Had a game in the Petrov, where I had a slight advantage but couldn't really convert it into anything much and let it slip away.

The computer labels 8. f4 as a mistake (does weaken the kingside but I think the king is safe enough), but the games I looked at where white simply develops the pawn is lost. I thought this move would aim to hold the pawn without tying pieces down to its defence.

Is trying to keep the pawn too much of a hinderance, I should just try for a positional advantage?

Computer analysis:

Thanks pfren, yeah I certainly wasn't worried about Qb4 after 8. Bb5.

Is 8. Bb5 the move you would suggest too then? What is the idea of 10. Qf4 (attacking the f7 pawn?) and is there a specific plan to aim for?

Felt like I was creating a lot of problems for myself holding onto the e pawn, so just better to give it up?

(Oh, and apparently it's volume 10 - just found an old post by yourself).

Wow! That is so much information. +1

Good read.

Bxa7+ was key to obtaining the win