How to get solid practical positions all the time?
Learn to get solid positions with easy-to-learn typical plans that can be implemented against most of your opponent's reactions.
In this article, I examine the opening Repertoire of Jose Mart铆nez Alc谩ntara that he used in 2023-2024 in Blitz and Bullet games. I used only public information that anybody can find on the website https://www.openingtree.com/ If you enjoy his concept, try it out, but make sure you know the typical plans in the middlegame!
Concept
Jospem has created a repertoire that consists primarily of sidelines leading to similar positions. One of the main benefits of this approach is that it enables you to make many moves very quickly, which is crucial for the blitz/bullet games. You will not see many tactical tricks and traps in the opening, which may give you a huge advantage quickly. The emphasis is mainly on knowing typical ideas and plans better than the opponent. Even though there are almost no tactical tricks, his repertoire has many strategic ones. Basically, you can quickly drop your advantage with white or get a considerably worse position with black without even noticing it.
1. Super solid; you cannot get crushed quickly, even if you play against a well-equipped opponent. 2. Getting maneuvering positions that rely more on knowing typical ideas rather than tactical complications. 3. Sidelines that can be annoying to face without preparation.
White: 1.e4 followed by different sidelines that lead to maneuvering positions emphasizing Italian structure, IQP, and closed center (d4-e5 vs. e6-d5). Black: Najdorf (with an unusual move order that removes some dangerous systems) + Nimzo/Bogoindian. One of the key structures is the Hedgehog (and there is a surprise for you at the end!)
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White 1.e4
Against e5, Jospem plays the Four Knights 4.h3!? I've never faced this line and didn't know any theoretical details before writing this article. Interestingly, h3 is useful against main replies Bb4 and d5 and doesn't merely lead to transpositions into main lines with reversed colors. Another interesting aspect of these positions is that most players likely will not know typical plans because very few play Bb5/d4 Four Knights themselves with white pieces.
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1.e4e52.Nf3Nc62...Nf63.Nc3Bb4Almost no games here4.Nxe5O-O5.Nd3Bxc36.dxc3Nxe47.Be2d68.O-ORe89.Re1With small but stable plus for white3.Nc3Nf6Black cannot really avoid this position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 (happens almost in all games)3...Bc54.Nxe5typical trick4.h3...Useful waiting move. An important aspect of these positions is that many players will be uncomfortable with playing similar positions with reversed colors4.d4Take a look at this line, which explains - what can be an advantage of h3exd45.Nxd4Bb46.Nxc6bxc67.Bd3d58.e5This move doesn't work without the pawn on h3(8.exd5cxd5(8...O-O9.O-OBg4)9.O-OO-O10.h3One of main moves for white in this position anyway(10.Qf3Bg4))Ng44.Bb5a6This move doesn't work without the pawn on h6!5.Bxc6dxc66.Nxe5Nxe47.Nxe4Qd58.O-OQxe59.d4(9.Re1Be610.d4Qf511.Bg5)Qd510.Re1(10.Ng5)Be611.Bg5(11.Ng5)4....Bb44...d5The h3 move can be useful here to prevent Bg45.exd5(5.Bb5Alternative. Jospem has a few games here as well)Nxd56.Bb5Nxc37.bxc3Bd68.O-OO-O9.d4exd4By far the most popular move; however, black has some alternatives as well(9...Bd7Black prepares Nxd4 trick10.Rb1(10.Re1Nxd4)Re811.Re1exd4Same structure as in the main line)(9...Qf610.Re1exd411.cxd4transpositions)10.cxd4h6Most frequently played move. Here Martinez plays two lines(10...Bf511.Bg5Jospem always makes this move. White still has similar ideas in mindQc8(11...Be712.Bxe7Nxe713.Bd3)12.Re1Nb413.Ba4(13.Be7interesting alternative))(10...Qf611.c4(11.Rb1)h6transposition to 10...h6)(10...Ne711.Bd3Looks quite comfortable for white)11.c4White often wants to return the bishop on d3. Here it is not possible(11.Rb1AlternativeQf612.Bb2Bf5(12...Ne713.Bd3Typical move for the system)(12...Qg613.Bd3Qh514.Re1White can even try to play Re4-Rh4)13.Re1Nb4Strong typical move14.d5Bxc215.Bxf6Bxd116.Rexd1gxf617.Rd2)Qf6(11...Bf512.Bb2Nb413.c5Be7(13...c6pretty strong move, but hard to make14.Bc4)14.Qb3)(11...a612.Ba4Qf613.Bb2Looks comfortable for white. With typical maneuvers)12.Bb2Qg6(12...a613.Ba4With typical maneuvers. White gradually prepares an advancement in the center)13.c5Important trick to knowBe7(13...Bxh314.Nh4)14.Bxc6(14.Bd3Bf515.Bxf5Qxf516.Qb3)4...Bc5Same story as one move before5.Nxe5Typical trickNxe5(5...Bxf2+6.Kxf2White loses the castle only for a few moves)6.d4Bd67.dxe5Bxe58.Bd3d5(8...O-O9.O-ORe810.Nb5Typical trick, white is hunting the bishop)9.Nxd5(9.exd5alternativeO-O(9...Nxd510.O-O)10.O-O)Nxd510.exd5Qxd511.O-OBe612.Qe24...g65.Bc4Now white transition into playing an ItalianBg76.d3O-O7.a4d68.O-ONotice that this is the same line that was analyzed in my article about the repertoire of Naroditsky, but with reversed colorsBe69.Bxe6fxe610.Ne2Nh511.c3White can allow Rxf34...a6Against waiting moves you can play d4 and get an improved version where h3 is quite useful5.d4exd46.Nxd4Bb47.Nxc6bxc68.Bd3d59.e5I think this move is better against another waiting move (h6). I think, conceptually, it makes sense to play e5 here as well(9.exd5Also good, here the move a6 is absolutely uselesscxd510.O-OO-O11.Qf3)Ne410.O-ONxc311.bxc3Bxc312.Rb14...h65.d4exd46.Nxd4Bb47.Nxc6bxc68.Bd3d59.exd5(9.e5Interestingly, Jospem never played this line. However, here we can use the h3 moveNe410.O-ONxc311.bxc3Bxc312.Rb1O-O13.f4This looks like a promising attacking position. The rooks can be brought via the 3rd rank)cxd510.O-OO-O11.Qf3With standard play5.a3...Quite an unusual idea. I've never seen black playing a6 against Bb55....Bxc35...Ba5This move is played rarely. Martinez played different moves in this position6.Bd3This one most oftenO-O7.O-Od68.b4Bb69.Na4Key idea of Bd3 - white is trying to capture the b6 bishopd510.exd5Qxd511.Nc3Important move(11.Nxb6axb6Now white is in trouble)Qd612.Re1Re813.Bb2White maintains an initiative6.dxc3d6Played most often6...Nxe47.Nxe5Nxe58.Qd4O-O9.Qxe4Very importantly, the pawn on h3 prevents black from developing a piece on g4d510.Qd4(10.Qa4Also fine, with similar ideas)Re8(10...Nc611.Qf4d4One of good reactions for black12.cxd4Qxd4(12...Nxd413.Bd3)13.Be2Re814.c3Qd3(14...Qd515.Be3)15.Be3Ne5One of fully equalizing lines)11.Be3This position looks very comfortable for white6...d5Almost no games here7.Bb5Engine's suggestion(7.exd5comfortable endgame for white)O-O8.exd5Nxd59.Bxc6bxc610.c4Nb611.b36...O-O7.Bg5This pin is quite annoying for black(7.Bd3looks like inaccuracyd5With comfortable position)h68.Bh4g59.Nxg5White must sacrificehxg510.Bxg5Kg711.Qf36...h67.Bd3d6(7...d5Looks like a good move. Almost no games8.Bb5I believe as an idea - this is stronger than exd5(8.exd5Qxd59.Qe2Be610.c4Qd611.O-OO-O-O)Nxe49.Nxe5O-O10.Nxc6bxc611.Bd3)8.Qe2Qe79.Be3Be610.O-O-OKey idea for white7.Bd3O-O7...h68.Qe2Look at 6...h68.Bg5h69.Bh4Qe79...g510.Nxg5Strong sacrifice(10.Bg3Since the pawn on e4 is protected - it is also a pretty decent move)9...Be610.Qd210.Qe2...Improvement over Qd2 - now white has Bc4 against Qe610.Qd2Jospem played this move, but it seems less accurate due to Qe6-Qa2 ideaQe610....Nd810...Qe611.Bc411.Nh2
In the case of the French, Martinez plays an exchange French. Firstly, his choice surprised me. However, it actually fits his concept of getting solid maneuvering positions with a strategic venom pretty well. Also, it is worth mentioning that Jose doesn't just play the symmetric version of an Exchanged French but rather goes for more ambitious c4, which leads to IQP positions.
