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492 views214 pagesRobert Bellin & Pietro Ponzetto-Mastering The King's Indian Defense
The document is a chess book titled 'Mastering the King's Indian Defense' by Robert Bellin and Pietro Ponzetto, published in 1990. It aims to teach the understanding of the King's Indian Defense through a structured approach that focuses on central pawn structures rather than variations. The book is designed for players of all levels, providing strategic ideas, tactical themes, and illustrative games to improve their understanding and gameplay.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
492 views214 pagesRobert Bellin & Pietro Ponzetto-Mastering The King's Indian Defense
The document is a chess book titled 'Mastering the King's Indian Defense' by Robert Bellin and Pietro Ponzetto, published in 1990. It aims to teach the understanding of the King's Indian Defense through a structured approach that focuses on central pawn structures rather than variations. The book is designed for players of all levels, providing strategic ideas, tactical themes, and illustrative games to improve their understanding and gameplay.
Uploaded by
Astolfo CorrêaCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
/ 214
Robert Bellin & Pietro Ponzetto
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a Mastering the
King’s Indian Defense
Robert Bellin and Pietro Ponzetto
Collier Books
“Macmillan Publishing Company
New York. CCoptigh 1990 by Rabe Blin and Pato Poneto
‘Al ih reserve No put of is book may Be repotaced, by any ean, erie
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Prine in Get Brin Contents
Preface vil
Introduction ix
The Mar del Plata Centre L
1
2. The Petrosian Centre 2%
3 The Simisch Centre 58
4 The Averbakh Centre 8
5) The Simplified Centre 118
6 Orthodox Centre BL
7 Simiseh Variation: the Modern Centre 145
8 The Orthodox Contre against g2-g3 158
9 Yugoslay Censce m
0 ‘The Panno and Kavalek Centres 185
‘Table of Variations 200 Preface
With this work we have set our
selves avery precise goal to teach
the understanding of the opening
not by eataloguing variations but
by explaining the key ideas and
plans of each player quickly and
casily with the Read and. Play
‘method and. in such a way, more-
‘over, that the reader can follow
the greater par ofthe vext without
a chessboard.
To achieve this ambitious aim,
we have been guided by the princ.
ple that once the central pavins
have assumed a stable configur-
ation there exists a greater stra
tegic and tactical affinity between
diverse variations with the same
central pawn structure than
between diffrent ines ofthe same
variation which lead to diferent
own structures, This simple
Approach enables us immediately
to understand the basic idea of
any postion whatsoever. This is
jn stark contrast to what happens
in normal books of opening the:
ory, where the exigencies of sy
lematization end up making the
process of understanding very
sitio
Having established this statting
point the continuation is logical:
‘we divide the opening not accord.
ing to variations but according to
‘type of centre’ (which normally
retains the name of the prineipal
variation) so that diferent lines of
the same variation will be exam:
ined in one or other type of centre
according tothe configuration of
the central pawns which sooner or
later becomes established. Con:
sideration of exch type of centre is
then divided into theee parts: &
‘deep analysis ofthe strategic ideas
(with particular attention to the
most modern), and overview of
the recurring tactical themes, and
finally some ilustrative games,
meticulously annotated, especially
‘nthe opening, examining which
land here it @ necessary to use 3
chessboard) the reader will find
rot only @ practical correspon-
dence with the two theoretical
parts, but also certain number of
‘xemplifying variations. Attentive
reading of the illustrative games
indispensable forthe full compre: Preface
henson of the strategic concepts
previously expounded,
‘Of cours, it has not been pos
fle to consider all the 1ypes of
centre which ean aris from all the
‘opening vatiations. ‘The central
“structures considered are the most
{important and the most common,
and comprise atleast 85 per cent
of posible cases. For thote pos
bilities not considered (which all
derive from minot byways) the
seader can reler to traditional
‘monographs.
Intheclaboration ofour subject
webave tried to maintain as objee-
tive ® viewpoint as posible
Without taking one side or the
cother. We hope thereby to have
‘obtained an iaipartial exposition
ofthe ideas of each type of centre,
the knowiodge of which is indis
ppensable whether one intends to
play the white side or the black
side
This ceutre can be used by a
wide range of players: it can be
used by beginnersin order to lara
the fundamentals ofthe opening,
for by experts needing to expand
their range of variations quickly
for even to acquite an entirely new
Addition to their opeaing reper
toire. Of course, strong players,
for whom a more profound know
ledge of the variations and latest
wrinkles i essential, must use this
work in conjunction with a syste-
matic text.
