English Chess Forum

I recently bought one of Andrew Martin's Chess Cube videos (done from black's perspective). It is good value for money. I commend Andrew for his inititiative in producing these.

However there is one line: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nf3 c5 4. Nc3 Qa5

Now if white plays 5. Bd2 it seems to me he gets a strong advantage; e.g.

5. Bd2 cxd4 6. Nd5 Qd8 (Queen in danger of getting trapped) 7. Bf4 d6 8. Nxd4 Nf6 with threats to play Nb5 hitting c7

In my view, at worst white has an equal game, if not better? Am I missing something please?

I e-mailed Andrew asking about this line but he's a busy chap so hasn't had a chance to get back to me yet so would be grateful for others' thoughts.

Laurie, are you subscribed to Chesspublishing?

no? Should I?

I quite like it. And in fact, now I think about it, you don't have to be a subscriber to use their forums.

thanks

5. Bd2 cxd4 6. Nd5 Qd8 (Queen in danger of getting trapped) 7. Bf4 d6 8. Nxd4 Nf6 with threats to play Nb5 hitting c7

I don't think Nb5 is much of a threat since Black simply plays Nxd5.

I've found 3 games that reached this position - in 2 White took on f6 immediately , in the 3rd white punted Bb5+ first. Rybka suggests Bc4 with a temporary sacrifice of the e4 pawn.

In my view, at worst white has an equal game, if not better? Am I missing something please?

You cannot expect to find magic bullets (even if written by Andrew Martin) which give Black a better game after 8 moves.

The unusual opening hasn't led to anything other than a position quite similar to a Dragon - which is good if like that type of middlegame or ending.

The chesspub forum (http://www.chesspub.com) is a good place to discuss opening theory issues. Authors have been known to join in.

thanks. I wasn''t expecting a silver bullet. Just wanting to make sure I'm not missing somethign obvious. Thanks for the link to the site too

I rather think "missing something obvious" is what chess is largely about, for most of us.

Justin,
I played this line as White online and found 6. Sd5 which seems to leave Black struggling. Black resigned shortly after.

Maybe 6..b6 or 6.. Sa6 are holding on. I think 6..b6 is the recommendation of theory such that there is.

Actually, I do recall analysing this line with Peter Tart in an Indian Restaurant and decided Black had to take on c3 and give White an Irish pawn centre. However, the ending after Db4 seems good for White.

J.

What happens if black plays 8...a6?