Noteboom Variation

Written by GM Ruslan Scherbakov

Last updated Sunday, November 28, 2010

1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 f3 e6 4 c3 dxc4

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This is one of the sharpest lines not only in the Slav Defence but in the whole of
opening theory. The history of the variation has seen many ups and downs. From its first
appearance it was considered as very risky and hardly deserving of attention from Black's
point of view.
Theoretical Evaluation
However from the mid '80s onwards, some new and interesting ideas were found
and the great revival began! Till the mid '90s White was in trouble, often panicking in the
face of the two passed black pawns which began more and more frequently to outweigh
white's strong pawn centre supported with two powerful bishops.
Practical results were even more disastrous for White, because Black often managed
not only to convert his positional advantage into a full point, but also sometimes when
finding himself in trouble Black successfully used some additional factors such as time

trouble, (very usual for White that time) and better understanding of the typical positions to
gain the point. The inventors of the variant Gerald Abrahams and Daniel Noteboom could
only dream of this. Many white players frightened by 4...dc4 soon started to play the safe 4.
e3, protecting the cpawn.
Personal Experience
My acquaintance with the Noteboom began in 1986, when playing with white I lost
a very important game while lightly chuckling at Black's play, and thinking I was winning
till my position suddenly became hopeless. Soon at GM Panchenko's school a consultation
game was played. I was in white's camp and the sensations were similar a huge advantage
for White but somehow a loss.
After the game GM Evgeny Gleizerov showed us some interesting ideas for black,
but he told us that he doesn't play the line because of a lack of the energy which everyone
who wants to play this system needs to have in addition to excellent preparation and cool
nerves. I would like also say "many thanks" to my friend GM Maxim Sorokin who shared a
lot of ideas with me.
Experts
Also I would like to thank all the players whose games have impressed me and at the
same time advanced the theory of the Noteboom: GMs Glenn Flear, Maxim Sorokin,
Andrey Kharlov, Marek Matlak, Marinus Kuijf, Alexander Moroz, Markus Stangl, Josef
Klinger, Pavel Tregubov, Vladimir Burmakin, Vladimir Bagirov and Mark van der Werf
with black; Loek van Wely, Yuri Shulman, Boris Gelfand, Alexander Khuzman, Boris
Avrukh, Igor Zakharevich, Zbingev Jasnikovski and some others are white apologists.
The author himself has won a number of games with this variation, the total score is
+ 18 0 = 6, including four rapid games and one win with white (in half the draws I had
technically won positions). To be fair I have to say that now Black's life is not so easy, since
white understands that the black passed pawns are not as formidable as they look, and has
discovered new ideas which cause problems for Black.
Conclusion
The Noteboom variation occupies a special place in my chess life; it's one of my
favourites. Recently I have been working on a huge book about it where all the details will
be explained (it's planned to be issued as an NIC CDROM). I would like to commend the
2

variation to professionals as well as amateurs and to show you some games which have
impressed me.
I never annotated any of my games in Chess Informant or New In Chess so as not to
reveal my secrets so now is probably the correct time. I think the ideas of this variation are
quite comprehensible not only for professionals but for any chess lovers, and if the number
of adherents is increased I'll be happy.

Contents

1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6
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3 f3 e6 4 c3 dxc4 5 a4
5 g5 D31 Noteboom/1 - 4...dxc4 5. g5!?

5...b4 6 e3
6. g3 D31 Noteboom/2 - 4...dxc4 various deviations

6...b5 7 d2 a5 8 axb5
8 b1 D31 Noteboom/37. d2 a5 various 8th moves

8...xc3 9 xc3 cxb5 10 b3 b7 11 bxc4

11 d5 D31 Noteboom/4 & /5-10. b3 b7 11. d5

11...b4 12 b2 f6 13 d3 bd7 14 0-0 0-0 15 e1

15 d2 D31 Noteboom/6 Main line 15. Nd2
15 c5 D31 Noteboom/7 Main line 15. c5
15 c2 D31 Noteboom/8 Main line 15. Qc2

15...e4
D31 Noteboom/6 main line 15. e1 Black stops e3e4
4

other 15th: D31 Noteboom/5 main line 15. e1 Black allows e3e4

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Noteboom/1 4...dc4 5. Bg5!? [D31]

Last updated: 01/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.f3 e6 4.c3 dxc4

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The Noteboom is one of the most complicated variations not only in the Slav Defence but
in the whole body of opening theory.

5.g5!?

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This bishop's lunge is rather poisonous for Black. However, he keeps sufficient defensive
resources.

5...e7!?
6

An interesting equalising attempt. As usual, an exchange of these bishops is unfavourable

for Black, because the dark squares in his camp become weak. However here this
move deserves attention because he gains time for development as well as
reasonable chances to improve his other bishop's scope with ...c6c5. Besides, he
still keeps extra pawn.
5...c7!? is an interesting alternative and a refutation of this ambitious but risky move has
not yet been found. 6.a4
a) 6.e3 b5 7.a4 b4 has been tested in the game Ruban R.Scherbakov/Anapa 1991,
which continued by 8.d2 b6!? 9.f3 b7 10.g3 White is ready to gather in the
harvest after Bf4 but Black's pieces come into play just in time. 10...d7 11.f4
gf6! 12.e2 (12.c7 doesn't work because of 12...h5!) 12...d5! 13.xd5 cxd5
14.xg7 0-0-0 and Black has achieved excellent play.
b) A transposition to the Catalan by 6.g3

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is fairly interesting. The bishop on g5 gains the possibility of retreating with gain of tempo,
and the other bishop will be well placed on the long diagonal after ...b7b5.
6...f6!? A logical idea. Black does not want to waste time on the manoeuvre
...b8d7b6 if it does not help either to save the pawn on c4, or to prevent his K
side pawn structure from being damaged.
b1) 6...d7 is played more often but it seems that Black does not solve the problems
completely: 7.g2 gf6 8.d2 b6 9.xf6 gxf6 10.0-0 (10.e3?! is weaker due to
10...e5 11.d5 cxd5 12.xd5 xd5 13.xd5 e6 14.xe6 fxe6 15.0-0 0-0-0 16.c1 b8 17.e2 f5
18.xc4 e4 with very good play) 10...e7!? (10...h5 which looks dubious. After 11.h4
e7 12.c1 d7 13.e3 d8 14.e2 e5 15.xc4 e6 16.a5! exd4 17.exd4 f8 18.fd1 White

has a clear advantage as it is difficult for Black to find compensation for his Kside
weaknesses) 11.c1 Nothing can stop White from regaining the pawn on c4. Black
must find a way to create counterplay or he will just be worse. 11...e5!? (the slow
11...d7 does not solve Black's problems. White could have continued with 12.e3
keeping in mind possibilities such as Qd1-h5, Qe2 and Nc4 or Nce4 and Nc4 with a
definite edge) 12.d5 This position arose in the game R.Scherbakov
Yashtylov/RUSch, Samara 2000, which continued 12...d7! 13.b3!? cxd5 14.xd5
xd5 15.xd5 c3 16.e4 d8 17.xc3 b6! and here White proved the advantage
by a rather unexpected 18.d2!! h3?! (better was 18...e6 19.xe6 fxe6 20.c2 with a
solid advantage for White) 19.c4! c5 20.d3 xf1 21.xf1
7

b2) 6...b5 has been tested a couple of times. A possible play is 7.a4 b4 8.g2 b7
9.0-0 a6 (in case of 9...xc3 10.bxc3 f6 11.c1!? bd7 12.f4 d8 13.a3 d5 14.d6)
10.e4 d7 11.f4 b6 12.d6 (12.b3!?) 12...xd6 13.xd6+ e7 14.xb7 xb7
15.axb5 xb5!? 16.d2 gf6 17.c2 b6 and though Black is still a pawn up
White's chances should definitely be preferred
7.g2 d5 8.0-0 b5 9.e4 (9.a4!? is worthy of consideration) 9...xc3 10.bxc3 a3!
Excellent! Black finds a very unusual but quite safe square for the bishop. At the
same time it prevents a2a4... 11.f4 a5 12.e5 0-0 13.h5 d8 (13...xc3!?
looks dangerous but who knows...) 14.ab1! Intending Nc4. 14...a6 15.h3!?
White finds a creative way to disturb Black's development. 15...e8 16.d5 This
position arose in the game Sasikiran Malakhov/WJun Yerevan 2000. At first sight
White is overwhelming but after a very strange looking 16...c8! with idea ...f7f6
it is not so clear how White can maintain his initiative.
c) 6.e4 b5 7.e2 gives Black a good opportunity to fortify his Qside pawn massive
without ...Bf8b4: 7...b7 8.0-0 f6 9.a4 a6 with acceptable play. Then the attempt
to break Black's defence by 10.axb5 cxb5 11.xf6 gxf6 12.d5 only helps Black to
occupy some good squares with his pieces after 12...c5 13.dxe6?! fxe6 14.d4?!
d7! 15.h5+ f8-+ and White cannot keep the position complicated without
further sacrifices, which do not look dangerous for Black.
6...b4 7.e4 b5 8.e2 The main continuation. White completes the development of the
kingside and obtains good compensation for the pawn. According to the tournament
practice, Black is not so bad but his position is really dangerous and White's chances
look preferable.
a) 8.c2 is a rare but playable option. Then is case of 8...f6 (8...b7!? deserves
attention, avoiding the weakening of the Kside: 9.e2 d7 10.0-0 xc3 11.bxc3 gf6
transposing to the main line 8. Be2) 9.xf6 gxf6 10.e2 b7 11.0-0 White obtains
excellent compensation for the pawn: 11...a6 12.b3 A typical undermining move
White opens files on the Qside, disturbs the Black bishop on b4 and gets some vital
squares for his pieces. 12...cxb3 13.xb3 xc3 (A risky looking 13...e7!? deserves
more thorough analysis.) 14.xc3 e7 (In case of 14...0-0 White could have taken the
initiative by 15.axb5 axb5 16.xa8 xa8 17.d5!) 15.axb5 cxb5 16.d5 0-0 17.d4
White's chances should be preferred without any doubts. Black's pieces are rather
passive and his king is vulnerable due to the damaged Kside pawn structure,
Malakhatko Kim/St. Petersburg 2003.
b) 8.d2!? deserves attention. Then possible is 8...a6 9.axb5 cxb5 10.xb5 axb5
11.xa8 b7 12.a1 xe4 13.g4 f5 14.g3 d6 15.h3 d5 16.e2 e7 and
now White can achieve a small advantage by playing 17.xe7! xe7 (17...xe7
18.f3) 18.h5+ d7 19.f3 Yet, Black's play could probably be improved at the
early stage.
c) 8.g3 has also been tried. A possible play is 8...f6 9.xf6 gxf6 10.g2 b7 11.00 d7 12.axb5 xc3 13.bxc3 cxb5 14.d5 c5 15.d4 with a very good
compensation for the pawn but Black's play can certainly be improved.
d) An immediate 8.d5 is hardly dangerous for Black, who can continue by 8...b7!?
9.e2?! (9.dxe6 is better) 9...cxd5 10.exd5 xd5 11.axb5 d7 12.0-0 xc3 13.bxc3
gf6 14.d4 0-0 15.a4 e5! 16.h4 e4! with a clear advantage.

