Move 14
 

Do we continue this variation of richs' line with Nc4? This will push the Black Queen back to d8, but they now have a lot attacking b5. How do we play our next move after Nc4? Note we also need to defend e4. Will we need to drop our Knight back to d2, defending e4 and allowing our bishop to attack b5? Alternatively, can we play Bd2 attacking a5?

Knight d2 to c4

14.Nc4 Qd8
15.Qc2
At this point they need to find a way to defend a5 or take one of our pawns as Bd2 means we have two pieces attacking a5.

I suspect that 15...Nb6 is a possibility for them at this point. If we do 16.Nxa5 then they can do 16...Nbxd5. This takes one of our central pawns and threatens Nb4 which threatens our queen.

From there: 17.Bd2 Nb4 18.Bxb4 cxb4 19.Nc6 Rc8 20.Na7
Got a little carried away.

What do you guys see happening?

Here is what I see. I agree with David through 15. ... Nb6. Then I propose we move our c knight to a3, and I don't see a good response for them.

14. Nc4 Qd8
15. Qc2 Nb6
16. Nca3

If they take d5, our e pawn takes the knight. If they take e4, our queen takes the knight. Their b knight and a bishop are blocked unless they move back. Perhaps they may play Kh5 opening their black bishop file. And then we can now move Bf4.

Any comments on Nac3?

That also looks like a good option for us. It would allow us freedom to attack a bit more on the kingside.
Don't particularly like how trapped the knight is on a3.

Since we are unanimous about the next move, I will play it tomorrow :smile:

In post #4, that should have been Nh5, not Kh5.