1…e5, Dutch and Indian setups
For many great players from different generations the English opening has been a logical complement to 1.d4. By delaying the advance of the d-pawn White can avoid certain popular defences such as the Nimzoindian or the Grünfeld, to return to the 1.d4 paths a few moves later. But White can go further and build up a purely English repertoire, based on 1.c4 and 2.g3, which is the aim of these two DVDs. There are a few move orders or systems (most typically the King’s Indian) where White’s objectively best idea might be transposing to 1.d4 anyway (which I frequently do in my games) but while mentioning this in all relevant cases I have analyzed genuine English systems, leading to interesting play.
The English opening is consistent enough to offer no lesser chances for an advantage (or just adequate play in positions one masters well) than 1.e4 and 1.d4, but also very flexible, allowing White to put the focus on understanding instead of concrete analysis, a common syndrome today. The practically unlimited flexibility of this opening has allowed me to examine different variations for White than in my earlier book trilogy on this opening published at Quality Chess against roughly 75% of Black’s systems. This is especially visible from an early stage after 1...e5 while in other systems the deviation from the book lines occurs a few moves later (for instance after 1...e6). In those lines where I had to stick to the book recommendations I have made the due updates.
The first DVD includes the systems 1...e5, the Dutch and Indian setups. The “Reversed Sicilian” arising after 1...e5 is one of the main challenges for White. But his extra tempo is likely to offer him at least the slightly more pleasant position even after Black’s best play. The Dutch poses no problems if White intends to keep play within English territory. The King’s Indian is more challenging from this point of view and I usually transpose to the fianchetto system with d2-d4. But in the videos I have examined a double fianchetto move order, which is also entirely sound.
- Video running time: 7 h 13 min (English)
- Extra: extended analysis file with model games
- With ChessBase Reader 2017
Mihail Marin, born in 1965, has several times been Romanian champion and first made the leap over the Elo barrier of 2600 in 2001. Marin possesses a rare gift for a grandmaster - he is able to explain in readily comprehensible terms the ideas behind moves, variations and positions. This ability is there for all to admire in his contributions to ChessBase Magazine. Marin has written some books which have earned the highest of praise, among which are “Secrets of Chess Defence” and “Learn from the legends”.
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