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Let's make Exchange French great again!1.e4e62.d4d53.exd5...I was surprised to see the exchange happening in most of the games. However, I think the concept here that Jospem plays makes perfect sense in combination with e4-e5 lines. That looks quite similar3.Nd2Jospem also plays Nd2 (and then similar lines to Daniel Naroditsky)3....exd54.Nf3...Now the concept of the Martinez constitutes of playing h3-Bd3-0-0-c4-Nc3 and playing with IQP4.h3This move order also can make some sense4....Nf64...Nc6Main alternative5.h3Bf5(5...Bd66.c4White can play c4 before Bd3(trying to take on c4 in one turn) because there is no Re8+ comingdxc47.Bxc4Nf68.O-OO-O9.Nc3h6(9...Re8Black cannot allow Bg510.Bg5)10.Qc2White is building for Bh6 tacticsa6(10...Nb411.Qb1c6Since the knight ran away - white can start thinking about Bxh612.Bxh6gxh613.Qg6+Kh814.Qxh6+Nh715.Ne4Be716.Ne5)11.a3(11.Bxh6That doesn't work immediatelygxh612.Qg6+Kh813.Qxh6+Nh7)b5(11...Ne712.Ne5)12.Ba2Bb713.Re1Ne714.Ne5)(5...Nf6)6.Bb5Bd67.c4dxc48.O-ONe79.Bxc4O-O10.Nc3With typical QIP. The knight on e7 is not placed well4...Bd65.h3Ne76.c4If black does something strange like these moves - white can play c4 earlier to take on c4 with a bishop in one turnc67.Nc3O-O8.Bd3dxc49.Bxc4Nd710.O-ONothing unusual here. still similar plans4...Bf55.Bd3Bxd36.Qxd3c67.O-OBd68.Re1+Ne79.Bg5O-O10.Nbd2with some pressure5.h3...White can play it later as well5....Bd65...Be76.Bd3O-O7.O-OIf the bishop stays on e7 - white can deviate and play the position via Bf4Nbd7(7...c58.dxc5)8.Bf46.Bd3O-O7.O-Oh67...Re8Against Re8 white can play more aggressively8.Bg5(8.c4dxc49.Bxc4Nc610.Nc3With standard plans)Nbd79.Nc3Not the best square, but helps with the fastest development possiblec610.Qd27...c68.c4dxc4(8...Be69.c5)9.Bxc4h6look at 7...h67...Nc6Rarely is played in this position8.Bg5Alternative, seems more effective(8.c4dxc49.Bxc4Bf510.Nc3h611.Re1Nb4(11...Re812.Be3With maneuvering game)12.Bb3Nd3White is fine with exchanging the c1 bishop13.Re2Nxc114.Rxc1)Nb4(8...h69.Bh4g510.Bg3Bxg311.fxg3Weird position, should be hard to play for black)9.Nc37...c5Black plays c5 super rarely8.dxc5Bxc5Different plans are possible9.Nc3(9.Nbd2)8.c4dxc49.Bxc4...Interestingly, there are very few games here (probably, because of too many transpositions)9....Nbd79...Nc610.Nc3Bf511.Re1Look at 7...Nc69...c610.Nc3Nbd711.Re1Nb612.Bb310.Nc3Re811.Bb3Nb612.Ne5Be612...Bxe5mistake13.dxe5Qxd114.Rxd113.Bf4
If Black plays Caro, then Martinez chooses 3.e5 followed by h4 against Bf5. This forced line doesn't leave Black much freedom regarding sound reactions. Also, against the most popular Qa5+ system, Jose goes for a pawn sacrifice b4—an interesting sideline requiring precise reactions.
