Colle System

EDGAR COLLE vs. J. O'HANLON

Nice, 1930

The Colle System, also known as the Colle–Koltanowski system, is a chess opening strategy for White introduced by Belgian Edgard Colle in the 1920s, and further developed by George Koltanowski. This variation of the Queen's Pawn Game is characterised by a systematic if modest development of White's minor pieces to support a quick pawn move to the e4 square. It is solid, but inflexible.

Ignoring Black's responses in order to consider White's moves only, the typical plan is as follows: 1.d4 2.e3 3.Nf3 4.Bd3 5.0-0 6.Re1 7.c3 8.Nbd2 9.e4, with White rearranging his move order appropriately. It is a perfectly solid scheme of development, but, inflexibly applied, it cannot offer more than equality against a vigorous Black response. It may be a good tool for avoiding book variations, for Blitz play, or for forcing opponents to think for themselves early on. These days it is considered totally innocuous, and is rarely seen at Master level or above.

1. d4, d5

2. Nf3, Nf6

3. e3, c5

4. c3, e6

5. Bd3, Bd6

6. Nbd2, Nbd7

7. 0-0, 0-0

8. Re1, Re8

9. e4, dxe4

10. Nxe4, Nxe4

11. Bxe4, cxd4

12. Bxh7+!! ....

White has determined Black's weakness, and presses on with the attack.

12. .... Kxh7

13. Ng5+, Kg6

14. h4!!, Rh8

The pawn intends to land at h5, to menace the opponent King.

15. Rxe6!! ....

The move breaks apart the King's defenses.

15. .... Nf6

If 15....fxe6, then 16. Qd3+ Kf6 (if 16....Kh5, 17. Qf3+ Kxh4, 18. Qh3 or g3 mate.), 17. Qf3+ Ke5 (if 17....Ke7, 18. Qf7 mate), 18. Nf7 mate.

16. h5!!, Kh6

If 16....Rxh5, then 17. Qd3+ Kh6, 18. Nxf7 mate.

17. Rxd6 ....

White already wins with 17. Nxf7 but decides to place his Rook to safety.

17. .... Qa5

18. Nxf7+, Kh7

19. Ng5+ ....

White cannot attack with Qd3+ because of Bf5.

19. .... Kg8

If 19....Kh6, then 20. Ne6+ Kh7, 21. Qd3+ Kg8, 22. Rd8+.

20. Qb3+, Resigns

Black cannot prevent mate at f7.