The move 10. a3 seems a bit odd to me It seems that you could have played d5 since move 7 if you wanted to get rid of the weakness, so why state you wanted an eventual d5? Also I think in that position the move 10.a4 seems to limit black space on the Queenside gives your bishop a retreat and makes b5 for black impossible for the moment. I agree that 12.b4 was also not correct-The variation you give looks pretty good though.
Pawn Push Badness
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Jan 31, 2011
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#3
That's a very good point about a4, even a4-a5 might make more sense in keeping the objective without any b4 moves. The d5 push is a possibility with the IQP but it isn't te main point. An early d5 will just create a symmetrical open position where, tactical mistakes withstanding, a draw is likely. Perhaps a decent idea against a higher rated opponent. But I think generally the IQP owner wants to maximize his forces with the extra space and exchange the pawn, or sacrifice it, only once he can be assured of superior piece placement.
This was played last night and I annotated most of my game thoughts excpect for the exchange sac to get a passer in the game. After sleeping on it I want to give b4 a ? instead of a ?!. My intentions weren't bad but this allowed black to have a target and create the miserable position with no counterplay that I gave up on in the end. What do you guys think, no computers have yet been used I did look at the opening database for alternatives to Bf4.