. Qxa5 Rd124. g3 Bb325. Rb5 f5

§��¯�¨³�”“”�¹“”“�˜�”�˜��•��‘��–��‘’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Nxe7+

§��¨³��“”��“”��˜�”�¯�””•��‘��‘��’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 13..Bd7

��¨³��¤��“”��–��””��‘��¬��¨�’‘’��¤²� 22..Qc2

Game 106: Distant Variant DvFxFFGx with White

White's DvFxFFGx goes for the rook pawn gambit (9). This is a dangerous line for system players,still experience has shown that it can be taken and survived. Black attacks as hard as he canafterwards (14,20,24), but it's not enough to make the difference. White trades everything (28),and stays within a tempo to draw (38). Inviting such attacks seems extreme, but it's a useful wayto sharpen your skills in defending, and also justifies use of all the possible D-game move orders.

�´��§¹��”“”��”��”��¬��‘��‘’‘��’��¦��°�� 24..Qe2+

�´��§��”“”��”��¹��”��¬��‘�‘��‘’��°��¦�� 28. Bxd6

��”��”��“��³��’�²��‘��‘�� 38. Kc5

25. Kg2 Qxc226. Re1 Qc6+27. f3 Bd628.* Bxd6 cxd629. Rxe8+ Qxe830. Qxd4 Qe531. Qxe5 dxe532. Kf2 Kc733. Ke3 Kd634. Ke4 b535. b4 Ke636. d4 exd437. Kxd4 Kf538.* Kc5 Kf439. Kxb5 Kxf340. Ka6 g541. Kxa7 g442. b5 g343. b6 g244. b7 g1=Q+45. Ka8 Qg246. b8=Q Kg4+47. Qb7 Qxa2+48. Kb8 1/2-1/2

1. e3 e52. Ne2 d53. Ng3 Nf64. Be2 h55. Nxh5 Nxh56. Bxh5 Qg57. Be2 Qxg28. Bf3 Qg59.* d3 Rxh210. Rxh2 Qg1+11. Ke2 Qxh212. Nd2 Nc613. Bxd5 Bg4+14.* Bf3 Bxf3+15. Nxf3 Qh716. e4 f517. exf5 O-O-O18. Qg1 Qxf519. Qg5 Qe620.* Qh4 Nd4+21. Nxd4 exd4+22. Kf1 Re823. Bf4 Kb824.* Bg3 Qe2+

§˜��³¹�¨”“”��“”��“”�¯��’›��‘’‘’�’�’¦•�ª²��¤ 9. d3

§��³¹��”“”��“”��—��”��‘’›��‘’‘–°’�¯¦��ª�� 14..Bxf3+

��³¨�¹��”“”��”��—��”��¬��‘�•��‘’‘�°’��¦�� 20..Nd4+


Game 107: Distant Variant Dv55xD"Dx with White

White's Dv55xD"Dx is an interesting line with an early center challenge and queen exchange (9).Black attacks furiously after the opening, sacrificing a piece for two pawns and loss of castling(13). White holds, then counters effectively (21,28), seizing all the open lines. Black is forced tosurrender the exchange (33), then white's rook pair cleans up in quick order (48). Even the mostsavage attacks on the D-system can be thwarted as here, with cool and consistent play.

��¨��¨�“�³�“”��¹��”��•��¤��’°’��¤ 28. Bb6

§��“¦��“”��”��³��¨��’°’��¤�� 33..Rxd4

��¨��”��’�’�³��“��¦¦��°�� 48. Raxa2

35. R1xd4b536. Rd1 a437. Rxf7 a338. Rc1+ Kd639. Rxg7 a240. Ra1 Kc541. Rc7+ Kb442. Re7 Kb343. Re2 b444. h4 Rg8+45. Kf1 Ra846. f4 Rh847. Rh2 Rf848.* Raxa2 Rxf4+49. Raf2 Rc450. Rh3+ Ka451. Ra2+ Kb552. h5 Rc753. h6 Rh754. Ra8 Kc455. Rb8 Kc556. Rh4 Kd557. Rbxb4Ke658. Rb6+ Kf559. Kf2 Kg560. Ra4 Rf7+61. Kg3 Kf562. Rf4+ Ke563. Rxf7 Kd464. Rd7+ Kc565. Rdd6 Kc466. h7 Kc567. h8=Q Kc468. Qd4#