8...d7!? (The position after 8...f6 9.xf6 gxf6 10.0-0 b7 11.axb5 xc3 12.bxc3 cxb5 13.d5
seems to be fairly risky for Black, according to the tournament practice) 9.axb5!?
(The straightforward 9.d5 can be met by 9...gf6 10.dxc6 xc6 with a good play for
Black., 9.0-0 xc3 10.bxc3 gf6 11.c2 b7 leads to a very complicated position. White
would continue by 12.c1!? a6 13.e1 c5 with unclear and doubleedged play)
9...cxb5 10.0-0 b7!? (in case of 10...xc3 11.bxc3 b7 White gets a superior position
by 12.d5 exd5 13.exd5 gf6 14.d6 c6 15.h4 followed by Be2f3, Nh4f5) 11.d5!?
(11.c2 gf6 12.e5 d5 13.d2 e7 14.b3 cxb3 15.xb3 xc3 16.xc3 b4 with a good play
for Black.) 11...gf6 12.dxe6 fxe6 13.d4 and White gets initiative.
5...f6 is considered risky for Black but some players may still find it attractive.
5...f6 transposes to the Botvinnik Variation.

6.xe7 xe7

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6...xe7 looks dubious as Black is getting behind in development, for example: 7.e4 b5
8.e5 b4 9.c2 e7 10.0-0-0 d5 11.e4 with strong initiative.

7.a4
7.e3 leads to more complicated play as White is not going to win the pawn back: 7...b5 8.a4
d5! A typical method of securing the pawn on b5. (8...b4 9.a2 a5 10.xc4 followed
by c1-b3 gives White a small but stable advantage) 9.e2 xc3 (9...d7!? deserves
attention, not opening the bfile so early) 10.bxc3 d7 11.b1 (11.d2!? was
interesting. After 11...f6 12.f3 d5 13.c2 followed by Ne4 White would have
achieved good compensation for the pawn) 11...a6 The game Beliavsky
Ivanchuk/Lviv 2000 continued by 12.d2 b8! 13.f3 c5! 14.axb5 axb5 and Black
had nothing to worry about.

7...d5
In case of 7...0-0 8.e4 c5 9.xc4 cxd4 10.xd4 xd4 11.xd4 bc6 12.0-0-0!? d7
13.db5 fd8 14.d2 followed by h1-d1 White gets the better chances in the
endgame.
9

8.a5 c5
An alternative 8...b5!? is not as ambitious as it looks Black still plays for equality. Yet,
White can get some advantage after 9.axb6 xb6 10.g3!? (after 10.e3 8d7 11.d2 0-0
12.xc4 c5= Black solved the problems in the game P.H.Nielsen Tregubov/New
York 2000) 10...8d7 11.g2 b7 12.0-0 c7 13.a5

9.e4

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9.e3 does not promise much: 9...0-0 10.xc4 cxd4 11.exd4 c6 with acceptable play for
Black

9...b4!
This clever idea might solve all Black's problems.
For some strange reason Black used to take on c3, fortifying White's center but it failed to
equalise: 9...xc3 10.bxc3 c7 (10...cxd4 11.cxd4 c3 does not equalise completely:
12.c1 0-0 13.xc3 c6 14.e2 d7 15.0-0 with a stable advantage for White) 11.a4+
d7 12.xc4 0-0 13.e2 (13.d3?! is much weaker as the d3square is not quite safe
for the bishop: 13...c8 14.d5 a6 and Black takes the initiative) 13...c8 14.d5 and
the passed pawn on d5 secures a stable advantage for White, Ovsejevitsch
Krapivin/Budapest 2003.

10.dxc5
White's best option.
10.d5 can be well met by 10...exd5 11.xd5 xd5 12.xd5 e7!? (12...0-0 is also playable:
13.xd8 xd8 14.xc4 c6 and so on) 13.xc4 c6 and Black is doing well.

10...xd1+
10...8a6!? is also worth considering.

10

11.xd1!?
At first sight this capture seems illogical but in fact it had sense as White may need his rook
on afile, supporting his a5pawn.
In the game Kipper Nyback/GERchT Bremen 2010 Black had no problems after
11.xd1 8a6 12.xc4 xc5 followed by ...e8e7 when White had some
difficulties to arrange his rooks.

11...8a6 12.xc4 xc5 13.e2 e7 14.hd1 d7

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and Black should be able to hold the balance without serious problems.

11

Noteboom/2 4...dc4 various deviations

[D31]
Last updated: 01/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.f3 e6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4

Delaying with a2a4 would give Black more comfortable options: 5.g3 b5 (or 5...f6 6.g2
bd7 7.a4 e7!? 8.0-0 0-0 9.e4 e5! with excellent counter chances for Black.)

5...b4 6.g3

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Shifting to a Catalan type of position has never been harmful for Black in the Noteboom.
However, accurate play is required.

6...c5!?

12

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An interesting attempt Black wants to undouble his cpawns as quickly as possible,
which would promote development of his Qside pieces. On the other hand, it might
increase the power of White's lightsquared bishop...
6...b5 7.g2 b7 8.0-0 gives White good compensation for the pawn, according to
tournament practice. Yet some players may still be happy with the extra pawn after
8...a6 then White has a number of possibilities, such as 9.e4!? (9.e5, 9.e4, or 9.c2
with idea b2b3.)
6...f6 is a solid alternative: 7.g2 0-0 (7...bd7!? 8.0-0 0-0 followed by ...Qd8e7 is one of
the most reliable Black's options. According to the ECO it belongs to Catalan
Opening while it often arises via the Meran Slav order of moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5. g3 dc4 6.a4 Bb4 7.Bg2 Nbd7 etc.) 8.0-0 (An immediate 8.e5
would have been met with 8...c5!?) 8...c5 (8...bd7!? is a solid choice, as has been
mentioned above) Perhaps 9.a2!? Perhaps the most promising option. (in the game
Le Quang Liem Saptarshi/Manila 2010, White tried 9.dxc5 c6 10.g5!? and here
10...h6 11.xf6 xf6 seemed more reliable, clarifying situation on the Kside) 9...c6
(9...a5 10.dxc5) and here White has an interesting 10.xb4!? (10.c2 cxd4 11.xb4
xb4 12.xc4 c6 13.f4 only gives White sufficient compensation for the pawn)
10...cxb4 11.d2!? (11.g5!? deserves attention as well: 11...h6 12.xf6 xf6 13.c1 e5
14.xc4 exd4 15.xd4 d8 16.xc6 bxc6 17.e3 with a stable advantage) 11...a5 (or
11...b6 12.c1 a5 13.e5! xd4 14.xb4! xe5 15.d6! xb2 16.b1!? a2 17.xf8)
12.g5! h6 13.xf6 xf6 14.c1 c3!? (if 14...e5 then 15.d5! and Black's knight does
not have a5square to retreat) 15.bxc3 d8 16.b3 and if 16...bxc3 then 17.e3 with

a small but stable advantage for White.

7.g2
Let's take a look at the other possibilities.
7.e3 can be well met by 7...f6 8.dxc5 (or 8.g2 c6 (8...d5!? 9.d2 c6 10.e4 f6)
9.dxc5 0-0 10.0-0 g4 11.d2 xc5 12.c2 f5 13.ad1 b6 with better chances
for Black) 8...d5 (8...0-0!?) 9.d2 a6!? 10.e4 xc3 11.bxc3 a5 12.xc4 xc5
13.e2 0-0 14.0-0 d7 with a good play
7.e3!? looks a bit awkward with a combination with g2g3 but it might be playable. The
point is that in a typical position with isolated pawn, which logically arises after
13

7...f6 8.xc4 0-0 9.0-0 cxd4 10.exd4 White gets two (!) extra tempi compare to
the classical NimzoIndian Rubinstein variation. These pawn advances a2a4 and
g2g3 do not look too useful for him but it still might be sufficient for a slight edge.
For example, 10...b6 11.e5 b7 12.b3 and so on
7.dxc5 xd1+ 8.xd1 f6 is fine for Black: 9.e5 c6!? 10.xc6 bxc6 11.g2 d7
12.a5 xc5 13.a4 d5! (13...e7 14.xc4 d6 15.c2 d5 16.d1 hc8 17.e4 b4
18.c5 was clearly better for White in the game Piza Matlak, Czechia 1999) 14.f1
(14.xc4 xf2!) 14...xc3+ 15.bxc3 b8 16.xc4 b5 with a good play in the ending.
Finally, 7.g5 is not so dangerous for Black: 7...f6 (7...a5!?) 8.g2 c6 (8...h6!?) 9.dxc5
and here simplifying the position deserved attention: 9...xd1+!? (9...a5 10.0-0 0-0?!
was clearly better for White after 11.xf6 gxf6 12.e4 g7 13.c1! xc5 14.xf6! e7
15.g4 h5 16.c3+ g8 17.e3 Avrukh Maksimenko, Katowice 1993) 10.xd1
d5 with acceptable play.

7...c6 8.e3

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8.dxc5 xd1+ 9.xd1 f6 10.d2 a5 is completely okay for Black.

8...ge7!?
A clever idea Black forces White to capture on c5.
However, the natural 8...f6 should also be good, according to tournament practice. For
example, 9.0-0 g4!? 10.e5 cxe5 11.dxe5 xe3 12.xd8+ xd8 13.fxe3 e7
and so on.

9.dxc5
9.0-0?! f5 would have been a problem only for White.

9...d5 10.d2 xc5!?

This capture seems more reliable for Black.

14

In the game Harikrishna Nyback/Wijk aan Zee 2010, Black played 10...xc3 11.xc3
xc3+ 12.bxc3 a5 13.0-0 xc5 and after 14.b1!? White has maintained pressure
on his opponent's Qside.

11.0-0 0-0 12.c2

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White keeps sufficient compensation for the pawn but Black can be also satisfied with his
position.

