Early Queenless Middlegames

An early queen trade is not everyone’s cup of tea.

After 9.Be2(Diagram)

The following position does not look so exiting

After 9.Be2

The following is a nice example of complex queenless play

Idani-Li,D

5.Qe2 Petroff

1st Longtou Cup 2018 rd8

After 12..0-0(Diagram)

In this rather dry looking position White came up with the ambitious plan 13.g4!?

After 12..0-0

After 51..Kh8(Diagram)

Black has the bishop pair but White has a knight pair

What do you recommend for White?

After 51..Kh8