Exploring the Human Chess Game at Chess Adventure Camp
Exploring the Human Chess Game at Chess Adventure Camp with the King’s Indian Defense Fianchetto Variation.
By John Cope
This game features the fianchetto variation of the King’s Indian Defense, which is one of White’s most dangerous lines against this popular defense. White believes that the Bishop on g2 will help defend against any kingside attacks, which Black often gains in the King’s Indian after the center locks up and Black plays the pawn break f7-f5.
1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. c4 d6 5. 0-0 0-0 6. d4 c6
In this variation, White has a space advantage while Black has flexibility and two potential pawn breaks (e7-e5 and b7-b5) to challenge the White pawn center.
7. Nc3 Bg4
Here Black has many plausible plans on the move and 7 … Bg4 is one of them. Other interesting moves include 7 …Qa5, 7 …Qb6, and 7 …a6. By putting the Bishop on g4 Black develops the piece actively, but also needs to be ready to trade the Bishop for the f3-knight if the Bishop is prodded by h2-h3.
8. Bg5
Probably better is 8. h3 forcing Black to give up the light squared Bishop immediately or lose time retreating it. After 8 … Bxf3 9. Bxf3 White has gained the two bishops. While this is not a major factor in the game at the moment, it may become so if the game opens up later on. Furthermore, White’s strong Bishop on the long diagonal now has no opponent, which suggests that White may have a slight advantage here.
8 … Nbd7 9. Bxf6
White trades his Bishop for Black’s Knight immediately. This is a relatively unexplored plan for White in this variation in tournament practice. While the knights will be more useful if the game stays closed, Black’s pawn breaks may now come with more effect, as if Black can blow open the game he will have the advantage of the two Bishops. Furthermore, this trade ignores the guideline of not trading pieces when you have more space, which will become apparent on the next move.
Note that in open games having both Bishops is very beneficial. Bishops are long range pieces that enjoy open positions, as they can move from one side of the board to another in one fell swoop. The knight, which is a more plodding piece, prefers closed positions because while it cannot move across the board in one move, it can hop over other pieces.
9 …Nxf6 10. h3 Bd7
ShareThis