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 Tarrasch Defence according to super-GM Dubov

GM Alex Colovic
GM Alex Colovic
07.16.2019
Category: Openings
Tags: Both Spassky, Caruana, Dubov, karpov, kasparov, korchnoi, nakamura, Sveshnikov, Tarrasch Defence
The Tarrasch Defence according to super-GM Dubov

Tarrasch Defence is a neglected one. It had its glory days in the late 1960s when Boris Spassky used it first in his Candidates match against Geller in 1965 and then as a very efficient weapon in his title-winning match against Petrosian in 1969 when he scored 1 win and 4 draws with it.

The second champion of the Tarrasch Defence was another World Champion, Garry Kasparov, who scored phenomenal results with it in the early 1980s.

He beat top-level opposition in it: Beliavsky (in their Candidates match in 1983), Seirawan, Larsen (in Niksic in 1983), and Smyslov (in their Candidates match final in 1984) while drawing Korchnoi once in their Candidates match in 1983.

The fairy-tale came to an abrupt end when Kasparov lost two games (Games 7 and 9) with it against Karpov in their first match in 1984. He was generally OK after the opening, but these losses (the second one in Game 9 making the score 4-0 in Karpov’s favor) killed Kasparov’s affection for the opening.

With the increased technique, the existence of an isolated queen’s pawn was more and more considered a weakness, and its dynamic possibilities were somewhat forgotten. But as with everything in life, things change constantly and the strong engines on powerful hardware can prove something that previously was considered bad to be quite promising.

Tarrasch Defence: Introducing Daniil Dubov

A very talented player with original opening ideas, he caught the attention of the World Champion and was part of his team for the World Championship match against Caruana. Carlsen’s choice of the Sveshnikov Sicilian as his main opening ever since is Dubov’s influence, as he has played the Sveshnikov and showed interesting ideas in it for quite some time now. Carlsen continued to give credit to Dubov and his ideas long after the match as he kept on using them to great effect.

After working with Carlsen, Dubov continued to produce original ideas. One of these is his quite unexpected sacrifice of the very isolated queen’s pawn that characterizes the Tarrasch Defence!

The very first game where this idea was seen was the first game of the second-round match Nakamura-Dubov from the Moscow Grand Prix knock-out tournament.

After the moves:

1 c4

Nakamura avoids the Grunfeld, by that moment Dubov’s main opening against 1 d4.

1…Nf6 2 Nc3 c5 3 g3 e6 4 Nf3 d5 5 cd ed 6 d4 Nc6 7 Bg2

We reach the normal position of the mainline of the Tarrasch Defence. Both Spassky and Kasparov and many other players have played 7…Be7 here automatically, which after 8 0-0 0-0 led to the tabiya of the Tarrasch Defence where White has the choice of several moves: 9 Bg5 (the move Karpov used to beat Kasparov twice in 1984, still considered the mainline), 9 dc, 9 b3, 9 Be3, 9 Bf4 and even 9 h3 (as played by Nakamura on more than 1 occasion!). Dubov, however, introduces a new concept.

7…cd 8 Nd4 Bc5

While strictly speaking this is not new, the idea behind it is. Played sparsely before the engines took over, the idea is a very dynamic one. After 9 Nb3 Black is sacrificing the isolated queen’s pawn for activity (as both the pawn on d5 and the bishop on b6 are attacked) and the surprising thing is that it is not at first sight visible what Black can do against White’s solid and weakness-free position.

9 Nb3 Bb6 10 0-0

Dubov apparently surprised Nakamura with his innovative idea and wisely decided to sidestep it. He did not quite succeed as Dubov’s preparation finished one move before the game finished. But what happens if White just takes the pawn on d5?

After 10 Nd5 Be6 11 Nc3 (11 Nf6 Qf6 12 0-0 0-0 gives Black obvious compensation with open files and diagonals for his pieces, plus White cannot develop the bishop on c1 due to the attack on b2) 11…Qe7 12 0-0 Rd8 13 Qc2 Nb4 14 Qb1 0-0 White again has issues with his development.

10…d4

If allowed the IQP should advance, as it fixes the pawn on e2 for possible counter-play along the e-file.

11 Na4 0-0 12 Bg5 Re8

Another critical moment as Black is again sacrificing a pawn.

After 13 Re1(defending e2 in advance) h6 14 Nb6 ab 15 Bf6 Qf6 16 Bc6 bc 17 Qd4 White is a pawn up for what appears to be nothing, but the surprising move 17…Qd8! illustrates Black’s idea: in an open position the bishop is better than a knight, that knight will be limited after Black plays …c5, and the open a- and e-files offer enough activity for Black’s rooks.

I am sure that Dubov’s analyses went deep into this position proving empirically that Black has compensation with or without the exchange of queens.

Tarrasch Defence: 13 Nb6 ab 14 e3

Nakamura chooses another sensible plan. He plays for a positional advantage – he took the bishop on b6, thus obtaining the advantage of the bishop pair, and now wants to open the position for his bishops and eliminate the space-grabbing pawn on d4.

14…d3!

Of course, Dubov won’t oblige and he keeps playing for dynamism. Taking on e3 would give White all that he wants after 14…de 15 Be3 with a dream position.

15 Bf6 gf!?

A surprising decision, but one that puts the emphasis on the dynamic factors in the position. With this move, Black intends to keep the dangerous d3-pawn even at the expense of his structure. Now he has 6 (!!) isolated and/or doubled pawns. And, his whole structure is an irreparable mess. But, the pawn on d3 coupled with the active pieces more than compensates for it.

Bear in mind that Dubov was still in his preparation here!

16 a3 Be6 17 Rc1 Rc8 18 Rc3 Ne5

After both sides finished development Black continues going forward. He defends the pawn on d3 and challenges the rook on c3.

19 Nd4

Covering the d-file and hoping to round up the pawn on d3.

19…Rc3 20 bc Qc7

But Black’s activity is relentless. After

21 Qd2 Bd7 22 Re1 Rc8

It was clear that Black has the initiative and Nakamura soon found it sensible to steer the game towards a draw.

Tarrasch Defence – Here is the full game:

The first outing of Dubov’s idea was a great success. But what happened when his opponents started to prepare against it?

Looking for more on this opening? Here are the 7 Best Games Played and this Opening with GM Marian Petrov.

We also recommend reviewing ChessBase Magazine #175 and 27 Most Powerful Quotes and Phrases That Describe Chess.

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

  • The Carlsbad Structure – Complete LessonThe Carlsbad Structure – Complete Lesson
  • Fabulous Hedgehog: A Must-Have System for Every Chess PlayerFabulous Hedgehog: A Must-Have System for Every Chess Player
  • Sicilian Defense: Sveshnikov Variation with GM Marian Petrov [TCW Academy]Sicilian Defense: Sveshnikov Variation with GM Marian Petrov [TCW Academy]
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