1. d3 d52. Nd2 e53. e4 Nc64. Ne2 Nf65. Ng3 h56. exd5 Qxd57. Qf3 Be78. Qxd5 Nxd59.* Nc4 h410. Ne4 h311. c3 hxg212. Bxg2 Be613.* b4 Ndxb414. cxb4 Nxb415. Ke2 O-O-O16. Nxe5 Nc217. Rb1 Bxa218. Rb2 Nd4+19. Kf1 Bd520. Be3 Nc621.* Nxc6 Bxc622. d4 a523. Nc3 Bxg2+24. Kxg2 c625. Rc2 Kd726. d5 cxd527. Nxd5 Bd628.* Bb6 Ra829. Bd4 Ke630. Nc7+ Bxc731. Rxc7 Rh432. Re1+ Kd533.* Rd1 Rxd434. Rd7+ Kc5

§��³��¨”“”�¹“”��—��—”��“��‘��–�‘’‘–�’‘’¦��²›�¤ 9. Nc4

§��³��¨”“”�¹“”��—��—”��’•�•��’‘��‘��’›’¦��²��¤ 13..Ndxb4

��³¨��¨”“”�¹“”��—��–��•��‘��¦��’›’��°�¤ 21. Nxc6

Game 108: Distant Variant Dv17'FG with Black

Black's Dv17'FG is an interesting general purpose opening (9). White drops a pawn early on ratherthan open his K-side (16). Black then throws his forces forward in an all-out attack (25,29,36),which wrecks white's position, and wins two pieces. Afterwards it's an easy task to overcome theremains of white's defenses (41) for a resounding victory. Overpowering wins such as this are notcommonplace in play with the close variants; with the distant variants they occur fairly often.

§��³��“”��¹��“””��—��¨�‘��–“˜‘��‘��¬�¤�‘��’�’�¤�›��²� 29..e3

��§�³��“”��¹��“””��¨�‘��–��‘��‘��¬�—�‘��’�’��¤�°�� 36..c5

��§�³��“��¯�¹��“””��‘��”��‘’�‘��¨‘��—�‘¦�¬°�� 41..Re2

27. Qe3 Rg528. g4 Nbd529.* Qg3 e330. Kf1 Nb431. Nxc6 e2+32. Bxe2 Nxe233. Kxe2 Nxa234. Nd4 Qd735. Rd1 Re8+36.* Kf1 c537. f3 cxd438. Rd2 Rge539. Qf2 Re340. Kg2 Qe741.* h4 Re242. Rxe2 Qxe243. Qxe2 Rxe2+44. Kf1 Rxc245. Bxd4 Bxd446. g5 Rf2+47. Ke1 Be348. gxh6 Nc149. Kd1 Nd350. h7+ Kxh751. b4 Rd2#

1. e4 d62. d4 Nd73. Nc3 Nb64. Nf3 g65. a4 a56. Be2 Bg77. O-O Bd78. Be3 Nf69.* Qd3 O-O10. Ra3 h611. Rb1 Ng412. Bc1 e513. d5 f514. b3 fxe415. Nxe4 Nf616.* Nfd2 Nfxd517. Qg3 Nf418. Bd1 d519. Nc5 Bc620. Ra2 Rf521. Nf3 d422. Nd3 Qd623. Ba3 Qe624. Nc5 Qf725.* Bb2 e426. Nxd4 Rxc5

§��¯³��¨�“”�”“¹“�˜�”�˜“�”��‘��’‘��–��•��’‘�›’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. Qd3

