How To Crush The Sicilian In 3 Check: 4. Nd4
This line demonstrates a very important concept in 3 Check; the value of keeping a check in reserve, even when it's "free".
Plans and ideas:
- Always play Ne4 instead of Nb5 when you have the choice between the two. This will ensure that you maintain your bind on Black's position and give you more checking possibilities in the future.
- Don't go for the Knight check on d6 or f6 too early because you will help Black develop and you will lose control over the d6 and f6 squares. Restricting the activity of your opponent's pieces is more valuable than a single check in most cases. It's much better to keep this check in reserve until you can follow-up with additional checks or threats.
- Develop your pieces to the most aggressive squares where they will have the best chance of getting checks.
- If Black's Queen attacks the e5 pawn then sacrifice this pawn in exchange for development and the open e-file. You can follow-up with f4-f5 to rip open lines in the center. Just watch out for Qxh2+ ideas. They usually don't work, but if you aren't sure then you should just play it safe.
- If Black plays e5 in response to the f5 advance then they have weakened the a2-g8 diagonal and you can try to take advantage of this by rerouting your Bishop to c4 to pressure f7.
- At some point you can play Qh5 to pressure f7 and provoke Black to make the weakening g6 move. If g6 is played then f6 will have no pawn support and you can often get a free check on this square.
- If needed, push your b-pawn to open lines for your Queenside pieces.
- Don't hesitate to sacrifice pawns (and sometimes even pieces) in exchange for open lines.
