Grape System Expolored

Lecture on 10 April 2013 …. “Grape System” Explored

Game/system taught at the Dayton Chess Club on April 10^th, 2013. G/15, names removed. Game commentary and analysis by: M. Kellie and William Sedlar

1. d3 Is this a playable first move? Or is it “dubious”? !? Answer, the move has pros and cons as do most moves in this game,…think for yourself on the value of each and every move! [W. Sedlar] “d3 is called the Mieses Opening. It is considered an unorthodox opening, under the A00 code for chess openings. White’s C1 bishop is opened up”.

1. …d5

2. Nd2 …what is this? Is this move good or bad? This second move is the signature start of a system developed by this commentator over the last six years or so which I call the “Grape” system; which, can be played against ANY opening or defense and from either the White or Black side of the board.

2. …g6

3. g3 Bg7

4. Bg2 c6 Pros and cons to Black’s last move…what are they? Pros: Move supports the d5 center pawn while impeding White’s bishop on g2. Opens the c7 – a5 diagonal for Black’s queen and supports possible future queenside expansion with moves like b5, a5 etc. Cons: Black’s queen knight cannot be placed on c6. Develops a pawn in the opening stage instead of a minor/major power piece; hence, White now has two minor pieces developed against only one for Black. For example, had Black played Nf6, minor piece development in the opening stage would be equal (=).

5. e4 White now strikes formally at the “center” …e5

6. Ne2 Why place the king knight here instead of f3? Answer: Move prepares future “f” pawn push while covering (protecting the king) and, giving alternative options for knight operations in future!

Position look: Black controls/contests four center squares and so does white; additionally, white has minor piece development lead (3 to 1)

6. …Nf6 Both sides can now castle (=)

7. O-O O-O

8. h3 Why move this pawn? This move does two main things, it keeps a bishop or knight from g4 but more importantly, prepares or gives the white king more movement options (i.e.- h2) One drawback of the move is it loosens the kingside position and does not develop a minor/major piece in the opening stages of the game which allows/gives black development options to catch up or exceed White’s development.

8. …Be6 Black now catches up with minor piece development.

9. f4! Position has now become a reversed Mar Del Plata variation of the King’s Indian!

9. …Nh5 A commonly played idea in this type of position. Pros: Moves a knight to attack two pawns instead of one. Opens the bishop on g7 towards the center and prepares a f6 or f5 counter. Move also opens the d8 to h4 diagonal for black’s queen. Cons: Places a knight on rim and away from the center (“knights on rim are grim” – a chess axiom) [W. Sedlar] …”Nh5 This allows white for a push towards the kingside and the knight on h5 being in an awkward position. In many of these types of positions, Nh5 is allowable, but it seems in this set up, it is more deficient than effective”.

10. Nf3 The ‘spring’ potential or hidden energy of white’s positions now begins…I think of these type of positions as if of a coiled snake, …about to strike! Notice also the Nf3 move here moves toward the object of the game of chess…the enemy king! [W.Sedlar] “Nf3 … Another possible continuation in this type of set up is 10. f5 A reason for f5 in this position is to press on forward to gain more space. An example of the spatial dominance can be found in an example variation. 10 f5 Bc8 11.g4 Nf6 12. g5 Nh5 13. f6 Bh8. In this position, black is more ‘cramped’…”

10. …exf4 Pros: Attacks the white king bank while opening the bishop on g7 diagonal. Cons: Does not develop a minor/major piece in the opening stages of game. Opens whites offensive options; i.e.- Bxf4, Nxf4, even gxf4…

11. gxf4?! Pros: White dominates e5 and g5 and now has a semi open “g” file (for future offensive plans) Cons: Moves a pawn toward enemy king instead of a minor/major piece. The black knight on h5 has an decent post as a pawn can no longer dislodge it.

11. …Qb6+

12. Kh2 dxe4

13. dxe4 How stands the white center pawns? Good or bad?

13. …Rd8 Attacks the white queen and, grabs the file or ‘highway’

14. Qe1 Nd7 Black now connects his rooks!

15. Ng5 Bc4 [W.Sedlar] “Ng5 was played. Again, in this type of situation, e5 is a possible type of idea. Again, this reinforces spatial gain and momentum in the center with this thrust.”

16. Bf3! Ndf6 [W.Sedlar] ” Bf3… in this position, black does not notice that whites g5 knight has lack of room. h6 traps the knight in the situation.”

17. e5 Nd5 White is behind in development yet, has powerful initiative and attacking potential! [W.Sedlar] ” e5 White grabs the opportunity to play e5, but, in this situation, gains a tempo because the knight is on f6.”

18. Bxh5 gxh5

19. b3 Bxe2

20. Qxe2 Qd4 Getting black’s queen closer to enemy king while attacking the rook on a1 and eyeing the two white center pawns.

21. Rb1 h6 [W.Sedlar] “21. Rb1 .. at first glance..it looks as if whites rook is hanging. Upon further speculation..after 21. Qxh5 white has a crushing lead..and if black wants to get greedy and take the rook..black is doomed. 21. Qxh5 Qxa1 22. Qxf7+ Kh8 23. Qf5 Kg8 24. Qe6+ Kh8 25. Nf7+ Kg8 26. Nxd8+ Kh8 27. Qe8+ Bf8 28. Qxf8# The set up ends up similar to a smothered mate with the idea, and blacks king is helpless. An interesting look, nonetheless.”

22. Bb2 Qe3

23. Qxh5!? Pros: White’s most powerful piece is now closer to enemy king! Black’s queen is now left wanting… Cons: Drops a minor piece for apparently little compensation…

23. …hxNg5

24. Rbe1 Qd2+

25. Re2 Qxf4+ ? Why pick this branch? Is it necessary or winning? (No) [W.Sedlar] “25. ..Qxf4 + is inferior to Nxf4+.. Note though: Both players were playing a quick game and were low on time”

26. Rxf4 Nxf4

27. Qxg5! Not seeking the knight back after Nxe2 but rather seeking strong attack against enemy king!

27. …Nxe2

28. e6 f6

29. Qh5? In time pressure white now fumbles (Bxf6 wins immediately)

29. …Rd2

30. Qf7+ Kh7

31. Bxf6 Nf4+? Also in time pressure, black plays inaccurately…

32. Kg3 Rg2+

33. Kxf4 Rf8

34. Qh5+ Kg8

35. Kf3 Rg1 Notice how the white king is active while the black king is not…