1.d4 According to Dreev – Fight the Grunfeld Defence, Modern Chess Release October 30, 2024

1.d4 According to Dreev – Fight the King’s Indian

GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso

Welcome to the first course in the series 1.d4 According to Dreev, co-authored by GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso. In this course, you will delve into one of the most critical battlegrounds for 1.d4 players—the King’s Indian Defense. GM Dreev, a highly experienced 1.d4 player throughout his career, shares his deep understanding of the Fianchetto Variation, offering an effective way to handle the King’s Indian.

The Fianchetto Variation has several advantages that make it a compelling choice for players at all levels. As Dreev explains, this system significantly reduces Black’s typical attacking chances, making it a safe yet strategic option for White. While the King’s Indian Defense is known for leading to sharp, complex play, the Fianchetto structure creates positions where White can gain a positional edge without being overwhelmed by Black’s tactical threats.

One of the key reasons Dreev advocates for the Fianchetto is its versatility. Not only does it serve as a reliable weapon against the King’s Indian, but it also works against other major defenses like the Gruenfeld. The Fianchetto allows White to bypass heavily theoretical lines, which can often lead to drawish or stale positions, especially in the 3.Nc3 variations. By opting for this system, players can achieve more dynamic and promising positions.

In this course, the focus is exclusively on the King’s Indian Defense. The repertoire is designed with practicality in mind, offering solutions for players of all levels, including strong grandmasters. You’ll find many fresh ideas that are applicable to today’s top-level games. The course concludes with two instructive model games, illustrating the practical application of the repertoire, followed by 30 carefully crafted exercises to solidify your understanding and sharpen your ability to handle this opening in your own games.

Prepare to enhance your 1.d4 repertoire by mastering a robust, well-rounded approach to the King’s Indian Defense.

The course consists of 15 theoretical chapters, 30 interactive test positions, two annotated model games, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (5+ Hours).

Once again, you will find Basso’s signature 15-minute repertoire video, where he highlights the most important ideas for quick application, backed by a