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Against Caro - Martinez plays quite aggressive system; contrary to other lines1.e4c62.d4d53.e5Bf53...c54.dxc5Nc6(4...e65.c3(5.Bd3Also possible move order)Bxc5(5...Nd76.Nf3)(5...Nc66.Nf3Bxc57.Bd3Solid alternative(7.b4Engine's reccomendation))6.Qg4Key idea of the c3 move orderNe7(6...Kf87.Bd3Nc68.Qe2important retreat)7.Bd3(7.b4The suggestion of an engine, but it seems shaky. Jospem played it only once)Nbc6(7...Ng68.Nf3Qc79.Qg3Solid alternative. Mostly played by Jospem(9.O-ONxe510.Nxe5Qxe511.Bf4Qf612.Bg5Qe513.Nd2With strong initiative))8.Nf3Ng69.Qg3Jose only played Qg3(9.O-OSeems like an improvement. Black cannot take on e5O-O10.Qh5The queen on h5 stays better))5.Nf3Bg4(5...e66.c3Transposition to 4...e6)6.c3Key idea. White, typically, is not worried about losing the e5 pawn. The c5 one is more importante6(6...Nxe57.Nxe5)7.Be3a6(7...Nge78.Nbd2Nf59.Bd4Be7(9...Nfxd410.cxd4Nxd411.Qa4+)10.Bb5White keeps an extra pawn)(7...Bxf38.Qxf3Nxe59.Bb5+Nc610.c4)8.Nbd2Nxe59.Be24.h4h54...h6Here Jospem plays both g4 and Bd3. The last one gives a better score5.Bd3Very practical choice(5.g4Main line. However, keeping control here is difficult - the position is too messy. Probably, that's why Jospem rarely plays itBe46.f3Bh77.e6Qd6(7...Nf68.Nc3)8.exf7+Kxf79.f4)Bxd36.Qxd3e67.c3c58.Ne2The h6 hook can be useful in the future to create an attack on the kingside (after g4-g5, for example)4...e65.g44...Qb6Waiting moves are often well met by Nc35.Nc34...Qc75.Nc3h56.Bd3Knight will jump on e2 to allow for c35.Bd3Bxd36.Qxd3Qa5+This move is mostly used to prevent the development of c1 bishop to g56...e67.Bg5Qb68.Nd2c5Black must play it(8...Nd79.Ngf3In case of a stable game white always gets a solid advantage)(8...Qa69.c4)9.c4Qxb2Very few games are available. White gets a strong initiative after Rb1 or Rd1. Then the Queen moves away and white strive for a quick development7.b4...Cool idea. Qb4 is quite dangerous, while Qa6 gives white an endgame that's pretty easy to play7....Qxb4+7...Qa68.e6Key moveQxd39.cxd3fxe6It is important to remember, that the knights go on f4 and f3 squares10.Nd2Nh611.Ndf3Nf512.Nh38.Nd2e69.Rb1Qe710.Ne2White keeps the pressure. Knight on f5 is often exchanged after Ng3. Also, white can push the 'a' and 'c' pawns
Against Sicilian, Jospem plays Nf3-c3 systems. Sometimes, it can transpose the game into Alapin (for example, if black plays e6-d5; However, in the majority of cases, white gets either Gioucco Piano type of positions (which Sicilian players often don't understand due to lack of experience) or unusual versions of a closed center d7-d5 vs. e4-e5.
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1.e4c52.Nf3...The next move is c3 against pretty much anything2....d62...e63.c3Nf6(3...d5In this position Jospem plays both lines: exd5 and e5(more often)4.e5One of important elements about the repertoire of Martinez - he doesn't transpose into the French 3.e5(4.exd5Transposition to Alapin. Is analyzed in more detail in my Naroditsky's Blitz Repertoire article)d4This move is the most common because mostly Sicilian players don't want to transpose into French after d2-d4(4...Nc65.g3Nge7(5...f66.d4)6.Bg2Nf57.O-OBe78.d3White is trying to attack on the Kingside (although it is not easy in these positions).)5.g3Nc6(5...Bd76.d3Ne77.Bg2Bc68.O-ONf5(8...Ng69.Qe2)9.Qe2Comfortable plus for white)6.Bg2(6.d3Alternative. Doesn't allow d4-d3 (but black almost never plays itQc77.Qe2Nge78.Bg2Ng69.Na3White sacrifice the pawn on e5 and get compensation for it)d3(6...Nge77.O-ONg68.Re1Qc79.d3Ngxe510.Nxe5Nxe511.Bf4)7.O-ONge7(7...Rb8According to stockfish, gives a decent position. But It is hard to believe that anybody will play it)8.a4Rb89.Na3b610.Nc4Ng611.b3)(3...Nc6This move order is very rarely used by the Sicilian players because it can lead to a French4.d4cxd45.cxd4d56.e5That can be similar to Nc6-Nf5-d5 lines)4.Bd3If white manages to play Bc2-d4 - they get a comfortable game(4.e5Classical Alapin, but Jose doesn't play it)d5Critical line(4...Nc65.Bc2)5.e5Nfd76.Bc2c4(6...Nc67.d4Be78.O-OO-O9.Re1)(6...d47.Qe2Nc68.Ba4Black has to deal with the Bxc6 threat. In the meantime, white finishes the development)7.d4cxd38.Bxd3Nc69.Qe2Qc710.Bf4Now black has to play aggressively, otherwise white gets a comfortable developmentf6(10...g511.Bxg5Ndxe512.Nxe5Nxe513.Bb5+)11.Bb5Key move2...Nc6Against Nc6 - the c3-Bd3 concept seems worse than against e6 or d6. This is probably the reason why Martinez also plays here Bb5 or Nc3. However, I still chose c3-Bd3 for this article because it is played most frequently and gives Jospem a good score.3.c3Nf6(3...d5In this case, white cannot really deviate from the Alapin4.exd5Qxd55.d4Jospem doesn't have that many games here and plays mainline. I suggest taking a look at my Article about the repertoire of Naroditsky)4.Bd3e5The most critical line(4...d55.e5Nd7(5...Ng4Looks natural, but this is inaccurate6.Bb5)(5...Ne46.Bb5)(5...c4this move is almost never played6.Bc2Nd7(6...Ng47.Ba4)7.e6fxe68.b3with a messy position)6.Bb5Key idea for whiteQb6(6...e67.O-OSimilar to 6...Qb6 (when black invites - white takes on c6a68.Bxc6bxc69.d3If black takes with a pawn - d3-c4 makes more sense)(6...c47.b3)7.Bxc6Qxc6(7...bxc68.d3White plays d3-c4 against bxc6)8.d4e69.O-ONow white moves the second knight on the Kingside and tries to deliver a checkmate)(4...d65.h3Looks at 2...d6)(4...g6This is played very rarely5.Bc2Bg76.O-OO-O7.h3e5(7...d6Transposition 2...d6)8.d3Typical maneuvering position. White wants to fight for the light squares via Nf1-Ne3 maneuver)5.Bc2(5.Qe2Works well against d5Be7(5...d56.exd5)6.Bc4(6.Bc2Seems to be the most practical in this position)O-O7.d3h6Black gets a very good position - later than can play d5 or d6)d5(5...Be76.O-OO-O7.Re1With a maneuvering game)6.exd5Qxd5(6...Nxd57.O-O)7.Qe2(7.d3Bf5)Bg48.d3Bxf39.gxf3Be7One of these cases where black gets a pretty good postion3.c3Nf64.h3...The idea of h3 is to prevent Bg44....g64...Nc65.Bd3e5(5...g5Tricky line6.Bc2g47.hxg4Bxg48.d3With a stable position(8.d4Alternative, but Jospem doesn't play it))(5...d56.e5Look at 2...Nc6 - here white just gets an improved version, but ideas are the same)(5...g6transposition. look at 4...g6)6.Bc2Be77.O-OO-OIn this position white has two main alternatives: d3 (followed by standard Bg5-Bxf6 and fight for the d5 square) or d4 - just getting the center8.d3(8.d4exd49.cxd4cxd410.Nxd4)4...Nxe45.Qa4+5.Bd3Bg76.Bc2O-O6...e57.d4(7.d3In case of an early e5 - white can try to play in a maneuvering style (typical for this positions))cxd48.cxd4exd49.Nxd4Nc610.Nxc6bxc611.O-OO-O12.Nc3d513.Bg5h614.Be3Balanced position where white has a bit better pawn structure7.O-ONc68.d4cxd49.cxd4e510.d5Nb410...Ne711.Nc311.Nc3Nxc212.Qxc2I suggest to look at some of the Jospem's games here. The idea is to combine an attack on the d6 pawn and on the 'c' file.
