Bishop G6

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Nathanhof

In many of my games I come in the following (or a similar) position:

There are multiple possibilities:
- Take the white bishop on E6
- Move the bishop back to B3
- Something else?


I usually move the bishop back because I don't wish to open up the f file for the rook. However, I'm not really sure what the right thing is to do. What would you suggest?

Cherub_Enjel

I'd not recommend taking on e6. You can play Bb3, or 0-0, both of which are better than taking, my opinion. 

Cherub_Enjel

This is from a perspective of having easy play, by the way. The reason Bxe6 I wouldn't recommend is because now black knows exactly what to do: ...Qe8, ...Qh5, doubling rooks on the f file, and attacking. 

Obviously all 3 options are objectively equal, and it shouldn't matter which one you play. At your level, someone will probably blunder something, and the game will end because of that. 

 

Nathanhof

I got all my squares wrong... sorry about that.

NeilBerm

I always move the bishop back, otherwise my pawn structure would be damaged if my bishop was taken or I would lose the d5 and f5 squares if I exchanged bishops and allowed a pawn on e6. I usually want a piece either on d5 or f5.

Nathanhof

Thanks for the input! I'll be sure to try it out in future games.

fishyvishy

Always castle before moving the king -- at least in most games.