§��¯�¨³��“”��¹��˜�”�˜“””��‘”��‘��•��¦‘�ª�•��‘�›’‘’�¤��²� 16. Nfd2

§��³��“”��¹��˜��“””�–�”§��‘��”�˜��‘��•¬�¤�‘��’‘’�¤�›��²� 25..e4


Game 109: Distant Variant Dv4'78'F with Black

Black's Dv4'78'F is an energetic reaction to the bishop early attack (9). Black expands on theK-side and opens the position with an interesting pawn offer (12). Afterwards black's attack neverlets up for an instant, crashing into the castle (21), driving off the defenders, and threatening mate(32). But white resists well, and black can only overcome his opponent with superior tactical play(52). The final checkmate is very neat (64). Such openings should appeal to aggressive players.

§��³�”“��¹��”�•’ª”��§‘��’��‘¯��’��¦��¤�° 32..Be6

��“��¹³“��–��’�’��“��‘�“�§��°��¦�� 52..h4

��’��³“�‘��’��“��§��° 64..Be6

35. Rxf3 Qxf3+36. Qg2 Qxg2+37. Kxg2 Bd5+38. Kg1 Rg5+39. Kf1 Rg240. Bg1 Rxb241. Bf2 h542. a5 a643. c4 Bc644. Re1 Rb345. Bh4 Kh746. Be7 Rh347. Kf2 Rh2+48. Kg3 Rg2+49. Kh3 Rg450. Bh4 Bd751. Bf2 e452.* Bg3 h453. Nxb7 Rxg3+54. Kh2 Be555. Rxe4 Re3+56. Rxe5 Rxe557. Kg1 Rg5+58. Kh1 Bc6+59. Kh2 Bxb760. c6 Bc861. Kh1 h362. c7 Rg263. c5 Rc264.* c6 Be665. c8=Q Bd5+66. Kg1 h2+67. Kf1 h1=Q#

1. d4 d62. e4 Nd73. Bg5 h64. Be3 g55. Nc3 Bg76. Bc4 e67. Nge2 Nb68. Bb3 d59.* O-O f510. e5 f411. Qd3 Ne712.* Bd2 c513. dxc5 Nd714. Nb5 O-O15. Ned4 Nxe516. Qh3 g417. Qh5 Nf518. h3 g319. Qe2 Bd720. a4 Nxd421.* Nxd4 f322. gxf3 Qh423. Be3 Qxh324. fxg3 Qxg3+25. Kh1 Ng626. c3 Nf427. Qd2 e528. Nb5 Rf529. Bg1 Rh5+30. Bh2 Bf531. Bxd5+ Nxd532.* Qxd5+ Be633. Qd2 Rf834. Nd6 Rxf3

§��¯³�—¨”“”��“¹��˜��“��”��“��”��’‘��›–��‘’‘�•’‘’¦��ª²��¤ 9. O-O

§��¯³��¨”“”�˜�¹��˜��“��”��“’�”��’�”��›–ª��‘’‘�•’‘’¦��¤²� 12..c5

§��¯�¨³�”“��¹��“��”��’“˜��‘��–�”��›��”‘�’‘�ª’‘�¦��¤²� 21..f3

Game 110: Distant Variant Dv55x8'C' with White

If you like wild games, try this one! White's Dv55x8'C', a distant variant with an anonymous aspect(9), is confronted with an aggressive black assault (17), crowned by startling sacrifices of queen(21) and exchange (30). When the black assault falters, white's queen still needs help to get tovictory lane (41). Even the queen versus bishops endgame is highly unusual (48). Totally weird!

