The analysts for the World Team in the Kasparov vs. The World are all rising young chess superstars. These are the next generation of names that will rise to the top of the chess-playing world. If you're unsure what move to play against World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, our analysts can point you in the right direction with their thoughtful responses.

One of the old masters once said: "When I give check I fear no one!", but don't panic, we can get out of this one easily.

Garry's own comment to his move is revealing:

"It seems that young coaches are trying to force me to play against my favourite Najdorf! Due to forthcoming match with Vishy I have to refrain from public theoretical duel. So please forgive me for selecting unattractive 3 Bf1-b5+."

Let me explain:

In the latter part of the year, most likely October till mid November, there is a good chance that Garry Kasparov will be defending his World title in a match against the world no.2, Vishy Anand from India. At this moment both players will be beginning their intense preparation for the match, including research on their opening repertoires.

It is therefore understandable that Garry wishes to reveal nothing of his future plans and so avoids the move which is generally accepted as the most critical - 3 d4 leading to an open game, rich in fighting possibilities for both sides - and turns to the bishop check, generally leading to a more closed position. The World Champion describes the move as 'unattractive', possibly because it could lead to the early exchange of pieces after, for instance, 3...Bd7, when ideally he would like to maintain as much tension as possible.

Black has three acceptable ways to block the check. 3...Bd7 is the most solid and reliable - in this way none of black's pieces are blocked; 3...Nd7 is more complex - black aims at forcing white to exchange off the bishop for knight (possibly giving black a long-term advantage) but in so doing blocks his pieces temporarily; and 3...Nc6 is straightforward, though leaves white with several options.

It's your choice: Go World!

Nd7 to Kasparov's Bb5+

This move is more aggressive then 3....Bd7, because white gets after 4.Bxd7 4....Nxd7 5.c4 a comfortable position. I hope that black makes the game more interesting and more complicated with the move 3....Nd7.

Bd7 to Kasparov's Bb5

This is the most simple defense for the situation.

Bd7 to Kasparov's Bb5

Nd7 to Kasparov's Bb5+

It appears that Garry wishes to avoid a theoretical battle in a main line Open Sicilian. Now we must make an early choice that will shape the outcome of the middlegame to come.

Black's first alternative is 3...Bd7, but I think this variation can become boring even though it offers reasonable chances for equality.

A second alternative is 3...Nc6 which is not so good a choice against Kasparov in my opinion, as White can (if he wishes) immediately compromise Black's pawn structure with 4.Bxc6+!? bxc6 5.0-0.

The third alternative, and the one I highly recommend is 3...Nd7. Black avoids any weakening in the pawn structure, and simplification can result in Black obtaining the BISHOP PAIR at the cost of a small lag in DEVELOPMENT (in chess you have to give something to get something!). It is interesting to note that this is Garry's preferred treatment when he has this position as Black. More on this later on the 'Kasparov World Team Strategy Bulletin Board' if we go with 3...Nd7.