Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation

Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation starts with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 a5 and is an offbeat opening choice that can catch White off guard.

Black's plan is to control the center from afar and slowly build up their pieces. This line often leads to a rather closed game, as the pawn structure tends to remain solid.

One of the main strengths of the Bogo-Indian Defense is that it doesn't allow White to play the Catalan. It also allows Black to develop their pieces harmoniously and avoids some of the sharper lines in other openings.

However, one downside of this opening is that Black has weakened their queenside by playing a5 early on. It also requires a deep understanding of pawn structures to play well, as it is sometimes difficult to find the right pawn breaks.

In sum, the Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation is a viable choice for those looking for a solid, yet slightly unorthodox opening that can lead to a comfortable game. However, it requires some positional understanding and patience to play effectively.

Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation, move by move

d4

+0.14

The first move in the Bogo-Indian Defense is d4. White lays the foundation for a strong central pawn formation. This move also opens up the bishop's diagonal, allowing for potential attacks on the black king. By occupying the center, White hopes to control critical squares and gain a positional advantage.

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Nf6

+0.64

After White plays d4, Black responds with Nf6. This move immediately targets White's pawn on d4 and prepares to contest control of the center. The knight can also exert pressure on White's e4 pawn, which can limit White's pawn push in the center. Additionally, by bringing out a minor piece, Black prepares for castling and places pressure on White's position.

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c4

-0.12

After Black plays Nf6, White plays c4. This move is known as the Queen's Pawn Opening, and it expands White's control of the center. The pawn on c4 supports White's d-pawn and prepares to gain more space in the center. By advancing the pawn, White also lays the foundation for possible attacks on the black pieces. c4 is a strong move that can lead to a variety of opening positions.

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e6

+0.63

In the Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation, Black responds to c4 by playing e6. This move aims to control the dark squares and prepares for the development of the bishop. e6 also supports Black's pawn on d5, which can be an important piece in the center. Additionally, e6 prepares for a later move of d5, which can challenge White's pawn on c4. The move e6 is a key building block in Black's strategy to gain control of the center and limit White's attacking potential.

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Nf3

-0.19

After Black plays e6, White plays Nf3. This move prepares to develop the knight to a more active square and to fortify the pawn on e4. By playing Nf3, White also controls the key squares in the center. The knight on f3 may also offer some support to a possible attack on the kingside. Additionally, Nf3 prepares for the eventual castle, which can improve the safety of White's king. In sum, Nf3 is an important move for setting the stage for White's developing strategy.

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Bb4+

+0.72

After White plays Nf3, Black plays Bb4+. This move aims to trade White's well-placed knight on f3 and to weaken the pawn structure around White's king. Additionally, Bb4+ allows Black to regain control of the dark squares, which can be important for later positional play. Bb4+ also pressures White's position and can force White into making a decision regarding the bishop on c1. By playing Bb4+, Black looks to disrupt White's developing strategy and gain a positional advantage.

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Bd2

+0.1

In the Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation, after Black plays Bb4+, White responds with Bd2. This move defends against the check and prepares to reposition the bishop on c1. By playing Bd2, White also retains the option of castling kingside, which can improve the safety of the king. Additionally, Bd2 allows White to avoid a potential trade of bishops by Black's queen, which can help to maintain pressure on Black's position. In sum, Bd2 is an important move that aims to solidify White's position and prepare for the next phase of the game.

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a5

+0.51

After White plays Bd2, Black plays a5. This move engages in a pawn race on the queenside and challenges White's spatial advantage in that area. a5 can also limit the mobility of White's pieces, particularly the knight on c3. Additionally, a5 can support Black's future play towards b5, which can put pressure on White's position. By playing a5, Black looks to gain a foothold in the queenside and disrupt White's central position.

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How to play the Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation

Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation starts with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 a5.

The opening idea is to limit White's choices, control the center and develop your pieces harmoniously. Avoid any pawn break until the position demands it and keep an eye on the queenside.

The bishop on b4 pins the knight on c3 and threatens to exchange it, freeing Black's c-pawn to eventually control the center. The bishop should be comfortable on b4 for the time being, until the right moment to retreat it.

Black has a few ideas for piece placement depending on White's responses, such as Nbd7, Qe7 or Qc7. Once the pieces are well placed, find the right moment for a pawn break or begin a slow evolution on the queenside.

Remember, this opening requires patience and a deep positional understanding, so take your time and don't try to force something that's not there.

How to counter the Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation

Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation can be a surprise to those unprepared for it. Here are some tips to counter it:

First, don't be intimidated by Black's solid development and try to control the center.

Second, avoid advancing your pawns too far, as they may become targets for Black's future breaks.

Third, pay attention to the queenside, which may become weak in the long run.

Fourth, consider playing moves like d5 or f3, which can free up your pieces and open up the position.

Finally, be flexible in your piece placement and adapt to Black's plans.

Pawn structure in the Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation

The pawn structure of Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation is rather solid and symmetrical. The e6-pawn controls d5 and both sides have their pawns neatly arranged. It's important for Black to avoid any pawn breaks until the position demands it.

White's c4-pawn is somewhat overextended, but it can be defended by the knight on c3. Black's pawn on a5 may become a target, but also restricts White's b4-knight.

The pawn structure tends to remain closed most of the time, making it a positional battle with slow maneuvering.

White may consider playing b3 at some point to secure the c4-pawn and eventually prepare a pawn break with b4.

In sum, the pawn structure of this opening favors a patient approach and requires a deep positional understanding.

The papachess advice

Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation is an interesting opening that can surprise your opponent. Its solid structure and harmonious development can lead to a comfortable game, but it requires patience and a deep positional understanding. The opening can limit White's choices and avoid sharp lines, but it has weaknesses in the queenside.

For White, countering this opening requires a flexible approach and an eye on the center and the queenside. The opening's pawn structure favors a positional battle with few pawn breaks. This opening also offers several variations on piece placement, such as Nbd7, Qe7 or Qc7.

In sum, Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation can be a moderate challenge for players who want to add an offbeat and solid opening to their repertoire. Its closed and symmetrical structure may not be for everyone, but it can lead to interesting games for the patient player.