15

Noteboom/3 7. Bd2 a5 various 8th

moves [D31]
Last updated: 01/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.c3 c6 4.f3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5

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8.b1!?
This very strangelooking move is rather interesting. It creates an immediate threat to the
Black pawn mass on the queenside 9. ab5 and it is not so easy to parry.

8...d7!?

16

XIIIIIIIIY
9rsn-wqk+ntr0
9+-+l+pzpp0
9-+p+p+-+0
9zpp+-+-+-0
9PvlpzP-+-+0
9+-sN-zPN+-0
9-zP-vL-zPPzP0
9+R+QmKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
Certainly it's not the best square for the bishop but maybe an extra pawn slightly justifies
the inconvenience?!
8...a6 is also playable. After 9.e5 f6 White has 10.xc6 (10.g4!? is in the spirit of
position. A possible play is 10...0-0 11.g2 d5 12.0-0 a7 13.f4 f6 14.xc6 xc6 15.axb5
xd4 16.exd4 b7 17.e2 e8 18.xc4 b6 19.e2 xg2 20.xg2 d7!? with good
counterplay) but it does not promise too much: 10...xc6 11.axb5 xd4 12.bxa6
b3 13.xc4 xd2 14.xd2 xd2+ 15.xd2 e4+ 16.e2 (in case of 16.c2 xf2
17.hc1 g4 18.b3 xe3 19.b5+ e7 20.a2 d6 21.a4 a very sharp and unclear
endgame may arise ) 16...xc3 17.d3 followed by e4 with equality.
The strange looking 8...bxa4!? seems dubious at first sight Black is just taking
everything, not being much worried about his pawn structure. However, it is not a
simple truth. First of all, it will take two moves for White to get two pawns back
and, secondly, the only real weakness Black gets after all is his c6pawn but to
prepare a typical advance ...c6c5 does not seem to be a difficult task. 9.xa4 f6
10.xc4 0-0 11.0-0 bd7 The position reminds some lines of the Meran Variation.
As a rule, Black's task is to advance ...c6c5 to solve the problem of his both c
pawn and the lightsquared bishop. 12.c1 Black can already be happy the move
8. Rb1 has proved to be useless! 12...e7! A good idea. (in case of 12...b7 13.e2
e7 14.xb4 xb4 15.e1! Black fails to advance his cpawn and so faces problems)
13.d3 It seems that White successfully prevents ...c6c5 but Black has another way
to get the lightsquared bishop into play: 13...e5! and the activity of the Black pieces
was proved to be a good compensation for the weak c6pawn, Gupta
Sandipan/Mumbai 2003.

9.e5 f6

17

XIIIIIIIIY
9rsn-wqk+-tr0
9+-+l+pzpp0
9-+p+psn-+0
9zpp+-sN-+-0
9PvlpzP-+-+0
9+-sN-zP-+-0
9-zP-vL-zPPzP0
9+R+QmKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
10.f3!?
In the game Komljenovich R.Scherbakov/Paris 1996 White has tried 10.g3 but Black
achieved a comfortable play without much problems: 10...0-0 11.g2 a6! In
similar positions one should not be worried about leaving the knight on b8 without a
move let it stay home! The rook is much more useful on a6 than on a7. 12.0-0
e8!? 13.f4 d5 and Black is at least not worse.
The more aggressive 10.g4!? is interesting it combines the same idea of fianchettoing the
bishop with possible advance of the gpawn. However, Black is doing well: 10...0-0
11.g2 a7! Preparing for the gpawn advance. 12.0-0 e8 13.g5 (or 13.f4 d5
14.e4 b6 15.e3 f6 16.f3 (in the game Malinin Galkin/St.Petersburg 1999
White found himself in lost position after 16.d5? cxd5 17.f3 (17.exd5 fxe5 18.dxe6
c7) 17...d7 18.d4 xa4 19.xa4 bxa4 20.exd5 exd5-+) 16...xc3 (16...f5!?)
17.bxc3 xa4 18.c2 and White is not without compensation although Black's
chances are preferable) 13...fd7! 14.xd7 (14.xc6? was a clear mistake in the
game Janssen Galkin/WCh U20 Yerevan 1999: 14...xc6 15.xc6 xg5+ 16.h1
bxa4! 17.e4 h4 18.g1 f6! and Black secured a big advantage) 14...xd7 15.f4 with
unclear play but I would still prefer Black.

10...a7 11.e2 0-0 12.0-0

18

XIIIIIIIIY
9-sn-wq-trk+0
9tr-+l+pzpp0
9-+p+psn-+0
9zpp+-sN-+-0
9PvlpzP-+-+0
9+-sN-zPQ+-0
9-zP-vLLzPPzP0
9+R+-+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
The position is very complicated, with chances for both sides.

19

Noteboom/4 10. b3 Bb7 11. d5 &15...e5

[D31]
Last updated: 01/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.f3 c6 3.c4 e6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.d5

XIIIIIIIIY
9rsn-wqk+ntr0
9+l+-+pzpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zpp+P+-+-0
9-+p+-+-+0
9+PvL-zPN+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+QmKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
An old main line, which recently doesn't bother Black very much.

11...f6 12.bxc4 b4 13.xf6 xf6 14.a4+ d7 15.d4 e5 16.b3 e7

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+-tr0
9+l+nmkpzpp0
9-+-+-wq-+0
9zp-+Pzp-+-0
9QzpP+-+-+0
9+N+-zP-+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-mKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
20

17.e2
Some 1520 years ago the move 17.b5 was supposed to be an attempt to refute the whole
Noteboom but later it turned out that only White can face the problems here. After
17...a6 White's best move is probably 18.c6!? (recent theory says that after
18.xa5 hb8 19.d6+ e8!

XIIIIIIIIY
9rtr-+k+-+0
9+-+n+pzpp0
9l+-zP-wq-+0
9wQ-+-zp-+-0
9-zpP+-+-+0
9+N+-zP-+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-mKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
White has serious problems as he is behind in development (During more than 20 years the
position after 19...xd6?! 20.c5 d5 21.xa6 was known in theory as almost
winning for White but recently Black introduced an interesting idea: 21...xg2!?
trying to keep the White king in trouble. (21...xb3 can be strongly met by 22.0-0
e6 23.c7!! and after 23...xa6 24.xa6 xa6 25.d1 a4 26.xd7+ (26.d6+! is
maybe even stronger: 26...e8 27.c6 d8 28.h3! with a deadly threat Rd1-d5 followed
by c6xd5) 26...xd7 27.xe5+ e6 28.xb8+ White has gets an almost winning
endgame, as was proved in some games) 22.0-0-0!? (22.e2!? deserved serious
attention: 22...g4+ 23.d2 e6 24.hb1 a7! but, despite White has got an extra piece
just for one pawn, the position is not so clear. All White's pieces are crowded on the
Qside while his king is not quite safe so Black's counter chances should not be
underestimated) 22...c6 This position arose in the game Sukharev
Arzumanian/Kharkov 2003, which continued 23.xd7+! xd7 24.d1+ e7
25.d6 and White has achieved the better chances) ) 18...xc6 19.dxc6 b6
20.xa5 (20.xa5?! is inaccurate as after 20...xc4 Black gains the initiative.)
20...xc4 (After 20...xc4 only Black can have problems: 21.c5 b2 22.xe5+ d6
23.g5 xf1 24.xf1 a2 25.e2!) 21.xc4 (Of course not 21.xe5+?? d6) 21...xc4
22.c5 a3! A precise move. (after 22...b2 23.e2 a3 24.d2 e6 25.b5 d3 26.d1
it is already White who can hope to take the initiative.) 23.xc4 xb3 24.e2 c8
25.d1 c7 26.d5 e6 27.b5 c3= Further exchanges are inevitable after which a
dead drawn ending arises, Hackel Stangl/Germany BL 1999.

17...hc8
17...d6

21

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+-tr0
9+l+nmkpzpp0
9-+-wq-+-+0
9zp-+Pzp-+-0
9QzpP+-+-+0
9+N+-zP-+-0
9-+-+LzPPzP0
9tR-+-mK-+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
is supposed to be less precise since a new plan by Yuri Shulman put certain problems for
Black: 18.f4! (18.xa5? was proved to be bad in the game Czerwonski
Krasenkow/chPOL Plock 2000: 18...xa5 19.xa5 a8 20.xa8 xa8 21.xa8 b3! 22.0-0
b4 23.a7 b2 24.d3 b6! 25.a2 b3 26.b1 c5 and White is in trouble his pawns
are firmly blockaded, and he has no way to prevent a knight invasion on c3., 18.0-0
c5 19.xc5 xc5 is almost fine for Black.) 18...hc8 (in case of 18...exf4 White
continues by 19.0-0) 19.0-0 c5
a) Both 19...b6 20.b5 a6 21.fxe5! (21.c5 xc5!)
b) and 19...f8 20.xa5 b6 21.xb7! were bad for Black
20.xc5 xc5 21.ad1 A very good move. White strengthens the dpawn, preparing to
advance it after fe5 and at the same time he is ready to include his queen in the
attack via a1 or c2 which was not possible previously. (21.c2?! was dubious:
21...xd5! 22.f3 e4 23.cxd5 xc2 24.xe4 c7) 21...e4 22.a1 f8 (both 22...f6 23.d4,
and 22...f6 23.b1 were unsatisfactory for Black) 23.e5! and Black faced
problems in the game Shulman San Segundo/Pamplona 1996.

18.d1
18.g4? is a clear mistake as was proved in the game San Segundo Carrillo Galkin/EU
ch Ohrid, Macedonia 2001: 18...d6 19.0-0 (19.xa5? is bad for White due to
19...c5! 20.xb7 xa4 21.xa4 g6 22.0-0 xg4 23.xc5 xc5 24.xb4 e2 with
reasonable winning chances thanks to the possibility of the pawn attack on the
kingside) 19...xc4 20.xd7 xd7 21.xd7+ xd7 22.xa5 (22.xa5 was similar:
22...xa5 23.xa5 c3!) 22...c3! (was White seriously hoping to catch the opponent
by 22...c7? 23.d6!) 23.e4 (the bishop is untouchable: 23.xb7 xa1 24.xa1 b3-+ and
Black is winning) 23...a6 24.fe1 b5-+ The ending is very difficult, probably lost
for White. It is unclear how he can fight against Black's passed pawn his knight
looks very poor against the rival's bishop.
18.0-0 c5 19.xc5 xc5 can lead to the main line after 20.ad1 (or 20.f4 e4 (20...exf4?! is
dubious as after 21.xf4 e5 22.af1 White gets a strong initiative) 21.ad1 f8 and
so on) 20...f8 (20...a6? is bad for Black: 21.c2 a4 22.f4! b3 23.e4! and White is
overwhelming) 21.f4 and so on.

