One move a day (3)

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3

Play will likely contine 4...Bg4 5. Be2. Although initiated by black, I think white has a much better outlook here (solid space and development advantage). This may be a good opening study from blacks POV, however, as you may be able to surprise an unsuspecting, overzealous opponent otb.

4. ... dxe5 for me.

dxe.

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6

5.Bc4 Develop another piece and force black to waste another move with his knight.

I'd play 5. exd6 with the idea of playing c3 later and putting Be3, Qd2, Bc4 in order to disarm Bg7 and prepare Bh6. Something like would be my plan. I'd probably later castle long.

5. Bc4 forces 5. ... Nb6 and now white has to spend a tempo.

Bc4

c4?!

Originally posted by kbaumen
I'd play 5. exd6 with the idea of playing c3 later and putting Be3, Qd2, Bc4 in order to disarm Bg7 and prepare Bh6. Something like would be my plan. I'd probably later castle long.

5. Bc4 forces 5. ... Nb6 and now white has to spend a tempo.

I like Bc4 but I have been playing this situation g3 then Bg2, O-O. Only because I like how it slows down the tempo of the game and allows me to work on developing lines in my middle game.

Not to harp on about 5. Bc4, but after 5. ... Nb6 6. Bd3 I still think white is in a pleasant position. Kingside castling is available; the bishop is developed, and while it is black to move, their options are more restricted than white's. Only my opinion, but I like the idea of debate in this thread 🙂

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Ng5

5. ... c6 ,

although a little voice in my head tells me we might see 5. ... h6 6.Nxf7...

Who would I be to disagree? I also think 5. ... c6