§��³��”��“¹“�”�˜��“��§��‘’��‘’�‘¬�–��°��¦�� 30..Rxf4

�¬��”��“´“�’��—�“��‘��¹��•��‘��°�� 41. Nc5

��¬��¹��“´“��“��‘��’��°�� 48. Qd6

40. Nb3 Ba441.* Nc5 Nxc542. bxc7 Bd743. c8=Q Bxb844. Qxc5 Be645. f4 Kf646. Qg5+ Kg747. Qd8 Ba748.* Qd6 h549. c5 h450. Qc7 Bxc551. Qxc5 h3+52. Kh2 Bf553. Qd6 Be654. Qb8 Bd755. Qe5+ Kf856. Qd6+ Ke857. Qb8+ Ke758. Qb4+ Ke859. Qd6 Be660. Kg3 Bd761. Kh4 h262. Qe5+ Be663. Qh8+ Ke764. Kg5 Kd665. Qxh2 Kc566. Qd2 Kc467. Kf6 Bd568. Ke5 Be669. Qc2+ Kb570. Qd3+ Bc471. Qd7+ Kb472. Kd4 Bb573. Qc8 Bf174. Qc5+ Kb375. Qc3+ Ka276. Qc2+ Ka377. Kc3 Bc478. Qb2+ 1-0

1. d3 e52. Nd2 Nc63. Nb3 Nf64. e4 Be75. h3 d56. exd5 Qxd57. Ne2 O-O8. Be3 b69.* Nc3 Qe610. g3 a511. Bg2 a412. Nd2 a313. bxa3 Bb714. O-O Rfd815. Re1 Bxa316. Rb1 Bf817.* Nc4 e418. Nxe4 Nxe419. Bxe4 Qxh320. Rb5 g621.* Bg2 Qxg2+22. Kxg2 Nd4+23. f3 Nxb524. Qb1 Rd525. Qb3 Rf526. Nd2 Ra327. Qb2 Bg728. d4 Ra829. c4 Nd630.* Bf4 Rxf431. gxf4 Nf532. Qb5 Bf833. a4 Nxd434. Qd7 Bd635. Re8+ Rxe836. Qxe8+Kg737. a5 Bxf438. axb6 Bc639. Qb8 Ne6

§��¨³�”�”�¹“”“�”—��˜��”��•�‘��‘‘’‘�•’‘�¦��ª²›�¤ 9. Nc3

§��¨�¹³��”��“”“�”—�˜��”��•��–‘��’‘‘�‘��’›��¤�ª¦�²� 17..e4

§��¨�¹³��”��“�“�”—��“��¤��•��‘��’‘�‘��’›��ª¦�²� 21..Qxg2+


Game 111: Borderline Variant DBv2'78'CF with Black

Black's interesting borderline opening is closely related to the Beginner's Game (9). Black starts arapid series of trades which quickly clears the board of minor pieces (17), resulting in an earlyqueen and rook endgame (24). White has a passed pawn, but his king is vulnerable to attack;after some maneuvering (30,43) black wins two pawns, and then takes queen for rook to wrap it up(62). Try experimenting with D-system borderline variants such as this one - they're really strong!

��¨³�¬��¤�“”��”�‘��’°’�� 30..Qf5

��§´�‘��ª�“”��”��²�¦��’�’�� 43..Qc7

��´��¨��“”²��”��ª��¦��’�� 62..Qc7+

35. a5 Qe1+36. Kg2 Qe4+37. Kf1 Rf738. a6 Qh1+39. Ke2 Qa140. Qe6 Qb2+41. Kd3 Qb1+42. Ke2 Qc2+43.* Ke3 Qc744. Qb3 Qf4+45. Ke2 Qxf2+46. Kd1 Qf1+47. Kd2 Rf2+48. Ke3 Re2+49. Kd4 Qf4+50. Kc3 Qf6+51. Kc4 Qxa6+52. Kb4 Qd6+53. Kc3 Qd2+54. Kc4 Re4+55. Kc5 Qa5+56. Kc6 Qa6+57. Kd5 Qe6+58. Kc5 Qf5+59. Kd6 Rd4+60. Kc6 Qd7+61. Kb6 Rd6+62.* Ka5 Qc7+63. Ka4 Ra6+64. Kb4 Rb6+65. Ka3 Rxb3+66. Rxb3 Qd6+67. Kb2 Qxh2+0-1