22

18...c5 19.xc5 xc5 20.f4 f8 21.0-0

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-mk-+0
9+l+-+pzpp0
9-+-+-wq-+0
9zp-trPzp-+-0
9QzpP+-zP-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-+L+PzP0
9+-+R+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
21...e4
Black has other good options.
21...d8 is also playable: 22.a1 (White has also tried some other moves but without much
success, for example: 22.fxe5 xe5 23.f3 c8! A typical manoeuvre Black transfers
his passive bishop to d7, where it can support his passed pawns. 24.df1 f6 This
position arose in the game Richardson Van der Vorm/Lichfield 2000. Certainly
Black's chances should be preferred. His positional pluses are clear and White has no
real play to compensate for these) 22...e8 23.b1 g8 24.d3 h6 Black has
solved all the problems and stands slightly better.
21...e8!? deserves serious attention. Then 22.d7?! can be well met by 22...c8! 23.a7
e7 with a clear advantage for Black.

22.d4 e8
Tournament practice promises good prospects for Black. The game Platonov
J.Geller/RUSch Togliatti 2003, continued

23.a1
In case of 23.g4 Black should quickly get his bishop into play by attacking the c4pawn:
23...a6!

23...c8!
A typical manoeuvre the bishop on b7 is restricted by the White pawns so Black moves it
to an active position.

24.d6 d8 25.ad1 d7

23

XIIIIIIIIY
9-+-tr-mk-+0
9+-+l+pzpp0
9-+-zP-wq-+0
9zp-tr-+-+-0
9QzpPtRpzP-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-+L+PzP0
9+-+R+-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
and Black's Qside pawns have eventually decided the game.

24

Noteboom/5 10. b3 Bb7 11.d5 various

15th moves [D31]
Last updated: 01/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.f3 c6 3.c4 e6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.d5 f6 12.bxc4 b4 13.xf6 xf6 14.a4+
d7 15.d4

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+k+-tr0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+pwq-+0
9zp-+P+-+-0
9QzpPsN-+-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-mKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
15...e7!

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+-tr0
9+l+nmkpzpp0
9-+-+pwq-+0
9zp-+P+-+-0
9QzpPsN-+-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-mKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
25

A rare option, which has been considered too risky for Black during many years. However,
it might actually be the simplest way to solve Black's problems.
15...exd5? is known to be dubious. White has got two promising options: 16.c5 (or 16.cxd5!?
xd5 17.b5 a7 18.0-0) 16...c8! (not 16...a6? 17.xa5 b7 18.xa8+ xa8 19.xa8+
e7 20.xh8 g6 21.e2 b1+ 22.d1 d3 23.c2 c3+ 24.e2 c4+ 25.f3+) 17.b5
although Black still keeps defending the worse position after 17...e7
There is another playable option: 15...e7!?, which I have analysed many years ago. In fact
it is also not bad for Black at all: 16.b5 (16.c5 xd5 17.b5 a7 18.xd7+ xd7 19.xa5
0-0 is okay for Black, while after 16.dxe6?! fxe6 17.b5 Black might think about
17...b8!, grabbing the initiative) 16...b8! The only move. (Both 16...a6?
17.xa5!+, and 16...a7?! 17.e2!? are insufficient for Black) 17.xa5 (17.xa5 0-0)
17...xd5! (not 17...0-0? 18.a7 c5 19.e2 and White gets time for development of his
Kside) 18.a4 e4! (not 18...b7 19.c5! 0-0 20.c6 and if 20...e5?! then 21.f5 e6 22.d3
xc6 23.xc6! xc6 24.e7+ h8 25.xc6 bc8 26.b5 b8 27.xb8 c1+ 28.e2 xh1
29.d7 c8 30.xe5) 19.f3 e5! and White faces problems due to his lack in

development.

16.d6+
This pawn push was supposed to be dangerous for Black. However, it is far from truth.
16.b5?! would be met by a simple 16...hb8
while in case of 16.e2?! Black can already think about 16...exd5 17.cxd5
a) both 17.b5 b6! 18.f5+ d8
b) and 17.0-0 hc8! 18.g4 c7 19.cxd5 b6! 20.d6+! (20.b5 xd5) 20...f8!
21.d1 (21.b5 xd6 22.xa5 xa5 23.xa5 c5) 21...c5! (21...xd6?? 22.e6+!)
22.d7 d8 give better chances for Black, too
17...xd5! (17...hd8 18.0-0 was okay for White in the game Hillarp Persson Ragnarsson,
Reykjavik 1998) 18.0-0 hc8 and White has to fight for equality.
16.d1 exd5 17.cxd5 xd5 (17...hd8!?) 18.b5 e4 followed by ...Rh8b8 is also better for
Black.

16...xd6
The only way.
Of course, not 16...d8?? 17.b5+ followed by c4c5.

17.d1

26

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+-tr0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-mkpwq-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9QzpPsN-+-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9+-+RmKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
17...c5!

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+-tr0
9+l+-+pzpp0
9-+-mkpwq-+0
9zp-sn-+-+-0
9QzpPsN-+-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-+-zPPzP0
9+-+RmKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
This brave knight' sortie is very interesting and probably solves Black's problems.
Moreover, it might already be White who has to fight for equality!
17...hd8?!, which has been tried many times, is insufficient: 18.c5+! (18.b5? c7,
18.c6+? c7 19.xd8 c3+-+) 18...xc5 (18...c7? 19.c6 b6 20.b5+, 18...xc5?
19.xe6+!) 19.b5 dc8! (19...ac8? 20.c6+! c7 21.xa5+ xc6 22.b5#) 20.f5+
e5 21.d6 d5! (21...e7? 22.c4+) 22.xc8 xc8 23.xa5! (in case of 23.c4
Black can simply play 23...xc4!? (after 23...xg2?! 24.g1 f3?! (24...f3 25.e2)
25.xa5 f6 White could have obtained decisive advantage by 26.a1+! e5
27.d6+! e6 28.d5 xd5 29.xd5 xd5 30.f4 (30.g4!?) 30...c3 31.fxe5+ xe5
32.e2+) 24.xc4 f5! 25.0-0 g6 with sufficient compensation for the
exchange) 23...b3 and here White could have secured the better chances by 24.f3!
d6 (24...f5 25.e4+ xe4 26.fxe4+ g6 27.b4, 24...h4+ 25.g3) 25.e4! (25.e2 e7
26.0-0) 25...xe4 26.b4+! (26.fxe4? h4+) 26...c5 27.a6! e5+ 28.f2 c7
29.c1
A safe retreat 17...e7? is actually bad for Black: 18.f5+ exf5 (18...f8 is even worse:
19.xd7 c3+ 20.d1 exf5 21.xb7+) 19.xd7+ (not 19.xd7+? f8 20.xb7 c3+
21.e2 xc4+ with perpetual check) 19...e6 20.f3! (20.xb7? c3+=) 20...f4 (or
27

20...hd8 21.xb7 b2 22.e2+) 21.exf4 he8 and here White could have secured

decisive advantage by 22.xb7 xf4 23.e2 f6 24.b6+! e7 25.c6!+

However, another retreat 17...c7!? deserves serious attention: 18.c5!? (18.b5+ d8
19.d6 can be parried by 19...c7! 20.xb7 c3+ 21.d2 b6 22.d1! (otherwise White
is simply bad) 22...xb7 23.f3+ a7 24.xf7+ b8 25.xe6 c1+ 26.d1 c3+ 27.d2
with repetition of moves) 18...d5 and Black is doing well.

18.b3+
A tempting 18.b5 may actually bring problems only for White: 18...hc8! 19.f5+ (or
19.b3+ e7 20.xc5 c3+ 21.e2 (21.d2 c6 22.b6 d8 23.d3 e4 24.c5+ e8
25.e5 xd3! 26.b5+ f8 27.xd3 xd3) 21...c6 22.b6 xc4+ 23.e1 (23.d3 b3
24.c1 a6!) 23...c3+ 24.e2 a4 and so on) 19...e5 There is no way back!
20.d6 e7 21.xc8 xc8! 22.b6 and here a simple 22...b7! could have already
promised Black a tangible advantage in the game Gupta Aswin/Subic Bay 2009.
White's queen was locked on the Qside while he couldn't quickly get his Kside
pieces. Meanwhile Black was going to move his king from the center and begin to
slowly push his connected passers. For example, 23.f3 f6 24.d3 b3 25.0-0 g6 and
so on.

18...e7 19.xc5 c3+ 20.d2 hd8 21.c2 xd2 22.xd2 a1+ 23.d1
Surely not 23.e2? d8 24.c2 a4! 25.xa4 a8-+ and Black wins.

23...c3+ 24.d2 a1+=

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+-+0
9+l+-mkpzpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zp-sN-+-+-0
9-zpP+-+-+0
9+-+-zP-+-0
9-+-wQ-zPPzP0
9wq-+-mKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
and Black gives perpetual check.

28

Noteboom/6 Main line 15. Nd2 [D31]

Last updated: 28/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.f3 c6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.bxc4 b4 12.b2 f6 13.d3 bd7 14.0-0
0-0

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+LzPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
A start position of this system. There are a lot of possible continuations but they often leads
to the same positions. It looks natural to advance the pawn to e4 and White can try to
realise by moving the rook to e1 or the queen to c2. In latter case he can also play
with the rook at any move, or play c4c5 before e3e4 etc. For good understanding
and playing of this kind of position it is much more important to know White's
possible plans and Black's correct reactions for all of them rather than some
particular lines.

15.d2!?

29

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+LzP-+-0
9-vL-sN-zPPzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
White intends to build a formidable pawn centre by f2f4, e3e4 etc.
White can also carry on this plan with inclusion of 15.c2 c7 and now 16.d2 In the
game Nedela R.Scherbakov/CapellelaGrande 1996 Black continued by a natural
16...e5 (16...a4!?) 17.f4!? exd4 (17...exf4?! is weaker as after 18.xf4 fe8 19.h4! with
the idea e3e4 White takes the initiative) 18.exd4 (18.xd4?! fd8!? with the idea
...d7c5 is just better for Black) 18...fe8! In such kinds of position Black should
play very precisely trying to get some play before White manages to open the
diagonal for the darksquared bishop by d4d5 and at the same time cut off Black's
bishop on b7. In this case it will be difficult for Black to defend his king and at the
same time block White's c and dpawns. (Premature was 18...a4 19.d5 b6+
20.h1 h6 (20...a3!? was not so clear: 21.xf6 xf6 22.c5 c7 23.c6 a6) 21.f3 c5
22.d4 and White is better because the bishop on b7 is too passive) 19.h3 (White
had to waste time since after 19.d5?! black takes the initiative by 19...b6+ 20.h1
g4! and after 21.xh7+ h8 (21...f8!?) 22.f5 f2+ 23.xf2 xf2 White cannot
create threats against the black king because he has to defend against Re1 mate first)
19...h6

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+r+k+0
9+lwqn+pzp-0
9-+-+-sn-zp0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-zP-+0
9+-+L+-+P0
9-vLQsN-+P+0
9tR-+-+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
The position is very complicated and quite playable for both sides.

