THE
MERAN SYSTEM
by Steffen Pedersen
The
Meran is an opening rich in both strategy and tactics, making it ideal for
players seeking to win with either colour. It occupies an important place in the
repertoires of many of the world’s top players, with Anand, Kramnik, Kasparov
and Karpov regularly taking one side or the other.
Black allows White a central pawn-majority but immediately hits back by setting his queenside pawns in motion. Matters come to a head quickly as the two sides strive to make the most of their strategic assets. Frequently, a burst of tactics gives rise to an unbalanced middlegame (or endgame!) with chances for both sides. Expert knowledge counts for a great deal in these positions.
This book provides the most detailed coverage to date of the Meran, together with several related variations, and the various Anti-Meran options available to White. Together with the author’s The Botvinnik Semi-Slav, it provides complete coverage of the Semi-Slav, the most combative line of the Queen’s Gambit.
Steffen Pedersen is a young international master from Denmark. He achieved a grandmaster norm when he was 16, and played in several World and European junior championships. In 1998 he was joint winner of the Hampstead Grandmaster tournament. He has written several highly-regarded opening books, with subjects including the Dutch Defence, Sicilian Scheveningen and the Benko Gambit.