Center Counter: Dancing Queen Delight

Position after 2 ... Qxd5

3 Nc3 Qa5 4 d4 Nf6 5 Nf3 c6 6 Bc4 Bg4
7 h3 Bh5 8 Bd2 e6 9 Qe2 Bb4 10 a3 Nbd7
11 O-O-O Bxc3 12 Bxc3 Qc7 13 g4 Bg6
14 Ne5 Nd5 15 Bd2 O-O-O Line



What's the game plan for White?

* Control the center, starting with 3 Nc3
and d2-d4.
* Attain the e5 outpost by Ng1-f3-e5 and
consolidate it according to the dictates
of the position. Some common buttress-
ing maneuvers are: f2-f4, Bc1-f4, Rf1-e1,
and Qd1-e2.
* Use the outpost to seek attacking
opportunities against Black's kingside/
queenside.
* Aim for a timely d5 central break.
This advance gains space in the center
and encroaches on Black's position.



Position after 2 ... Qxd5

3 Nc3 Qa5 4 d4 Nf6 5 Nf3 c6 6 Bc4 Bg4
7 h3 Bh5 8 Bd2 e6 9 Qe2 Bb4 10 a3 Nbd7
11 O-O-O Bxc3 12 Bxc3 Qc7 13 g4 Bg6
14 Ne5 Nd5 15 Bd2 O-O-O Line

What's the game plan for Black?



* Lessen White's central preponderance by
pinning the c3 and f3 knights with the Queen
and c8 bishop respectively. Once they are
nailed down to those squares, the knights
can no longer influence central affairs.
* Utilize the c8 bishop not only to
pressurize the d1-h5 diagonal but also to
contend for the b1-h7 and h1-a8 diagonals.
* Strengthen d5 through ... c7-c6
and ... e7-e6 so as to cushion it against
White's prospective d5 break. In some lines,
Nf6-d5 is used to hold White up in the center.
* Challenge White's occupation of e5.
Usually, Nbd7 initiates pressure against the
outpost. The Queen then weighs in on the
matter from a5 or c7, aided by ... Bd6.
* Use the half open d-file to gain
central play. In some variations, Black
castles long and subsequently uses the
d8 rook to bear down on this file.