15...e5
30

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+-sn-+0
9zp-+-zp-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+LzP-+-0
9-vL-sN-zPPzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
The most logical reaction.
15...c6?! is premature: 16.c2 c7 and here White's central advance 17.e4! is strong.
Then an attempt to get counter chances by 17...a4 does not work well. (the thematic
17...e5 would cost two tempi after 18.d5) 18.xa4 (18.d5!? is maybe even stronger:
18...b3 (or 18...exd5 19.exd5 b3 20.xb3 axb3 21.dxc6 xa1 22.xa1 xc6 23.xb3) 19.xb3
axb3 20.dxc6 xa1 21.xa1 xc6 22.e5! with a healthy extra pawn for White)
18...xe4 19.xe4 xe4 20.e1 c6 (20...f6 21.d5) 21.c2 and Black has lost his
main trump, the connected passers on the Qside, so White can pressurize
comfortably.
15...c7 is playable but much more risky: 16.f4
a) the restrained 16.f3!? is also worth considering. White is not in a hurry to push his
pawns forward at first he wants to improve his pieces, mainly his knight, which
can go to c4d6 after c4c5 or sometimes to f1-g3f5. 16...e5

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzpp0
9-+-+-sn-+0
9zp-+-zp-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+LzPP+-0
9-vL-sN-+PzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
(There is nothing wrong with this thematic pawn advance, however, Black may also think
about other options, such as 16...c6!? 17.c2 fb8) 17.c2

a1) in the game Ganguly Delchev/KhantyMansiysk (ol) 2010 White tried

17.h1!? and here the natural 17...fe8 should have been preferred. Then in case of
18.d5 (or 18.c2 h6 with acceptable play) he has to find some work for his bishop by
playing 18...a6!? by analogy with the game Nedela Scherbakov/Capellela
Grande 1996 (while the natural 18...c5 19.c2 c8 might be a bit premature as
31

Black's temporary loss of control over the important e5square may give White an
idea to resume his active actions in center and on the Kside by 20.f4!? (20.h3!?
a6) 20...g4 21.e1! exf4 22.h4 f5 23.exf4 and White's chances seem
preferable)
a2) 17.e1 fe8 is also fine for Black. Here the knight's manoeuvre 18.f1?! (in
such cases White may limit himself to a cautious 18.c2 ) can be always met by
18...e4 19.e2 exf3! 20.gxf3 a6! 21.c5 ae6 with excellent counter chances
17...fe8 (taking into consideration that White is going to shift his knight to d6 Black
would think about other options, such as 17...h6 but in fact it is not so easy to find
useful moves, and besides, White would also find some move of this kind, for
example, 18.h1 and Black should determine position of his rook anyway) 18.c5
(18.fc1 does not bother Black very much: 18...h6 (18...exd4 19.exd4 f4!?) 19.c5 (in
case of 19.f1 Black shows why he needs his rook on e8: 19...e4! 20.e2 exf3 21.gxf3
a6 22.c5 ae6 with excellent counter chances) 19...c6 20.c4 a4! 21.dxe5 xe5
22.d6 (22.xe5?! xe5 23.xe5 xe5) 22...e7 with good counterplay) 18...exd4!
19.exd4 (19.xd4 e5) 19...c6 20.c4 a4 21.d6 e6! and Black is ready to
sacrifice the exchange as his Qside pawns are already rather annoying.
b) The straightforward 16.e4 e5 17.f4?! looks interesting but Black has got an
adequate response: 17...exd4 18.e5 c5! (in practice Black always played 18...c6,
which is also good) 19.exf6 (19.f5 fe4) 19...xd3 20.g4 g6 21.xd4 fe8 and
White is in big trouble.
16...a4

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9+-+-+-+-0
9pzpPzP-zP-+0
9+-+LzP-+-0
9-vL-sN-+PzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
17.b1
a) of course, White cannot take the pawn with 17.xa4? because of 17...c6
b) 17.c1 can be met by 17...c6!? 18.e4 and here it was clearly better to continue
by 18...a3! (18...b7?! is weaker: 19.d5 exd5 20.exd5 a7+ 21.h1 b7 22.f3 fe8 23.e5
with better chances, A.Panchenko, R.Scherbakov &Co Gleizerov, Sorokin &
Co/Volynshchino (consultation game) 1987) 19.a1 and after 19...b7 20.d5 a4
the position is unclear White has to be very careful with the Black pawns, too.
c) an ambitious 17.e4?! is dubious as White cannot keep his center under proper
control: 17...a3 18.c1 fd8! This move has been supposed to be bad but in fact it is
maybe the simplest way to punish White. (18...d6! is also strong enough: 19.d5
exd5 20.exd5 fe8!? This seems more reliable. (or 20...xd5 21.cxd5 xd5 22.f3
32

c5 23.c2 (23.b1? xd1 24.xd1 b3) 23...fe8) 21.h1 c5 22.c2 xd5!

23.cxd5 xd5 and Black's initiative and his powerful Qside pawn will cost White
too much) 19.e5 and here Black has a counter blow 19...c5! 20.dxc5 (20.c2 fe4)
20...xd3 21.exf6 xc5+ 22.h1 gxf6 (or even the more direct 22...b3!? and White
faces serious problems)
17...fd8!? The most popular option. (17...c6!? 18.e4 a3 19.a1 b7 deserves attention. Yet,
after a restrained 20.e2, keeping all options alive, White's chances seem preferable)
18.e2 (18.e4? c5!, 18.a1 b3) 18...b3 (18...f8 19.e4 does not look too impressive for
Black) 19.a1 (19.a1!? deserves serious attention, firmly stopping Black's pawns)
19...b8!? An interesting manoeuvre Black is trying to improve his knight and
counter White's epawn advance. Then his fpawn push may not be so harmful for
Black. However, the position is still full of danger.
a) Black also tried other options: 19...f8 and here a simple 20.e4!? looks promising
for White
b) or 19...b6 20.e4 f8 21.e5 g4 (not 21...xd4? 22.f2!+) 22.c5 (22.xg4? xd4!)
22...b4 23.c4 h6 24.d6 c6 (24...d5?! 25.b5! with idea Ba1-c3) 25.e3! and
White's chances look preferable thanks to his formidable knight on d6 while Black's
knights are rather poor. Besides, Black still cannot advance his apawn further:
25...a3? 26.xb3! xb3? 27.xh7+! Yet, the position still remains extremely
complicated and Black might also fight his chances...
20.f5
a) 20.d5 bd7 21.e4 b6+!? 22.h1 e8 23.f3 exd5 24.cxd5 ac8 gives Black an
active play
b) while 20.e4?! can be well met by 20...c6 21.d5 (21.e5? xd4!) 21...b4
20...e7!? (on practice Black tried only 20...bd7 but perhaps it is not the best: 21.fxe6
fxe6 and here White may still hope for somewhat better chances after 22.c5!? (both
22.e4?! e5!, and 22.f3?! e4 are fine for Black) ) 21.fxe6 fxe6 The position remains
very complicated, with chances for both sides. However, now Black's Kside is
more vulnerable while his Qside pawns are stopped and perhaps this may increase
White's chances.
15...e8 may have its points, too.

16.c2!?
This retreat of the bishop, which stops the dangerous Black Qside pawns, has recently
become the main White's idea in such type of position. However, it also decreases
White's active possibilities.
It's bad for White to take the pawn by 16.dxe5? xe5 17.xh7+ xh7 18.xe5 g5
19.g3 fd8 20.c2 a4 21.fb1 c5 and White's chances to neutralise the far
advanced passed pawns are very problematic since he has no real counterplay.

16...c7 17.a4 exd4

17...b6!? is rather interesting: 18.b5 (18.dxe5? e4) 18...a4!? 19.dxe5 (19.xa4?? xa4
20.xa4 c6-+, 19.c5? a3 20.cxb6 xb6) 19...fd7 20.f4 c5 21.d4 b3 22.f5 bd7
23.f6 and here Black can play 23...g6 (23...xe5?! 24.h5 ed3 25.f5! gives White
33

excellent attacking chances) 24.xd7 xd7 25.g4 c5 26.h4 e6 27.h6 (with

the idea f4h4) 27...h8 planning ...g6g5 and ...g8g6 with excellent counter
chances. Yet, the play is extremely complicated after 17...b6!? so White would
certainly look for the other ways to develop his initiative on the Kside.

18.exd4
A logical continuation White prefers to keep connected pawns, intending to continue by
d4d5, opening his darksquared bishop and at the same time cutting off the Black
bishop on b7.
18.xd4 c6 is acceptable for Black.

18...b6 19.b5

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwq-+pzpp0
9-sn-+-sn-+0
9zpL+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+-+-+-0
9-vL-sN-zPPzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
This position arose in the game S.Ivanov J.Eriksson/Stockholm 2003, which continued

19...e4 20.xe4 xe4 21.e1 c6 22.d5 xb5 23.d4 f6 24.cxb5 fd8

25.ac1
and here Black should have played

25...b8!,
preventing d5d6 with good play.

