@X_Player_J_X said in #7:
> I looked at this position with out engine.
> I read the board situation with my own eyes.
>
> I came up with 5 Candidate moves:
> 1 - Rxe1+
> 2 - bxa4
> 3 - a6
> 4 - b4
> 5 - Bxg2
>
> After doing my own evaluation of the position, I think the move which should be played is Bxg2 followed up with b4.
> How did I come up with above evaluation?
>
> ———
>
> The 1st move Rook takes Knight on e1 is a check.
> They often say to look at wild check idea’s in a position because you never know something they can be good.
>
> It is an exchange sacrifice, but it doesn’t seem to benefit Black to do such a move.
> I looked at the move, but sort of ruled it out because I don’t see any follow up with it.
> It didn’t hurt to look at the move.
>
> ———
>
> The 2nd move B pawn taking the A pawn is a capture and that is were the tension in the position seems to be.
> It is an attacking move which unleashes the tension in the position so I was drawn to it next.
>
> I looked at the move, but I don’t like the fact White can recapture with his Rook.
> White Rook is kind of a dead piece and by taking on a4. It brings the Rook to life + puts pressure on Black.
> I ruled out bxa4 due to the above reasons
>
> ———
>
> The 3rd move A6.
> Sometimes, when you find yourself not wanting to attack/release tension, A good alternative is to maintain the tension.
> It is more of a defensive sort of mind set so I was looking at the a6 move to give defense to my B pawn
>
> I looked at the move, but I sort of don’t like it.
> I don’t like it because it gives white the option of capturing on b5.
> If white plays axb5, Black will play axb5.
>
> The A pawn will no longer be under any danger from White Rook on the A file, but the White Rook will still be active.
> No lines at the moment are open for White Rook.
> It is buried and if white takes on b5, it helps open the Rook.
>
> Black could offer a trade with Rook A8, but than pieces will be coming off the board.
> I don’t want Black to exchange rooks in this position.
>
> I want Black Rooks to be active attacking White on Kingside.
> I want White Rook buried doing nothing stuck behind his own pawns on A,B, C, & D Files
>
> ———
>
> The 4th move b4
> I really like this move because it closes down Whites chances to get his Rook active.
>
> It does open up a hole on c4 square.
> White will be able to put his Knight there later on.
>
> However, it will take several moves to make use of hole which I think will be ok.
> The b4 pawn moves closes down White Queen side play for sure.
>
> I was thinking of choosing the b4 move, but their is a famous Chess saying.
> When you think you found a good move, Sit on your hands before playing it and see if you can spot even better move.
>
> You found Good move, but can you find a Great move.
> You never know till you check.
>
> —————
>
> *Hint* I was told to find a great move.
> Try to find the “in between moves”.
>
> I like b4, but is their in between (Intermezzo) move I can play before b4?
> These moves are often captures as well.
> This is how I came to my move number 5. Bxg2
>
> Lets say Black plays b4.
> White could play Bf1 trying to avoid the trade of Light Square Bishops.
>
> Look at White King Side Pawns!
> The Light Square Bishop is amaze defender of White King + Look at how active it is.
>
> Should we let White keep this powerful piece?
> I feel like Black needs to remove it.
>
> When I look at this position, I think Black needs to close down Queen side.
> Than Black needs to play f5 so both his Rooks are raining down terror on White King.
>
> Image white taking f5 pawn with his G pawn.
> Black recaptures with his Queen and is immediately attacking h3 pawn which is being defended by Whites Star Piece ( Light Square Bishop.)
>
> If the Bishop is gone, Than the h3 pawn is all alone no defense.
> It might become a weak pawn.
>
> Yeah, I like Bxg2 as intermezzo move.
> Than follow up with b4
>
> What do you think?
I appreciate your thoughtful input. I certainly should have checked Bxg2 as well.