00:00When I played E4, almost exclusively until 1977, when I switched to D4, and then again, almost exclusively until I played Antely Karpov, I sticked with D4.
00:17And I have to say that I believe that D4 was even more aggressive move, because I actually found ways of playing fairly aggressive openings.
00:25Even, for instance, against the Queen's Gambit.
00:34So I managed to work out quite an aggressive system, taking on F6, playing E3, and then playing Queen D2, and then Longcastle, or Queen C2 and Longcastle.
00:46Now we all know how to equalize.
00:49There are many ways for black to equalize.
00:51But at the time, it was quite a revelation, and it was difficult for strong players to resist the pressure.
00:59I also played D4, and what I liked was the so-called Petrosian system in the NIMSA Indian, playing A3.
01:09It's quite amazing that's how this move, A3, helps you to fight for the central squares.
01:15Because at the end of the day, it looks like A3 is just a waste of time.
01:19That would be an instant reaction of Sigbert Tarrasch, or of any old classical player from the 9th century, or the 20th century.
01:28But A3 prepares Knight C3, and preventing Bishop B4, pinning the Knight, and thus helping white to fight for the control of the central squares.
01:37So I remember that I've been promoting this idea of A3, saying this is the best way to fight for the center, and creating stronger position in the center, and you can have a powerful attack.
01:47I also remember that in late 70s, I was highly critical of Greenfield defense.
01:53Because for me, you know, playing D5 meant that after exchanger coin D5, playing E4, Knight C3, Bc3, white had a...
