Description
Understanding Middlegame Strategies 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.
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.
TRAIN SMARTER!
- Copy & Save all variations
- Watch video with an engine on multiple devices
- Training features included
The product contains an activation key for:
ChessBase training App (Download and installation for Windows and Mac)
ChessBase-Books (Online version for web browsers)
Video stream for iPad, tablet, PC etc. in the ChessBase video portal
Available as a download only!
Video running time: 3 hours 25 minutes (English)
Ivan Sokolov is a Dutch chess Grandmaster and author of popular chess books. He was Yugoslav champion in 1988 and Dutch champion in 1995 and 1998. For more than two decades he has been on of the elite players and has beaten many of the strongest players in the world.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
App for Windows: Windows- PC, Windows 10 or 11 and Internet
App for Mac: Mac OS X and internet
ChessBase books: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
ChessBase video stream: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
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