The Carlsen Variation Of The Exchange QGD
Hello chess friends!
In today's post, I will share with you the Carlsen Variation of the Exchange QGD, and how to play it as Black!
You may be wondering - what exactly is the Carlsen Variation?
The Carlsen Variation arises after the following moves:
What is the idea of Black's last move, 7...Bg4?
Well, let's say we take the old main line for comparison:
In this 'Karpov Variation', Black struggles to find an active placement for his c8-bishop. True, it can develop to e6, but it is still quite passive there, blocking the way for a liberating ...Ne4 (which requires the support of the e8-rook to work).
By playing 7...Bg4, Black wants to 'recycle' his worst minor piece (which normally ends up blocked behind the b7-c6-d5 pawn chain) in advance, so that his other pieces can work together harmoniously.
I spent several hours analyzing the intricacies of this variation with the engine, meaning that I have a pretty good understanding of how the middlegames play out.
However, such analysis is likely to be overwhelming for most players, so I will instead share with you five games played by the pioneer himself, Carlsen.
Game 1 - Maghsoodloo-Carlsen, Tata Steel 2023 (8.Qa4)
This game features a very ambitious approach by Maghsoodloo, trying to trap in the g4-bishop with the Bd3/Qc2 battery. However, the game shows that, thanks to the 15...Nxg4! counter-tactic, Black obtains a fine position. The arising endgame was equal, but Carlsen outplayed his opponent to win the game.
I also briefly show how to meet 8.f3, as it's the one serious move Carlsen didn't face yet in his games. I analyzed the positions a lot deeper, and find the positions to be equal, but a bit easier to play for White, which is a normal outcome for such a surprise weapon.
I also briefly show how to meet 8.f3, as it's the one serious move Carlsen didn't face yet in his games. I analyzed the positions a lot deeper, and find the positions to be equal, but a bit easier to play for White, which is a normal outcome for such a surprise weapon.
Game 2 - Lupulescu-Carlsen, SuperUnited Blitz 2023 (8.Be2)
At one point, it felt that White was succeeding in holding his own, but Carlsen was able to obtain a better endgame and ultimately convert it in impressive fashion, completing a perfect 9/9 run against super-GMs in the SuperUnited Blitz in the process.
Game 3 - Tang-Carlsen, Chess.com Bullet Chess Championship (8.Qb3)
This game serves as a warning against taking on b7 - in all cases, Black obtains excellent compensation for the pawn (and in the game, Black quickly gained a winning position). Of course, White can play more steadily, but Black obtains good piece play and counterplay with the ...c5 break.
I analyzed things more deeply in my personal files, but we can confidently say that Black is doing fine in this variation.
Game 4 - Vidit-Carlsen, Chess.com Speed Chess Championship 2023 (8.Qc2!)
This game was a minor opening accident where Carlsen confused the answer to 10.Nf3 and 10.Bd3 and ended up in an uncomfortable position in the early middlegame (although he still outplayed his opponent later anyway).
This line is the 'worst case' for Black, where White obtains the more pleasant position, but Black remains quite solid (despite the doubled c-pawns in the main line). If you don't mind this variation, then 7...Bg4 is likely to be a good choice for you.
Game 5 - Zizoo98-Carlsen, Chess.com 3+0 Blitz 2023 (8.Nf3)
The actual game saw Black obtain a fantastic Ragozin-type structure, but more often, White will play quietly with 9.Bd3 or 9.Be2, reaching standard Carlsbad positions. I analyzed these positions in some depth and found the standard plans (...Ne4 and so forth) work quite well in this version too.
Conclusion
Carlsen has thus far achieved a 5/5 score with the Carlsen Variation, and while it's not the engine's first line against the Exchange QGD, it's a creative approach leading to interesting positions that, for the most part, are relatively easy for Black to play.
If you play the Exchange QGD as White, I would recommend exploring the positions after 8.Qc2 0-0 9.h3 Be6 10.Nf3, as this is where White has the best chances of obtaining an advantage (and not allowing Black harmonious piece play).
What are your thoughts on the Carlsen Variation of the Exchange QGD?
