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Miniatures in the Queen’s Indian: 4.g3

Carsten Hansen

ISBN: 978-1-941270-48-6

No part of this book may be used, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any manner or form whatsoever or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Published by:

Russell Enterprises, Inc.

P.O. Box 3131

Milford, CT 06460 USA

http://www.russell-enterprises.com

info@russell-enterprises.com

Series Introduction

“An opening book based only on miniatures? Maybe sounds odd at first, but works well in the sharp Najdorf, and even in the more positional Queen’s Indian Defence. As usual, Carsten’s theoretical coverage is thorough, and the books are not repertoire based, but gives a full examination of these topical openings. Is it limiting to only show miniatures? Maybe, but one somehow get the purified version of a successful strategy, when the games are not complex battles, but a slam-dunk!”

– Grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen, coach & second to World Champion Magnus Carlsen

Welcome to the “Miniatures in the…” series. Each eBook will be devoted to one opening or major variation. The idea is to present a mix of interesting miniatures, combinations, instructive mistakes along with some accompanying opening theory putting everything into context.

For the purpose of this series, we are defining miniatures as games lasting 25 moves or less with a decisive result.

In the past, collections of miniatures typically have presented games spanning a large variety of openings, with lines which often are rarely used or irrelevant. In addition, many of the games are between weak players or players with a substantial difference in playing strength.

This series will focus on games between stronger players, a minimum of ELO 2350, thus making the games much more relevant, as they are less marred by obvious blunders, dropping pieces or missing simple mates. Although mistakes or blunders will have to occur to have a game finish decisively in 25 moves or less, the mistakes are more likely to be more instructive. In addition, by only covering a single opening or opening variation, the reader gets better and deeper coverage, as well as an overview of the particular opening’s features and characteristics.

You can use this book as an idea catalogue of tricky and interesting lines or to check your tactical skills. The many diagrams will help you sort out issues, calculate or find a winning continuation. Of course, you can simply enjoy these games which are, by and large, all quite entertaining. Finally, there is a treasure trove of opening theory included, and not just existing theory, but also numerous new ideas and improvements.

Enjoy!

Carsten Hansen

Bayonne 2016

Introduction

Miniatures in the Queen’s Indian: 4.g3

The purpose of the book is to entertain and educate you. The entertainment consists of 100 main games all of which are 25 moves or less. In addition to the main games, you will find miniatures included in the notes, along with many other complete games.

The education part involves solving tactical puzzles, reasoning your way to the right move, spotting combinations and studying the theory associated with these lines. While the theoretical coverage may not necessarily be as deep as in opening monographs or repertoire books, there is usually more than enough to give you a good understanding of the particular line, making it easier for you to incorporate it into your opening repertoire. We have also tried to include some key alternatives with analysis to give you an idea of other possibilities for both sides.

While I have tried to provide wins for both sides in all chapters, you may notice that some lines score very well for White. This is not to discourage Black, but in some of these lines it often seems like that White wins the short games more frequently while Black wins the long ones.

The subject of this book is the Queen’s Indian Fianchetto Variation, which arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3.

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The Queen’s Indian as a whole has been played consistently since its invention by Aron Nimzowitsch in the early years of the 20th century and it remains a very popular opening at all levels. While its foundation is solid, things can quickly become very sharp and heavy on theory, particularly when Black plays 4…Ba6.

That being said, I have presented a number of games in the notes which will offer both sides the opportunity to play this opening without having to worry about studying large volumes of theory. Please note, however, that if you plan to make any of these lines part of your repertoire permanently, studying them in greater detail is recommended.

The material has been divided into seven chapters, not all equal in length. This is of course because some lines are played far more frequently than others and therefore should be represented accordingly, but I think you will find a decent representation of all relevant lines.

One final note – I am only covering lines which start with 4.g3 [E15-E19], directly or by transposition. The remaining lines of the Queen’s Indian, for example 4.a3, 4.Nc3, 4.Bf4 and 4.e3 will be covered in separate volume.

Comments? Please do not hesitate to send them to carstenchess@gmail.com.

Good luck and enjoy!

Carsten Hansen

Bayonne, NJ

June 2016

Contents

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3

14…Ba6 5.Qc2

24…Ba6 5.Qb3

34…Ba6 5.Nbd2

44…Ba6 5.Qa4

54…Ba6 5.b3 – Minor Lines

64…Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+

74…Bb7 – Minor Lines

84…Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.0-0 0-0 7.Nc3 Ne4