1.Nf3 d5 – Top-Level Repertoire for Black – Part 1 by GM Pier Luigi Modern Chess

We are happy to present another fascinating project by GM Pier Luigi Basso – 1.Nf3 d5 – Top-Level Repertoire for Black – Part 1. The first database of this two-parts series is dedicated to White’s alternatives to 2.g3. The move 2.g3 will be covered in the second part of the project. Note that 2.d4 is out of the scope of this project since this move takes us to Queen’s Gambit.

The suggested repertoire is highly ambitious and rich with new ideas and concepts. Besides providing top-notch analysis, GM Pier Luigi Basso invests a lot of effort in explaining the most important strategic ideas.

The course consists of 12 theoretical chapters, 12 interactive test positions, 15 extensively annotated model games, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (4h Running Time).

Introduction by the Author

Before delving into theoretical considerations and explaining my choice of lines, let’s address some technical aspects. In this repertoire, you will find a comprehensive response to 1.Nf3 but not 1.Nf3 d5 2.d4. The following commentary will provide some options for overcoming this potential ‘issue.’ In this database, we will analyze all other white moves at move 2, except for 2.g3, which will be examined in great detail in the second part of this repertoire.

Let’s start with the initial position of this repertoire arising after 1.Nf3 d5

The idea behind this repertoire is to provide a comprehensive response to 1.Nf3. My choice for the first move is 1…d5. The essence of this repertoire is to offer variations that do not transpose into any opening arising from 1.d4, ensuring that any player with Black can employ these lines, regardless of their main defense against 1.d4. The only potential “issue” might arise if White plays 1.Nf3 d5 2.d4. In this case, I need to make a few considerations. Firstly, there won’t be an issue for players who employ the Slav Defense, QGA, or QGD against 1.d4. However, for those who play the Gruenfeld, KID, or Queen’s Indian Defense (or other minor openings) against 1.d4, they have four options against the move order 1.Nf3 d5 2.d4:

1. Study a second opening such as QGD, QGA, or Slav against 1.d4.

2. Start with 1.Nf3 Nf6 and attempt to transpose into the analyzed lines, even though this will not be possible against move orders like 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 and 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3.

3. Opt for a lesser-known line, meaning that after 1.Nf3 d5 2.d4, explore the options of 2…Bf5 or 2…Nd7. Both are intriguing lines frequently employed by high-level players, providing an entirely independent opening compared to the openings that can arise after 1.d4 d5 2.c4.

4. Play the QGD with Black, where White doesn’t have the opportunity to enter the main Carlsbad line arising from 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5.

Now, let’s draw a map of the variations.

Minor moves like 2.d3, 2.e4 or 2.Nc3 will be analyzed in Chapter 1.

A very important tabiya arises after 2.c4 d4 3.b4 f6

This is probably the most important chapter (Chapter 4) from a theoretical point of view. One of the best world chess theoreticians, Ivan Cheparinov, just did great work on this line from the White side (you can always find his database in Modern Chess). I will investigate in great detail these theoretical lines and offer different solid or ambitious alternatives for Black. By the way, Chapters 2 and 3 feature the moves 3.e3 and 3.g3.

Another important position is being reached after 2.b3 Nf6 3.Bb2

Now Black can play Bf5 or Bg4. I am suggesting …Bf5 and it will be analyzed in Chapters 5 and 6.

Chapters 7-12 – Overview

1.Nf3 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.c4 e6

This is the starting position of the upcoming six chapters. It is essential to note that the lines in this position are intricate, with numerous possible move orders. Moreover, the theoretical part of this position has significantly evolved over the past 3-4 years, making it a new branch of the opening theory.

To facilitate your study of these lines, I propose two distinct approaches. I recommend commencing with an in-depth analysis of the 15 model games. A thorough understanding of these games, including the associated move orders, strategic concepts, and potential improvements, should provide a solid preparation for the 2300/2400 level. For those seeking additional depth or requiring further study, an option is available to delve into the six theoretical chapters analyzed in chapters 7-12. This supplemental material is designed for players who wish to explore the intricacies of the position in greater detail. As you will notice, the 15 games I have selected are quite recent. Only one is from 2018, and two are from 2019, while the remaining 12 are from 2021 to 2024. This is because, as mentioned earlier, these lines are part of a very recent theoretical branch.