34

Noteboom/7 Main line 15. c5 [D31]

Last updated: 01/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.f3 c6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.bxc4 b4 12.b2 f6

XIIIIIIIIY
9rsn-wqk+-tr0
9+l+-+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+QmKL+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
13.d3
White can try to get the same position with extra tempo by playing 13.c5!? 0-0 14.b5
(14.e5!? deserves attention with idea not so only to support the cpawn as to shift
the knight to d6. However, such delay in development of the Kside should give
Black sufficient counter chances: 14...c7!? (other moves seem worse: 14...bd7??
15.c6+, 14...c6 15.c4, or 14...fd7?! 15.c4 e5?! 16.d6 c7 and here White could
have secured a big advantage by 17.c4) 15.c4!? (15.a4 d8! is okay for Black:
16.c1 (16.f3 c6 17.c4 e5!) 16...c6 17.c4 (17.b5?! xe5 18.dxe5 d5 19.c6 a6
20.xa6 xa6 followed by ...d5e7 and Black wins the c6pawn) 17...e7
18.b6?! a7 19.f3 fd5 (19...f5!?) 20.xd5 exd5 with better chances) 15...bd7
16.f3 c6 17.d3 a4 and Black gets good counter chances) 14...c6 (or 14...d5 15.00 c6) 15.a4 xa4 (Black should react in some other way than a routine 15...c7
16.0-0 bd7 as it gives White a whole extra tempo compare to the actual game as his
bishop came to a4 in two steps (f1-b5a4) while usually he gets there via d3c2)
16.xa4 d5 17.0-0 c6 and Black gets acceptable play. He has already got his
knight to the best position on c6 while it often takes him two tempi to shift it here
from d7. Yet, White might still try to prove somewhat better chances here.

35

13...bd7 14.0-0 0-0 15.c5!?

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-zP-+-+0
9+-+LzPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
Recently White's approach with d1-c2 and e3e4 lost its popularity while if he prepares
e3e4 by f1-e1 then Black stops it by placing one of his minor pieces on e4, after
which White usually shifts to the blockade of Black's Qside passers. Then it looks
reasonable to treat the position without f1-e1 at all!

15...c6 16.c2!?
16.c2 c7 17.e4 h6 is quite playable for Black, according to tournament practice.

16...c7 17.a4

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+-wqn+pzpp0
9-+l+psn-+0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9Lzp-zP-+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+Q+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
White completes his blockading plan. Now he is not worried about Black's passers but on
the other hand it is more difficult to him to find active ideas. Curiously enough, in
some games this position has been reached with White to move because he played
c4c5 at the very early stage, followed it by f1-b5 in one step. Obviously Black
should reacted to such plan in the more concrete way see the comments to 13. c5.

17...e4
36

A natural move as since Black's connected passers are firmly blocked he should increase
his influence in the center.

18.c2
White keeps patience.
A straightforward 18.xc6 xc6 19.a4 with the idea to obtain a small but stable
advantage in this typical ending does not work well. Black had the thematic resource
19...xa4 (the ending after 19...fc8 20.xc6 xc6 21.a4 ca6 22.fa1 is supposed to
be somewhat better for White, while an attempt to keep queens on the board by
19...d5 would have given White a certain benefit since Black's knight was still on d7
compare to the position in the line 13. c5.) 20.xa4 dxc5!? 21.dxc5 xc5 with
sufficient compensation for the piece.

18...f5
18...fb8!? is worth considering.

19.fc1

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+-wqn+-zpp0
9-+l+p+-+0
9zp-zP-+p+-0
9Lzp-zPn+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-tR-+-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
Thanks to his order of moves White has gained some benefit compared to the lines 15. e1
e4 16. c2 f5 17. c5 c7 18. b5 c6 and 15.e1 e4 16.xe4 xe4 17. c2 f5
18. c5 c7 as he has already got his rook on c1 instead of the move f1-e1. On the
other hand, after a typical manoeuvre f3e1-d3 White often thinks about f2f3 and
e3e4 when he may certainly need his rook back on e1.

19...xa4
Black could have also refrained from immediate capture in favour of 19...fc8!?
or 19...fb8
19...d5!? might also be worth considering.

20.xa4
37

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+-wqn+-zpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zp-zP-+p+-0
9Qzp-zPn+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-tR-+-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
20...fc8!?
This seems more reliable, waiting for his opponent's knight manoeuvre.
After 20...df6 21.b3!? (a straightforward 21.e5!? may also pose problems for Black:
21...g4!? (21...d5!? deserves attention as well) 22.f3 xe5 23.dxe5 xc5 24.b5
fb8 25.xc5 (25.xc5!? deserved attention: 25...xc5 26.xc5 a4 27.c1 a3
28.f1! (28.f2? b3 29.xa3 b2) 28...a2 29.b2 b3 30.ac1 d8 31.e2 f8 32.5c3
ab8 33.c7 a8 34.h3 and White certainly keeps winning chances but it's still
unclear if he can convert his advantage into a full point) 25...xb5 26.xc7 a4 and
Black keeps reasonable drawish chances thanks to his strong passers. However, is it
so interesting to fight for a draw in such in way right from the opening?! ) 21...d5
22.e5 and White has obtained the better chances in the game Dreev
S.Zhigalko/Tashkent 2010.

21.e1!? b8!?
Both sides are improving their knights in a typical way.

22.f3 f6 23.d3 c6

38

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+r+-+k+0
9+-wq-+-zpp0
9-+n+psn-+0
9zp-zP-+p+-0
9Qzp-zP-+-+0
9+-+NzPP+-0
9-vL-+-+PzP0
9tR-tR-+-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
White might still hope for a slight edge but Black's position is quite playable.

39

Noteboom/8 Main line 15. Qc2 [D31]

Last updated: 02/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.f3 c6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.bxc4 b4 12.b2 f6 13.d3 bd7 14.0-0
0-0 15.c2 c7

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+LzPN+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
16.e4
16.e5? is a wellknown mistake: 16...xe5! 17.dxe5 d7 18.xh7+ h8 Black
sacrificed the pawn but now White's strong central pawns are harmless while Black's
Qside passers are ready to go with support of the powerful knight on c5. The game
Khomyakov Sorokin/Katowice 1992 continued 19.e4 a4!? (19...xe4 20.xe4
c5 is also good) 20.xb7 xb7 and White failed to stop Black's powerful pawns
as well as to get counterplay against Black's king.
16.d2 is considered in D31 Noteboom/6 Main line 15. Nd2.
By playing 16.c5 before e3e4 White can avoid the line when Black takes on d4 first
(e5xd4). 16...h6!? This prophylactic move is always useful but here Black faces a
certain danger. 17.e4 e5

40

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzp-0
9-+-+-sn-zp0
9zp-zP-zp-+-0
9-zp-zPP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
(as we'll see, here 17...c6!? deserves serious attention) 18.dxe5 A principled decision,

although later White started declining this sacrifice keeping the tension in centre by
playing 18. fe1 or 18. fc1. 18...h5 The best reply. The knight is going to f4
where it is not so much watching the White king as helping to prevent the advance
e5e6, which White has in mind to activate his bishops. It's also important for White
to have already played c4c5 otherwise the Black knight would be placed on c5, and
it also helps the bishop on d3 which would find a lot of work on the a2g8 diagonal.
19.fc1 fc8 20.d2 White is preparing to win the knight on h5 with g4. (20.d4
f4 21.c4 doesn't promise too much. I think the best continuation which accords to
the spirit of this position is 21...f8 playing for the blockade of the White epawns
that is one of Black's main strategic ideas in this kind of position. (but not 21...c6?
22.e3 xg2 23.xg2 g6+ 24.f1 xe4 25.d1 d8 due to 26.h4!, 21...e6 is quite
playable) After 22.a2 4e6 23.d5 c6 Black is completely okay) 20...xc5!?
Black walks on a razor's edge, but this decision is probably forced. Now 21. g4
doesn't work because of 21...d7. The game Itkis Matlak/chTPOL,
Miedzybrodzie 1991, continued by 21.d4 e7 and here the players went into wild
complications by 22.xc5 xc5 23.g4 d7! and so on. This excellent and very
instructive game, where Black showed a lot of strategic and tactical ideas, typical of
Black's play in these kind of positions, should be studied by all Noteboom fans.
White can also develop his Kside rook first, trying to push central pawns in a favourable
situation: 16.fc1 However, it does not bother Black very much: 16...fc8 As a rule,
Black's rook copies manoeuvre of its counterpart. 17.e4 (A preliminary 17.c5 would
have been met by 17...c6 18.e4 h6 followed by ...a5a4 with a complex play, in
which Black keeps good counter chances) 17...e5 18.c5 exd4 19.xd4 Compare to
the game Jasnikowski Scherbakov/Katowice 1992 (see 16. e4) White has forced
Black to play the move ...f8c8 instead of the more natural ...b7c6 so he might
claim some benefit. However, the position is still acceptable for Black. 19...h6

41

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+r+-+k+0
9+lwqn+pzp-0
9-+-+-sn-zp0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-vLP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-+Q+-zPPzP0
9tR-tR-+-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
(19...c6 looks suspicious. White had a strong manoeuvre 20.h4!, which gives him good
attacking prospects: 20...g6 21.f3 a4 22.d2! b3 and here White should have played
23.g5!, Another queen move 19...f4!? also looks risky but here White's task is not
easy) 20.e5 d5 In the main line (see 16. e4) the rooks are placed on e1 and e8.
21.h7+!? Perhaps White's best choice under circumstances. (21.c4 f8 was
harmless for Black, while 21.e6?! fxe6 22.h7+?! h8 23.xg7+ xg7 24.g6+ h8
25.xh6 f8! 26.g6+ h7! 27.c6 xc6 28.xh7 xh7 29.xe6 c3 has eventually led

White to disaster in the game B.Savchenko Shulman/World Cup Khanty Mansiysk

2009) 21...h8 22.e4 c6 23.d2 g8 (23...f8!? 24.e6 f6 was also far from clear)
24.h4 e7 and Black obtains a good play.

16...e5!

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzpp0
9-+-+-sn-+0
9zp-+-zp-+-0
9-zpPzPP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
This is the standard counteradvance. Sacrificing his central pawn, Black destroys White's
powerful pawn centre and so puts obstacles on the bishops diagonals, trying to slow
down the progress of White's initiative on the kingside.

17.c5!

42

White not so only pushes his cpawn forward as opens diagonal for his lightsquared
bishop.
17.fe1 fe8 18.c5 exd4 19.xd4 leads to the main line after 19...h6 (Since the 50's it has
been known that the transfer of the knight to e5 is in White's favour as after 19...g4
20.c4 ge5 21.xe5 xe5 22.d5

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+r+k+0
9+lwq-+pzpp0
9-+-+-+-+0
9zp-zPLsn-+-0
9-zp-vLP+-+0
9+-+-+-+-0
9-+Q+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
White achieves his ideal setup. It's very important that both bishops are very active, and
it's impossible to neutralise them without any concessions. For example, if Black
exchanges the bishops White will get two strong passed pawns which will outweigh
the black ones, because White will combine their movement with his initiative on
the kingside using his powerful bishop. A possible line is 22...c6 23.b3 (planning
to play g3) 23...g4 24.h3 xd5 25.xg4 (25.exd5?! f4 with counterplay)
25...f5 26.xf5 e6 27.g5 with initiative. Black should not allow this!) 20.e5
d5 and so on.

