Minor line in the Euwe

Sometimes people hate it when their opponent doesn't play the recommended book moves. So do I. It is so frustrating to see your opponent deviate from the main line - you know the line he plays is not the best, but how to refute it ? That sometimes gets to you, and you fail to play good moves.

So a good preparation is crucial, especially when playing sharp opening.

That's why I consider today one of these inferior, but very hard to beat sidelines in the Euwe defense.

1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Nc6 (diagram)

My silicon assistant kindly suggests 4 options :

a/ 7.Bb5 (diagram)

...a1/ 7...Be7 8.00 (=)
...a2/ 7...Bd7 8.d5 exd5 9.Nxd5 (=)
...a3/ 7...a6 8.Bxc6+ bxc6 9.Ne5 (=)
...a4/ 7...Bd6 8.00 (=)

b/ 7.Ne4 (diagram)

After 7...Be7, white has nothing else than 8.Nxf6+ (=)

c/ 7.Bd3 (diagram)

After 7...Be7 we reach a well known position which is hard to play for many gambiteers.

d/ 7.Qd2 (diagram)

7...h6 urges white to exchange or retreat, but weakens his kingside. This might not be bad, since black can force the exchange, eg 7...h6 8.Bf4 Bd6 (=+)

So I believe the simple 8.Bb5 is strongest. Black can force a small advantage after 7...Be7. But I will cover that in a later blog.

So we see these so called bad moves are not that bad at all !