Originally posted by !~TONY~!I've played both.. I like the Qa5 variation because it allows for some nice sacs if black isn't paying attention. Of course most games do but I find it easier to find them in this variation since I have played it quite a bit and the sacs are almost all similar.
I'd prefer the Soltis for sure. I generally don't trust the ...Qa5 lines, although they're interesting.
2 edits
Originally posted by !~TONY~!No I meant 18.h4! Rd6 19.Qe1
I presume you mean 18. Qe2 Rd6 19. h4, and that you think 18. Qe1!? might be a better choice. Correct me if I'm wrong here.
After 18. Qe2 Rd6 19. h4, I don't think Black is any worse (in fact I prefer Black) after 19...Rb6 20. b3 a5, when 21. Qe3 Rd6 22. h5 a4 is probably best. I don't see Black having any problems here. Black still has both bishops, an ly reflect my view on 9. 0-0-0 in the Dragon - White can pose Black solvable problems. 😀
I know 18.Qe2 and 18.Qe1 (Adams-Ivanchuk) are both more popular.
However if White play 19.Qe2 it transposesto the same thing.
Originally posted by !~TONY~!...Qa5 lines are thought to be dubious, even Ward has stopped playing it in favour of the Dragondorf.
I'd prefer the Soltis for sure. I generally don't trust the ...Qa5 lines, although they're interesting.
I agree with !~TONY~! for a change that the Soltis with ...h5 is much better.