We hope that readers wil find
‘our exposition clear, that they
learn, that they enjoy themselves,
and that they quickly improve
their playing standard: only then
will our Reed and Play method
have hit the mark, Introduction
ing’ Indian Defence is @
system of playing against the basic
(Queea's Pawn Opening (1 4 fo
lowed by e2-ef) characterized by
the moves... 16... 26... 4g7
and... Black's strategy almost
always features kingside cashing
and either. eS oF «.. 68. In
the most general sense, White's
response can be classified socord:
Jingo whether the KBisdeveloped
‘om its original f1-a6 diagonal or goes to e7. Both sides almost
is anchettoed. always castle kingside
Given that we have not divided
the material into variations, axis Chapter 2
usually the ease, but have Petrosian centre: White's KN is
duced the concept of ype of en
it will be useful to provide the
eader with a summary of the
contents ofthe ten chapters inthis
book.
‘The first three chapters examine
the various closed centres which
can arise when Black plays. 8
Chapter 1
Mar del Plata centre: White's KN developed on 8, the centre closed,
Js developed on £3 and the centre and Back's QN placed on either
closed after ... e6; Black's QN 7 or a6. Both players often castle Invrodustion
short, but White retains more
Aexiblty than in Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Sinisch centre: White's KN is not
developed on 6 (in order not 10
obstruct the pawn}. The centre is
closed: White retsins maximum
Aexibiity regarding casting.
‘The fourth chapter deals with
the closed centre which arises
when Black plays... eS
Chaprer 4
Averbakh centre: Black plays
cS and the centre is closed,
The fit and sixth chapters
examine exntzal pawn exchanges
after Black plays.
Simplified centre: the defile
Chapter 6
Orthodox centre: Black plays
ex
The seventh chapter gives
Black's options against the
Siimisch not covered in Chapter
a Chapter 7
Madsen centre versus Simiseh
Variation’ Black initiates que:
side action before declaring bis
intentions ia the centre,
Thelast three chapters deal with
contees where White plays g2~n3
Chapter 8
Orthodox centre against g2-g3
Black plays... eS followed by
xd
Chapter 9
Yugoslav centee: Black plays
cS and the centre is closed,
Ttaduction
Chapter 10
anno centre: Black pursues
queenside action; central fexibiity
reserved,
Kavalek centre: the e-file becomes Invroduction
open after d4-d5; the centre is
‘eed.
Which variation should
V play?
To help you decide which vari
ation is most appropriate for your
style we have compiled a table of
variations (ee page 200) which
indicates thet level of strategic
and tactical complexity. In
Addition, we have used a survey
‘of neatly 2000 games played in
tournaments of FIDE category 7
and above to extract statistical
data concerning the frequency and
results percentage of each vari-
ation #0 as 10 provide a useful
‘overview of tai evel of ik. Thus
you are given all the information
necessary f0 make the most suit
able selestion according to your
needs 1 The Mar del Plata
Centre
‘Main Line: Mar del Plata Vari
1dd 216 2 of g6 3. G3 Lg? 4
ce d6 5 01 00 6 Le? 05 700
eb # dS De7 (I).
A similar structure can arise
from other lines, eg. 1 d4 6 2
of g6 3 Gc} gy 4 0f d6 5.28
0.06 de? eS and now:
Gligorie System
7 ed Spd (or 7... Oc6 8 dS
eT) 8 ApS 16 9 And 25
10 d5 Ge?
70-0 O06 # Led Ops 9 es
16 10 Bel hE 1 dS eT,
1 Strategic Ideas
‘The main strategic ideas can be
deduced ftom the pawn structure
‘andthe postion of the kings (2,
(1) Closed centre with same ide
casting
(2) White's space advantage on
the queenside
(@) The central pawn chains
(4) Whites weakness on the d4
and f4 squares
1 “The Mar del Plata Cente
Closed centre with same
side castling
With the centre closed and the
‘kings castied on the same side it
is clear that the game can easily
develop into one of respective
‘Rank attacks, White exploiting his
spatial advantage on the queen-
side and Black his natural. 7
eak on the other (3).
The mutual mobilization of
flank pawns is also indicated by
the position of the @e7 and the
{B13 Black’s QN i infact ideally
placed to support the advance
17-5 and then join in the attack
Via g6 oF gk. White, on the other
hand, normally chooses support
the e4 point by £23 in response
to Black’ atack, and therefore it
is natural co transfer the Knight to
the queenside by Q3-el-d3 or
and?
