Understanding Middlegame Strategy Vol 13: Reversed Colour Systems – Grünfeld & Dutch by Ivan Sokolov
Understanding Middlegame Strategy Vol 13: Reversed Colour Systems – Grünfeld & Dutch by Ivan Sokolov
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Understanding Middlegame Strategy Vol 13: Reversed Colour Systems – Grünfeld & Dutch by Ivan Sokolov
In this video course, Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov explores one of the most intriguing and under-examined areas of modern chess: reversed opening systems, focusing on the Reversed Grünfeld and the Reversed Dutch. At first glance, these two systems seem unrelated. However, they share a common strategic challenge: the value of tempi, structure, and psychology when familiar openings are played with colours reversed. Drawing on his long professional experience, Sokolov explains why these positions are far more subtle than they appear and why traditional engine evaluations often fail to capture their true complexity.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Larsen’s b4 Plan vs Reversed Stonewall Setups: Larsen - Spassky
In the Reversed Dutch, Sokolov examines 1.f4 from both a practical and strategic perspective. He discusses why many players of the Dutch are uncomfortable facing these structures as Black, how gambit-like positions can arise very early, and why human judgment is often more important than concrete engine lines. Using top-level examples - including games involving Magnus Carlsen - he evaluates whether White’s extra tempo is truly meaningful, or if Black can achieve a fully playable game.
The course then moves to the Reversed Grünfeld, where Sokolov analyses two major setups: classical Grünfeld structures with colours reversed, and more flexible versions arising from English-type move orders. Through detailed game analysis, he shows how Black can neutralise White’s extra tempi; why these positions are especially tricky to handle; and where practical chances for improvement still exist - particularly for White players trying to press for an advantage.
Throughout the course, the emphasis is on middlegame understanding, not memorisation. Sokolov highlights key plans, typical piece placements, psychological factors, and long-term strategic goals, making this course highly valuable for players who either face these reversed systems or want to employ them confidently themselves. This is an insightful and practical guide to a fascinating strategic battlefield that every serious tournament player should understand.
- Fritztrainer App for Windows and Mac
- Available as download or on DVD
- Video course with a running time of approx. 4-8 hrs.
- Repertoire database: save and integrate Fritztrainer games into your own repertoire (in WebApp Opening or in ChessBase)
- Interactive exercises with video feedback: the authors present exercises and key positions, the user has to enter the solution. With video feedback (also on mistakes) and further explanations.
- Sample games as a ChessBase database.
- New: many Fritztrainer now also available as stream in the ChessBase video portal!
- Videos can run in the Fritztrainer app or in the ChessBase program with board graphics, notation and a large function bar
- Analysis engine can be switched on at any time
- Video pause for manual navigation and analysis in game notation
- Input of your own variations, engine analysis, with storage in the game
- Learn variations: view specific lines in the ChessBase WebApp Opening with autoplay, memorize variations and practise transformation (initial position - final position).
- Active opening training: selected opening positions are transferred to the ChessBase WebApp Fritz-online. In a match against Fritz you test your new knowledge and actively play the new opening.
- The database with all games and analyses can be opened directly.
- Games can be easily added to the opening reference.
- Direct evaluation with game reference, games can be replayed on the analysis board
- Your own variations are saved and can be added to the own repertoire
- Replay training
- LiveBook active
- All engines installed in ChessBase can be started for the analysis
- Assisted Analysis
- Print notation and diagrams (for worksheets)
Sample video
Contents
- Introduction
- Reversed Dutch
- Reversed Dutch: The Early …e5 Gambit Weapon
- Larsen’s b4 Plan vs Reversed Stonewall Setups: Larsen - Spassky
- Reversed Dutch Warning: The Wrong Stonewall Plan - Larsen - Petrosian
- The “Real” Reversed Dutch: Leningrad Structures in Practice - Carlsen - Adams
- Reversed Grünfeld
- f4 and Early Pressure: Maghsoodloo - Perunovic
- Converting the Tempo Edge: Aronian - Ivanisevic
- Can Black Fully Equalise?: Aravindh - Praggnanandhaa
- Bonus: Training Material
- Exercises
- Practice Positions
- Position 1: 1.f4 e5 gambit (as black)
- Position 2: Reversed Grünfeld (as white)
- Position 3: Reversed Grünfeld (as black)
- Position 4: Dutch Reversed (as white)
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Information regarding product delivery
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Regarding MacOS compatibility for softwares
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