Sipke Ernst: Open Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0–0 Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3
Five years ago, Sipke Ernst published his video course ‘The Flexible Open Spanish’. In this video contribution for CBM Extra, the Dutch grandmaster provides an update on his course, particularly on the Dillworth Variation (9...Bc5 10.Nbd2 0-0 11.Bc2 Nxf2), which was an important part of his 2021 repertoire recommendation. With 11...Nxf2, Black brings about a sharp position with unbalanced material – in the video, Sipke Ernst explains in particular the critical variations after Vachier-Lagraves 12.Rxf2 f6 13.Nf1! – the new main continuation, which has since been tested by Carlsen, Caruana and many other top GMs. In his in-depth analysis, Ernst shows many ideas for Black that can be used to keep the position in balance. And for those who are uncomfortable with the 11...Nxf2 move due to the often wild complications, he also provides a theory update for the more moderate 11...Bc5.