In the case of the Sidelines, Jose is very consistent regarding the conceptual choice. Even against sidelines - he plays sidelines. When black plays Pirc - Jospems selects c3 systems, whereas white can place pieces in a Gioucco Piano style (notice a similarity with the choice against Sicilian). In the case of Scandinavian, he plays rare move Nf3, which gives Black a good position according to an engine; however, arising positions are double-edged, and Black often needs to remember a precise reaction. Against Alekhin, Jospem has endless battles vs Bortnyk in two systems: 3.Nc3 or Classical d4-Nf3
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1.e4g61...d52.exd5Qxd5Here Jospem plays both lines, but Nf3 gives a better score(2...Nf63.Nf3There is no need to try to protect a pawnNxd5(3...Qxd54.Be2)4.d4Bf55.Bd3Bxd36.Qxd3)3.Nf3Maybe this line doesn't give an advantage according to the engine; but arising positions are quite venomous and tricky(3.Nc3No unique lines here - just the main theory)Bg4(3...Nf64.Be2transpositions)(3...Nc6Too early4.Nc3Qh5(4...Qa55.Bb5)5.Nb5)4.Be2Nc6Otherwise, white can build a strong center(4...e65.O-O)5.O-OO-O-O6.h3h5(6...Bxf37.Bxf3Qd78.c3e59.b4(9.d3Also looks quite interesting))(6...Bh57.d4Same as 6...h5 line)7.d4One of key ideas of this lineBxf38.Bxf3Qxd49.Nd2With compensation and a tricky position1...Nf6I find it quite funny, that almost all the games are against Bortnyk here2.e5Nd5Here Martinez plays two lines (d4 and Nc3)3.Nc3More aggressive alternative(3.d4d64.Nf3Mainline of the Alekhine. Jospem plays it against Bortnyk all the time.dxe5Most frequently played5.Nxe5c66.Bd3Nd7(6...g6Probably is better, but Bortnyk doesn't play it)7.Nf3N7f68.h3White is trying to restrict the c8 bishopNb49.O-ONxd310.Qxd3With solid advantage)Nxc3(3...Nb64.d4d65.Nf3)4.dxc3The idea here is to castle longd65.Nf3Nc66.Bb5a6(6...Bd77.Qe2)7.Bxc6+bxc68.Qe21...d62.d4Nf63.Bd3This move is more consistent with a system against Pirce5(3...g64.c3Bg75.Nf3Transposition 1...g6)4.c3With typical Italian plans2.d4Bg73.c3...Probably, the most solid line against the pirc3....d64.Bd3Nf64...Nc65.Nf3e56.h3Nf67.O-OTranspositions to the main line5.Nf3O-O6.O-O...6.h3White can start with thismove as well6....Nc66...Nbd77.h3e58.Re1Re89.Bg5(9.Nbd2Alternative. White gets a maneuvering game)h610.Bh4g511.Bg3Nh512.Bh2Nf413.Bc27.h3There are many ways to play this position. The most solid and standard (which Jospem plays most frequently) - is Nd2-Nf1-Ng3-Be3. Also, white can sometimes play it via d5 or dxe5, and the knight can go on c4.
Black: d6-a6 Najdorf
Surprisingly, I've never faced or seen this particular move order. However, Jose plays it all the time. The intention is to either play Hedgehog or Transpose into unusual versions of Najdorf where white cannot play Bg5 and may face early e6-b5 in the case of normal choice. I think we can call it Jospem's Najdorf!
If white plays c4, which is the choice of an engine, the game transposes into a hHedgehog. I have to say that this version of a Hedgehog (where white gets a lot of freedom) is considered to be quite dangerous for black because white can build an attack on the kingside instead of playing on the queenside. However, two points need to be raised. First, most players just castle short and play a standard version. Second, even in case of an attack on the kingside, the position is not that terrible. Especially in shorter time controls where it can be difficult for white to maintain so much space
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1.e4c52.Nf3d63.d4cxd44.Nxd4a6The idea of this move order is to get interesting versions of Najdorf where black can avoid Bg5 lines, for example5.c4...Building the Maroci structure is considered to be one of the most solid and efficient ways of dealing with sidelines in Sicilian5....e6Black is building the Hedgehog6.Nc3Nf6This position most frequently appears from 2...e6-a6 Sicilian6...b6Also possible move order7.Be2...The standard hedgehog is the least dangerous line for black in this opening, but most frequently played7.Be3An aggressive move- the intention is to play g4b68.g4If that's the intention and there are no drawbacks - it makes sense to play at the first possible chance.(8.f3h5Jospem often includes h5 in these positions, which makes sense because the move is typical for the standard hedgehog.(8...Bb79.g4Also possible, look at 8.g4))Bb79.f3no games here(9.Bg2Nfd710.f4Nc611.O-ONxd412.Qxd4h6Maybe not too bad)Be710.Qd2Nfd7(10...Nbd7allowing g5 doesn't look good11.g5)11.O-O-ONc612.h4O-O13.Kb1Nxd414.Bxd4Bc6I have a suspicion that white will checkmate first. But the evaluation of an engine is not disastrous7.Bd3Good setup, but almost nobody plays it (main line for white against a6-e6 Sicilian aims for these positions)b68.O-OBb7White can either place the Bishop on e3 or on b2. Both ideas are quite decent9.Qe2(9.f4Be710.Be3Later white wants to play f5 and fight for the d5 squareNbd711.f5e512.Nb3O-O13.Qf3b5the typical way of trying to breakthrough(13...Rc814.a4)14.cxb5d515.exd5e4With some counterplay (white can deal with it after Bxe416.Bxe4axb5But black has pretty good compensation)Be710.f4Nbd711.b4O-OIn these positions black may include a5 to get some counterplay. One of ideas can be pushing e5 as well.7.g4seems a little too much (played very rarely)h6(7...e5Alternative)8.Rg1Nc69.Be3Bd77....b68.O-OBb79.f3Nbd710.Be3Be711.Qd2O-O12.Rfd1...12.a4Qb8It is important to prevent a5(12...Rc813.a5)13.Rfd1(13.a5bxa514.Nb3Bxe4Typical trick for black in these positions)Rc814.Kh1Bd8With maneuvering position. Black wants to prepare and play at some point d512....Rc813.Rac1Qc714.Kh1Qb815.Bf1Rfe8Now, black moves the bishop on c5 and tries to prepare d5. Sometimes, to destabilize white's position black may push h5-h4-h3 (the knight can be maneuvered to g6 as well
Against Nc3, which will be played most often, black gets what they want - Najdorf without Bg5. The plan for black will be standard: e6-Nf6-b5-Bb7-Nd7. Also, it is worth mentioning that in the case of Long Castle - black can often slow down white's attack through g4-g5 by playing h5 before white plays g4.