1. e4 e62. d4 Ne73. Nf3 b64. Bd3 Bb75. O-O h66. c4 g57. Nc3 Ng68. Be3 Bg79.* e5 O-O10. Rc1 d611. exd6 Qxd612. d5 exd513. cxd5 Bxc314. Rxc3 Nd715. Qc2 Bxd516. Rxc7 Bxf317.* gxf3 Nc518. Rxc5 bxc519. Bxc5 Qf620. Bxf8 Rxf821. Bxg6 fxg622. Rc1 Kh823. Qe4 Qxf324.* Qd4+ Qf625. Qxa7 Qxb226. Rc4 Kg827. a4 Qb1+28. Kg2 Qa229. Re4 Qc230.* Re6 Qf531. Qb6 Kf732. Re3 Qg4+33. Rg3 Qe4+34. Kg1 Kg7

§˜�¯³��¨”�”“�“¹��”��“�—”��”��‘’‘��–›�•��‘’��’‘’¦��ª�¤²� 9. e5

§��¨³�”�¦—�“��”�¯��—”��”��›�‘��‘’ª��’�’��¤²� 17..Nc5

��¨�´”��“”��”��¬��‘’��’�’��¦��²� 24..Qf6

Game 112: Borderline Variant DBv4x7'BDxFFx with Black

Black's borderline opening with a K-side fianchetto draws the attack and then neutralizes it withexchanges (9). Black is up a pawn, and temporarily two pawns (17,23) in an open field battle.Black tries his best to bring his pawns home (41,47), but white trades down to a rook and pawnendgame (66) and stops black short of victory. Borderline openings show how much unexploredterritory there is still in chess. Set out on your own and go where no one has ever been before!

��”��´��”��“‘�›��¦��’�²��§�� 41..Bg4

��”��´��”��›��¦¨�’�²�� 47..Be6

��´��¤��”��²›��§�� 66. Be4

38. Ke3 Ke739. h5 Be640. Rh4 gxh541.* Bxc4 Bg442. Bd5 Re2+43. Kd3 Re144. Be4 Ra145. Bg6 Rxa446. Ke3 Ra347.* Bxh5 Be648. Kd3 Bf5+49. Kd2 a550. Bf3 Ra2+51. Ke3 Ra152. Rc4 a453. Rc7+ Kf654. Ra7 Kg555. Rg7+ Kh656. Ra7 Rc157. Rxa4 Rxc3+58. Ke2 Kg559. Ra5 Kf660. Ra6+ Ke761. Ra7+ Kd662. Ra6+ Kc763. Ra5 Rc2+64. Ke3 Kd665. Ra6+ Ke766.* Be4 Bxe467. Kxe4 Re2+68. Kd3 Re169. Rh6 Kd770. Rg6 Ke871. Rf6 Kd872. Rc6 e4+73. Kd2 Rf174. Re6 1/2-1/2

1. d4 d62. c4 Nd73. e4 g64. Nf3 Bg75. Nc3 Nb66. c5 dxc57. dxc5 Bxc3+8. bxc3 Qxd1+9.* Kxd1 Nd710. c6 Nc511. Be3 Nxe412. cxb7 Bxb713. Kc2 Ngf614. Bb5+ Kf815. Rhe1 Nd616. Bd3 e617.* Ne5 Bxg218. Bd4 Rg819. Nxg6+hxg620. Bxf6 Bd521. Re3 c522. Rd1 c423.* Be2 Ne424. Be5 Nxf225. Bd6+ Kg726. Be5+ f627. Bxf6+ Kxf628. Rf1 Raf829. Rxf2+ Ke730. Rxf8 Rxf831. Kd2 Rb832. Kc1 Rh833. h3 Rf834. a4 Rf235. Kd2 Rg236. h4 Kf637. Rh3 e5