17...exd4 18.xd4 h6

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzp-0
9-+-+-sn-zp0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-vLP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-+Q+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
At the time a rather new setup breathed new life into a position which was considered as
very dubious for Black for a long time.

19.fe1
43

19.fc1 looks rather pointless as the threat c5c6 can be easily parried by 19...c6 Yet,
White still has active possibilities: 20.e5!? (he should act quickly a slow play like
20.b2?! gives Black important time for improvement: 20...fe8 21.h3 e6! and so on)
20...d5 (20...h5!? looks very interesting, not covering the bishop and so preventing
White queen's shift to the Kside. Hovewer, White may still hope for somewhat
better chances after 21.c4 xf3 22.f5!) 21.c4! Planning e4g4 and h4f5 with
an attack. The game Jasnikowski R.Scherbakov/Katowice 1992 continued
21...fe8 22.e4 b7 23.g4 e6! 24.h4! xe5! and here White should have
played 25.g3!, which should have given him reasonable compensation for the
pawn.

19...fe8 20.e5 d5

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+r+k+0
9+lwqn+pzp-0
9-+-+-+-zp0
9zp-zPnzP-+-0
9-zp-vL-+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-+Q+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
21.e6
Otherwise Black will not allow this by playing, for example, ...d7f8.

21...xe6 22.xe6 fxe6 23.e1 f4 24.e4 c8

XIIIIIIIIY
9-+r+-+k+0
9+lwqn+-zp-0
9-+-+p+-zp0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-vLLsn-+0
9+-+-+N+-0
9-+Q+-zPPzP0
9+-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy

44

25.g3!?
25.e5 should be met by 25...xe4! (25...d5? is bad due to 26.h7+!) 26.xe4 d5 and
White still has to prove that he has enough compensation for the pawn.

25...h3+
The move 25. g3 poses certain problems for Black. For example, he cannot now play
25...d5? due to 26.h7+! h8 27.xe6 5f6 28.h4+
25...h5 also loses to 26.c6!

26.f1
26.g2 is okay for Black: 26...g5 27.xg5 hxg5 28.g1 xe4 29.xe4 c6 30.g6 e5
with unclear play.
This position arose in the game Magerramov Scherbakov/Moscow 1992. Here Black
should have preferred a restrained

26...f8

XIIIIIIIIY
9-+r+-snk+0
9+lwq-+-zp-0
9-+-+p+-zp0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-vLL+-+0
9+-+-+NzPn0
9-+Q+-zP-zP0
9+-+-tRK+-0
xiiiiiiiiy
with acceptable play.

45

Noteboom/9 Main line 15. Re1 Black

allows e3e4 [D31]
Last updated: 02/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.f3 e6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.bxc4 b4 12.b2 f6 13.d3 bd7 14.0-0
0-0 15.e1

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+psn-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzP-+-+0
9+-+LzPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+QtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
This is White's main weapon nowadays. He avoids developing the queen to c2 leaving the
cfile free for the rook on a1 to meet the standard move Qd8c7 as well as the
square c2 for the bishop to stop the Black pawns by d3c2.

15...e8?!
Here this typical move is a bit slow as White gets time to develop the initiative.
15...c7?! was played for years until a new idea was discovered: 16.e4! (in case of 16.c5
Black has no need to meet e3e4 with the standard e6e5 in the future) 16...e5
17.c5! exd4 18.c1!

46

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+pzpp0
9-+-+-sn-+0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-zpP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9+-tRQtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
This is the key! The pawn advance c5c6 poses serious problems for Black. This position
has been tested on practice many times with a disastrous score for Black. For
example, 18...e5 19.c6 a6 20.xa6! (20.xe5?! xe5 21.xa6 xa6 22.d3 aa8
23.xd4 e6 24.b5 fc8 is okay for Black) 20...xf3+ (20...xa6 21.xd4) 21.xf3
xa6 22.e5 e8 23.xd4 with a strong initiative while all Black's pieces are too
passive.

16.e4!
16.c5 c6 is acceptable for Black: 17.c2 (or 17.e4 a4 18.c2 c7 19.e5 b3 20.b1 xf3
(20...d5!? deserves attention, after 21.g5 f8 the position is unclear despite the
fact that the advanced Black passed pawns are wellblocked the chances are mutual
because it is not so easy for White to develop the initiative when he must keep some
pieces as guards for the pawns.) 21.xf3 d5 22.e4 c6 and White's bishops
have some problems to realise their great potential because the position is too closed,
Kogan Nikolov/Bled 1998) 17...e4 Since ...a5a4 is stopped it seems logical to
prevent e3e4. The move ...f8e8 still looks a bit odd but things are rather unclear.
(in case of 17...c7 White can shift to 18.d2!?, heading his knight to d6, while a
consistent 17...e5?! does not work well: 18.b3 exd4 19.xd4 with a strong initiative)
18.a4 (a typical rearrangement of the knight by 18.e2 c7 19.e1 (as a rule,
exchange of the knights is harmless for Black: 19.d2 xd2 20.xd2 f6 21.f3 d5
22.e2 b5 23.e1 ed8 with unclear play) 19...ef6 20.d3 (20.f3 e5) does not
promise much as Black can reply with 20...g4!? with acceptable play) 18...c7
Here White has tried many options. 19.c2
a) 19.xc6 xc6 20.a4 can be well met by 20...xa4 (or 20...ec8 21.xc6 xc6
22.a4 and here 22...dxc5!? (22...ca6 23.ea1 f5 24.e1 b8 25.d3 c6 26.f3 f6
27.f2 f7 28.e2 gives White a typical small edge) 23.dxc5 xc5 24.aa1 a4 and
so on) 21.xa4 dxc5! 22.dxc5 xc5 23.aa1 a4 and strong connected passers give
Black sufficient compensation for the piece
b) the same typical piece sacrifice gives Black excellent play after 19.d2?! xa4
20.xa4 dxc5! 21.dxc5 ad8 (21...ed8 looks more natural but after 22.xe4!? xd1
23.xd1 Black cannot play 23...c6? due to 24.xa5! xe4 25.xa8+ xa8 26.c6!+)
22.e2 (here, of course, 22.xe4? fails to 22...xd1 23.xd1 c6-+, while in case of
47

22.d4?! Black gets advantage by 22...xd2! 23.xd2 e5 24.h3 h6 25.c1 exd4 26.exd4 d5
with clearly better chances) 22...c3 23.xc3 bxc3 24.d4 cxd2 25.exd2 xd4

26.exd4 g6 with roughly equal position, in which White should be more careful
19...eb8!? 20.ec1 and here Black should have seriously thought about 20...b3!? 21.e2
b4 22.xc6 xc6 23.e1 and perhaps White can still hope for somewhat better
chances but Black's advanced Qside pawns keeps his army in tension.
16.c1 was also tried. The game S.Ivanov Solovjov/St.Petersburg 1999 continued by
16...a4!? 17.e4 a3 18.a1 e5 (e4e5 can hardly be allowed) 19.c5 c6 20.d5 a4
with a wild complications.

16...e5 17.c5!
17.xe5 is not as dubious as it seems to be: 17...xe5 18.dxe5 d7 19.c2! The point of
White's idea he is going to disturb Black's Qside ambitious plans by moving his
queen to d6. (The other options do not bother Black at all: 19.f4?! c5 20.c2 xd1
21.axd1 a4 22.a1 ed8 23.ed1 xd1+ 24.xd1 a3 25.d4 b3-+, or 19.f1?! c5 20.f3 a4
21.xd8 exd8 22.ed1 xd1 23.xd1 a3 24.d4 b3-+) 19...c5 20.d6! c8 21.d4
e6 22.b6! f4! and here in the game Dziadiuk Fedosenko/Kyiv 2003 the queen
retreat 23.d2! could have still promised better chances for White.
Of course, no need to transpose to the other main lines by playing 17.c2

17...exd4

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wqr+k+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+-sn-+0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-zpP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+QtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
18.c1!

48

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wqr+k+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+-sn-+0
9zp-zP-+-+-0
9-zp-zpP+-+0
9+-+L+N+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9+-tRQtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
This is certainly dangerous for Black if White can effectively use his Qside rook on c
file! Now White's army is fully mobilized and his cpawn becomes very powerful.
18.b5!? also looks interesting but it is probably less promising: 18...xe4! (18...c8 19.c1
would be a transposition to 18. Rc1!) 19.xd4!? This simple capture, which has not
been tested on practice, seems to be the best.
a) both 19.c6 e5 20.xd4 (20.c7? xf3+ 21.gxf3 d5 22.fxe4 xb5) 20...b6 21.c1
ac8
b) and 19.xd4 xf3! 20.gxf3 (20.xe8+ xe8 21.gxf3 would be strongly met by a
rather unexpected 21...e5!) 20...xe1+ 21.xe1 f8 were fine for Black.
19...c7 20.f3 (20.c6 c5) 20...d5 (or 20...g6 21.xe8+ xe8 22.b3 and Black's bishop is a
bit misplaced though things are maybe still not so clear) 21.c1 xe1+ 22.xe1 e5
23.f5 g6 24.d6 with good compensation for the pawn.

18...c8!
This seems to be the strongest reply.
In case of 18...xe4?! 19.c6 this strong passed pawn, wellsupported by the pieces, gives
White longlasting initiative. The game Georgescu Posedaru/ROMch Cluj 2008
continued 19...b6 Probably the most stubborn defence. 20.c7! d7 (20...d5!?
was maybe more tenacious but it couldn't completely solve Black's problems:
21.xd4 xd3 (21...xf3 22.xe8+ xe8 23.gxf3 g5+ 24.h1) 22.xd3 (22.xe8+ xe8
23.xd3 c8 24.c5 d7) 22...xe1+ 23.xe1 and White kept the initiative)
21.xd4 xd3 22.xe8+ xe8 23.xb6 f5 and here White could have secured an
almost decisive advantage by playing 24.d4!

19.b5!
19.xd4? xe4 can only be worse for White.

19...xe4

49

19...c6?! does not solve the problems: 20.xc6 xc6 21.e5! with a strong initiative. For
example, 21...d5 (21...h5 22.xd4 xc5 23.xh5) 22.xd4 c3 23.xc3 bxc3
24.ed1! e7 25.xc3 c7 26.d5+
19...xc5?! is also insufficient: 20.xc5 xc5 21.xe8 xe8 22.xd4

20.c6

XIIIIIIIIY
9-+rwqr+k+0
9+-+n+pzpp0
9-+P+-sn-+0
9zpL+-+-+-0
9-zp-zpl+-+0
9+-+-+N+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9+-tRQtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
The cpawn push is very logical but 20.xd4!? deserves attention as well: 20...c7 21.f3
g6 (21...d5 22.f5) 22.c6!? with a certain initiative for the pawn.

