Botvinnik Semi-Slav, The (Pedersen)

7 Move-orders and Various
Deviations
1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 tLlf3 tLlf6 4 tLlc3 e6 5
~g5 dxc4 6 e4 b5 7 e5 h6 8 ~h4 g5 9
tZ:lxg5 hxg5 10 ~xg5 tLlbd7 (D)
w
We have now examined most of the
main lines in the Botvinnik System
but both sides have a variety of other,
less well explored paths.
So far I have consistently been employing
the move-order 11 exf6, which
allows any of Black's 13th move alternatives
discussed in Chapter 5, and
thus gives Black a larger choice of options.
White might avoid these with 11
g3. Then 11...~b7 12 ~g2 'iWb6 13
exf6 c5 14 d5 0-0-0 15 0-0 b4leads to
the main lines examined in Chapters
2-4, but both sides can vary from this
sequence, and we shall look at these
possibilities here. The most important
idea for Black is to force White either
to part with his dark-squared bishop or
to enter a position where Black has
two minor pieces against a rook. This
occurs if B lack chooses 11 ... .l:g8 !? (or
11 ... ~b7 12 ~g2 .l:g8 but this is less
flexible).
Quick Summary
White has two move-orders in attempting
to reach the main lines, 11 g3
(Line A) and 11 exf6 (Line B). 11 g3
has the advantage of avoiding Black's
13th move alternatives considered in
Chapter 5 but on the other hand, it allows
a few others. 11... b4?! (Line AI)
cannot be recommended, but I1..J:tg8
(Line A2) is interesting and it is a matter
of taste whether to allow this or the
aforementioned 13th move alternatives
(after 11 exf6). The main line after
11.. . .l:g8 runs 12 h4 (12 ~xf6 is
Line A21 but is considered less critical)
12 ... .l:xg5 13 hxg5 tLld5 14 g6
fxg6 15 'iWg4 'iWe7, when White has
three options. 16 'iWxg6+ (Line A222)
aims for an ending in which White
will attempt to make his kingside
pawns tell, but I think Black's defensive
resources are adequate. 16 ':h8