If Black is aiming for the Stonewall Formation (…d5 and …f5), he normally waits until White has committed himself to g3 or e3, because otherwise White has the option of playing a system based on Bf4, which is generally regarded as being excellent for him.
In our 1 Nf3 repertoire, two direct ways to the Stonewall that allow this formation for White are:
- 1 Nf3 d5 2 d4 e6 3 c4 f5
- 1 Nf3 e6 2 c4 d5 3 d4 f5
Now White should play 4 Bf4, as described by Khalifman.
White’s basic scheme of development is then reached after 4 …Nf6 5 e3 c6 6 Nc3 Be7 7 Bd3 0-0 8 Qc2 and now White meets 8 …Ne4 with 9 g4!
Alternatively, Black can choose to play …Bd6 instead of …Be7. A classic example of successful White play in this line is the following game:
Visit the Bibliography for recommended reading relating to the 1 Nf3 Repertoire.