Jn positions with mutual
attacks, Black will generally avoid
‘exchanging pawns on ef after the
sequence = 15, [as this would
2
increase White's defensive space,
and prefers instead 10 cramp the
‘opponent's king by... (5-4 ely-
ing on the g-pawn to effect a
breakthrough later on
‘The manoeuvre Ot3-e1-43
Having a spatial advantage on the
‘queen's wing itis clear that White
will try to organize an attack in
that sector. Black's pawn structure
| very solid, however, and in order
tomake progress itis necessary t0
‘open lines and create weaknesses
Both these goals can be achieved
by attacking the e7-d6-e5 pawn
chain withthe advance of- 0, and
‘the manoeuvre best suited for its
preparation isthe simultaneously
offensive and defensive 2f-e1
BiH.
Sometimes, White chooses to
increase control of eS by linking
this manoeuvre with the develop:
ment of the QB on 3, intending to withdraw the bishop to 12 in
case of. FF
‘The manoeuvre... Df6-d7-
6
(On his side, Black must free the
path of his Epawn and thus itis
pnatural to move the knight to d7
inorder to hold up the eS advance
atthe same time (5)
However, should White show
himself reluctant to weaken bis
king's postion and create a break
‘through point on the kingside by
playing 1, then the ]d7 must
return to [6 in order to force the
elence of ef by 2-1. It is abo
important for Black to force 2-13
in order to be able to play. 5-
{in the conditions shown ia the
above diageam without allowing
White to get rd of his bad bishop
by deta
lack has an alternative to
returning with the Knight (0 16
The Mar det Plata Centre
in the capture .. xe with the
intention, a8 we shall see late, t0
use 15 Tor his pieoes and occupy
a
Te wil be remembered that ater
the mover BI, 3 Black:
obtains nothing rom theexchange
fSxed and instead claims his
‘own space advantage on the ki
side with... 5-4 entrusting his
chances 19 the advance of the &
pawn.
The opening of the c-file
of the
The main aim of the advance od
Sis to follow up with the
exchange e51d6 so that after the
recapture. cTxd6 White obtains
the crfle and weakens the pawn
fon d6 as & bass for his queenside
Play (6).
The pressure along the e-file
can be reinforced by doubling the
a “The Mar dt Pata Centre
‘heavy pieces, and that against the
6 pawn by 6 and/or bo
23, Two other ideas are the disrup-
tive sally QcT-e6 (generally
inked with D3 after which
White docs not fear... x06
‘because the opening ofthe dil,
‘weakening of the light squares in
the enemy camp and enhanced
<éynamison of the a2-g8 diagonal
‘would all workin bis favour, and
winning the a-pawn after We?
by means of the defection xa?
since... 7x87 would leave the
bishop on c8 insufficiently protec-
ted, Black may cither choose to
abandon the a-pawn to its fate,
contenting himself with —. et
7 after 427 in the hope that
the time tose by White will help
his attack, or simply prevent the
spture by playing... a6
The advance 22-4
St just for this last reason above
that White plays a2-af (ee Diag:
ram 6), securing the position of
the ©b5 in order to be able to
‘mect...a7-a6 wth the manoeuvre
‘DbS-a-of looking to fix the
‘weakness on b6 by a subsequent
afa5 ()
‘Although Black ean attempt 10
resolve the development of his
queenside by the manoeuvre
Ach-d7-b5, itis clear that once
White has occupied b6 he will
hhave total conirol of the file
This paralysing manocuvre can
sometimes be effectively halted
halbway if Black succeeds in
organizing the advance... b7-bS
before White can fx b6 with a4
a5 (8)
In such types of position White's
attack may be slowed up
suificienly to allow Black to shift
‘the emphasis ofthe struggle to the
opposite flank The defensive manoeuvre
2f6-08, ... 519-47.
ig718
Clearly, though, Black cannot
aMford to be solely preoccupied
‘wth the a-pawn and/or bé square
sven that White's tvo main objec.
tives are pressure on d6 and pen-
etration on c7. To protect these
two Weak points Black normally
retreats the ©I6 to e8, bringing
the rook to £7 and completing the
defence ofthe d6 pawn by. £15(9)
In this manner the points €7
and d6 are defended three times
fand the square g7 is. simul
taneously made available to the
KR, from where iis ideally placed
to Support the advance of the &
pawn,
The ... 94 breakthrough
Black's hopes on the kings are
closely bound up with the
breakthrough .. a4: the opening
ofthe sie... gn) willevidently
“The Mar det Plata Centre
seriously endanger the safety of
the white king. Thus itis logical
that White will wy to control e4
as much as possible with moves
such a5 h2-h3 and 043-12 N
‘rally, ivoa the key importance of
the kingside breakthrough, Black,
for his part, will not hesitate to
enlist the h-pavin for support (1).
