Keres Attack Blog

White has several different attacking schemes available, but the one considered most dangerous is the Keres Attack, named after notable GM Paul Keres, which continues 6. g4. This move takes advantage of the fact that 5...e6 cut off the Black Bishop's control of g4 and plans to force the knight on f6, Black's only developed piece, to retreat and force black into passivity. This also launches white into a kingside attack. Black usually continues with 6... h6 to stop White's expansion. Previously moves like 6...Nc6 or 6...a6 were also recommended for Black but practical testing have proven that White's offensive is too dangerous to be ignored. 7. h4 strongest and the most popular. 7.g5 hxg5 8.Bxg5 Nc6 9.Qd2 Qb6 10.Nb3 a6 11.0-0-0 Bd7 12.h4 gives White an equal game at best. 7... Nc6 8. Rg1 and here Black has two main lines to choose from:

• 8... d5 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.exd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 exd5 12.Qe2+ Be7 13.Nf5 Bxf5 14.gxf5 Kf8 15.Be3 Qa5+
• 8... h5 9.gxh5 Nxh5 10.Bg5 Nf6 11.Qd2

both of which may give White a slight edge.

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