Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • TCW Academy
    • iChess
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Improve My Chess
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Discovering the Secrets of the Complex IQP Positions

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
03.12.2018
Category: Middle Game
Tags: chess, IQP, isolated queens pawn, King's Indian, openings, Semi-Slav,
Discovering the Secrets of the Complex IQP Positions

There are a few classical positions or classic middlegames that every chess player should know how to play. Some of them are the King’s Indian structure with the closed center, the hanging pawns structure, and the isolated central pawn, which is the subject of this article. Clearly, the importance of knowing these structures is because they arise very often and from many different openings.

In all of them, there are concepts and guidelines for each side to follow and understand the little nuances of each one of these structures will likely improve your results when you play them over the board.

Focusing on the IQP positions now, when we think about how to develop our pieces we think of something like this:

isolated queens pawn

This is a standard setup for white where he is hoping for a timely d4-d5, opening the position. There are other well-known plans with the white queen on e2 / rooks on e1/c1 etc. They all have in common one goal, the advance of d4-d5 at the right moment, which presumably would lead to a clear advantage. In all these setups white’s pieces are disposed to fight for the control of the square d5.

However, chess is very rich and recently a different setup got my attention and I decided to research more about it since it is very little (if anything) written about it. Sometimes white can develop the knight to d2 and not aim for d4-d5 at all, but play around the c4-a5-e5 squares.

This leads to a much more positional struggle, but no less interesting.

There are a few upsides and drawbacks to this kind of development, with the main downside being that white has no control over d5 at all and black can firmly use this square to his advantage. On the other hand, the main upside is that white is able to avoid simplifications, as the pieces don’t come into contact with the enemy so easily.

Another important factor is the control of the e5 square; this way white practically guarantees the pressure on f7 with a knight permanently standing on the e5 square.

Let’s see this practical example:

Lajos Portisch – Wettstein, Markus
Adelaide 1971

Here white can develop in a standard fashion with 11.Nc3, but Portisch chose to play 11.a4!? and after b4 12.Nbd2 he managed to obtain a reasonable initiative.

You can see the details here:

A more recent example:

Rodshtein, M – Miton, K
CZE Extra Liga 2017

In this typical Semi-Slav position with black aiming to play c5 or e5 in order to free himself, the Israeli Grandmaster chose the move 8.Nbd2!? A rather interesting approach. White’s plan is to continue with 9.Bd3 and have Nc4 available if black insists on the e6-e5 idea.

Logically, black went on to break with c6-c5 and soon a position with IQP was reached.

See the diagram below:

Although the computer evaluates this position as roughly equal and black has achieved everything he is expected from an IQP position, things aren’t so easy actually.

The main problem for black is that he can’t force exchanges. In the game, Miton was unable to find the best plan and lost in just 11 more moves.

See the game here:

A clear example of understanding

GM Leonid Yudasin is one of the players I would refer you to go through his games when you are trying to learn an opening (given that it’s in his repertoire).

He is a player full of ideas and in his games, you will find many instructive moments like this:

Yudasin,L – Chernin, A
Beersheba 1993

Confronted with the move 12…c5, Yudasin reacted with the move 13.c3!? Only to recapture with a pawn after 13…cxd4 14.cxd4. This is not a simple decision because there is nothing wrong with the option 14.Nxd4, but the position with the IQP is more ambitious.

See the rest of the game here:

As we can see, the IQP positions are rich in ideas beyond the standard development and the typical idea of “the plan is to push d5”. As shown in these examples, it is worth knowing more options for development in these positions.

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Opening Preparation For Club Players – Part IIOpening Preparation For Club Players – Part II
  • kings indian7 Best Games on King’s Indian Defense
  • Play King’s Indian Structures Like Bobby FischerPlay King’s Indian Structures Like Bobby Fischer
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz