[COMMENT DELETED]

[COMMENT DELETED]

Here is a quick idea, on the fly, that might be explored:

5. Bd2 seems passive even though it sets up a discovered attack on the Black Queen.  Thus, Black might be able to open things up with 5. ... e5.

I did not think about this much at all because I am about to log off.  I wouldn't be shocked if the move is dubious and Black can get clobbered right away.  On the other hand, one point of an early Nf3 is to ensure that ... e5 is not viable.  So, it might work. 

[COMMENT DELETED]

6. Nd5 is answered by Queen takes Knight!   Also, Black's c pawn hasn't yet moved.  So, 6 ... Qd8 is not possible.  Please note that I am referring to the sequence of moves in the complete game quoted above.  So, the move pair "Bc4 c6" has not occurred.  My answer to 5. Bc4 would also be 5. ... e5.  Without the White bishop on d2, White's queen knight remains pinned.

Why does Black lose a pawn after 6. Qe2?  His king bishop and queen knight (and maybe his king knight) can support the pawn.

An alternative to 7. ... Qc7 or Qb6, is e6.

[COMMENT DELETED]

[COMMENT DELETED]

Phobetor wrote: knetfan wrote:

6. Nd5 is answered by Queen takes Knight!   Also, Black's c pawn hasn't yet moved.  So, 6 ... Qd8 is not possible.  Please note that I am referring to the sequence of moves in the complete game quoted above.  So, the move pair "Bc4 c6" has not occurred.  My answer to 5. Bc4 would also be 5. ... e5.  Without the White bishop on d2, White's queen knight remains pinned.

Why does Black lose a pawn after 6. Qe2?  His king bishop and queen knight (and maybe his king knight) can support the pawn.

---

Oops, I thought you meant after Bc4 c6 Bd2 My bad.

I think the problem with that is that with 6. Bb5+ c5 7. dxe5 white wins a pawn.

---

Black can avoid losing a pawn by responding to 6. Bb5+ with 6. ... Bd7.  However, in at least one variation, either his pawn structure is wrecked or he finds his king in what might be too dangerous a position in the center:

6. Bb5+ Bd7 7. dxe5 Bxb5 8. Nxb5 Qxb5 9. exf6 Qxb2 10. Qe2+ or

6. Bb5+ Bd7 7. dxe5 Bxb5 8. Nxb5 Qxb5 9. exf6 gxf6

So, 5. ... e5 might indeed be too provocative. 

Phobetor wrote: RichardHayden wrote: An alternative to 7. ... Qc7 or Qb6, is e6.

---

That looks very suidical in view of 8. d5. After 8... cxd5 9. Nxd5 Qd8 10. Nxf6+ Qxf6 11. O-O-O white may not have a forced win yet, but the advantage is obvious.

---

I don't see White's advantage as being clear.  I would play 11. ... Nc6. Your move.