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Sicilian Lowenthal [B32]

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verizondsl

Hello guys thank you for taking the time to read my post. I just want to ask any player especially those who have the playing strength of 1700+ for your precious advice. Can you please share your deep insight for middlegame plans for both colors for the following opening moves. (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 5.Nb5 a6 6.Nd6+ Bxd6 7.Qxd6 Qf6)? I have tried 8.Qxf6 which I can only manage to draw at most against players of my level 8.Qc7 which I often end up losing against a king hunt and 8.Qd1 the best according to my research but I cannot seem to handle the pressure against tactically creative players. Thank you in advance for your help!

waffllemaster

White has the bishop pair and better pawn structure.  I'd try to consolidate with a move like Qd2 or Qd1 (or Qd3 maybe?) and just develop and be better.  Pile up on the d file and win an endgame.

The point of Qd2 being Qg5 or 0-0 f4.

A slower way to play is c4 like a Maroczy bind, but it makes the light bishop pretty bad.

I don't understand Qc7.  And exchanging queens just helps black develop when he recaptures and after Nc3 d5 black gets rid of his pawn weakness.  The two bishops aren't enough to win by themselves so I don't understand Qxf6.

Black wants to push d5 if he can, exchange one of white's bishop if he can, and hopefully go into an equal endgame but in the present just finish development.  Yes there are some tactical ideas like Nb4 and Bf5 but I see you're rated 1800 in blitz so that should be easy for you to handle Tongue Out

waffllemaster

Actually this player uses c4 as preperation to attack the king.



verizondsl

Thanks for your response wafflemaster. I studied this line more closely and I have made a video out of it. If you have time you may at least take a look at it. =) [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFeAzh7G9wA]

FriendlySquid

Awesome video Verizondsl. I will subscribe to you next time I log into youtube.