Chapter 2 The Central Variation 5.Bd2 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 e5 4.Nf3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 [diagram] This move is the second most popular move in this position, scoring over 58% in the database. Its examination will lead us to mostly technical positions, where Black has to be precise to equalize chances.
5.Bxd2+ Here White has two equally strong continuations. 6.Nbxd2 This continuation is the more common approach. Though White basically sacrifices a pawn, Black must be precise in dealing with this gambit. 6.Qxd2 is a major alternative. After 6.
exd4, [diagram] the only real continuation for an advantage is 7.Nxd4. Let's quickly dismiss the others: (a) 7.Bxc4 c5! 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 e5 4.Nf3 Bb4+ 5.
Bd2 [diagram][ This move is the second most popular move in this position, scoring over 58% in the database. Its examination will lead us to mostly technical positions, where Black has to be precise to equalize chances. 5.Bxd2+ Here White has two equally strong continuations. 6.Nbxd2 This continuation is the more common approach. Though White basically sacrifices a pawn, Black must be precise in dealing with this gambit. 6.
Qxd2 is a major alternative. After 6.exd4, cuuuuuuuuC{rhb1kDn4}{0p0wDp0p}{wDwDwDwD}{DwDwDwDw}{wDp0PDwD}{DwDwDNDw}{P)w!w)P)}{$NDwIBDR}vllllllllV the only real continuation for an advantage is 7.Nxd4. Let's quickly dismiss the others: (a) 7.Bxc4 c5! [diagram] 8.b4 (Worse is 8.Ne5 Be6! 9.
Bxe6 fxe6 and White simply does not have much for Black's pawn and center.) 8.Nc6 9.bxc5 Nf6 10.0-0 0-0 11.Re1 Bg4 12.e5 Nd7 13.Nxd4 Ndxe5 14.
Nxc6 Nxc6 and Black has full equality; (b) 7.Qxd4 Nf6! The most precise move. The main point of the move is to force White to trade on d8 instead of empowering White's knight by exchanging on d4. 8.Nc3 8.Qxd8+ basically transposes, as White has nothing better than 9.Nc3 following the trade. If after 8.
Kxd8 White plays 9.Bxc4?!, it is at best a dubious attempt at an advantage that could easily backfire after 9.Nxe4 10.Bxf7 Nd6 11.Bb3 Re8+ 12.Kf1 a5! 13.Nc3 h6! 14.Rd1 Ra6! and White must be accurate to maintain the balance.
8.Be6! A very important move, forcing White to work to regain the pawn. 9.Qxd8+ Kxd8 10.Nd4 Nc6! [diagram] Not a very pretty, but a precise move leading to equality. 11.Nxc6+ This looks strong, but the counterplay down the b-file will keep Black safe. Let's take a look at other possibilities: 11.
Nxe6+ fxe6 12.Bxc4 Ke7 [diagram] And now 13.0-0-0?.