0

Is f4 a good move here?

 [Title ""] 
 [SetUp "1"]
 [FEN "r2qk1nr/pbp3pp/1p2p/4b/4P/2N/PPP2PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"]

 1. f4

On the one hand, many times you would move like this way to attack some pieces - sometimes to f3 or to f4. On the other hand, I feel that I leave open my king.

What are the disadvantages/advantages of this move?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Hi! Can you give a concrete position with black pieces too? Whether a move (any move) is good or not depends on the exact position. If we had more detail we could say "1. f4 loses to a tactical trick" or "1. f4 is a great attacking move", but at the moment we cannot say.
    – user1108
    Mar 4, 2016 at 14:36
  • @Bad_Bishop Edited my game.
    – Pichi Wuana
    Mar 4, 2016 at 14:40
  • 6
    Disadvantage: Qh5+ is superior, since it simply wins the e5 bishop...
    – GloriaVictis
    Mar 4, 2016 at 15:16
  • 2
    Yes, it depends on the position. All chess moves carry some good effects and some bad effects. You have to make a judgement in the specific position and based on a large number of factors.
    – Dag Oskar Madsen
    Mar 4, 2016 at 19:24

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5

There are no advantages.

The really big disadvantage is that after: 1. f4 BxN 2. bxB QxQ 3. RxQ Bxe4 you are completely lost, a clear piece down with no compensation whereas after 1. Qh5+ Kf8 2. QxB you would have been a pawn up with a much better position.

Improve this answer
2

Moving f2-f4 will make your King weaker since it opens g1-a7 diagonal as well as weakening control over squares e3 and g3. Advantage of making f2-f4 is that you increase control in center by controlling e5 square, obtain f4-f5 push and take g5 square into control for your Knights.

In your position:

 [Title ""] 
 [SetUp "1"]
 [FEN "r2qk1nr/pbp3pp/1p2p/4b/4P/2N/PPP2PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"]

 1. Qh5+

Qd1-h5+ is better, picking up the Bishop on e5.

Further, since black's King is weaker than yours due to missing f-pawn, there is no need for you to weaken your King. Instead, you should keep Queens on board and attack using your pieces.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.