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when development pays off!

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Omicron

This started as a queen pawn opening that went wrong so I chose to give material and take lots of unpleasant risks for better position. I hope you enjoy it.


GotGoose

Actually, 5. a4 is a great move because it breaks up his pawn structure.  Note that if he plays b4 you can move your knight to a2, attacking two pawns at once (b4 by the knight; c4 by the bishop).  He will likely play b3 when you can move your knight back to c3.  Your bishop would still be attacking his c4 pawn, which he will lose because he cannnot defend it again.

A move like 5. a4 is called a Minority Attack because you are attacking a pawn majority with a pawn minority in order to create weaknesses.


Omicron
GotGoose wrote:

Actually, 5. a4 is a great move because it breaks up his pawn structure.  Note that if he plays b4 you can move your knight to a2, attacking two pawns at once (b4 by the knight; c4 by the bishop).  He will likely play b3 when you can move your knight back to c3.  Your bishop would still be attacking his c4 pawn, which he will lose because he cannnot defend it again.

A move like 5. a4 is called a Minority Attack because you are attacking a pawn majority with a pawn minority in order to create weaknesses.


mmm.. you're right. didn't notice the Na2 thingy. I had read more than once about the fact black couldn't retain the pawn advantage in this opening but somehow I thought it was me messing it up this time. thanx for the advice.

 


Loomis
It's also acceptable to play it as a gambit and remain a pawn down for faster development, as you did successfully. No need to give you an example, you already have one! Nice game.