The purpose of 4. Bb4+ is to induce c3 and prevent the natural Nc3. But this of course costs a bit of time. The question is: does the benefit of inducing c3 outweigh the loss of tempi?
Scotch EXPERTS, thoughts on Malaniuk variation?
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Oct 15, 2020
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#4
Since c3 is played anyway in some variations it seems that 4. Bd4+ is a loss of tempo, which black can ill afford. IMO.
ex_submariner a écrit :
Since c3 is played anyway in some variations it seems that 4. Bd4+ is a loss of tempo, which black can ill afford. IMO.
Ignorant comment.
White doesn't want to play c3, because it is the best square for Nb1.
If we compare some lines :
Black played Qf6 to make white playing c3, thus white cannot play Nc3. The problem being that black queen can be misplaced, but that's another debate.
2nd diagram : Here white can play Nc3, developing more easily. However, black can try to attack e4 with Re8 at some point.
And the 3rd : black succeeded provking c3, losing one tempo. But avoided commiting the queen, so it can be useful.
All this is abstract, because we have to analyze with concrete lines, but it gives u an idea about why Bb4-Bc5.
This line is quite respectable for black.
What is the general consensus on 4. Bb4+ compared to the two most popular defenses (4. Bc5 "Classical" & 4. Nf6 "Mainline")?
I have recently changed from being a Caro Kann player to being an E5 player. Ideally I enjoy openings to be positional & calm, I also don't want to spend too much of my time doing study (which is why I don't like 4. Nf6 - too many lines to remember!).
Is the Malaniuk variation a respectable, positional opening defense against the Scotch?