New Chapter (finally!!!) Released

This massive chapter is on the position arising after 10.h4 Ne5!? 11.Bb3 Rc8 12.0-0-0 h5! 13.Kb1.  There are some important transpositional opportunities here.  After 13…Re8, we reach the position usually seen after 10.0-0-0 Rc8 11.Bb3 Ne5 12.Kb1! Re8 13.h4 h5 (the “refined prophylaxis” line recommended by Dearing), while 13…a6!? leads us to a position from the Carlsen Variation.  Since both positions have been hotly debated in the last couple years, I offer some analysis and sample games showing why I think Black is in trouble after both moves.  Instead, he should rely on the old-fashioned 13…Nc4! 14.Bxc4 Rxc4, when I think that after the critical 15.Nb3 the very rare 15…Qb8!? looks promising, and the traditional 15…Qc7, while solid, might give a patient White player some chances of a slight edge.

As usual, let me know if the links are broken.  (You can find the new chapter in the links on the right, or download the whole book in one file.)

During the past year I’ve gotten absorbed in things other than chess, and have only passively been following the game.  The sad truth is that this chapter was very nearly completed several months ago, but I got too distracted to finish it up. I think there should be some material of interest to both colors, despite the analysis coming out months later than it should have.  I’m not sure whether the future will see me get back to the old pace I was working at.  I’ve got another chapter on 13.Bh6 that I wrote probably over a year and a half ago and just need to reformat and update with any new games, so that will be what I’ll post next.

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