Semi-Tarrasch - A Universal Weapon Against 1. d4 - Mihail Marin

Even though the Semi-Tarrasch cannot offer a complete repertoire against 1.d4, being conditioned of White’s move order, it is an excellent complement to the Nimzo-indian Defence. Moreover, it is a viable way of escaping the strategic pressure in the Exchange Queen’s Gambit while also presenting a reliable weapon against the main Symmetrical English systems.

The resulting structures are reminiscent of the dynamic Gruenfeld Defence, but play usually takes by far less forced contours allowing both sides to unfold their middlegame creativity more freely. The f8-bishop’s development to e7 or its early exchange with ...Bb4+ gives up the Gruenfeld type of pressure on d4, but increases Black’s chances to block the d-pawn after the thematic central break d4-d5.

Throughout history, great players like Fischer, Kortschnoj and Kramnik have included the Semi-Tarrasch in their repertoire which strongly speaks about its safe character and Black’s possibilities for counterplay.

The author presents a complete Semi-Tarrasch repertoire for Black, explaining the main strategic ideas of the resulting structures and providing complete analysis against practically all White’s important variations.

* Video running time: 5 h 57 min (English)
* With interactive training including video feedback
* Extra: 50 Model games
* Includes CB 12 – Reader

Mihail Marin, born in 1965, has several times been Romanian champion and first made the leap over the Elo barrier of 2600 in 2001. Marin possesses a rare gift for a grandmaster - he is able to explain in readily comprehensible terms the ideas behind moves, variations and positions. This ability is there for all to admire in his contributions to ChessBase Magazine. Marin has written some books which have earned the highest of praise, among which are “Secrets of Chess Defence” and “Learn from the legends”.