HoemberChess wrote on 01/24/11 at 17:36:52:


Besides general resources (ie: ECO) there's not a whole lot to be found on some of those lines. For instance, line #3 you cite has never been a serious concern for black due to white not even being able to get into a comfortable Tarrasch set-up. Black should know how to handle the continuation after 6. Nf3 d4 7. Na4, more specifically how to handle the position very similar to a variation from the KID (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 0-0 5. Nf3 d6 6. Be2 c5 7. 0-0 Nc6 8. d5 Na5). Alternatively, black could allow a standard Tarrasch, but that doesn't attempt to punish white's move order.

In line #1 5...d5 is supposed to equalize comfortably, but black should exercise some caution in the symmetrical positions that arise (white having the extra tempo and all in what are pretty open positions). I'm not aware of anything with a better reputation than 5...d5. If you're seeking winning chances as black this line could be undesirable, due to many different completely equal endgames.

I know literally nothing about line #2 so won't comment.

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