Botvinnik Variation, Alatortsev System
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nf3d5
- 4.Nc3c6
- 5.Bg5dxc4
- 6.e4b5
- 7.e5h6
- 8.Bh4g5
- 9.Nxg5Nd5
59 games
A rare sideline of the Semi-Slav Botvinnik Variation in which Black meets 9. Nxg5 with 9...Nd5 instead of recapturing; engines favor White.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Alatortsev System
The Alatortsev System is a sideline of the Botvinnik Variation in which Black answers 9. Nxg5 with 9...Nd5 instead of the usual 9...hxg5. The attacked knight moves to a central square, avoiding exf6, while the white knight on g5 remains under fire from the h6-pawn. White's two main replies are the retreat 10. Nf3 and the sacrifice 10. Nxf7, which are played about equally often. The line is rarely seen, and the engine gives White a large advantage.