Semi-Slav 101: Transposition to the QGA

Theory in the Semi-Slav is thick, beginning with the Meran and continuing into the Moscow, Anti-Moscow, and Botvinnik. Then there's the principal Anti-Meran variations involving 6.Qc2. See, e.g., Games 14 and 18 below. One solid way for White to side step the heavy theory is to play an even earlier Qc2, as in 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Qc2. Black has several options for handling this try by White and the best may be the simplest: 4...dxc4. This leads to a species of QGA. After 5.Qxc4, Black will have to choose between 5...Bf5 or 5...Bg4. I prefer the latter to slow down the e pawn and the big White center, but it may be a matter of taste. Compare the following.

London Chess Classic: Kramnik Pulls Closer

Howell played the c3 Sicilian against Carlsen today, an opening in which the British youngster is a bit of an expert. Carlsen ground away in his inimitable fashion, while Howell carried on as best he could. It was Carlsen, though, who cracked in the end, and Howell no doubt cheerfully took the draw. Kramnik in the meantime notched his second straight win after losing to Carlsen. McShane played the Bishop's Opening and Kramnik was sharp on a day when McShane wasn't. Ni Hua drew Adams in a Ruy Lopez, and Nigel held Nakumura with a Nimzo. Carlsen leads by a point (1/2 point by conventional scoring).

London Chess Classic: Carlsen over Kramnik

Carlsen was the big winner at the London Chess Classic today turning in a clean, convincing performance against Kramnik. There were no fireworks in the game, but rather one accurate move after another until Kramnik folded. Impressive. McShane also won, but I haven't found the energy to look more closely at this 163-move glacier. There could be some good chess in there. Disappointingly, Nakamura let a win slip through his fingers against Ni Hua. Adams and Howell drew after some fighting chess.