m0 Chess

Posted to rec.games.chess.analysis with the subject of Why Bc7 concerning the game as of Mon Jun 16, 05:13:43 PM

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Ne5 c6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bxf6 Qxf6 7. e3 Bb4 8. Nd2 dxc4 9. Bxc4 Nd7 10. Nd3 Ba5 11. b4

Hi,

I was playing this game as White. After the game I was using Crafty to analize the game. At this point, Black's 11th move, crafty puts White well ahead with a rating of +3.17. Also Crafty wants to move Bc7 but again I fail to see why that is such a good move.

So, what about White's position was so good at this point?

And, wht was moving the Bishop back to c7 good thing?

Thanks


Matt

Claus responded with

> At this point, Black's 11th move, crafty puts White > well ahead with a rating of +3.17. Also Crafty wants to move Bc7 but
> again I fail to see why that is such a good move.
>
> So, what about White's position was so good at this point?

I don´t have Crafty and I really can´t say why Crafty thinks White is a piece ahead. This evaluation would be true if Black moves 11...0-0 or something similar.

> And, wht was moving the Bishop back to c7 good thing?

It´s the most logical move. Black has to solve the problem of how to develop his locked in white squared bishop. To solve this problem, Black would like to push e5, freeing the diagonal. The bishop on c7 is ideal suited to support the advance of the e-pawn. Further, on c7 the bishop eyes White´s kingside (h2) and protects d6 from incursion of a knight.

For example: 11...Bc7 12. 0-0 0-0 13. Qh5 e5 and Black may be already somewhat better because of his bishops pair. White has of course 13. f4 so Black may consider e5 in the 12th move before castling.

11...Bb6 12. 0-0 0-0 13. Qh5 and Black has to play Bc7 anyway, giving White an extra tempo. Black has not the option of 12...e5 (13. dxe5 Nxe5 14. Ne4 Qe7 15. Nxe5 Qxe5 16. Nd6+ Ke7 17. Nxf7 wins).

Claus-Juergen