The Ragozin Defense

The Ragosin Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4) is theoretically very up-to-date. Since 3.Nf3 has become increasingly popular as an answer to Nimzo-Indian systems in recent years, and considering the problems Black has in the Queen's Indian, it was only natural to turn to the Ragosin Defense as a solid and reliable answer to White's systems. All top grandmasters play Ragosin - time to add the variation to your repertoire to get interesting and dynamic positions against 1.d4! The DVD presents a solid system for Black with strategically complex positions in which White can hardly maintain an opening advantage. The variations recommended and analyzed on the DVD are all up-to-date with current theory. We analyze every move that White can make after the Ragosin Defense is reached, but because of the possibilities for rearrangements, we place particular emphasis on explaining the ideas and strategic goals of our moves. I studied Ragosin because I was looking for an opening that would allow me to play interesting chess without taking irresponsible risks. I still believe in the Benkö Gambit, but you can't play every game with one less pawn! The Nimzo-Indian systems are currently the most popular response to 1.d4, and the Ragosin Defense is becoming the most theoretically important system.