I recently completed the following game as Black. I searched a database and checked an opening book but could not find a master-level game where the move 5.BxNc6 was played. Yet I suspect this is a fairly common move so I would like to hear the pros and cons of 5... bxc6 vs. 5... dxc6.
I re-captured with the b-pawn because this leads to a strong center in this line of the 3 Knights' Game: 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bg7 6. Nxc6 bxc6 planning 7... d6.
In the game below, however, re-capturing with the d-pawn seemed to create a slow-developing position. Sure, it held up well in the middle game, but I wonder whether it's truly a sound position, or whether my opponent just neglected to exploit it.
What do you think, would 5... dxc6 be better?
Originally posted by TigerhouseWithout looking at the position I would be quick to say ...dxc6 because it opens up a diagonal for your bishop and the d file for your rook in one swoop. I guess in this case it would depend on your style. Do you like a complicated open position or do you like to block up the center and slog it out on the wings? Another advantage to. ..dxc6 is that it will be less weakening in an than ...bxc6 because it doesn't leave that poor a pawn weak.
I recently completed the following game as Black. I searched a database and checked an opening book but could not find a master-level game where the move 5.BxNc6 was played. Yet I suspect this is a fairly common move so I would like to hear the pros and cons of 5... bxc6 vs. 5... dxc6.
I re-captured with the b-pawn because this leads to a strong center f4 Bb7xe4
20. f3 Be4c6 21. O-O-O Rd8e8 22. Rd1e1 Nf5e3 0-1
[/pgn]
Edit: after looking at it I can't decide. ...bxc6 might allow you to free up the long dark diagonal with a later ...d5 however white will have no problems playing d3 to fix your pawn on a e5 making that thing sitting on g7 a pain in the bum and if white gets ambitious and plays d4 then it won't matter if you played ...dxc6 or bxc6(at least when it comes to opening that diagonal). So in conclusion I would still side with 5...dxc6 and then I would like to advise you not to put your bishop on g7 when a big fat pawn is stuck in its way! 😉
Originally posted by TigerhouseTough question.I guess objectively bxc6,capturing towards the center,is probably best.But,personally,I would opt for dxc6 because it speeds up development and should increase the likelyhood of creating tactical threats,which is what wins games at my level.
I recently completed the following game as Black. I searched a database and checked an opening book but could not find a master-level game where the move 5.BxNc6 was played. Yet I suspect this is a fairly common move so I would like to hear the pros and cons of 5... bxc6 vs. 5... dxc6.
I re-captured with the b-pawn because this leads to a strong center ...[text shortened]... f4 Bb7xe4
20. f3 Be4c6 21. O-O-O Rd8e8 22. Rd1e1 Nf5e3 0-1
[/pgn]
Originally posted by RomanticusCapturing towars the center is just a general rule of thumb. In my opinion, 5...bxc6 creates too many weaknesses, in other words you will be giving white something to play for instead of making him create something to play for on his own.
Tough question.I guess objectively bxc6,capturing towards the center,is probably best.But,personally,I would opt for dxc6 because it speeds up development and should increase the likelyhood of creating tactical threats,which is what wins games at my level.
Anyway, you aren't allowed to talk because you and your "friend" allow take backs... Some friend he is to let you do that! 😛
Originally posted by tomtom232"Capturing towars the center is just a general rule of thumb"
Capturing towars the center is just a general rule of thumb. In my opinion, 5...bxc6 creates too many weaknesses, in other words you will be giving white something to play for instead of making him create something to play for on his own.
Anyway, you aren't allowed to talk because you and your "friend" allow take backs... Some friend he is to let you do that! 😛
A proven and valuable principle!Furthermore,we are speaking in general terms,not concrete lines,so we cannot but base ourselves on general principles and intuition.
"5...bxc6 creates too many weaknesses, in other words you will be giving white something to play for instead of making him create something to play for on his own"
Which weaknesses?You only mentioned the a-pawn which might become a weakness in the endgame.The poor lonely peasant on the rim might also win the game,hard to say at move 5.
"you aren't allowed to talk because you and your "friend" allow take backs"
I will let my friend know you do not agree with our conduct.I'm sure he'll be impressed,see the error of our ways and insist we cease insulting the goddess.
There was a thread a little while back where the poster wanted to know why dxc6 is played in the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation. In that case the rule of capturing towards the center is not followed because the pawn at e5 is under attack.
Now if 5 Nxe5 then 5...Qd4 winning back a center pawn.
In your game, e5 was protected by your bishop so capturing towards the center can be recommended. As you stated it builds a stronger center but there is one more thing to consider. Whether you play dxc6 or bxc6 you are going to have doubled pawns and this brings another rule into play.
"The rule of thumb for doubled Pawns is that if there are two united blocks of Pawns opposing each other and on the same files but separated from other Pawn blocks, the doubled Pawn does not count. But as soon as one has a Pawn on a file where the opponent has no Pawn, then the doubled Pawn does count when it is a question of forcing a passed Pawn." - Euwe
In the diagram below, the pawns are all on the same files. Here black's extra pawn is of no use. No matter how black advances he cannot force a passed pawn.
But in this diagram, where the pawn blocks are offset, black can advance and obtain a passed pawn. Play out both positions to see for yourself.
Your game didn't make it to the endgame where a passed pawn would have come into play but hopefully this gives you something to think about in future games where you may have doubled pawns.
Originally posted by RomanticusIts not too soon to tell. When you create weaknesses like that you always have to fear the endgame. You're giving your ppopenent endgame odds! Plus the doubled pawns! After 5...bxc6 6.d3! Black has trouble playing ...d5 unless whe wants doubled and backward pawns.
"Capturing towars the center is just a general rule of thumb"
A proven and valuable principle!Furthermore,we are speaking in general terms,not concrete lines,so we cannot but base ourselves on general principles and intuition.
"5...bxc6 creates too many weaknesses, in other words you will be giving white something to play for instead of making him c ...[text shortened]... 'll be impressed,see the error of our ways and insist we cease insulting the goddess.
Great post, KneeCaps. Thanks to the others who replied too.
I think I will continue playing 5... bxc6 for awhile. Since it is a strong move in a standard 3 Knights' Game and when the Bishop captures, by sticking with it I should only grow more comfortable with the subsequent Pawn formation.