Move 12
 

I think we should play 12 a4 -- their threat of Ba6 seems weak :smile:

Bishop from c3 to a4.

[QUOTE=paulunderwood;398863]I think we should play 12 a4 -- their threat of Ba6 seems weak :smile:[/QUOTE]

What makes you think that?
What about Nc4? It forces their queen back and allows Bg5.

Yes, Nc4 is a good move. :smile:

I am thinking a4 myself (Nc4 comes in time):

12. a4 Ba6
13. Nb5 Rfc8
14. Nc4 Qd8

thus driving their queen back to her starting position.

a4 frees the b4 square for their queen.

I don't believe that Qb4 is a viable move for black since it doesn't help their position:

12. a4 Qb4
13. Qc2 Ba6
14. Nb5 NB6
15. Ra3

and their queen is isolated and subject to attack. I doubt they will play Qb4 and I still like a4.

Certainly, clogging up the b-file is useful to us, as is preventing the rooks attacking the a, b or c files -- remembering Black's fianchettoed dark square bishop; plus with a4 played we can lift our rook to a3 :smile:

On the other hand

12. Nc4 Qd8
13. f4

puts a lot of pressure on e5.

However, with 24 hours to go I am inclined to back richs' line. :smile:

Paul, I prefer a4. Your line ends up opening our king side which I think we can hold off on doing for now. I like my line in post #5 swatting their queen back.

Looks like its a4 then