Position of the day 10/19

After Rh1, what if instead being greedy black just plays something else, like Qe7? isn't black just up in material then plus having the bishop pair in an open position? does white has a plan after Qe7 instead of the suggested Bxg4 (which, btw, I agree with you that it's a mistake to play) ?

...Qe7 could be followed by Qh6

A ...Qc5+ would be feeble, so this position looks really bad for black despite the Bishop pair.

Mike, is there any threat for white in your variation? does white have the better pieces (let's say after ..Nc4)? Or is that statement is simply because you like the way trippled pieces look?

It's not only the bishop pair, its also 2 extra pawns, and what does white get in return for being down material? if you can't find anything concrete, maybe there isn't anything... have a closer look.

Yes, see what you mean, and yes, I do happen to like the way tripled peices look.

So you did a very good job at breaking down my faulty beliefs, now it would be nice if you gave me something to fill the void that you have created - maybe your correct conclusions about the position would suffice.

Mike, is this it? you given up already? imagine it's you there, playing white, calculating your next move in this tactical position on the board.

So one variation that you looked at didn't work, let's continue, what else is there for us?

Remember, in each variation, when you reach the point of quescence (where there are no more working tactical motifs available for either side- no more good checks, captures, pressure and tension), you must stop and analyze the final position. You must determine whether the final position is better for you than the starting position. If not- the variation is probably bad for you.

This looks better.

still black's better- 1 extra pawn, safe king. next move btw is ..Nc4 and black has no problems at all having the lead in material.

maybe this is better for white

If it's not a guess, please provide your reasons for that conclusion

It does two things that were problems for the previous variations. First, it removes the dark squared bishop. Second, it prevents ...dxe4, which would allow black to further actvate his light-squared bishop, attack white's king, and open up the middle for black's rooks. This position also gives white's queen control of the d8 square which prevents ...Nc4, and allows for a possible Nc3, Ne4 eyeing the f6 outpost square.