One of the most daunting parts of learning a new opening is choosing the best lines, keeping up with new theoretical developments, and understanding what is important and what is not. In the latest release, A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6! – Volume 2 – Ragozin and Anti-Catalan, author Dariusz Swiercz simplifies this entire process for the reader by offering aggressive yet concrete lines for Black against 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 and 3.g3.
The first highly reviewed book in this series, A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6! – Volume 1 – Nimzo-Indian, covers 3.Nc3 Bb4 offering an in-depth look at the Nimzo-Indian Defense for Black. Now the author rounds off the complete repertoire for Black against 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 by analyzing the Ragozin (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4) and the Anti-Catalan (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 with 3.Nf3 and 3.g3 lines).
Let’s take a look at what these openings are about, and what the book has to offer!
The Ragozin
The Ragozin is a dynamic line in the Queen’s Gambit Defense. It has seen a surge in popularity, largely due to top-level grandmasters (such as Carlsen!) employing it in their games, making it one of the top choices for Black. The move order is quite flexible, which is one of its most appealing factors, but the main position looks like this:
From here, White has a few options which the book analyzes:
Sidelines
- 5.Bf4 a rare move, allowing Black to capture on c4
- 5.a3 also a rare move, forcing the capture on c3. Black follows this up with c5!
- 5.Qc2 a position that can also arise from the Nimzo Indian. Here the author gives the dynamic 5…c5 hitting the center in the true Ragozin style.
- 5.e3 followed by 6.Bd2 a slower and steadier approach for White. Black develops via b6 with ideas of …c5.
- 5.Qb3 White immediately challenges Black’s bishop, forcing action in the center. The typical …c5 idea for Black comes into play again.
Mainlines
- 5.Qa4+ an attacking move that forces 5…Nc6. From here, White has many options:
- 6.g3, 6.Bd2, 6.Ne5, 6.Bg5, 6.a3, 6.e3
- 5.Bg5 maintains tension in the center, and after 5…h6 White needs to decide between:
- 6.Bd2, 6.Bh4, 6.Bxf6
- 5.cxd5 releases tension in the center, and after Black captures with 5…exd5, White continues development with:
- 6.Bg5, 6.Bf4, 6.Qa4+
The Anti-Catalan
The Catalan can be quite flexible as White has a few subtle move order variations, making it a reliable opening choice. White plays d4 and c4, fianchetto’s the light-squared bishop to g2, and aims for long-term pressure rather than an outright attack. Therefore, the Catlan is considered to be quite positional and tends to lead to technical endgames.
The book covers the following move orders:
- Catalan with Nc3: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Nc3 0-0
- Catalan with Nbd2: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Bb4+ 5.Nd2
- Catalan with Bd2: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2
As you can see, the book shows a variety of move orders that White has, but we generally reach the same type of position.
Including Bb4+ for Black in all lines, makes this a repertoire that will be easy to learn and remember. Black has many ideas, and the reader will have a comfortable start to every game!
Sidelines
Furthermore, the book also delves into QGD sidelines:
- 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3
- 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5
- 3.Bf4
- 3.Bg5
- 3.g4
- 3.d5
About the Author
Dariusz Świercz is Polish-American Grandmaster and an experienced repertoire author, having written two opening series; The Modernized Ruy Lopez and A Complete Opening Repertoire for Black after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6!, comprising of four books in total.
His professional chess career has been a successful one as he was the youngest Polish player to attain the prestigious Grandmaster title at the age of 14 years and 7 months. He has had multiple notable international tournament successes, such as winning the Under 18 World Youth Championship, and the World Junior Chess Championship.
Table of Contents
Part I: Early Sidelines in the Queen’s Gambit Declined
- Chapter 1 – Various Sidelines in the QGD
Part II: The Ragozin
- Chapter 2 – Sidelines on Move 5
- Chapter 3 – 5.Qa4
- Chapter 4 – 5.Bg5
- Chapter 5 – 5.cxd5
Part III: The Catalan
- Chapter 6 – Catalan with Nc3
- Chapter 7 – Catalan with Nbd2
- Chapter 8 – Catalan with Bd2
Let us know what you think in the comments below, and don’t miss out on the special introductory offer!
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