Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...Nf6/4. Nf3/4...e6/5. Bg5/5...dxc4/6. e4/6...b5/7. e5/7...h6

Botvinnik variation D44 Botvinnik variation 7...h6 This is the only move for Black to not lose a piece. White's main response is /8. Bh4/, retreating the bishop and retaining the pin. The alternatives to 8. Bh4 give Black relatively little problems. If White tries 8. exf6? Black gets a comfortable position up a pawn after 8...hxg5 9. fxg7 Bxg7. 8. Bxf6?! is also dubious at best and allows Black to quickly equalize. Since White has given up the dark-squared bishop, Black can combat White's remaining bishop by putting the majority of their pawns on light squares. Theory table all 8. Bh4 g5 9. Nxg5 hxg5 10. Bxg5 References See also