10-11-2011, 12:07 AM
pablo Wrote:“Now 9...Nh5 10.Bc1 Nhf6 transposes back into a standard closed Catalan where white can play either 11.Bf4 and allow a repetition or something like 11.b3 or 11.Rd1. It's good practice to repeat the position twice then to play on...”
“Normally it's more prudent to play e3 to prevent f5-f4. Here I got away with allowing this as there is sufficient counterplay on the queenside. The key is to go after the bishop on b7 which is black's worst piece.”
“The main method of defence is to keep the rook on the second and to cover c2 or any other square where the bishop can attack g6. Once the pawn advances to f4 a last ditch defence would be for the rook and bishop to attack f4 if the g-pawn is about to be taken.”
Top tips for lower graded players like myself. Thanks. Gives me an idea of the sort of strategy and thought process I should be trying to implement in my own games to try and improve my performance.
Spooky choice of games, for me, as I'm developing my understanding of the Catalan this season and am a firm devotee of the Sicilian in reply to e4 but have been struggling to come up with a plan to counteract c3. Both games have been useful in giving a greater understanding of the two openings (and the pitfalls).
Looking for a good result tomorrow, although at this level every opponent is a decent player. Play well.
DGC
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