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1.e4c52.Nf3d63.d4cxd44.Nxd4a65.Nc3e6This move is the key idea behind the a6 move order. Notice, that there is no Bg5 now (minus one of the most dangerous systems). Typically, if black can place pieces this way(b5-Bb7-Nd7-Nf6-Be7-0-0) without problems - they get a good position6.g4...This seems to be one of the main tries to use black's novel order6.Be3b5Transposition to 6.f3 or 6.g46.Be2b57.Bf3Otherwise, Be2 is completely harmless(7.a3Bb78.O-ONf69.f3Nbd710.Be3Be711.Qd2O-O)Bb78.e5d5Looks a bit strange - but it is not easy for white to protect on e5 without compromises(8...Bxf3Alternative)9.O-O(9.Be2Ne710.f4Nbc6)Ne76.Bc4This system is pretty harmless in the Najdorfb57.Bb3Nf6Transposition to Najdorf8.O-OBe79.Qf3Qb610.Be3Qb76.f3b5In these positions, Martinez often plays via h57.Be3Bb7(7...Be78.Qd2Nf69.O-O-O(9.g4Bb7)h5)8.Qd2Nf6It seems optimal to wait for 0-0-0(8...h5If black play it too early - white can change their mind and castle short 0-09.Be2)9.O-O-O(9.g4Nfd710.O-O-ONb6Now black is trying to attack on the Queenside)h510.Kb1Nbd76.f4b57.f5(7.Bd3Bb78.Qe2Nd7)e58.Nf3Nf6With an excellent position6.a4b6The engine doesn't like it, but the move fits concept pretty well(6...Nf6Good alternative. Now black transposes to Najdorf)7.g4Looks pretty strong, but no games hereBb78.g5Ne76.Bd3b5(6...Nf6Pretty good transposition to Najdorf, but doesn't happen often in Jospem's games7.f4(7.a4Be78.O-OO-O)g6)7.a4If white plays without a4, then they don't really fight for an advantage. However, most players don't know about this idea, which happens very rarely in games(7.O-OBb7)b48.Na2Nf6(8...a59.c3)9.O-OWhite doesn't need to rush(9.Nxb4d5Here black gets a good position)Bb7(9...e510.Nf3Nc611.Bd2)10.Qe2Be7(10...d511.e5Ne412.Be3Nd713.f3Nec514.f4)11.Nxb4d512.e56....b57.Be3...7.Bg2Bb78.O-ONe7Seems to be the most practical(8...Nf69.Re1Caan be dangerous for black)7....Bb78.a3Ne7When the pawn stays on g4, black may want to develop the knight via e78...h6
In the case of sidelines, Jospem doesn't really play anything unique. The only line that stands up for me is 2...e6 against Alapin. I believe that the idea is to get positions with IQP and not pay much attention to the fact that white can transpose into French, because they very rarely do that. Also, I added my recommendation against 2.Nc3, which is 2...a6!? I think this moves fits the concept very well and doesn't allow venomous lines, like Nc3-d4 against 2...d6
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1.e4c52.Nf3...2.c3e6Interesting reaction against the c3 line. After analyzing white, we know that Jose likes the IQP position. The problem withthis move order is that white can get a French; however, they rarely do that. The reason is that very few players have in their repertoire 3.e5 line3.d4d54.exd5(4.e5I didn't find any particular concept here. Probably, you have to wait until an article about someone who plays French.Bd75.Nf3Qb66.Be2cxd47.cxd4Bb5Relatively safe line that Martinez plays in these rare cases when white pushes e5)exd55.Nf3Nf66.Bb5+Nc6(6...Bd7alternative)7.O-OBd68.dxc5Bxc59.Bg5(9.Re1+looks tempting, but black quickly gets a nice positionBe6The Ng5 is not scary because if 'f' file opens - white has problems with f2 pawn)Be6That looks similar to the exchanged French that we looked at fro white perspective2.Nc3a6My suggesion. This move order seems to be more accurate in his concept(2...d6The fact that Jospem plays this move is a bit surprising because it allows for dangerous sidelines)3.d4Now this line is significantly less effective for white(3.f4b5Here white don't get standard Gran Prix attack)(3.g3d64.Bg2e65.Nge2Nc6Same setup as in case of d6)cxd44.Qxd4Nc65.Qd2e62....d63.Bb5+...3.d4cxd44.Qxd4a6The drawback of this move is that white can build a Maroci. Obviously, Jose doesn't care5.c4(5.h3Nc66.Qe3Nf67.Be2e68.O-OBe79.c4O-O10.Nc3b6Later the knight jumps on e5 and black gets a standard hedgehog)Nf66.Nc3e6Normal Hedgehog3.c3Against his pet line for white, Jospem goes for g6Nf64.h3g65.Bd3Bg76.O-OO-O7.Bc2Nc68.d4cxd49.cxd4e510.d5Nb43....Nd74.O-O...4.d4cxd45.Qxd4a66.Bxd7+Bxd7Mainlines here4.a4a65.Be2Ngf66.Nc3b6Same setup as usual4.Ba4Nf65.O-Oe64....a65.Bd3Ngf66.Re1e6Later Martinez plays either b6 or b5 and gets this maneuvering position. the d4 move (after c3-d4) - black normally just ignores.
Black: Nimzo + Bogo-Indian
In the case of d4-c4-Nf3 systems, Jospem is consistent, goes for systems that look similar to the Hedgehog, and often tries to place the bishop on b7. Obviously, against 1.d4, it is difficult to play a hedgehog; however, Jose found an interesting way to do it. He plays the combination of Bogo Bb4+ followed by c5 and the Nimzo. In both systems, blacks mostly get to place their bishop on b7.
In the case of Nimzo, Jose plays the d6 system against 4.Qc2 (the rare line that gives black quite an easy play without entering into the forced lines), and against Nf3, the choice is pretty obvious 4...b6. If white selects the classical approach - e3, Martinez plays the delayed b6 line and starts with d5-dxc4 first.