§��³�—¨”“”�”“�“�˜��“��’��‘��’��•��‘��’‘’¦��²›�¤ 9. Kxd1

§��´�¨”�”��“�“��˜“˜“��–��’›��‘�°��’‘’¦��¦�� 17..Bxg2

§��´§�”��“��˜“�“��“��’�¦��‘�°�›’�’��¤�� 23..Ne4

Borderline Variants 209

15. Conclusion

The Defense Game and its related system is a totally new way of playing chess. The authorbelieves it is as strong or stronger than any system ever proposed, including the systems alreadydescribed, the Beginner's Game and the Center Game. Though just an introduction, the expositionof the system made in this book should be sufficient to convince you that the ‘D-game’:

! is a new and valid system for playing chess! is playable by black and white indifferently! is very strong on both offense and defense ! is the easiest way to learn to play chess ! is the quickest way to improve for players of all levels

Advice for Beginners

If you were new to chess when you picked up this book, you have by now learned to playwell in the opening, and well enough in the rest of the game to draw against most players. Youstill lack the basic chess playing skills that you need in the middle and end games to challengethe best opponents and have winning chances. But you should already be able to play wellenough to make the game interesting for your adversary, and that's the most important thing.

While you are acquiring your basic skills, don’t be impatient for your first big wins. Mostplayers spend their entire lives without ever offering a serious challenge to a local chess ‘bully.’So practice a while before confronting that certain someone who thought you didn’t have thebrains to play. The best revenge is to prove you deserve someone’s respect, and to do that,you’ve got to keep finding good moves each time it’s your turn.

It’s a thinking game, and you can’t succeed at it by just playing anything that looksplayable. You must try hard to play well. You have to go deep into moves that look interestingand see the positions that can result. You have to calculate exchanges precisely, and foresee asbest you can anything that your opponent can do. As you get better, you will begin to feel more incontrol of the evolving situations, and will play with more confidence.

Some of those who are just now learning will dedicate themselves to the game, and go onto become first rate players. To these the author offers this encouragement: you are armed withone of the best weapons that exists for this battle. Use it well and you will be a true warrior oreven a champion, and you will prove yourselves in a way that anyone will recognize and respect.

Advice for Intermediate Players

Intermediate players of all levels should take note of this system, because it is absolutelythe best method for drawing that has ever been found, and it offers you mastery of the game inthe least time imaginable. This system guarantees you safe passage thru the dangerous firstmoves, and it gives you the basis for pushing your performances beyond your current limits. Ifyou are not a strong player, then you will improve immediately by adopting this system. Try itagainst your friends or the computer, and you'll see right away that you're playing better than

before. The author improved 200 points in ELO ranking after adopting the system, and has beenable to draw many games against the computer at master level. The D-system really works!

Stronger players should ask themselves whether they know their current openings to 12-15

moves, something they get with minimal effort using openings in the system. They should alsoask themselves whether they really like their current openings, or whether they keep playing themjust because it’s what they know best. The alternative is to move to a new system that is secondto none, and that accommodates a wide variety of styles of play.

Advice for Advanced Players

Top players and those aspiring to become contenders spend years studying the openings.Worthy adversaries still kick them about however, and after the opening they often findthemselves playing their opponent’s game, not their own. The openings in this system have thecharacteristic that your opponent has to play your game. Add to that the possibility to extendoriginal analysis deeper than in current practice, and you should see the interest in researchingopenings in this system in preparation for championship play. In particular, if you are playing fora draw, this system gives you the best possible chances of achieving your aim.

This system has to prove itself at the highest levels, and you can be a protagonist orantagonist of this effort, as you prefer. You can be one of those who carry it on to victory, or oneof those who make victory tougher to achieve. All are invited to do their best, and also to do both.

The Defense Game, like the Center Game and the Beginner's Game, is revolutionary,introducing a new practice of chess. A true revolution is one giving the common man that whichwas the preserve of a privileged few. Such a revolution can now happen, as more people take upthe game, interest increases worldwide, quality of play improves, and finally the system isvictorious at top levels. Be part of it - it's the most interesting thing that ever happened in chess!

