This week I continue with extracts of play from the new book on the English Opening by Steve Giddins. The timing is solicitous in that the British Championship commences next week in North Shields with grandmasters Gawain Jones, David Howell, Stephen Gordon, Keith Arkell and Simon Williams.
Timman-Ernst: Wijk aan Zee 2012; English Opening
1 c4 c6 2 Nf3 d5 Black angles for a Slav Defence. 3 g3 The text is the main attempt to dodge regular Slav lines and preserve a recognisably ‘English’ structure. 3 … Nf6 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 0-0 Nbd7 This is probably Black’s best, and initiates a plan of defending the c4-pawn with pieces. 5 … Be6 is another version of the same idea, of holding c4 with pieces. Play then continues 6 Ng5 Bd5 7 e4 h6 8 exd5 hxg5 9 dxc6 Nxc6. Outwardly, this does not look great for White, who is still a pawn down, and has a weakness on the d-file and unimpressive development. But after 10 Na3 it is hard for Black to keep the c4-pawn, and after it drops, White can start to develop active play with his bishop pair. 6 Qc2 Nb6 7 Na3 White has a major alternative here, in 7 a4 a5 and only now 8 Na3. 7 … Qd5 Black is trying to make it hard for White to regain his pawn without some concession. 8 b3 cxb3 9 axb3 White has given up any hopes of regaining his pawn, and has made the sacrifice a real one. He hopes to create pressure on the queenside, along the open lines.
9 … Be6 10 b4 Qb3 11 Qxb3 Bxb3 (see diagram 1) White is not so bothered by the queen exchange, as Black loses further time, which White now utilises to continue his queenside initiative.
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in