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1.d4Nf62.c4e63.Nc3Bb4It is worth mentioning, that white very rarely play moves other than e3 and Qc24.e3...4.Qc2Main alternatived6Very nice and practical move. The idea is to place the bishop on b7 and play it in a hedgehog sty or play for the e5 push.(4...O-OSometimes, Jose castle first, and play d6 later)5.e3(5.e4c5Pretty important reaction6.a3Bxc3+7.bxc3Nc6Black gets a very good game)(5.a3Bxc3+6.Qxc3O-O7.e3b6With standard Nimzo play via the control over the e4 square)(5.Nf3Nbd76.e4e57.Bd3exd48.Nxd4O-OYou can notice some similarities with the repertoire for white against Sicilian)c56.Nf3O-O7.Be2cxd48.exd4d59.O-Odxc4With standard IQP4.Nf3b6pretty good conceptual choice (aiming for the hedgehog structure)5.e3Bb76.Bd3O-O7.O-Oc58.Na4cxd49.exd4Re810.a3Bf8hedgehog style now4.g3Almost no gamesO-O5.Bg2Bxc3+6.bxc3d64.f3Very few games hereBa5Pretty rare idea5.e4(5.a3c56.d5d6)d6Black is aiming for a closed center now6.Bd3(6.Be3Nc6)e54.a3Bxc3+5.bxc3c5Black typically doesn't want to rush with the castle in these positions. The target is the c4 pawn which black wants to win gradually4....O-O5.Bd3...5.a3Bxc3+6.bxc3d67.Ne2c58.Ng3Nc65.Ne2d56.a3Be77.cxd5(7.Ng3dxc4)exd5Maneuvering positions. Typical black build a standard Carlsbad. However, against f3 black often plays c55.Bd2Very few games, and no consistent linec5I think this move fits the concept pretty well6.a3Bxc37.Bxc3Ne48.Ne2b69.d5d610.f3Nxc311.Nxc3Bb712.e4exd513.cxd5a614.a4Nd715.Be2Qh4+5.Nf3d5Transposition5....d56.a3...These days white mostly plays it via a36.Nf3dxc47.Bxc4c58.O-OVery few games reached this positiona6Jospem doesn't go for the standard IQP and prefers Fianchetto on b7 instead9.a4(9.dxc5Bxc5)(9.a3Bxc310.bxc3b5)(9.Bd3cxd410.exd4b5)Nc610.Qd3b66....Bxc3+7.bxc3dxc48.Bxc4c5Next, black plays Qc7 - putting the pressure on c4 and the fianchetto the bishop on b7
Against 3.g3 or 3.Nf3, the choice of Jospem is Bogo-Indian. In the case of 4.Nd2, Jose doesn't play b6 and goes for the KID-like positions. Some versions of the line that Martinez plays - the engine really hates, but the line itself is quite playable. Against 4.Bd2, Jose selects the move 4...c5, which basically guarantees the placement of the bishop on b7 later and gives a pretty straightforward game through the dark squares.
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1.d4Nf62.c4e63.Nf3...3.g3Bb4+Leads to transpositions3....Bb4+4.Bd2...4.Nbd2Alternative conceptO-O5.a3Be76.e4Key idea for whited6Important move. You can often see it for black in this concept7.Be2(7.Bd3Nfd7Black can try to play in a same way as in Be2(7...e5Seems more precise8.d5(8.O-Oexd49.Nxd4Re8)(8.dxe5dxe59.Nxe5Ng4)c69.O-Oa5This position looks better than in the case of Nfd7)8.O-Oe5(8...Bf6Interesting alternative - trying to put pressure on d4)9.d5a510.b3g6(10...c611.Re1)11.Bb2f512.b4Black's position doesn't look great)Nfd78.b4(8.O-Oe5)e59.d5a510.Bb2c5It's the most common move that Jospem plays, but the engine hates it. But maybe it is easier to play with black.(10...Nf611.O-OBg4Pretty decent alternative)11.b5Nb612.Qc2White wants to castle long(12.O-Onatural move, but this is an inaccuracyf513.Kh1f4)f513.O-O-Of4Engine claims that black is lost. However, Grischuk didn't win this position against Martinez4....c5Main concept of Martinez4...Qe7Few games here as well5.Bxb4...Alternatives typically transpose to Bxb4 anyway5.e3b65.g3b65....cxb4Here white mostly plays e3 or g36.g3...6.e3Main alternativeb67.Bd3a58.O-O(8.e4d6This is not scary)O-O9.Nbd2Bb710.e4(10.a3Na6Typical reaction against a3)d611.Re1(11.Qe2Nbd7it is important that white cannot play e5 now12.e5dxe513.dxe5Ng4Because the bishop and d2 knight are vulnerable on d file - black gets Initiative)Nbd7Again, e5 is not scary(11...Nc6Jose played Nc6 often, but it doesn't seem that the knight is placed well here12.Nf1e513.Bc2)12.Qb3(12.e5Black has a good reaction against itdxe513.dxe5Nc514.Bc2Nh5(14...Nfd7))(12.a3bxa313.Rxa3e5)e513.a3bxa314.Qxa3Re8White maintains pressure, but black keeps a solid position6.a3bxa37.Rxa3Nc66.Nbd2O-O(6...b6black needs to be careful here7.e4)7.e3(7.e4d6)b6Same ideas6....b67.Bg2Bb78.O-Oa59.a3...Critical position9.Qd3Alternative planO-O10.Nbd2d611.e4Qc79....Na6Very important move to remember9...bxa3Black shouldn't take10.bxa310.Qd3...10.axb4Nxb410.Nbd2O-O11.e3d610....O-O11.Nbd2d6One of the main strategical ideas for white is to exchange the light-squared bishop. However, white players rarely do this12.Nh4...After this precise exchange - white maintains the pressure12.e4Qc712.Ne1transpositions12....Bxg213.Nxg2Re813...e514.Rfd114.Rfd1...14.Ne4Nxe415.Qxe4Qd714.Ne3e514....h6
I find it pretty unusual that Martinez doesn't play the pure hedgehog against c4 or Nf3; however, the line c5-g6-Bg7-d6-e6-Nge7-b6-Bb7 gives a similar impression. The only challenging line for black against this concept is e3-d4(which is not played often), where the game may transition into a weird version of Benoni with a decent counterplay for black.
