parisestmagique wrote on 03/28/07 at 07:21:43:
Maybe but my problem is how to get an edge against 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5.
If you like the variation under discussion in this thread, you may want to try the following setup (after 3 ...Qa5):
4 Bc4 Nf6; 5 d3 c6; 6 Bd2 Qc7; 7 Nge2 Bf5; 8 Ng3 Bg6; 9 Qe2 e6; 10 f4 Bd6
A full discussion of this line appears in GM Andy Martin's "Essential Center-Counter, A Practical Guide for Black", in which he says "I regard this as possibly White's most dangerous try against the modern Center-Counter, particularly lines where Black intends ...Bf5". Pretty impressive stuff I'd say, coming from a leading connoisseur of this defence...
Given pawn structure and piece placement, this setup also looks like a perfect companion to the "Alekhine" line which is the subject of this thread. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try it out in practice yet but will certainly do so if given an opportunity.
Therefore, I'd also like to hear what the other members of this forum think about this line and what's their practical experience with it has been. Thanks a bunch!