Botvinnik Semi-Slav 16. Na4

Sort:
Avatar of bigyugi9

Recently I went to a tournament and had a chance to play 3 masters.  I managed to draw 2 of them, but the last guy was tricky and we went into the botvinnik variation of the semi-slav which is an extremely sharp opening.  On move 16 of the mainline white can choose between 16. rb1 and 16. na4.  I played 16. rb1 and eventually blundered on move 21, however, on move 21. ne4 white should be able to force a perpetual.  Is there anyway for black to play for a win in the rb1 line?

Additionally, in the na4 line I have been unable to find the exact mainlines.  Could someone please post them.

Avatar of LavaRook

Can you show us a move order/diagram?

I haven't really been following Botvinnik Theory lately but from what I last knew about it I thought the Na4 line was the way for white to go for a win while the Rb1 line results in a draw due to 3-move repetition. Not sure if there have been any recent theoretical developments that may challenge that notion.

Avatar of bigyugi9

 

Here is the theory on the rb1 line which leads to a forced draw, but is there anyway black can play for a win?  Also I am trying to find the theory on the na4 line.  Does anyone know it?

Avatar of bigyugi9

Does anyone know the na4 line's theory?

Avatar of bigyugi9

no one knows anything on this?

Avatar of kco

No I don't know anything about this at the moment, i would like to know too Smile 

Avatar of bigyugi9

Ok so I have tried to find some deeper lines in the botvinnik after 16. na4, but im stuck after 16...qa6 17. a3 bxd5 18. bxd5 ne5! 

 

does anyone know a better or fuller continuation?

Avatar of LogoCzar
bigyugi9 wrote:

Ok so I have tried to find some deeper lines in the botvinnik after 16. na4, but im stuck after 16...qa6 17. a3 bxd5 18. bxd5 ne5! 

 

does anyone know a better or fuller continuation?

Personally, I prefer 16...Qb5!

Avatar of Botv1nn1k

the main line of 16.Na4 as established in Grandmaster Repertoire 20: Semi-Slav  is

 
anyway this line has been established as a forced draw and joined the likes of Marshall attack, Berlin wall and Najdorf Sicilian poisoned pawn