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1.c4...Black wants to play c5 against all moves besides d41.Nf3c52.g3Nc63.Bg2g64.O-OBg7The point is that white doesn't have a useful move. The game likely transposes into English after c45.c3That doesn't work(5.c4d6Look at 1.c4)e5Typical reaction against c36.d4cxd47.cxd4e41....c52.Nf3...2.g3Nc63.Bg2g64.Nc3Bg75.Nf3(5.e3e6Here black can just repeat)d6It is important to start with d6 to prevent any aggressive systems(5...e66.d4Tricky positions)6.O-Oe67.e3Nge78.d4O-O9.Re1(9.d5Na5pretty nice Benoni structure)b6With a maneuvering position2....Nc63.Nc3...3.g3g6Look at 2.g33.d4cxd44.Nxd4This position is very complex. However, Jose has only a few games hereNf65.Nc3e66.g3Qb67.Ndb5(7.Nb3Ne58.e4Bb4)Ne58.Bg2(8.Bf4Nfg4)a69.Na4Qa5+10.Nbc3Nxc43....g64.e3Bg75.d4d66.d5...Here, black has many alternatives, and Martinez tried most of them. The best score he has in Nb4, which engine hates the most6.Be2Probably, stronger; However, is played less oftene67.O-O(7.d5exd58.cxd5(8.Nxd5Nf6)Ne59.Nxe5Bxe510.O-Of5)Nge7(7...Nf6My suggestion. Seems like a better version of a similar concept - e4 square is covered8.d5Otherwise white is not fighting for an advantage(8.dxc5dxc5)Ne79.e4O-O10.Re1Black has different planse5KID)8.dxc5dxc59.Ne4O-O10.Nxc5Qc711.Ne4b6Black has some compensation, but obviously not enough6.dxc5Bxc3+Pretty bad structure for the endgame6....Ne56...Bxc3+6...Nb47.e4e58.a3Na69.Bd3Bd7With some suffering in a pretty badKID7.Nxe5...7.e4No games heree67....Bxe58.e4e69.Bd3exd510.cxd5...10.exd5Ne710....a611.O-O...11.a4Nf612.O-ONh5Pretty weird position, engine says it is fine11.Be3Nf612.h3O-O13.O-ORe814.a4Bd711....Qh4provoking weaknesses12.g3Qd8Not the worst Benoni, for sure. The position is quite complicated
Against the sidelines, I can point out only the choice against London: an aggressive e6-b6-d6-h6-g5 line or Trompowsky, where the concept is Similar: e6-c5-cxd4-b6. In the case of Jobava London, for example, Jose doesn't have a consistent weapon. At some point, I'm going to publish an article about Bortnyk's blitz repertoire, where you will be able to find all the details!
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1.d4...1.b3Here Jospem plays different lines, but c5 seems to be the most consistent.c5(1...d5)2.Bb2d53.e3Nc6Somehow almost nobody plays Bb5(3...a6I think this move order is more precise because Jospem still gets the same, but it also prevents 4.Bb5)4.Nf3(4.Bb5There are almost no games here. The position is somewhat tricky though)a65.d4(5.Be2d4)cxd46.Nxd4Bd7Very solid position for black1....Nf62.Bf4...2.Bg5e63.e4(3.Nd2It doesn't seem that there is consistent concept; I would give some suggestionsc54.e3(4.e4doesn't work wellcxd45.e5Qa5)(4.c3cxd45.cxd4Qb6)cxd45.exd4Be7These positions (after cxd4 exd4) are more comfortable for black when the bishop stays on g5 due to some Nh5 ideas.6.Ngf3O-O7.Bd3h68.Bh4b6Looks similar to other lines that Jose has in his repertoire)h64.Bxf6Qxf65.Nc3(5.c3d6)Bb46.Qd3d5(6...d6also pretty good)2.Nf3e63.Bf4(3.Bg5Transposition to 2.Bg5)b6Transposition to 2.Bf42.Nc3d53.Bf4Here Jospem plays the a6 system. However, no concept here, he combines Bb4/b5/c5. So, I suggest to look at my article about the repertoire of Bortnyk for more information.a6(3...c5Few games here as well)2....e63.Nf3...3.Nc3d5This transposition happens very rarely. Look at my article about Bortnyk's repertoire3....b64.e3Bb7In these positions Jospem combines hunting the Bishop via Nh5 as well as aggressive system: d6-Nd7-h6-g5. In the case of h6-g5 Jospem plays it via Be3, which I think is less accurate. So, I will give the same suggest as in my article on Bortnyk's repertoire5.Be2...5.h3d66.Be2(6.c4Ne4)Nbd77.O-O(7.c4Ne4)h6I would give same suggestion here as in my Bortnyk's Repertoire article - I think Be7 is unnecessary when black plays for g5-g4 plan5.c4Be7Black takes away the g5 square and prepares for Nh56.Nc3(6.h3Here black changes the planc57.Nc3cxd48.exd4(8.Nxd4a6)O-O)Nh57.Bg3O-O8.Qc2d6Black wants to take on g3 after white castle short (to not get checkmate on h file)5....d65...Nh5looks a bit passive6.Bg5Be75...Be7alternative, white often forgets about Nh56.h3d6Still possible, but less effective when the bishop is on e76.O-Oh6This move seems kind of universal. Black takes away the g5 square and prepares Nh5, also against h3 black will start pushing the g pawn7.c4Nh57...g5Also pretty good8.Bg3Ne49.d5(9.Bd3Nxg3)(9.Nbd2Nxg3)Bg7Engine says that white is better after Qc2, but the position seems ok to me
Bonus! Match vs Kramnik
This article is published right before the Clash of Claims between Vladimir Kramnik and Jose Martinez Al Cantara. It is an open question whether Jospem will play the opening lines mentioned in this article. The problem is that in the case of preparation, some of them lose a significant part of their real strength (which is the nature of venomous sidelines). Probably, it is quite unrealistic that Kramnik will not prepare specific reactions against Martinez's repertoire. However, I hope this happens because it will represent the nature of online blitz more vividly. Opening is an important weapon of established blitz players, who "feel" their repertoire very well after playing countless games in the same line.
I analyzed Kramnik's accounts and repertoire, and I think these are the major scenarios:
When Kramnik plays white, I believe the most likely territory for the battle is Jospem's Najdorf d6-a6. In this case, Kramnik will likely prepare the c4 line and then some aggressive and challenging version of a hedgehog. I believe that Jose will try his system first, and if it doesn't work - then deviate. The question is - Where? I would probably recommend going for the main Najdorf (because Kramnik doesn't play Bg5 lines) and then trying to transpose into e6 concepts. Another interesting choice would be the e6-a6 system. The point is that Kramnik will likely still play c4, but in this case, playing aggressive systems is more difficult for white than in Najdorf move order (also 2...a6 is a similar option, but the point is to force c4 and avoid Bd3 lines against e6-a6, if they happen). So, I believe there are many layers in Sicilian where Jospem can try to play the Hedgehog and avoid a specific preparation.
