Oh it’s so easy when you know the solution isn’t it?
Following on from my recent post The Leningrad Dutch - Playing Against an Unusual System (white plays an early b2-b4), it is surprising how simple things can become for black in the Leningrad when white gives you the chance to play …e5 with some effect!
From this position where white has just played 6.b4, white has actually left it too late to play this move! If white is going to play b2-b4 (or b2-b3 for that matter) then it must be played before black plays …d6.
Why? Here’s why:
6…e5
Although this is thematic in the Leningrad, I think there is - for players of my playing strength (about 1600 Elo / 125 ECF) - a psychological hurdle to overcome in black playing a central pawn break before castleing.
7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8
Here white should castle and reconcile himself to having allowed black to equalise.
9.Nxe5??
The point is white can not take this pawn. If he does the “Leningrad Bishop” will cause him much pain!
9… Nfd7 10.Nf7+ Ke8 11.Nxh8 Bxh8
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
