Colle System

So in the Colle System, there is a move on move 9 that White can either play Re1 or Qe2 just before the e4 pawn thrust. Are both these moves equally good and simply a way to either vary the opening setup or is there a specific feature with Black's setup that makes one better than the other? I was watching Igor Smirnov explain the opening setup but this part was not in it. I'm playing it now with varied success, including some decent miniatures and wondering if there are some refinements that can be made or if there are some lesser known trapping lines that show up in this. BTW, in most games, once 10. e4 is played, Black's evaluation begins to drop and if he doesn't play careful, can be in a losing position by about move 20. I'm actually liking it since it is basically a Slav Defense with a move in hand for White. Any ideas on the Re1 v Qe2 moves?

You mean from here?

So there is that line but the opening that Smirnov was showing on his YouTube channel has White holding the tension and instead after 0-0, playing either Qe2 or Re1. This is the line I am curious as to whether or not there are positional differences between one move and the other or if they are equally good in the position

Although in the line you have, it seems as though both moves continue to be options.

White struggles against Black when they play Nc6 lines... 10...h6!? or 10...a6!? or 10...b6!? With all 3 moves (if Black knows what they are doing) White gets into a "Whole board" positional Zugzwang where he/she is forced to make a move that hurts his position.

I play 9.b4!? and play more inline with a reverse Semi Slav. These lines are proving to be better than the 9.e4.

Black's ...Nbd7 main lines the traditional 8.Re1 is still viable and stronger than 8.Qe2

In the second game, that is an idea that Smirnov was proposing, as well as the opportunity to play a Greek gift sacrifice if the Knight does not come to f6. Apparently there are also sacs at e6 with the Rook as well in order to place a Knight there, forking Black's pieces. I agree that the b4 line, which is essentially a reversed modern Slav is really appealing as well. I might have to try it out and see what happens.

9.b4 lines Took me some time to get a handle on...

One of the factors (there are many) I like about the Colle Koltanowski is the Queen's side 3 vs 2 pawn majority. Even in equal positions.... it allows white to play on for the win. I'm always looking for that 3 vs 2 pawn majority and because of that, I'm getting a feel for when one needs to start playing for an endgame advantage (Noticing more that transition point from middle game tactics.. to endgame strategy

Just played a 5 min Blitz that highlights this. My opponent skirted Colle theory and played some equalizing chess, but in the excitement of the tactical battle, didn't notice the endgame we were headed for

That was really good to understand when to convert to an endgame based on the pawn majority. I'm going to have to remember that.

Re1 is bad because of the softness at f2:

9.Re1? e5 10.e4 Ng4 followed by ...f5.

So is this why after Bxc6 white plays b4 and then proceeds with e5 after Qe2? Also, is the position busted if White simply plays e4 against the center? The idea that Smirnov was showing was without the dxc5 move.

I feel you have multiple questions in your reply...  the first perceived question 

There are 4 main lines to the the Colle Koltanowski

1) Black plays ...Nbd7

2) Black plays ... Nc6 (IMO... If white plays classically, Black has found 3-4 ways of equalizing, hence the modern line with 9.b4!

3. Black plays an early ...b7-b6

4. Black plays an early ...c5-c4

Pushing the pawn to e4 without dxc5 refers to the main line No#1 Black plays ...Nbd7

Example:

One doesn't play dxc5 because Black can take with the Knight and attack the Bishop at d3. Playing the queen to e2 is generally a bad idea because Black can play Re8 and push the pawn to e5 opening the file and attacking your Queen. A good game to explore is Hansen-Vescovi Kopenhhagen 1995 After the standard 9...cxd4 10.cxd4 dxe4 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 White plays 12. Rxe4! creating serious difficulties for Black! (the tactical motifs found in this game are often used with the Colle Koltanoski pawn formation... it's totally worth playing through the game and understanding the resources of playing Re1 and taking e4 with it, then attacking with it. )

second perceived question question

"why after Bxc5 white plays b4 and then proceeds with e5 after Qe2? Also, is the position busted if White simply plays e4 against the center?" 

Refers to main line No#2 2) Black plays ... Nc6 (IMO... If white plays classically, Black has found 3-4 ways of equalizing, hence the modern line with 9.b4!

Example:

Without heavy analyses and in layman's terms.....

With 10...h6 (first played in early 1990s) Black checks any tactics center around the "Greek gift' and counter attacks f2 with Ng4 and the Bishop staged at c5 (raking the a7-g1 diagonal) The knight at g4 also prevents White from pushing his pawn to e5. White, in dealing with that threat, allows Black to fortify the center... hence equalizing. I must note that Black doesn't have to play 10...h6 because he's found a counter tactic that thwarts the "Greek gift" Because of this.....

White has resorted to trying to push Black's bishop off the a7-g1 diagonal with 11.b4  However..... So far with ideas centered around 10...a6 and 10...b6 has thwarted any attempt by White to do so... The stats for White in this line are not so good!

The good news is 9.b4!

What Black has made before has now been undone!

That said... there are pros and cons to this line. A) Tactics and strategys are totally different than standard play in Nc6 lines. Generally as you get good at playing the Colle Koltanowski you learn to fight for an advantage using the "Greek Gift" as a threat... Don't look for the Greek Gift with 9.b4 because its not there! The position is wide open. White has 3 ideas to keep Black on their heels. Pushing the pawn to c4 (My current go to) Pushing the Pawn to e4 and Pushing both pawn at the same time... Note: There is no Black attack on f2 (White hasn't played the pawn to e4) and if White plans to push e4, there are solid viable means to drive Black's bishop off the a7-g1 diagonal. and if by some means he can't... White doesn't have to push e4. Another pro is Black usually attempt to play their pet line that combats the Classical 9.e4 (after a few games you learn how to deftly repulse those attempts ) The major con to 9.b4 is Black as a very serious counter attack by way of pushing e5 and f5 and you must learn see it and what tactics you need to repulse it. (Nothing comes for free)

Great stuff. I need to look at that Re4 move because in several games, I instinctively see it as a candidate move but overlooked it in favor of opening the diagonals to expose the King , despite the fact that I can get to g4 there and in some cases, there is either a Knight or Rook sac on e6

Why don't you guys just join THE COLLE CLUB.

https://www.chess.com/club/colle-system

I wish there was a Colle-Zukertort club. I looked for it, but there is no club about the Colle-Zukertort. :(

As someone that used to play it. This is an excellent book: The Modernized Colle-Zukertort Attack – second revised & extended edition – Milos Pavlovic

Thanks all

On discussing the Nc6 main line...

I got a chance to play a few 9.b4 against it in a 5 min blitz. Although it's not what is considered main line 9.b4 lines by both sides, and its two club players (so the level of play isn't all that high caliber) it does demonstrate a typical response by Black to 9.b4

He claimed at another thread that he doesn't read books, and prefers to be graduated by the Holy Spirit.

Incorrect. What I have said is that I do not study chess books. But i love to read them. As for the Holy Spirit you are 110% correct!