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1.e4c52.Nf3d62...e63.d4cxd44.Nxd4a65.c4(5.Bd3The most dangerous system for black, which Kramnik played only once in his blitz gamesNf6(5...Bc5This seems to be a good alternative. Especially for blitz games06.Nb3Be77.Qg4The most ambitious move(7.O-Od68.Be3Nf69.c4b6With a Hedgehog)Nf68.Qxg7Rg89.Qh6Nc6Black is not aiming to get the pawn back10.O-Ob511.Nc3Ne5)6.O-OQc77.Qe2d68.c4Dangerous version for black)Nf66.Nc3Qc7In this version, white doesn't have that many aggressive options7.a3(7.Be2b6Classical Hedgehog)b68.f4Bb79.Bd3Nc6Important move to prevent expansion10.Nxc6(10.Nb3d611.O-Og6)Qxc611.Qe2Bc512.Be3Bxe313.Qxe3O-O14.O-O-Ob52...a6This move order aims to get transpositions into e6-a6 Sicilian but cancel the line Bd3, which is the most dangerous for black.3.c4Kramnik has only one game in 2...a6 and he reacted with c4(3.g3serious alternative. The point is to play c3-d4 later, after castleNc64.Bg2Nf65.e5(5.d3d6comfortable position for black)(5.Nc3Here the game likely will transpose into Paulsene66.d4cxd47.Nxd4Qc78.O-ONxd49.Qxd4Bc510.Bf4d611.Qd2h612.Rad1e513.Be3Bxe314.fxe3Be615.Qxd6Rc8)Ng46.c3(6.b4d6)d6It is important not to take on e57.d4leads to a wild game(7.exd6exd68.O-OBe79.d4d510.h3Nf611.Be3cxd4IQP)cxd48.cxd4dxe59.d5e4important move10.Ng5Nce511.O-O(11.Nxe4e6)f5)(3.c3main alternatived54.exd5Qxd55.d4e66.Be3(6.Bd3Nf6)Nd77.Be2(7.g3the most ambitious movecxd48.cxd4Bb4+9.Nc3Ngf610.Bg2Qc4)(7.c4black is not afraid of d5Qc68.Nc3(8.d5exd59.cxd5Qc7)Ngf69.Be2cxd4Leads to a standard position where black develops the bishop on b710.Qxd4Bc5(10...b6)11.Qf4Bd6(11...Bxe312.Qxe3Qc5))cxd4(7...Ne7first line)8.cxd4Ngf69.Nc3Qd6White has some pressure, but black should be able to hold a solid position)e6Look at 2...e63.d4cxd44.Nxd4Nf64...a65.c4Look at the respective chapter5.Nc3a66.Bc4...Most frequently Kramnik played this line against the Najdorf6.Be3e67.Be2Qc7Seems to be the most precise move order if black wants to get similar positions to d6-a6 system8.Qd2(8.g4d5)h56.g3e57.Nf3Be78.Nh4unusual system that Kramnik played a few timesBg4adds some confusion9.Be2Be610.Nf5(10.Bf3O-O11.Nf5b512.a3Nbd713.Nxd6nice trapg6the knight is dead now)Bxf56....e67.Be3...This is Modern version of Fischer's pet opening - Sozin Attack7....b58.Bb3Be79.a3O-O10.f3Bb711.Qe2...here black has two main alternatives11....Nc611...Nbd7In this line black attempts to take on b3 and white allows to do it12.O-O-ONc513.g4Nxb3+(13...Qa5)14.cxb3d515.g5Nh516.exd5Bxg517.dxe6Nf412.O-O-Ob4Interesting rare ide13.Nxc6Bxc614.axb4Qb8Black is trying to be ahead, and start the attack first15.Rd4Ne8With complicated position16.Rhd1Bf617.Rc4Qb7
When Kramnik plays black, we will most likely see battles in Sicilian as well. In that case, I believe that Kramnik is going to prepare 2....Nc6, because then the c3 system seems to be the least effective. probably, an optimal choice against Nc6 will be the Rossolimo Sicilian 3.Bb5. Mostly, Kramnik plays Siclians 2...e6 or 2...d6; however, he has a poor score against Jospem there, and I'm not sure whether he will want to repeat it (unless he thinks that OTB Jose has no chances). If he plays d6/e6, I don't think Martinez needs to change anything and can play this repertoire. Another interesting problem can arise in Four Knights h3, where Kramnik can prepare forced lines after Bb4. In this case, it can be best to deviate and play something like 5.Bd3 instead of a3. White still gets non-standard positions and, more importantly, avoids a prep.
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1.e4...I would expect Kramnik to play either Sicilian Nc6, where the drawback of c3 systems are the most vivid or Four Knights Bb4, where black gets a forced game and can neutralize the line, especially in case of preparing in advance1....e51...c52.Nf3Nc6Kramnik doesn't play this move himself; however, he can prepare this line for the match.(2...d63.c3Nf64.h3Nc6Mostly, Kramnik played this position against Jospem and scored 0.5 out of 4. I expect to see something different.5.Bd3With typical plans mentioned in the 4th chapter)(2...e6In this case it is hard to expect anything unusual. Kramnik doesn't have games against systems that Jospem plays3.c3Nf6(3...d54.exd5)4.Bd3)3.Bb5I believe that Jospem should deviate from his normal setup and prepare Rossolimo for the match (which he also plays sometimes.1...e62.d4d53.exd5exd5There is actually one game between Jospem and Kramnik4.Nf3Nc65.h3Bd66.c4Standard approach of Josedxc47.Bxc4Nf68.O-OO-O9.Qc2h610.Nc3Nb411.Qb1c612.Re1Nbd5With a standard position that white eventually won2.Nf3Nc63.Nc3Nf64.h3...No games for Kramnik here4....Bb4I think this line is going to be a real challenge for Martinez. The problem is that a3 can be neutralized in forced way after the capture on e44...d5These positions is harder to prepare because they are less forced.5.exd5Look at the first chapter5.Bd3...I think that we can expect to see something like that, with an idea to get a maneuvering game without entering positions that are very familiar to Kramnik5.a3Bxc36.dxc3Nxe47.Nxe5Nxe58.Qd4O-O9.Qxe4d5Look at the first chapter.5....O-O6.O-Od67.Ne2...Eventually, white wants to place pieces on a normal Gioucco Piano squares7....Re87...Nxe4Wild engine's suggestion8.c3(8.Bxe4d5)Nxf2(8...Nf69.cxb4e410.Bxe4Nxe411.d3Nf612.Bg5the pin is quite annoying)9.Rxf2Bc510.Bc2Bxf2+11.Kxf2f512.d4e413.Nh2With complicated position7...h68.Ng3d59.a3Bd610.Re17...d58.exd5Qxd5(8...Nxd59.c3Bd610.Bc2With standard game that you could see in Nf3&c3 Sicilians)9.a3Ba510.b4Bb611.Nc38.c4...Now, we enter uncharted territory.8....Be69.b3...9.a3The alternative plan is to place the bishop on b2Bc510.b4Bb611.Bb2Nd79....a510.a3Bc511.Bc2With maneuvering position. Eventually white wants to prepare and push d4
Also, there is a chance that Kramnik will test Jospem throughout the whole perimeter of his repertoire. Will this repertoire stand strong in this case, or will Martinez have to deviate and play lines where he doesn't have that much experience to surprise Kramnik? We are about to find out very soon!
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