Quote:
Originally Posted by jd_poker
How can I identify spots where it is appropriate to withdraw my knights from the action versus the times I should get stubborn with them.
1. Bd3
When I follow this move as black, what should I be considering when I decide which tile to move my knight to? Can someone use words to describe why f4 is so bad? Here is my effort: it lets a ton of pressure build up on e4 that I am not in control of and my queen is at risk of getting pinned.
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f5 is bad because:
- You'll have a lot of trouble trying to hold e4 because you'll end up with a rook staring down the e-file at your queen, and because you don't have a light square bishop to counteract the pressure your opponent can place on e4 with his.
- Your opponent can get rid of the knight any time it's an issue for him anyway, by simply taking it with the bishop. If there are a series of trades on e4 that end with you capturing with the pawn, then you'll have an isolated pawn, which will be a weakness in the endgame.
- You weaken your king's position considerably. This is going to cause you issues. For instance, your opponent can play b3, and you will be forced to move your queen due to the threat of Bc3 pinning the queen against the king. I don't think this is important now, but it might be later on.
Nc5 is best. You would be happy to exchange the knight for the light squared bishop. The fact that you don't have one makes his light squared bishiop a powerful piece, plus having both bishops is an advantage.