Queen’s Gambit Declined – Gukesh’s 4…h6 + PGN

We are thrilled to introduce GM Michael Roiz’s latest course, offering a complete and practical repertoire for Black with the innovative move 4…h6 in the Queen’s Gambit Declined:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nf3 h6!?

This creative idea has gained significant traction at the top level, with Gukesh employing it regularly and even legends like Magnus Carlsen exploring it. The primary aim of 4…h6 is to prevent the irritating Bg5, simplifying preparation while reducing the theoretical workload.

Why Choose 4…h6?

• Practicality: This line is designed to surprise your opponents and push them out of their comfort zones.
• Efficiency: By avoiding the heavily analyzed main lines, you can focus on mastering key ideas rather than memorizing extensive theory.
• Versatility: As a natural follow-up to GM Ioannis Papaioannou’s camp on the Queen’s Gambit with …h7-h6, this repertoire integrates seamlessly with other 1.d4 systems.

What’s Inside the Course?

• 14 Theoretical Chapters: Covering all critical positions and ideas.
• 15 Interactive Test Positions: Sharpen your understanding and practical skills.
• Memory Booster: Helping you retain essential concepts for over-the-board success.
• Video Version: Over 2 hours of detailed explanations from GM Roiz.

Chapters 1-4 feature the position arising after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nf3 h6!? 5.Bf4 Bd6

This position is considered to be rather safe for Black. As you will see throughout the course, exchanging the dark-squared bishops is always favourable for Black. At this point, Roiz examines several continuations – 6.Qc1!?, 6.Be5, 6.Bg3, and 6.Bxd6. In all the cases, however, Black manages to solve the opening probelms.

Chapters 5-6, deal with 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 Bd6

This is another position in which the player with a better understanding can fight for a win. In the main line arising after 7.Bxd6 Qxd6, the feeling of the Carlsbad structure is way more important than the knowledge of concrete theory. It goes without saying that Roiz also examines all the alternatives to 7.Bxd6.

Chapters 7-8 are dedicated to the continuation 5.e3.

This is White’s second most common choice after 5.Bf4. White defends c4 and intends to actively place his bishop on d3, considering..e3-e4. On the downside, the c1-bishop remains inactive for a while. At this point, Roiz suggests 5…a6, which is the most flexible response.

Depending on the opponent’s actions, Black can either capture on c4 and push b7-b5 or opt for …c7-c5. All in all, Black is doing completely fine in the arising positions.

The following two chapters (Chapters 9-10) examine the Catalan setup arising after 5.g3 Be7 6.Bg2 0-0

As a matter of fact, in this type of Catalan positions, the move …h7-h6 is more useful than White’s Nc3. One of White’s main problems is that Black is perfectly fine after 7.0-0 dxc4. At the same time, the alternatives to 7.0-0 turn out to be rather slow.

Chapters 11-12 explain the line starting with 5.a3.

This prophylactic move has proved to be good in many openings. At this point, Roiz suggests going for Semi-Slav setups by means of 5…c6 since the most challenging 6.Bg5 is no longer possible. Black is doing very well in all these lines.

Chapter 13 is dedicated to the move 5.Qc2.

A relatively flexible continuation: White takes more control of e4 and invites Black to show their cards. On the downside, it diminishes White’s control on d5 and makes …c7-c5 more effective. It’s not a surprise that 5…c5 is Black’s most principled continuation. This move is also the suggestion of Michael Roiz.