Pretty sure yeah, it's still better for white after f6 Nxf6, but I think we are definitely reaching some only move positions, but that doesn't mean it's bad, especially if it's pretty much one forced line as in some sharp grüenfeld and sicilians etc.
Albin Counter Gambit, Spassky Variation.
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I think I have found the answer and it's surprisingly simple.
After e4 Nc6 f4 black can choose between f6, g5 and Nh6, which all leads to extremely sharp and complicated positions with many many sidelines. It's simply too much theory to bother with from the white side, especially when it's black that choses the variation he wants to play, it's a rare defence in the first place and white already has good alternatives in 5. g3 and 5. a3.
I've never seen those variations. Certainly 4. e4 leads to agressive attacks for both as like as Traxler counter attack and Latvian gambit.
I was recently looking at how to play against the ACG and found a line I haven't seen before called the Spassky variation (look below) but it has hardly been played by anyone and I haven't found any theory on it.
In my database of 5.2 million games 4. e4 has been played only 157 times.
Does anyone know anything about this line or where I can learn more? Is it simply bad for white?
Does black have an easy time equalising?
Houdini 3 after a deep think suggests that Nf3 is fine for white despite allowing gxf4 (0.3).
It's definitely a messy position, but I don't mind that.
Any thoughts?