20...f8!
Other retreats only look better as in fact they are insufficient: 20...e5? 21.xe5! xe5
22.a6! c7 (or 22...g5? 23.xe4! xe4 24.xc8 xc8 25.xd4 f6 26.c7 d5 27.c4+,
22...d5 23.xc8 xc8 24.c7) 23.f3 and White wins a piece
or 20...b6?! 21.c7 xc7 22.xe8 xc1 (22...xf3 23.xd4 xc1 24.xc1) 23.xf7+! (23.xc1
xf3 24.b5) 23...xf7 24.g5+ g8 25.xc1 with a clear advantage for White.

21.xd4

XIIIIIIIIY
9-+rwqrsnk+0
9+-+-+pzpp0
9-+P+-sn-+0
9zpL+-+-+-0
9-zp-sNl+-+0
9+-+-+-+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9+-tRQtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy

50

White's initiative is rather unpleasant. Perhaps Black may still somehow prove he is maybe
not losing but the whole point of playing the Noteboom is spoiled if he has to fight
for a draw under such pressure.

51

Noteboom/10 Main line 15. Re1 Black

stops e3e4 [D31]
Last updated: 02/11/10 by R.Scherbakov

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.f3 e6 4.c3 dxc4 5.a4 b4 6.e3 b5 7.d2 a5 8.axb5

xc3 9.xc3 cxb5 10.b3 b7 11.bxc4 b4 12.b2 f6 13.d3 bd7 14.0-0
0-0 15.e1 e4

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+pzpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zp-+-+-+-0
9-zpPzPn+-+0
9+-+LzPN+-0
9-vL-+-zPPzP0
9tR-+QtR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
Preventing e3e4 directly.
15...e4 is another way to stop the advance e3e4. However, for a true Noteboom player it
was always difficult to swap his powerful bishop... 16.xe4 xe4 17.c2 f5 (In
case of 17...df6?! Black's knight on e4 lacks support: 18.e5 c7 19.c5) 18.c5 c7

52

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+-wqn+-zpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zp-zP-+p+-0
9-zp-zPn+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
A typical position is reached. Black is going to play ...Qc7c6. 19.c6!? A fresh and rather
interesting idea White takes a good opportunity to advance her cpawn further.
(White has also tried 19.ec1 c6 20.a4 fc8 21.xc6 xc6 22.e1 b8 23.d3 ca6
24.f3 f6 25.f2 c6 26.a4 with a slight edge in the endgame, 19.b3 can be met by
19...c6 20.a4 a6 21.ea1 fa8 22.d1 d5 23.e1 b8 24.d3 c6 25.f4 d7 26.b3
e7 27.f3 f6 28.d3 c6 29.c4 6a7 and Black is doing well) 19...b6 (19...fc8
20.ec1 looks similar but in some cases Black could face problems with the
unprotected e6pawn) 20.e5 a4 21.f3 d6 A very complicated position is arisen.

Both sides have got something to be proud of so all three results are very much
possible although maybe Black should be a bit more careful, Motoc
Dragomirescu/Bucharest 2003.

16.c2
The exchange 16.d2 xd2 17.xd2 does not look dangerous for Black: 17...c7 (17...e5
seems also playable: 18.f4 e4 19.e2 f6 20.ec1 h8 21.c5 b8! 22.b5 d5 23.c6 and here
Black could achieve a good play by 23...f7) 18.c5
a) 18.ec1 can be well met by 18...fb8!? 19.c5 a4! (a typical 19...c6 is a bit late
here: 20.e4 a4 21.d5! with a strong initiative) 20.c6 xc6 21.e4 a3!? 22.xc6 axb2
23.b1 d8 and Black is completely okay, Nguyen Anh Dung Sandipan/Asia
chT Jodhpur 2003.
b) 18.ac1 f5 19.f3 f6 is also fine for Black
18...f5 19.f3 f6 20.c4 d5 and Black is doing well.
Another way to get rid of the knight on e4 has recently been tried the rather unexpected
16.xe4!? xe4 17.d2 However, Black can get good counter chances after
17...b7!? (the bishop may fall under attack on c6: 17...c6 18.e4 e5 19.d5 b7 20.b3
a4 21.c5! axb3 22.c6 and White's chances are preferable) 18.c5!? (18.e4 e5 is fine for
Black) 18...c6 19.e4 a4 20.c1 White is trying to play powerful chess such
ideas as d2c4, e3g3, d4d5 come into mind but the position is still very far
from clear as the dangerous Black Qside pawns are a constant headache for White.
16.c5 is usually met by 16...c7 (16...c6 is also playable this move is always in Black's
plans. Then White may fall into a trap 17.d2? dxc5! and Black wins a pawn)
17.b5 c6 18.a4 a6!? Compared to the line 16. c2 Black has avoided a
53

weakening move ...f7f5. However, it also may be a disadvantage a lack of control

over the center. This game Svetushkin Krasenkow/EUch Istanbul 2003 continued
19.c2 fa8 20.ec1 xa4!? 21.xa4 df6 22.e5 d5 with excellent counter
chances for Black.

16...f5 17.c5

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wq-trk+0
9+l+n+-zpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zp-zP-+p+-0
9-zp-zPn+-+0
9+-+LzPN+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
This is a typical way to counter the Noteboom nowadays. White blockades the pawns with
his bishops, while his pawn chain keeps Black's pieces at a distance. On the other
hand this reduces his active possibilities somewhat, as the position becomes quite
closed.

17...c7
17...c6!? is a common option, too. The game Azmaiparashvili Galkin/EUch Saint
Vincent 2000 continued 18.c4 e7 but the queen on e7 looks a bit comfortable.
Yet, the position is still not so bad for Black and after 19.b3 a7 20.a4 xa4
21.xa4 fa8 22.ea1 e8! Black has found the way to improve his queen and
achieve good counter chances.
17...d5!? is also worthy of consideration and it may lead to the main line after 18.b5
c7

18.b5

54

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+lwqn+-zpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zpLzP-+p+-0
9-zp-zPn+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
In case of 18.c4!? Black can achieve a good play by 18...d5!? but perhaps it is not the
worst idea for White to force exchange of the lightsquared bishops or at least to get
control over Black's one. 19.b3 (or 19.ec1 xc4 20.xc4 c6) 19...xb3 20.xb3
c6 with acceptable play.

18...d5!?

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-trk+0
9+-wqn+-zpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zpLzPl+p+-0
9-zp-zPn+-+0
9+-+-zPN+-0
9-vLQ+-zPPzP0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
Still trying to keep the bishop alive.
The natural 18...df6?! is actually dubious as White gets clear advantage by playing
19.e5 followed by f2f3: 19...d5 20.f3 d6 21.a4 fc8 22.ac1 and White is
almost prepared for decisive actions while Black is still looking for good squares for
his pieces, especially his knight on d6.
18...c6 has been played many times: 19.a4 (If White plays 19.xc6 xc6 20.a4 then he
may lose some tempi compared to the position which may be reached in the line
15...Be4 (refer to the game Motoc Dragomirescu/Bucharest 2003). Then a possible
continuation is 20...fc8 21.xc6 xc6 22.a4 and here Black can already solve all the
problems by 22...dxc5! 23.dxc5 xc5 24.a2 a4 25.b1 a3! 26.f1 ca6 27.d4 b3 28.aa1
b2 29.xb2 axb2 30.xa6 xa6 31.xb2= with a drawn ending) 19...xa4 20.xa4 fc8
with acceptable play for Black in this typical complex position.

55

19.h3!
This prophylactics against Black's possible Kside assaults is probably the most accurate
move.
The slow 19.e2 df6 20.h3?! allowed Black to begin fantastic play on the Kside.
(20.e5!? was more to the point but Black was still doing well after 20...g4! 21.f3
xe5 22.fxe4 (22.dxe5 c3) 22...g4! 23.e5 h6!? (23...b7 24.a4) 24.a4 f7
with excellent play) 20...g5! 21.e5 g4! with a dangerous initiative, which brought
him great success in the game Onischuk Shirov/World Cup (m/4.2) Khanty
Mansiysk 2007.
19.xd7 xd7 20.e5 with idea to quickly push central pawns is not so dangerous:
20...c7 (20...b5!? 21.f3 f6 is maybe even stronger, with better chances for Black)
21.f3 f6 22.e4 (in case of 22.c6 Black would have played 22...a4!) 22...fxe4 23.fxe4
c6 and Black is at least not worse.
In case of 19.ec1 df6 Black keeps good counter chances, too. The game Jianu
Baratosi/Bucharest 2008, continued 20.e5 g4! Such Kside assault becomes
quite typical in reply to White's blockading plan on the Qside. 21.f3 (Surely not
21.xg4? fxg4 22.f1 f6 and Black's attack is irresistible) 21...xe5 22.dxe5 c3!
Black prefers the most reliable approach. 23.xc3 xc5 24.d3 bxc3 25.xc3 b6
and Black has obtained a small but stable advantage thanks to his passed apawn.
19.a4?! is the initial idea of engines but it is certainly not the best one. White's queen goes
too far from the Kside and only pushes Black's knight towards his own king:
19...df6 20.h3 This prophylactic move is a bit late now. 20...g5! This pawn push
has become typical in such position. (Black had another interesting option: 20...g4!?
) 21.e5 and here Black could have obtained the better chances by playing 21...g4!
(21...g7 22.f3 g4! was also good for Black in the game Goganov
Molchanova/St.Petersburg 2009) 22.h4 (both 22.hxg4 xg4, and 22.e2 gxh3 23.f3
g5 were unsatisfactory for White) 22...g7 23.g3 (23.c6? g3! 24.f3 h6! 25.fxe4
fxe4!, 23.e2 g3) 23...d2 24.c6 f3+! and White had to defend clearly worse
position after 25.f1! (since 25.xf3 gxf3 was too dangerous for his king.)

19...b7!? 20.a4 fc8 21.e2

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+r+-+k+0
9+q+n+-zpp0
9-+-+p+-+0
9zp-zPl+p+-0
9Lzp-zPn+-+0
9+-+-zPN+P0
9-vL-+QzPP+0
9tR-+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy

56

White keeps everything under control but it's rather difficult for him to come up with any
active plan.

57