1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6
A good method of avoiding 2... Nc6 3. Bb5
3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4
The Queen becomes a target after 4. Qxd4?! Nf6 5. e5?! Nc6 6. Qd1? (6. Qa4 Nd5=)
6... Nxe5!
4... Bg7 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Nb3
A cautious line.
Not 7. Qd2? Ng4
or 7. f3
7...
We
have now transposed to the Classical Dragon, which was played by Karpov with
some success.
9. f4 a5 10. a4 Be6 11.
The Knight will soon need an escape square, and this move opens up two possible spots.
17. e5 Ng4 18. Bxg4
Better may be
18. Bb6!?
19... Rxd6 20. Bc5
This
appears to win material, but Black has other ideas.
20... Bd4+!
The beginning of an interesting combination that keeps the balance.
21. Rxd4
No better is 22. Bxd6 Nxb5 23. Bxe7 Nxc3 24. bxc3 Rxe7 unclear
22... Rc6!
Not 22... Qd8? 23. Bxd6 Qxd6 24. Ne4 Qd8 25. Kh1
23. Bxe7 Rxc4 24. bxc4 Rxe7 25. Rd1 Nb3 and Black offered a draw, which White accepted. The position is equal, though Black should have at least a psychological edge given the way he managed to get out of danger. 1/2-1/2
