Confusion in spanish, marshall gambit - Chess Forums

Begi_99

Aug 23, 2016

0

#1

In the position displayed, the Marshall Gambit is played. The exchange on e5 has just happened and black is down a pawn. I first learned the basics of the opening itself from a video by Dereque Kelley on YT. That video and many other sources indicate best way to continue is the move order below and then go for an attack.

But after rook takes on e5, how does bishop to b7 compare to c6? It defends the knight in the same way the c pawn does. You develop a piece while you are at it. In this case, the next couple of moves can stay the same right? Except when Q goes to h3, you would be immediately threatening checkmate.

Also am I the only one who thinks that Spanish Opening sounds better than Ruy Lopez?

ArchieBunker03

Aug 23, 2016

0

#2

Bb7 does not defend the same as c6. You can't play Bd6 because you hang the knight.

u0110001101101000

Aug 23, 2016

0

#3

Begi_99 wrote:

how does bishop to b7 compare to c6?

It's just a different variation.

The main starting position is after 14...Qh3, but along the way both black and white have a few different options... a real nightmare for an amateur to be well prepared. If you don't mind that sort of thing though, you can get some nice wins as black... which is why when black castles instead of d6 (signaling a possible marshall) it's recommended to play 8.a4 or 8.d3 as white to avoid it.

Begi_99

Aug 23, 2016

0

#4

ArchieBunker03 wrote:

Bb7 does not defend the same as c6. You can't play Bd6 because you hang the knight.

Ohhh. Mhm I knew I was missing out and being oblivious to something simple. Now I see, so in this variation black cant stay as aggressive in a way. I just noticed the bishop takes on h2 discover attack, if white ever initiates exchange on d4 only because you drew my attention to it. Thanks!!!

Begi_99

Aug 23, 2016

0

#5

0110001101101000 wrote:

Begi_99 wrote:

how does bishop to b7 compare to c6?

It's just a different variation.

The main starting position is after 14...Qh3, but along the way both black and white have a few different options... a real nightmare for an amateur to be well prepared. If you don't mind that sort of thing though, you can get some nice wins as black... which is why when black castles instead of d6 (signaling a possible marshall) it's recommended to play 8.a4 or 8.d3 as white to avoid it.

I had understood to try not to get into it as white. I see that it really does require a lot of preparation and it is not to be played carelessly just because I can memorize the first couple of sequences. Thanks for the insights!!!

u0110001101101000

Aug 23, 2016

0

#6

The Marshall gambit is one of those openings that's played for very different reasons by amateurs than it is by GMs. Amateurs get initiative and attacking ideas... like Pfren said this is strategically straightforward. Black has good winning chances, and white does better to avoid it at lower levels.

GMs, with their immense theory, play it for a draw... and white avoids it in search of better winning chances.

MVL did beat Svidler with the 12.d3 line in their recent match... it wasn't because he got anything out of the opening though.

Strangemover

Aug 23, 2016

0

#7

In the original famous game from 1918 Marshall's attack looks absolutely devastating but Capablanca defended like the legend he was. If you are thinking of playing it bear in mind that it wont be one of the greatest players of all time facing you with the white pieces. Here it is.

Strangemover

Aug 23, 2016

0

#8

The point is not to mimic great players blindly but to take inspiration and enjoyment from the great games they played. Most of us are here for fun and hopefully to improve, not to become titled professional chess players. If the OP is interested in the opening he should play it. Understanding comes from doing it, making mistakes and learning from them.