DDG Ryder Variation Qxf3

Introduction

Inspired by the BDG Ryder Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3), I have tried the same queen move in the DDG a few times.

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.c4 dxe4 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Be3 and now that the d4-pawn is protected, White can consider moving the queen. Black has played the following moves in actual games:

A) 5...Be7 6.f3 exf3 7.Qxf3








Now castling on queenside is a promising option.

7...O-O 8.O-O-O c5 9.d5








9...exd5 10.cxd5?? (clerical error; 10.Nxd5 was intended) Bg4 11.Qg3 Bxd1 12.Nxd1 Nxd5 13.Bh6 Bf6 14.h4 Nc6 0-1, Heikkinen - Evans, corr 1997.

B) 5...c6 6.f3 exf3 7.Qxf3 Qa5 8.O-O-O Nbd7 9.g4 h6








White's attack on kingside is premature because Black can castle on queenside.

10.h4 (10.Bd3 is better) Bb4 11.Nge2 Nb6 12.c5 Nbd5 13.Nxd5 Nxd5 14.Kb1 Bd7 15.Ng3 O-O-O, draw in 39, Heikkinen - Bye, corr. 1998.

C) 5...Bb4 6.f3 exf3 7.Qxf3 O-O 8.Bd3 (8.O-O-O?! Bxc3 would leave White's king without protection) followed by Nge2, and White can choose which side he castles.

Conclusions

Too many variations and moves are routine; it is good to try new ones every now and then in order to refresh one's mind. Crazy ideas may lead to fascinating discoveries -- there just might be something hidden behind Qxf3...
DDG News 1/2000, Jyrki Heikkinen (ed.)