Here, Black does not yet have
suficient control to effec the
advance ... pS-gh and therefore
iT he cannot play. 28-16 he
sometimes hes recourse t0 the
manoeuvee e786.
Normally, however, the €7 will
be transferred to hs via g6 and the
breakthrough with .. e4 played
anyway, even atthe cost ofa pawn,
expecially since the opening ofthe
48-hé diagonal will enable the
queen to join in the attack. One
Aetensive method White may use
to help prevent ... g5-B4 is (0
withdraw the queen to dl
I will be readily understood
that if White has played 03-12
5 hhe will have more difficulty in
preventing the... ¢ advance (11)
In this type of positon Black
quite often achieves a decisive
opening up of lines of attack by
means ofthe pawn sacrifice... 24
8
Defence by the major
pieces along the second
and third ranks
Given the battle centred azound
control of gé (see Diagram 10) it
follows that when Black plays
25h a series of exchanges could
‘occur which would free Whites
third rank, Ip such circumstances
White quite frequent attempts to
profit ftom this factor by rapidly
transferring a major piece to the
Infile, especially seeing as Black's
king is usually placed on hf (12)
In playing Wh3 White aims to
turn the tables on the kingside;
note that Back cannot reply with
‘Eng? + because after hi he
would have two pieces em prise
Sometimes this clearance of the
third rank can be exploited by 2
rook which has previously been
stationed at 3 oF a3
‘Another method of defending
the g-pawn from the atack shown
in the last diagram is with the
prophylactic Be2 (which is also
Useful for doubling rooks on the
‘fle) coupled with the clearance
of the second rank by £d2-el
By d2-e1 White not only
defends 2 bu also makes it poss
ible to eliminate the dangerous
Senight on The Mar del Plata Centre
Occasionally these two defons- After the exchange ...,Sxe4 the
ine ideas can be combined, in strugele extentially revolves
Which case it is by no means around the squares d4 and ef
impossible for White to achieve Black has opened up a route to
his aim of turning the tables on the weak d8 square (for example
the Ringside by ... e7-f5-dd) whilst White
has use ofthe strong base e4 and
can keep a degre of control over
«4a by the manoeuvre el-d2-c3,
5).
The weakness of the d¢
square
Un thesituatin illustrated in Diag
ram 5 Black may, in place of
forcing 13 by ... 47-16, opt for
4 more simpliied type of game
by playing .. fSxe4. This would
create the following pawn struc-
ture after the recapture Ge3xed
us.
Black can bring about some
simplification by .., Bh, xf6+
ilo, Ke 415, wed aed,
Wret and may aso offer the
exchange of queens with... WES
However, in the ending White
‘maintains a sight but enduring
advantage due to the possession
This structure can also arise ofthe ef square, the strong centra
after ...7-£5 when White chooses lized position of the 43, and the
tocapture on f and Black decides possibilty of launching & pawn
to recapture with a piece. How- assault on the queenside against
ver itiscleary in White'sinterest Black's rather rig structure. In
40 wai, as whoover makes the addition seeing as White's king's
exchange of pawns loses a tempo position isnot at all weakened, itis
‘and helps the centralization ofthe dict fr Black to drum up any
enemy pieces. ‘meaningful play on the kingside. “The Mar del Pata Centre
Recently, after the thematic
advances... 15-14 and of
Black has tried opening up an
alternative route to d8 by attack-
ing the dS pavin by... c7-c6 (16.
‘The inadequate protection of dS
obliges White to make the double
exchange ¢Snd6 and dSxc6 which
allows Black, ater... De7 x66, 19
Took forward to occupying the
square 48 (17)
Such a strategy, however, has
its detects, given that the ripping
‘open of the centre does not fit ia
with the attacking thrust... (S=
5
{4 and the black queen becomes
5. expose.
‘Tho attack against the pawn
chain o-d5
Another dea which Black ean pur-
sues the dismantling ofthe pawn
chain e4-d5 by means of the dual,
thrust-—-c7-o6 and. 67-85 (1).
‘This idea finds its jusieation
in the undefended position ofthe
pawn on of: Black will reply to
45e06 with .. bSue4, and answer
cxbS by ... e6xd5, ‘utilizing the
strength of his knights to destroy
the enemy centre. To implement
this kind of counterattack itis
nearly always necessary to play a
prophylactic. &g8-h8 in order
to avoid problems along the a2-
8 diagonal.
Generally, in this type of pos-
ition, White fights for possession
of dS either with @d3-bs of
dSx06 bSko4, 43-12 followed by When White obtains control of
