MCC Openings Group 27/04/2011

In the most recent issue of New in Chess (NiC) Yearbook, number 98, there was a very interesting position under debate. The position arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. Bc4 e6 7. Be3 Be7 8. Qe2 a6 9. O-O-O O-O 10. Bb3 Qc7 11.Rhg1 Nd7 12. g4 Nc5 13. Nf5 b5 14. Bd5:

It is black to play and the group focussed mainly on the move 14..exd5 in our analysis, though 14..Bb7, 14..b4 and 14..exf5 (this wasn't taken too seriously as the opening of the f-file was deemed too dangerous for black) were also suggestions. The group looked at some amazing variations and ideas both for the white attack, and for the black counterattack.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. Bc4 e6 7. Be3 Be7 8. Qe2 a6 9. O-O-O O-O 10. Bb3 Qc7 11.Rhg1 Nd7 12. g4 Nc5 13. Nf5 b5 14. Bd5 exd5 15. Nxd5 Qb7 16. e5 Ne6 17. exd6 17... Bd8 18. g5 Kh8 19. h4 Nf4 20. Nxf4 Bxf5 21.h5 Rc8 22. d7 Rc7 23. Bc5 Nd4 24. Qe8 Rg8 25. Rde1 Bxd7 26. Qxf7 Rxc5 27. Ng6+ hxg6 28. hxg6 Bxg5+ 29. Kb1 Bc6 30. Rh1+ Bh6 31. Rxh6+ gxh6 32. Re7 Qxe7 was a typical direction for us to take, with side variations looked at along the way. The group developed a number of thematic tries including sacrifices of knights on g7 and f6.

The study of positions of critical interest to opening theory can be very rewarding to players. This particular position was full of tactical and creative possibilities which also makes it fun in a group dynamic.

The next meeting of the openings group will be in 2 weeks time, and then we are going to be having a thematic evening starting from the above position. After a couple of hours of analysis in a group, and some homework on our own, it may just be that the opening's group may be able to contribute something to the theory of this line. We would appreciate any ideas which may help us to get closer to the truth.