19. Noteboom Variation (Connected Passed Pawns a6-b5-c4)
Black captures on c4 and creates two deadly connected passed pawns on the queenside.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bb4 6.e3 b5 7.Bd2 a5 8.axb5 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 cxb5 10.b3 Bb7 11.bxc4 b4 12.Bb2 Nf6
Move by move
- 1.d4 – White takes the center with the queen's pawn, already defended by the Queen, and opens the diagonal for the c1 Bishop. The repertoire plan is c4 next move to attack Black's d5 pawn at once.
- 1...d5 – Black answers symmetrically: the d5 pawn prevents e4 and contests the center. White can now hit it from the side with the c-pawn.
- 2.c4 – The Queen's Gambit attacks d5 with a flank pawn. It is not a real sacrifice: after 2...dxc4 White regains the pawn with e3 and Bxc4, or takes the center with e4.
- 2...e6 – The Queen's Gambit Declined: Black supports d5 with the e-pawn. The structure is rock solid, but the c8 Bishop stays shut in behind e6: this will be Black's main problem throughout the chapter.
- 3.Nc3 – The Knight attacks d5 a second time and controls e4. It prepares Bg5 to pin the future f6 Knight, the main defender of d5.
- 3...c6 – Black reinforces d5 with c6 and e6, the triangle. It prepares ...dxc4 followed by ...b5 or the Semi-Slav with ...Nf6.
- 4.Nf3 – The Knight develops and controls e5. White gives up the Marshall Gambit (4.e4) and leaves Black the choice between Semi-Slav and Noteboom.
- 4...dxc4 – Noteboom Variation: Black takes on c4 and wants to keep it with ...b5. An unbalanced position arises: black passed pawns against White's center.
- 5.a4 – The pawn prevents ...b5, which would keep c4. Black will have to prepare ...b5 with the pin on the c3 Knight.
- 5...Bb4 – The Bishop pins the c3 Knight and prepares ...b5: after axb5 cxb5 the pinned Knight will not be able to recapture on b5.
- 6.e3 – The pawn opens the f1 Bishop and threatens Bxc4. Black must defend c4 at once.
- 6...b5 – Black defends c4 with ...b5. The b5-c4 pawn chain will be the theme of the whole variation.
- 7.Bd2 – White breaks the pin on c3: now axb5 cxb5 Nxb5 becomes a concrete threat.
- 7...a5 – Black reinforces b5 and prepares ...b4 to chase away the c3 Knight. The a5 pawn supports the chain.
- 8.axb5 – White captures on b5 and opens the a-file for the a1 Rook.
- 8...Bxc3 – Black exchanges the Bishop for the Knight before recapturing on b5, so as not to leave White Nxb5.
- 9.Bxc3 – White recaptures with the Bishop. For now it is blocked by the d4 pawn, but it will become strong when the center opens with d5.
- 9...cxb5 – Black recaptures on b5 and has two connected pawns on b5 and c4, supported by the a5 pawn.
- 10.b3 – White attacks the b5-c4 chain to destroy it before it becomes dangerous.
- 10...Bb7 – The Bishop develops on the long diagonal and controls d5 and e4. Black gives up defending c4 directly.
- 11.bxc4 – White captures on c4 and forms a mobile c4-d4 center.
- 11...b4 – The pawn advances to b4 and becomes passed, supported by the a5 pawn. It also attacks the c3 Bishop.
- 12.Bb2 – The Bishop retreats to b2. For now it is blocked by the d4 pawn, but the d5 push will open its diagonal against g7.
- 12...Nf6 – The Knight develops and controls d5 and e4, holding back White's central push. Black prepares castling.
How to exploit the position
White has a strong c4-d4 center and two Bishops; Black has the connected passed pawns a5 and b4.
- Develop the Bishop to d3 and castle: the center is stronger than the passed pawns as long as they do not advance.
- Push d5 to open the b2 Bishop's diagonal against g7 and the black King.
- Block the passed pawns: the Queen and Rook control a4 and b3.
- Black wants ...a4 and ...b3: attack in the center first.
Master tips
The Noteboom's passed pawns
In the Noteboom Black has two connected passed pawns: do not let them advance.