Why is Ba2 the best move? - Chess Forums

DJAbacus

Sep 6, 2019

0

#1

I played Bxf6 because I wanted to either disrupt blacks pawn structure or exchange Queens (I was ahead in the game) but the analysis clearly shows Ba2 (which I played after ..gxf6) was the best move. I considered playing Ba2 first but thought that would allow Nbd7.

inkspirit

Sep 6, 2019

0

#2

1. Bxf6 Qxf6 2. Qxf6 gxf6 3. Ba2 is playable. It ruins the black structure and the resulting queenless middlegame favors white. However black’s bishop pair, particularly the unrivaled DSB, means that he has good holding chances. Black’s strategy is to sacrifice a pawn or two to activate his bishops at the right time. From my experience this type of queenless middlegame is very difficult for both sides. Things can go wrong quickly if you don’t find the right plan.

A general rule is that you don’t trade queens when attacking. In the diagram above, white’s huge lead in development and active pieces gives him good attacking chances. 1. Ba2 preserves the bishop and prepares for Nf5. Black will have to allow his kingside structure to be ruined anyway:

1. Ba2 Nbd7 2. Nf5 Ne5 (2... Qd8 3. O-O-O Qc7 4. Qg3) 3. Qg3 Qd7 (3... Qd8 4. O-O-O black can’t do anything against f4 and e5) 4. Bxf6 gxf6 5. f4 Ng6 6. O-O-O is much better. Black has fewer chances of survival with queens onboard, since any attempt to activate his bishops will only create more targets for white.

DJAbacus

Sep 7, 2019

0

#3

inkspirit wrote:

1. Bxf6 Qxf6 2. Qxf6 gxf6 3. Ba2 is playable. It ruins the black structure and the resulting queenless middlegame favors white. However black’s bishop pair, particularly the unrivaled DSB, means that he has good holding chances. Black’s strategy is to sacrifice a pawn or two to activate his bishops at the right time. From my experience this type of queenless middlegame is very difficult for both sides. Things can go wrong quickly if you don’t find the right plan.

A general rule is that you don’t trade queens when attacking. In the diagram above, white’s huge lead in development and active pieces gives him good attacking chances. 1. Ba2 preserves the bishop and prepares for Nf5. Black will have to allow his kingside structure to be ruined anyway:

1. Ba2 Nbd7 2. Nf5 Ne5 (2... Qd8 3. O-O-O Qc7 4. Qg3) 3. Qg3 Qd7 (3... Qd8 4. O-O-O black can’t do anything against f4 and e5) 4. Bxf6 gxf6 5. f4 Ng6 6. O-O-O is much better. Black has fewer chances of survival with queens onboard, since any attempt to activate his bishops will only create more targets for white.

What a wonderful explanation. Thank you.

Clavius

Sep 7, 2019

0

#4

I agree with inkspirit. You have a very strong position in the center with much more mobile pieces. Allowing a queen trade makes life much easier for Black. Let's see how it might play out.

DJAbacus

Sep 7, 2019

0

#5

Thank you Clavius.

Really helpful analysis

IM pfren

Sep 7, 2019

0

#6

Black is badly developed, and cramped. So, what makes most sense is keeping him cramped by ***NOT*** exchanging stuff.

Bxf6 will always be an option, unless Black plays 11...Nbd7- but then 12.Nf5 is extremely strong.

In all likelihood, white is completely winning after 11.Ba2.

IM pfren

Sep 7, 2019

0

#7

Manatini έγραψε:

DJAbacus wrote:

Thank you Clavius.

Really helpful analysis

Meh, looks like an engine dump.

Pfren explained the whole thing in a single sentence (his first one).

Stuff like this you typically don't waste time calculating, it's just a logic exercise. It helps black if I trade, so I won't do that. Simple. So you briefly check for tactics then play Ba2.

Even the most logical positions need a wee bit of calculation, and here engines can be very useful, if used properly (which rarely happens). Case here:

DJAbacus

Sep 7, 2019

0

#8

Brilliant. Thanks everyone.