Kenilworth Kibitzer

This was from the Carrelli-Hart game round 1 of the KCC Quads last week. Full game with analysis can be found on John's website. I thought about this position for some time- after the game. What is my plan here? I ran it through Rybka to see what that little fish thought, but it came up with 20 different options all with same = result. Well, that's because the position is very =! I figure whoever comes up with the better plan and can implement it in the game would be able to eek out the edge. Let's play chess.

What I thought during the game...

Well, what would annoy White in this position? Whenever the LSB is outside of the pawn chain, Bg4 becomes very annoying. So my first priority was to come up with a plan that would solve this. I didn't want to play h3 because I felt that would just weaken my kingside needlessly.

I also thought I would like to, at some point, play Be3 and exchange that annoying Bishop. If he takes me, that cracks open the f-file which would put even more pressure on f7. But this was too soon. I was thinking perhaps Bg5 first to egg Black into playing h6 and "poke a hole" as Mark would say. Then back to e3 to offer the exchange. I liked this idea, but just not yet. Black could use the same idea with Be6. I wanted to stir it up a little bit more.

Then f7 became a focal point...I have Qb3 and Ng5 to put pressure on that square, but it can easily be defended. Would that dis-coordinate Black's pieces?

I ended up playing Qb3 with the idea of avoiding troubles with Bg4, build more pressure on f7 to tie down Black's pieces, and finishing development. I would follow it up with a4 and try to use my space advantage to better organize my pieces- which just may lead to something. If you view the full game, Black's pieces did get uncomfortable. Was that necessary? I don't know.

My idea was a bit tactically flawed because after...

1. Qb3 Black has a5! and it is White's pieces get pushed around for no reason. If 2. b5 a4! and White's pieces look even more awkward. Note that this position is probably still = (and may not even be Black's best).

More precise would be 1. a4 threatening to trap the bishop, and after 1. ...a6 2. Qb3 or 1...a5 2. b5 followed by Qb3. A better way to reach what I wanted.

I asked a 1200 rated player and after some thought came up with...
1. Re1 with the idea of looking for d4 creating a central pawn duo. Of course this can't be played right away(that annoying Bg4 becomes a factor). This requires some prep work, but it would stir up more trouble than my line.

I am curious to see what everyone else thinks? Any ideas? Boring position? "I offer a draw" - Ian?

I'll be away this week and will catch everyone the last round. Good luck to everyone playing in the Quads.

-I just slapped three posts up, so don't forget to scroll down.