1 Nf3 repertoire: The Stonewall Defence

If Black is aiming for the Stonewall Formation (…d5 and …f5), he normally waits until White has committed himself to g3 or e3, because otherwise White has the option of playing a system based on Bf4, which is generally regarded as being excellent for him.

In our 1 Nf3 repertoire, two direct ways to the Stonewall that allow this formation for White are:

  • 1 Nf3 d5 2 d4 e6 3 c4 f5
  • 1 Nf3 e6 2 c4 d5 3 d4 f5

Now White should play 4 Bf4, as described by Khalifman.

White’s basic scheme of development is then reached after 4 …Nf6 5 e3 c6 6 Nc3 Be7 7 Bd3 0-0 8 Qc2 and now White meets 8 …Ne4 with 9 g4!

Alternatively, Black can choose to play …Bd6 instead of …Be7. A classic example of successful White play in this line is the following game:

Visit the Bibliography for recommended reading relating to the 1 Nf3 Repertoire.
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