Hey Hey the French is comming back with the cool poisened pawn main line! Check www.chesspublishing.com actually one column titled: Caro kann main line black in trouble

Play The French! 0-1 guaranteerd during the tour the FRANCE

Yeah, but what about the Mieses Exchange variation, a 1st Category climb that is a real killer of all French contenders?

I have to correct myself in that it is the line played by Miezis, not Mieses. Anyway, it's based on 4. c4 which is pretty much the only shot white has at making the exchange difficult on black. I've studied the line all the way out and find it's just difficult for me to walk the tight-rope black is on once all the pieces are developed.

Edit: Here's the very nice glass trophy in honor of my late friend we named the tournament after:



We're going to make it an annual tournament in our area too.

Indeed, great looking trophy and I am sure you will treasure it even more in honor of the person it's named after.

By the way, Mr. Jones was apparently joking with me at the Texas State about whether I would play in a Langer Memorial tournament if it was organized. Must be some inside joke, as I certainly didn't get it.

Yeah Rob is an "interesting" character to say the least. Sometimes he cracks me up, other times I'm left scratching my head.

LOL, I actually met this guy in Gent last year when he stayed and drank beer with us and told stories about the womens teams he coached. Funny guy really into free booze! But as far as chess goes it was clear that his repertoire isn't dangerous, just practical.

Anyway one thing I am working on is:
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3
(It's clear that 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 =+ is better for black)
4... now what Nf6 is boring Nc6 is cool and Bd6 might be good middle ground to avoid the Nc6 Bb5 variation, BUT there is something strange going on. Vituigov clearly states black might be OK but white's position is easier after 4...Nc6 5.Bb5 Bd6 6.c4 dxc4 7.d5 a6 8.Ba4 b5 9.dxc6 bxa4 10.0-0 Ne7 11.Qxa4 0-0 12.Nbd2 Rb8! Rybka's Chess openings 2009 book clearly gives this as =/=+ CAP 0.00 score 50%. I'm sure Vituigov is concerned about the a+c pawns getting weak while Rybka likes the bishops. I'm not sure here, what I am sure about though, is that the 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.c4 Chigorin QGD exchange variation is way more promising for white though not necessarily better per se. And byt he way even here 5...dxc4 isn't forced 5...Nf6 is really interesting too!