GM Misa Pap - Strategic Planning in Chess - Vd15: 4 pawns clusters (Sicilian)

Opening: B60, B66, B62: Sicilian: Richter-Rauzer, Sicilian: Richter–Rauzer - Rauzer Attack, 7...a6, Sicilian: Richter–Rauzer - 6...e6

Player(s): Pap, Arsovic, Shirov, Brodsky, Nepomniachtchi, Polgar J., Movsesian, Hou, Kamsky, Kramnik, Bologan, Dubov

Here GM Misa presents some good play for white and black in this typical pawn structure, which arises in the Sicilian defense. Usually, we have it in Classical Sicilian, but it can be reached via other move orders.
  This pawn structure is specific, different from those positions you could see in the previous video.
  Here, Black has doubled pawns on the f file and a broken structure, so his king is not well placed on the kingside, and white gets some excellent ideas on how to try and attack such a weakened structure, especially if Black is not in time to push the pawn to e6 and obtain a "normal" cluster with the f7-f6, e6, and d6 pawns. White has more space and chances to attack and put pressure on Black.  The black position is somewhat passive from the opening, but later in the game, he will try to use his trumps - he has Bishop pair, which is essential, and can use the g file for counterplay, and very often c file if he gets any chance. Later in the game, a pawn push might be possible at the right moment, and it is usually robust since these pawns are in the center.
  I tried to give you some pictures of all that in this video: how white can exploit his chances and what Black should do.

  With this video, the series end, and I hope that you enjoyed it! Til next series.

Teacher's library (107) B60 B66 B62 Pap Arsovic Shirov Brodsky Nepomniachtchi Polgar J. Movsesian Hou Kamsky Kramnik Bologan Dubov game analysis