The main concern I had after 18...Qe7 was the plan for White involving Bd2 intending Bb4 (prefaced by a3 first if necessary).
You can play Qe7/ a3 Rfb8 and if white plays c3, your concern is gone.
Same if Bd2 is played instead of a3.
Miguel
Black playing a3 allows White to play b4 with impunity. I'm not sure that's good for us?
No, I meant this:
18... Qe7 19. a3 Rfb8 20. c3 and your concern is gone.
(if white plays a3, which is your concern).
Miguel
Okay. I was talking 18.....Qe7; 19.Bd2. The whole idea being for the White bishop going to b4 with a3 played beforehand to support it if necessary.
Cheers,
Graham.
18... Qe2 19. Bd2 Rfb8 and white cannot play Bb4 anymore. It has to defend b2, probably with c3. If 20. b3 we get rid of our weak a pawn dominating the a column with 20.... axb3 21 axb3
michiguel wrote:
18... Qe2 19. Bd2 Rfb8 and white cannot play Bb4 anymore. It has to defend b2, probably with c3. If 20. b3 we get rid of our weak a pawn dominating the a column with 20.... axb3 21 axb3
Miguel
Investigating further, 18... Qe7 19.b4, ab; 20.ab intending pushing the b pawn looks better for White than 18..... Qe7; 19.Bd2, Rfb8; 20.a3, Rxb2 (20....Bxb2; 21.Rxb2, Rxb2; 22.Bc3 followed by Bxg6); 21.Rxb2, Bxb2; 22.Bb4, Qg7 which gives up a pawn without gain.
I still prefer 18......Qe8, but would be happier with 17......Qe7 rather than 18.....Qc7.
michiguel wrote:
18... Qe2 19. Bd2 Rfb8 and white cannot play Bb4 anymore. It has to defend b2, probably with c3. If 20. b3 we get rid of our weak a pawn dominating the a column with 20.... axb3 21 axb3
Miguel
Investigating further, 18... Qe7 19.b4, ab; 20.ab intending pushing the b pawn looks better for White than 18..... Qe7; 19.Bd2, Rfb8; 20.a3, Rxb2 (20....Bxb2; 21.Rxb2, Rxb2; 22.Bc3 followed by Bxg6); 21.Rxb2, Bxb2; 22.Bb4, Qg7 which gives up a pawn without gain.
I still prefer 18......Qe8, but would be happier with 17......Qe7 rather than 18.....Qc7.
