Quote:What are the downsides of 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 and then 3.cxd at once?
I used to play this myself as White, because it avoids having to learn how to play against the sharp VHS Gambit 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 cxd4!?
However, I eventually realised that a clued-up Black will play 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.cxd5 exd5 4.Nc3 c6!, when we reach the same position as in the Triangle after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6, in which 4.cxd5 exd5 IS occasionally used by strong players, but I think it tends to be mainly when they've nothing prepared against the Noteboom, i.e. to avoid sharp lines and force a Carlsbad structure whatever, even in a sub-optimal version in which the chances are fairly equal from an early stage.
Now 5.Bg5 is impossible. If 5.Bf4 Bd6 or Bf5=. If 5.Nf3 Bf5=. If 5.Qc2 Bd6 followed by Nge7, or 5...Na6 or just 5...g6 with the idea of ...Bf5.
Of course White is also fine - think of it as a Caro Exchange with an extra move. In addition, since the pawn structure is unbalanced, both sides still have plenty of scope to play for a win.
The main point though is that Black is under far less pressure than in the main lines of the Exchange Variation; it really helps Black to have the Carlsbad pawn structure defined BEFORE he has developed his king's knight.
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QGD Exchange - pig ignorant question (Read 4154 times)
