Botvinnik Semi-Slav, The (Pedersen)

108 THE B01VINNIK SEMI-SlAV
idea in such positions. Combined with
a kingside fianchetto this would be
highly unpleasant since Black is behind
in development. But since Black
moves first, he can of course prevent
the fianchetto with 12 ... .i.b7, as he is
then ready to play ... c5 should White
open the diagonal (with g3). Castling
kingside seems to be running into an
attack, so if White is not keen on leaving
his king in the centre he should
probably refrain from playing a4 and
instead attempt to castle queenside.
Black's strategy is not that easy to
point out since there is no obvious
plan. If White promised to leave Black
in peace, then the moves would be
something like ... .i.b7, ... tDa6, ... 'ike7
and ... 0-0-0. Unfortunately, White is
unlikely to be so cooperative, and he
can quickly generate pressure with
'ikf3 and tDe4. Hence, the best shot for
Black seems to be quick action such as
an ... eS break or insisting on the exchange
of the dark-squared bishops by
playing ... .i.gS. However, these ideas
really need a few outings and it is not
quite clear when exactly is the best
time to implement them.
Quick Summary
After 1O ... .i.e7 11 exf6 .i.xf6 White
has an important strategic decision to
make: whether to exchange the darksquared
bishops with 12 .i.xf6 (Line
A) or to retreat the bishop with 12 .i.e3
(Line B).
Line B is generally considered the
main line but in my opinion Black's
chances have been somewhat underestimated
in the whole 1O ....i.e7 system.
In the main line after 12 .i.e3, Black
has done best with 12 ....i.b7 13 'ikf3!?
.i.e7, but it is probably worth taking a
closer look at the untested 12 ... eS!?
In Line A, after 12 .i.xf6 'ifxf6,
White's most direct line is 13 a4!?
(Line AI), but in view of 17 .. .'~f8!,
which is neglected by some sources,
White should probably choose the
calmer 13 g3 (Line A2). But also here
I think White's chances are largely
overestimated. In particular I think the
position after 17 .. .'~b8 is worth a
closer look.
The Theory of lO ... .te7
1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 tDf3 tDf6 4 tDc3 e6 5
.i.g5 dxc4 6 e4 b5 7 e5 h6 8 .i.h4 g5 9
tDxg5 hxg5 10 .i.xg5 .i.e7 11 exf6
.i.xf6 (D)
Now:
A: 12 .i.xf6 109
B: 12.i.e3 113