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
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

The Carlsbad Structure – Anatoly Karpov’s Way

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
05.17.2017
Category: Middle Game
Tags: carlsbad, karpov, middlegame
The Carlsbad Structure – Anatoly Karpov’s Way

Perhaps the most common structure arising from the majority of queen’s pawn openings (1.d4) is the structure known as the Carlsbad pawn structure. It is a structure rich in ideas for both sides with many hidden subtleties and unique methods of playing.

Of course, if you have followed our articles in the past you may know the different plans for white in this particular structure. If not, you can read about it here and here.

 

 

***

the-carlsbad-structure

In those articles, we discussed the typical ways for white to play this position. The minority attack on the queenside is certainly one of the most principled choices; white prepares b4-b5 followed by bxc6 and creates weaknesses on black’s queenside. However, things are not so simple and black’s defensive resources should not be underestimated. What we want to point out is that such a plan has to be executed carefully and keeping alert a great sense of danger in order to prevent your opponent’s counterplay before it even begins.

To understand this we have selected three games of one of the best positional players of all times, Anatoly Karpov. Karpov was an all-around player; his style was positional but he was also a lethal attacker and produced authentic brilliancies over the years. However, in what Karpov really excelled like no one else was in strategic/ static play. Making moves without changing the character or weakening your position is an art that only a few can dominate. In our days we can say Carlsen has a similar approach.

On the white side of the Carlsbad structure, Karpov was more inclined to play the minority attack rather than for f3-e4. Faithful to his style, his choice was very little risk for white. One of the things to learn is that although white’s main idea is to push b4-b5, Karpov never rushed it nor tried it to achieve it at all cost. This is especially complicated to understand for beginners who think this minority attack is something you have to mechanically throw at your opponent. In the following examples, we will see alternative maneuvers played by Karpov which also create problems for black to solve.

the carlsbad structure 2

Karpov – Korchnoi London 1984

In this game, the Carlsbad structure arose from a secondary line of the Grunfeld Defense. In the diagram above we have a race of attacks on opposite wings. White is putting pressure on the queenside while black is trying to create something on the kingside by advancing his pawns. Karpov was great at exploiting the small advantages and here he sees the flaw in black’s position and kills black’s counterplay before it even starts. See the full game here:

the carlsbad structure 3

Karpov – Andersson London 1984

Ulf Andersson was one of the best players in the chess scene when he was in his prime. His style was very positional and he was a terrific endgame player. Here, Karpov was facing a quite difficult opponent to beat. Nevertheless, he succeeded. In the diagram above black is threatening a massive simplification that will ease his defense. Karpov continued with the move 14.Na4! and played around the c5 square. What happened afterward is a strategic masterpiece; see the game here:

the carlsbad structure 4

Karpov – Kharitonov URSS 1988

Here we have another standard position that arises in this structure. Black has just played the move Bd6 in order to swap bishops. We can also see that black is ready to meet the queenside minority; the knight on b6 is well placed if white continues with b2-b4. It also prevents the annoying Na4-c5. Karpov’s next move had a secret idea that is not so easy to understand at first sight. He played 15.Ne2! and we soon realize that there are alternative routes to c5 (f4-d3) but not only that. The knight’s move allows the white queen to invade via the c5 square after the capture on d6. See the details here:

 

We hope you have enjoyed this article and learned a bit more about this structure from these great games. Thank you for reading and, as always, feel free to share your thoughts with us!

Ready to start winning games? Check out our store and articles:

  • Learn from Anatoly Karpov with GM Bryan Smith
  • Classic Karpov – IM Bill Paschall
  • Learn from Karpov – GM Bryan Smith
  • 10 Best Chess Games by Anatoly Karpov
  • Hedgehog According to Karpov
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

  • #1 Most Important Element of Positional Chess#1 Most Important Element of Positional Chess
  • The Carlsbad Structure – Complete LessonThe Carlsbad Structure – Complete Lesson
  • 10 Reasons to Study Chess Middlegame10 Reasons to Study Chess Middlegame
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
  • Play Computer
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Money Back PayPal SSL Comodo
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