Originally posted by sh76Why do you think 3... Bc5 is worse? The Evan's?
Bc5 is a fine alternative to Nf6, but it is not better. It is the Guico Piano (sp?) as opposed to the "two knights." I believe that Nf6 is considered slightly better on the whole, although it's more risky. Some people call Nf6 the "two knights attack" rather than the "two knights defense" even though it is played by black because Nf6 in the Italian game is more gives me a nice, comfortable position as white that I would be happy to play any time.
What about 3.. Be7
Originally posted by sh763...Nf6 is better. You know the Knight is going to f6 so why not play
I can't cite chapter and verse, but I remember reading somewhere that Nf6 did better statistically than Bc5. Maybe someone can confirm this or show that it isn't so.
it right away and hit the e-pawn.
It's a fighters move but you must be prepared theorectically if facing
an over the 1800 mark.
It can explode into a tactical melee at any moment.
I'm totally against learning any opening parrot fashion but in this one
you must know the tactical shots. Working them out over the board
has proved beyond the grasp of most players.
Fire up your DB and look for 1-0 and 0-1 under 25 moves in the
Two Knights. You will see what I mean.
Originally posted by sh76While DB statistics have their place, this isn't it. I'm looking for particular lines/ideas that make Bc5 bad. The only thing I can think of is that Bc5 allows the Evan's gambit which is annoying, but not terrible for black.
I can't cite chapter and verse, but I remember reading somewhere that Nf6 did better statistically than Bc5. Maybe someone can confirm this or show that it isn't so.
Originally posted by zebanoI don't know of specific lines, but Bc5 lets white keep the initiative and it's white who will dictate how the game develops. Nf6 hits the e4 pawn and thus challenges white to either:
While DB statistics have their place, this isn't it. I'm looking for particular lines/ideas that make Bc5 bad. The only thing I can think of is that Bc5 allows the Evan's gambit which is annoying, but not terrible for black.
1) mix it up in an unbalanced position that is rife with tactical possibilities for both sides with 4. Ng5
2) Play a passive 4. d3 and thus pass up a lot of white's initiative
3) Play d4 or Nc3, both of which can lead to a black advantage with questionable compensation
It just seems like Nf3 is the stronger response.