I am not terribly afraid of 4...Qxd5. I think the opening starts looking Scandinavian-like, except the c-pawns are both missing. White obviously won't be able to get the c4-d4 pawn duo, but I think Black also suffers from the more open a5-d8 diagonal (no c7-c6), so I don't know. I personally feel that 4...Nf6 is the greater test of the double capture on d5. I appreciate your pointing out the line though. It's definitely something I should be prepared to face.

Oh cool. I didn't realize that capturing with the c-pawn first did anything other than make it clear that White intends to capture again on d5.

Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I've been following these forums for a while now, but I've just recently registered as a member.

I am not sure if this opening goes by a different name or not, but my question regards 1.e4 c6 2.c4. Usually, play continues 2...d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.cxd5 (a transposition to the usual Panov is possible with 4.Nc3).

This is all fine, and I'm fairly satisfied with the sorts of positions I've gotten in this line, and it's good experience with the IQP, but the line I prefer most is 1.e4 c6 2.c4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.cxd5 Nf6 5.Bb5+ (as opposed to 5.Nc3, 5.d4, or 5.Qa4+). I've just come across a game where Black delays taking on d5 by playing 3...Nf6, and now White cannot get in Bb5+.

My question is twofold. First, is there any potential flaw in 3...Nf6 that could possibly be pursued? 4.dxc6 is an option not available after 3...cxd5, but it looks to me that Black gets pretty good play for the pawn. Second, why isn't 3...Nf6 seen more frequently in practice? This might be related to my first question, but I guess what I'm saying is that I don't see why Black wouldn't want to restrict White's options unless he/she thinks that 5.Bb5+ is unsound.

Thanks in advance.