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

King’s Indian: Zvjaginsev’s Idea Against 1…e5

Yury Markushin
Yury Markushin
03.23.2016
Category: Openings
Tags: chess, original,
King’s Indian: Zvjaginsev’s Idea Against 1…e5

King’s Indian and Vadim Zvjaginsev is a very well-known Grandmaster from Russia. He has never been over 2700 or in the spotlight of big events but he’s the kind of player that’s always there, keeping a stable rating over 2600 for many years and producing interesting games in every tournament he plays. Zvjaginsev is well known for his endgame skills; a player of deep positional understanding and unique attacking qualities.

If we had to define Zvjaginsev’s style of play in one word, it would be “original”. The former student of Dvoretsky sees chess differently; his games are worth studying from opening to the endgame. No doubt that if we talk about Zvjaginsev, we must talk about his own contribution to the opening theory.

The creator of the 2.Na3 against the Sicilian which he employed for the first time against Khalifman (and successfully) has a history of original ideas in almost every opening. His success after 2.Na3 made a lot of other people give this move a try until it became an Antisicilian variation worth being considered in the modern opening books.

King’s Indian – Introduction

During the years 2015 and 2016 as well, Zvjaginsev has been trying a rather new approach against the move 1…e5. This is the move 2.Nf3 followed by 3.g3!? Surprised? Don’t be. This idea is similar to what occurs in the four knights variation, for example, after:

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.g3

zvjaginsev

Ready to start systematic training that actually works?

start chess training

Click here to start your training using the day-by-day program.

However, not playing Nc3 gives white much more flexibility and freedom to choose plans. But why play 3.g3? Shouldn’t white develop his bishop? Yes and No! Let’s think about the positive points of this move:

  • Fianchetto: The fianchetto means in most cases security. The most popular openings have fianchetto: Catalan, Grunfeld, English, etc. Why not have it as well against 1…e5?
  • Flexibility: White can move his center and queenside pawns in many ways. The game can get into a reverse King’s Indian type of position or even a reversed Pirc, but not quite the same. In any case, new positions!
  • Avoid the traps: By traps, we mean the opening traps created by theory. The so many investigated positions in the closed Ruy Lopez, the unbreakable Berlin, the sharp Cozio, and so on. After 3.Bb5 white definitely must know very well his book and it is still difficult to force your opponent to play on his own.

 

After reading all these explanations, there is no need to find drawbacks of 3.g3. It definitely deserves attention, after all, point 3 is very important.

It’s time to move on and examine this variation as played by the creator himself. We have selected some of Zvjaginsev’s best games on this variation and commented on them by explaining the ideas behind 3.g3 and what the perfect scenarios for white are.

Game 1 – Zvjaginsev, V – Bachman, A Aeroflot 2016:

A recent game against very strong opposition. The game ends in a draw, but not without a fight in which both sides had interesting chances.

King’s Indian – Game 2 – against Bok, B Aeroflot 2015:

This game is one of the first with Zvjaginsev playing 3.g3. We can see how black tried to punish white’s development by playing aggressive, but white took over the initiative with a counter-attack in the center.

Game 3 – Zvjaginsev, V – Kamsky, G Team.Ch Russia 2015:

Although this was a rapid game, it is impressive to see how white obtained a comfortable advantage without black doing anything terribly wrong. It shows the potential of white’s modest-looking opening.

Zvjaginsev’s Idea – Conclusion

We hope you have liked this article and got some interest in a different way to meet 1…e5, the most popular response to 1.e4 these days. Although we think that the line should be equal and black can equalize in more than one way, the main advantage is that you can take your opponent into new territory and play something different from what white usually obtains against 1…e5.

So that’s how it should be seen and employed, as a surprise weapon.

Thanks for reading us!

If you want to improve your chess level, you need to have a clear study plan. If you aim for a dramatic improvement at chess you need to work on all of the elements of the game in a systematic way:

  • tactics
  • positional play
  • attacking skills
  • endgame technique
  • classical games analysis
  • psychological preparation
  • and much more

That seems to be like a lot of things, and that is. But no worries, we have made it easy for you. Our comprehensive training course covers it all and much more. Sign up for 21 Day Training right now!

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

  • We’re Hiring!We’re Hiring!
  • Happy 2023!Happy 2023!
  • 10 Reasons to Train with Chess Coach10 Reasons to Train with Chess Coach
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