Daily Speculations
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The Grandmaster (L to R: Victor Niederhoffer, Art Bisguier, Nigel Davies) |
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05/09/05
Modern Benoni Economics
The Modern Benoni (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6) is one of the classic examples of 'dynamic chess' in which Black takes on a 'weak' pawn on d6 and gives White a central pawn majority in return for a semi-open e-file and Queenside pawn majority. Often sneered at by more classical players it has been a terrible weapon in the hands of 3 World Champions - Mikhail Tal, Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov.
It struck me today that much the same debate about the Modern Benoni exists in financial circles when debt is balanced against GDP and strong employment. Traditionalist are sure that the Modern Benoni 'disadvantages' are a certain recipe for disaster whilst more dynamic players think otherwise. Who is right? It all depends on the specific features of the position.
I find it difficult to assess Modern Benonis on the chess board, whilst in economics they are completely beyond me. All I know is that the Modern Benoni MUST be played with great energy, using every tempo as effectively as possible. The problem is that Black's initiative dwindles he will be left with nothing but weaknesses, so White's strategy is often to neutralise the initiative before proceeding with a demolition.
If I were to liken the US to the mother of all Modern Benonis (balancing strong growth and employment against debt), I'd say that George Bush is certainly playing it consistently (if Bush played chess I bet his style would be similar to that of the Swedish IM, Tom Wedberg). With the UK, on the other hand, I have my doubts; the position looks Benoniesque (serious debt vs strong employment and GDP) but with resources being used ineffectively I am concerned that Black's initiative may wane.
Disclaimers: a) I have played the Modern Benoni but generally feel more comfortable playing against it. b) I am very uncomfortable with personal debt, which probably explains any bias in my perspective. My saving grace may be that I'm at least partially aware of this bias.
Photos © Larry Fletcher
2004
Nigel Davies takes
on fellow Grandmaster Art Bisguier as Victor Niederhoffer looks on. (2/23/4)
Nigel Davies is a trader and an International Chess Grandmaster residing in the United Kingdom. Visit his Web site at www.tigerchess.com.