Master Preparation II

Lesson 10: Typical plans in half-closed positions

Lecture by UMBC Chess Coach Igor Epshteyn

The center is half-closed if the pawn chains are blocked in the center and there is one open or half-closed file in the center. For example, such positions can arise from the King's Indian Defense (Averbach, Mackagonov, or classical variations) or from the modern Benoni defense. In this lesson we will discuss typical strategies for playing in half-closed, indian-type positions.

In half-closed positions, potential for play along the central open or half-closed file is important. Consequently, the side with kingside attacking chances often strives to exchange one pair of rooks, to reduce his opponent's activity along the file. White usually obtains a space advantage and thus Black often finds it difficult to maneuver. In addition, White often attempts to remove targets from Black's indian bishop, thereby reducing the potential threat of this bishop.

The first game illustrates how dangerous it can be for Black for Black to fix the pawn structure on the queenside. In this game, White pursued a long-term strategy of attacking on the kingside while limiting Black's queenside play.

In Game 2, White persistently carried out a similar four-step plan under significantly more complex conditions. First, White exchanged a pair of rook in order to reduce rook activity on the e file and to free White's rook to support the advance of White's f pawn. Second, White replaced his queen and bishop on the b1-h7 diagonal in order to create additional threats against the Black king, to support the defense of the queenside (disallowing a b5 breakthrough), and taking control of important squares on the e file. Third, by playing b3 and a4, White blocked Black's queenside play and removed targets from Black's indian bishop. Fourth, White advanced his kingside pawns to destroy black's kingside.

Game 1: Najdorf-Petrosian (Zurich, Interzonal 1953)

Game 2: Agzamov-Anand (Calcutta, 1986)

Game 3: Portish-Skembris (Tilburg, Interpolis 1994)

Questions:

1. Correct White's 16th move according to the general plan discussed in the lecture.

2. Explain White's 19th move.

3. Comment on White's 21st move. What plan is White pursuing?