1.c4 e5 – Top-Level Repertoire for Black – Part 2 Modern Chess

We are pleased to announce that GM Michael Roiz has completed his comprehensive repertoire against the English Opening based on 1.c4 e5. While Part 1 focused on 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3, this new course covers all of White’s alternatives to 2.Nc3. The repertoire extensively addresses 2.g3, White’s primary alternative on move 2, but also includes thorough coverage of all other possible moves.

As always, Roiz chooses strategically sound, principled variations. Whenever possible, he introduces rare and underrated moves or concepts, adding significant practical value to the repertoire.

The course consists of 14 theoretical chapters, 14 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (2h and 51min).

Below, we will provide a brief overview of the most important aspects of the course.

The main topic of Chapters 1-3 is the position arising after 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.d4 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Bxd2 6.Qxd2 d6

It turns out that this position is fine and very much playable for Black. First of all, it’s important to point out that the endgame arising after 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8 Kxd8 is more than comfortable for Black. Black can always play this position for a win.

In the position on the diagram, White usually goes for setups featuring the move e2-e3. Also, Roiz explains how to handle the positions arising after e2-e4. As you will see in the analysis, the understanding of the typical ideas and strategies is far more important that the knowledge of concrete theory.

Chapters 4-6 deal with the line 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 Qb6

This position is very important for the entire theory of the line starting with 2.g3. Even though the positions are very complex, White has many possibilities of going wrong. On the other hand, Black’s play feels more natural.

The absolute main line goes 6.Nb3 a5 7.d3

This is the starting point of major complications. In his analysis, Roiz proves that Black is doing fine in the line 7…a4 8.N3d2 Bc5.

Chapters 7-8 feature the move order 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Nc3

This is a very rare moves order – mostly this position is reached with 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3. Still, we have to know how to play reversed Rossolimo. So, Roiz provides you with a complete solution featuring 3…Bb4.

The remaining Chapters 9-14, examine White’s deviations from 2.g3. You should take all these options very seriously. Since the pawn structure is extremely flexible, both sides have a wide range of playable moves at their disposal.

The material is divided in the following way:

Chapters 9-11 – Roiz examines 2.e3

1) Chapter 12 – You will see a convincing reply against 2.Nf3

2) Chapter 13 – This chapter features the fashionable 2.d3

3) Chapter 14 – Here you will find coverage of all the rare options that White has at move 2.

All the suggested systems against the rare options are practical and easy to learn.