The camp of GM Papaioannou Practical 1.e4 Repertoire for White is already a digital product. This product includes all the videos from the workshop as well as the PGN file related to the training sessions. Overall, the material consists of 10.5 hours of video and a PGN database, which includes 262 files!
The camp of GM Papaioannou Practical 1.e4 Repertoire for White is already a digital product. This product includes all the videos from the workshop as well as the PGN file related to the training sessions. Overall, the material consists of 10.5 hours of video and a PGN database, which includes 262 files!
What you’ll learn:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 – Complete Repertoire for White
In the first lecture, GM Papaioannou provides an easy-to-learn repertoire for White after 1.e4 e5. The suggested repertoire is based on Spanish Four Knights arising after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5
This is a good system for White which doesn’t have a lot of theory. More important in this line is understanding all the different ideas. Black will need to develop the bishop to either the d6-square, the c5-square, or the b4-square. We will analyze all the typical strategies against these moves. Our main idea here is to take the c6-knight quickly.
Practical Repertoire for White after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6
The starting position of this lecture arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
Against 2…e6 we go for the Open Sicilian. Compared to 2…d6 and 3…d4, the variations are less concrete. Papaioannou has chosen clever lines that can be played without too much knowledge of theory.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 and Rare Second Moves – Repertoire for White
This is one of the most fascinating lectures in the entire camp. Papaioannou provides a clever repertoire that is designed to avoid challenging systems such as Najdorf, Dragon, and Classical Sicilian.
Our repertoire will be based on 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Bd3
A very interesting line for White. The idea is to avoid the theory and play a Maroczy Bind with c2-c4! This move has already been tried by a bunch of very strong grandmasters. This rare option is also approved by the computer! Black should play very precisely in order not to find himself in a position without counterplay.
Complete Repertoire for White against 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6
This is another fascinating lecture in which Papaioannou provides a simple solution to a complex problem. It turns out that after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6, the move 3.Bc4 is quite interesting.
In case Black plays it slowly, White’s idea is to build a strong pawn center by means of 0-0 followed by c2-c3 and d2-d4. The moves Re1 and Bf1 are also quite typical for such setups. Therefore, Black should try to take energetic measures against the c4-bishop. In this case, however, White has enough resources to maintain an annoying initiative.
The line with 3.Bc4 works very well against 2…g6. Therefore, our choice is extremely practical.
Positional Repertoire against the Caro-Kann
In this lecture, Papaioannou provides a full repertoire for White against the Caro-Kann Defence. His suggestion is based on the Exchange Variation. The starting position of our repertoire arises after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3
This line is very practical since you can play it almost without concrete theoretical knowledge. What matters, however, is knowing all the subtleties related to the Carlsbad Structure (with colors reversed in this case). While the theoretical files will point out the most promising variations, make sure to consult the sections including model games. In this way, you will learn how to grind all the seemingly equal positions that arise in this line.
Fight the French Defence
Similar to our approach against the Caro-Kann Defence, we are going to play the Exchange Variation against the French Defence as well. The starting position of the French Exchange arises after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5
Even though the initial position might look completely equal, grandmaster practice, as well as modern computers, show that White can keep posing practical problems. If you know, how to play this structure and the arising endgames, this line is basically a risk-free way of playing for a win.
At this point, I suggest two continuations. Our main line will be the rare 4.Bf4. This move is usually connected with castling long. Most likely, White will proceed with Nc3, followed by Qd2, and 0-0-0. Later on, we can consider attacking on the kingside. As you will see from the model games, however, at any moment, White is ready to play an endgame. This line with early Bf4 will probably take your opponent out of his comfort zone.
Of course, the main move 4.Nf3 is playable as well. Therefore, Papaioannou gives it as a second option. Many of the ideas that we will be using after 4.Bf4 are applicable here as well. In this line, however, you should know just a little bit of theory.
Repertoire against Alekhine, Pirc, Scandinavian, and Minor Openings
In the final lecture, Papaioannou deals with Alekhine, Pirc, Scandinavian, and some minor openings. Against all these lines, he suggests very easy and easy-to-learn variations. Our usual concept is to play a risk-free position with a slight advantage.
Outline:
Chapter 01 – 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 – Complete Repertoire for White
Chapter 02 – Practical Repertoire for White after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6
Chapter 03 – 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 and Rare Second Moves – Repertoire for White
Chapter 04 – Complete Repertoire for White against 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6
Chapter 05 – Positional Repertoire against the Caro-Kann
Chapter 06 – Fight the French Defence
Chapter 07 – Repertoire against Alekhine, Pirc, Scandinavian, and Minor Openings
About the Author:
GM Ioannis Papaioannou [2633 FIDE]
is a Grandmaster with a FIDE of 2633. He has been a 4-times Greek Chess Champion and is the No. 1 rated player in Greece.
