#1
Marshall is probably a draw.
That is why top grandmasters do not allow it nowadays and play anti Marshall sidelines like 8 a4
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2134533 .
Is the Marshall Attack a draw?
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Yes, the Marshall is analysed to draw death in correspondence chess.Nobody over 2300 FIDE is going to enter that line with white unless he want to force draw.
11..Nf6 11..Bb7 are inferior moves to 11..c6 and 11...Nb6 11...Nf4 11...Be6 are even worse.
I suggest you use Aronian recipe against 1.e4: Marshall for draw and Berlin for win.
I've only investigated the c6 line. For that one, I think white still has chances for an advantage in the classical [Ra-e8, Re6, f5] line. But in Spassky's line I didnt see any possibility for white for advantage and most of the lines I analyzed ended with a repetition of moves. I'm surprised the other lines lead to equality and will take another look at them! -Bill
I have been experimenting with the Marshall as of late.
Most master games in the three main lines 11...c6, 11...Nf6, and 11...Bb7 seem to lead to a draw.
While this isn't necessarily a bad result with black, especially against a higher rated opponent, one has to wonder if there are any lines that offer better winning chances.
Are there any ideas that haven't been explored as often (maybe 11...Nb6, 11...Nf4, 11...Be6), or should I just stick to the Chigorin variations? Any help would be appreciated!