That's a move I can't just ignore to go about my business (with like 0-0 or something) because axb axb Nxb4 costs me a pawn. Yes, it's important that I remind myself of things like this, or else I'll consider a whole bunch of things, then castle anyway. I also don't seem to have any way to reinforce the pawn so that it's sufficiently defended (Na6? Bxa6 Rxa6 axb is even worse than just castling right now). So it looks like the only choice is to do something proactive with the b-pawn. The question is: bxa or b4?
My first instinct is that b4 looks nicer, but what happens when he shoves the knight forward to d5? I'm at work now, so I'll look at lines later. No move yet. This is just a reminder to myself for later: DON'T DROP THE B-PAWN.
thought I should probably think of a move after 10...b4 11. Nd5 a5 since its probably blacks best continuation
candidate moves (I didn't choose one earlier because I seem to have lots of them)
12. c3 12. d4 12. Re1 12. Kh1 (so Ng1-e2-g3-f5) 12. Nxf6 12. h3
12. c3 if 12...bxc3 13. bxc3 if 13...Ba6 then 14. Re1 if 13...d6 I still need to support e4 to get d4 in, but it looks like there are a few ways of doing it now 14. Nxf6+ Bxf6 15. d4 (i'd have to get my a1 rook off the diagonal though, but it looks like it belongs on b1 anyway) or something like 14. Rb1 15. Bc2 16. d4 maybe
12. d4 exd4 13. Nxd4 Nxe4 looks like it might not be on because my pieces can all hit good squares...better check though 14. Qg4 Ng5 15. f4 at least wins back the pawn+ position, another alternative is playing 15. Nf5
I wouldn't be surprised if d4 has been on for a while and I've just dismissed it without much thought, my other candidate moves are redundant now I think this one works
10...b4 11. Nd5 a5 12. d4 Nxe4 13. dxe5 d6 14. not sure, e6 maybe?? 14...fxe6 15. Nd4 fxd5 16. Qh5+ Kf8 17. Qxd5 looks kind of cool, the lines with 12...Nxe4 look a bit more complicated though I'll have to check them before I play 12. d4
Well crap. I thought it was chessterfish's move. I think I've discovered the flaw in the "post thoughts now, return later with a move" strategy for Malkovich games. Sorry!
random thought, never really considered 10...bxa4 as a move. I'm thinking instead of 11.Bxa4 to maybe go 11.Rxa4 to support the centre more. It looks kind of weird/wrong, but it doesn't look like the rook can be kicked around right now and I think I prefer the bishop on b3 to a4
Seems as though Black has lost his way. Also anyone know the closest ECO for this particular Ruy?
I think that Black really has to be looking for some re-positioning of his pieces. I am inclined to not castle for at least 3 more moves. I think that a5 is prolly a nasty move for white as I think our b pawn becomes weaker than his a pawn particularly if d4 is a prospect. So I think a5 is my first concern. I think we have to allow the d5 post for the white knight for a while.
But then again I am not a strong player and I play Sicilians.
Two Plus Two
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