On closing the author again appeals to you: Save your Earth. We can do this easily, byreturning large areas of it to natural state. Unless our earth is healthy we have no future - only bytaking care of our Earth can we insure that humanity will also survive and prosper. This Earth, notsome imagined afterlife, is Paradise. If you don't see it that way, it's because you're not looking.This Earth, with all the spectacularly beautiful life forms on it, is the perfection of evolution, thejewel of the universe, and it is ours. If Life has any value to you, then Do Something Now for yourEarth. If we act now, then we are the saviors of humanity and of all Life. If we do not act now, thegreat wealth of creation - Life in all its highly evolved and beautiful forms, will be destroyed.Calmed only by the fragile buffer of Life, the savage forces of wind and flood will then turn on us,punishing us brutally for our stupidity - and not in some distant future, in our own lifetimes.

It’s time to close, and the author once again hopes to leave you all with your heartsthumping. What has happened here in chess is a revolution, but many others will now occur asour understanding expands and our intelligence dispels ignorance. So bright this lovely new star,among the many stars now on the horizon. Dedicate yourself again to this amazing game, and tothe great game Life as it evolves, and know the satisfaction to be found in playing the game well.

Conclusion 211

Appendix: Chess Move Notation

The arrangement of chess figures at the start of the game is shown in the diagram below left; thecoordinate system used for chess move notation is shown in the diagram beside it. The chessfigures are named: “- pawn, — - knight, � - bishop, § - rook, - queen, ³ - king.

There are various systems for movenotation. This book uses the algebraicsystem, which is the most common one.In this system squares on the board areidentified with a letter and a number.The horizontal axis of the board islabeled a-h, and the vertical axis labeled1-8, starting from the lower left handcorner of white’s side of the board.

a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1

§˜�¯³¹—¨”“”“”“”“��‘’‘’‘’‘’¦•�ª²›–¤

In this notation system a move is coded by indicating first the type of figure that moves, and thenthe square that it goes to. If a capture is involved, the symbol ‘x’ is inserted after the figuresymbol. The pieces are labeled as: ‘R’ - rook, ‘N’ - knight, ‘B’ - bishop, ‘Q’ - queen, ‘K’ - king.Pawn moves are indicated by the destination square alone, unless a capture is involved, in whichcase the column that the pawn was on is prefixed (eg. ‘exd5’ - king pawn takes figure on squared5). Pawn captures using the 'en passant' rule are coded in the same way.

When either of two rooks or knights (or queens) can move to a destination square, it is necessaryto specify which of the two pieces that moves. This is done by appending a column identifier (orif they are both on the same column, a row number) to the symbol of the piece to indicate where itcame from. If a move involves check, attacking the king, then the symbol ‘+’ is added at the endof the move. If the move gives checkmate, ending the game, then ‘#’ is used instead. When apawn reaches the last row, it can be promoted to any other figure. This is indicated by appending‘=’ then the figure to which the pawn is promoted (typically a queen), eg. ‘a8=Q’. Castling isindicated by ‘O-O’ for the king side castle, and ‘O-O-O’ for the queen side castle.

These are the eight standard moves of the Defense Game, using a ‘Queen side first’ sequence:! White: d3, Nd2, Nb3, Bd2, e3, Ne2, Ng3, Be2! Black: d6, Nd7, Nb6, Bd7, e6, Ne7, Ng6, Be7

With this explanation of move notation you can return to the text. Be sure to actually reproduceall moves in the text on your own chess set or computer screen. If you make a mistake playingout a game, go back to an earlier diagram, reset the board as shown, and play forward from there.

Appendix: Move Notation 212

Acknowledgements:

To the Infinite and Eternal, Creator and Sustainer of Life: sincere thanks forthe great gift of the human body, the vehicle of discovery and realisation.

To my wife Liliana, for her heroic struggle with severe illness during thedrafting of this book. Only those who truly love can show great courage.

To the arrogant world of chess, whose absolute silence for the past years hasenabled the author to continue his research without distractions.

To the countless millions who have suffered defeat over the chessboard. Nowthey are well armed, and when they lose it will only be after a tough battle.

pafu - the defense game

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