Levenfish Attack
An aggressive system where White immediately advances the f-pawn, creating tactical complications and putting pressure on Black's kingside. Named after Grigory Levenfish, this attack leads to sharp, double-edged positions.
ECO Code
B71
Difficulty
Advanced
Style
Aggressive/Tactical
Key Players
Levenfish, Tal, Shirov
Main Continuations
6...Bg7 7.e5
The most forcing line where White immediately opens the center with tactical complications.
6...Bg7 7.Nf3
A more positional approach where White maintains the center and develops naturally.
6...Bg7 7.Be3
Transposing to Yugoslav Attack-style positions with opposite-side castling.
6...Nc6
Black challenges the knight immediately, leading to simplified but still sharp positions.
Tactical Themes
- Central pawn storm: e5-e6 creates immediate threats and opens lines
- Knight on h5: Black's knight can be awkwardly placed but controls key squares
- King safety issues: Black's king often remains in the center longer
- f5 breakthrough: White often aims for f4-f5 to open the kingside
- Piece coordination: Both sides must coordinate pieces quickly
White's Attacking Plan
White aims to create maximum pressure on Black's kingside and center.
Black's Defense Strategy
Black must defend accurately while seeking counterplay opportunities.
Critical Variations to Know
The 9.e6 Sacrifice: After 9.e6 fxe6 10.Nxe6, White gets dangerous compensation with rapid development.
The f6 Defense: Black can try 7...dxe5 8.fxe5 Nd5, but this requires precise calculation.
Timing of Castling: Black must decide when it's safe to castle kingside - often it's never safe!
Positional Assessment
White's Advantages
Rapid development, attacking chances, central control, and initiative. The f4 pawn supports crucial central advances.
Black's Counterplay
Long-term structural advantages, potential counterattack, and the Dragon bishop's power if properly activated.
Key Squares
e6, f5, and h5 are critical squares that both sides fight to control throughout the game.
Common Tactical Motifs
White has many tactical weapons to create threats against Black's exposed king.
Why Play the Levenfish Attack?
The Levenfish Attack is perfect for aggressive players who want immediate tactical complications. It avoids the heavy theory of the Yugoslav Attack while still creating sharp, exciting positions. Black must know the defensive ideas precisely, giving White excellent practical chances.
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Unleash the Levenfish
Create immediate tactical complications and put maximum pressure on your Dragon-playing opponents.
Back to Dragon Variation Try the Yugoslav Attack