(2) Version 8...dxc4 [D37]
25.01.2007



1.d4 e6 2.c4 d5 3.Nc3 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bf4 0-0 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Be2

An unassuming continuation. White refrains from any immediate action and continues his development. Meanwhile, a number of good possibilities have been discovered for Black, and therefore 8.Be2 is only rarely played today and probability tomorrow as well.

8...dxc4
A logical reply, Black makes the enemy bishop move again. Which as you know goes against the basic principles of the opening of moving a piece twice in your opening development.

After black captures dxc4 we have four choices

A) 9.Bxc4 Recapture, the most logical and may be the best choice. [

B) 9.Ne5 Increase the pressure on c4 9...Nd5 10.Bg3 Bb4 11.Qc2 b5 12.0-0

C) 9.0-0 Bring the King to safety Which is a prudent and wise choice. 9...Nd5 10.Bg3 Nxc3 11.bxc3 Nd7 12.Bxc4 Nb6 13.Bd3

D) 9.Qxd8 Capture the Black Queen. A very bold move but lets Black take control over the d file with
9...Rxd8 10.Bxc4 a6 11.Rd1 Rxd1+ 12.Nxd1 b5 13.Be2 Nbd7 14.Nc3 Bb7 15.0-0 ]