4 Best Openings for Black in ‘Must-Win’ Situations

If Black wants to play for a win he has two general directions to choose from: he can try to equalize first and then outplay his opponent, or he can try to wrestle the initiative from White from the get-go.

I would like to discuss the second option as it is often the preferred one in all-or-nothing situations (though this does not mean that it will give more chances!).

Before looking at the concrete lines that characterize the immediate crisis-provoking strategy, I would like to note that the Sicilian is the best of both worlds. It is theoretically sound enough and it also introduces dynamism from the start. My own preference lies with the Najdorf and modern practice confirms this view.

The only problem with the Najdorf is obviously the line 3 Bb5+ and a few other sidelines, but these can be dealt with. Additionally, Magnus Carlsen’s choice of the Sveshnikov Sicilian (and the results he is having in it and its sidelines) show that this is another very good option to play for a win with Black.

In this post, I would like to take a look at other, less common and strategically riskier options that Black has at his disposal and may contemplate.

Black’s Secret Weapon #1: Alekhine Defence

Position after 1 e4 Nf6 2 e5 Nd5 3 d4 d6 with 4 Nf3

The first one is the Alekhine Defence (1 e4 Nf6).

This defense used to be considered quite acceptable (even Fischer played it twice in a World Championship match!) but the modern practice has shown that the knight on b6 is indeed a liability for Black.

It is the main line after 1 e4 Nf6 2 e5 Nd5 3 d4 d6 with 4 Nf3 that poses the most problems, but here I noticed a rare idea that may give Black practical chances.

The other popular line 4 c4 Nb6 5 ed can be dealt with both 5…ed and 5…cd, depending on taste; only bear in mind that after 5…cd 6 Nc3 g6 7 Be3 Bg7 8 Rc1 0-0 9 b3 you should go for either 9…e5 and be well-prepared for the endgame after 10 de de 11 Qd8 Rd8 (the endgame offers good chances as it is quite complex) while 9…Bf5 may be an alternative for those who prefer not to exchange queens early on.

After 4 Nf3 the interesting idea I mentioned is 4…Nc6. This was played by Nakamura in online blitz chess, so while probably not entirely sound, it can serve as a good surprise weapon against an unprepared opponent.

After the critical 5 c4 Nb6 6 e6 (6 ed ed transposes to the line 4 c4 Nb6 5 ed ed) fe 7 Nc3 (or 7 Be3) e5 8 d5 Nd4 Black has good chances to obtain a dynamic position.

Black’s Secret Weapon #2: Pirc/Modern

Position after 1 e4 g6 2 d4 Bg7 3 Nf3 d6 4 Bc4

The second idea is the Pirc/Modern mix.

These positions give great flexibility to Black because as early as move 1 he can vary his choice, starting with 1…g6 or 1…d6. This can also be handy against 1 d4 though in that case other transpositions after 2 c4 should be considered, while the King’s Indian Defence remains a valid option. The only thing Black must be aware about the move-order is to perhaps try to avoid the system recently used by Carlsen, namely: 1 e4 g6 2 d4 Bg7 3 Nf3 d6 4 Bc4 and if 4…Nf6 then 5 Qe2, keeping the option to play c3 and Nbd2. This system has proven to be very tough for Black.

To make it more problematic, there is only one way to avoid it and that is playing the Pirc directly by 1 e4 d6 2 d4 Nf6, forcing 3 Nc3. In recent practice White’s most critical set-ups against both the Modern and the Pirc have been the aggressive Austrian Attack (when White plays f4) and the systems with Be3 and then either f3 or Nf3, depending on Black’s set-up. There is quite a lot of theory involved in these lines, but the dynamism in Black’s position remains and if he survives the opening in decent shape he has good chances to take over the initiative later on. Needless to say, Black is obliged to study the theory in these lines closely as otherwise he may be blown off the board.

Black’s Secret Weapon #3: King’s Indian

Position after 1 d4 g6 2 c4 Bg7 3 e4

Against 1 d4 the most dynamic options are those involving the fianchetto of the dark-squared bishop and avoiding initial central confrontation. Unfortunately, the Benko Gambit and the Benoni can easily be defused if White plays Nf3 instead of d5 or even 2 Nf3.

While I do not believe very much in Black’s chances in the Modern when White plays with a full center (1 d4 g6 2 c4 Bg7 3 e4), I think the King’s Indian Defence is the best choice of what remains, even though the King’s Indian has its own problems.

(For example the Exchange Variation after 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 Bg7 4 e4 d6 5 Nf3 0-0 6 Be2 e5 7 de – this one can be avoided by 6…Na6 or 6…Nbd7, but then there is no Mar del Plata and attack on White’s king.)

Still, we are looking for dynamism and we are not afraid of problems, right?

Black’s Secret Weapon #4: Dutch Defence

Position after 1 d4 f5 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 g6

Another option to play dynamically against 1 d4 is the Dutch Defence after 1…f5 a then experienced players tend to prefer the Leningrad Variation (after 2 g3 Nf6 3 Bg2 g6) rather than the Stonewall ( 3…e6 followed by …d5) or the Classical (3…e6 followed by …d6 and then either …Be7 or …Bb4) when looking for early imbalance.

Quite characteristically, the Leningrad Dutch was Nakamura’s choice in the last round of the 2019 US Championship when he was in a must-win situation against the young and very talented Jeffery Xiong. Nakamura won an exemplary game.

The other first moves like 1 c4 or 1 Nf3 are less problematic as then Black’s preferred set-up is not directly challenged in the center and he can achieve it without problems, for example, there would be no threat of an Exchange Variation in the King’s Indian.

As you can see, it is not easy to stir up trouble early on with Black. I hope these ideas provide some inspiration when you need it.

Good luck!