Getting Started with the Maróczy Bind

Introduction
 
The Maróczy Bind is named after Géza Maróczy (1870-1951), a Hungarian grandmaster. White plays c4 to stop Black's main ideas for counterplay: b5 and d5. For a long time, c4 has been considered the most uncomfortable idea for Black. An unprepared player will have serious difficultly freeing his position and a prepared player will struggle too. While Black deals with that problem, White can continue with his own plans. Smith-Morra Gambit players can play the Maroczy Bind when Black declines the gambit.

Ways to Reach the Maroczy Bind

The Maróczy Bind can be reached in many number of ways. For that reason, the ideas associated with the Maróczy Bind are important to know. 

[Note: 5. c4 is played in the first diagram below.]

   
 
Pawn Structure



General Theory 
White: 

• Nd4-c2-e3
• Fianchettoing 1 or 2 bishops
• Maroczy hop (Nc3-d5 followed by e4xd5 with pressure on the e-file)
• Kingside attack
• c4-c5 and e4-e5 breaks
• b6 can serve as an outpost for a knight (when a6 or a5 is played)

Black:

• b7-b5 break
• f7-f5 break (esp. with a fianchettoed king bishop)
• d6-d5 break (preapred with e7-e6) 

Instructive Games