@gumpty Do you think you get a great game because 5... h5 is a strong move, or because the type of people who play 5.Ng3?! just aren't very good players to start.
Do you think black is better after that, or simply equal?
A side point: to people who say "it's sort of equal, but I prefer to play black" - does that equate in computer-speak to something like a -0.10 evaluation? Thoughts?
I honestly think that h5 is the best reply to Ng3 and i think that black is better after h5. I also agree that its generally lower rated players that don't take on f6.
Black is atleast equal and if anyone has an advantage it is black.
i think f3 variation and/or panov is good for white
I like 1.e4 2. Nc3 3. f4
That is my universal opening for all
I find it amusing that you people have revived a thread from a year and a half ago.
FYI, as the guy who started the thread, I just want you to know that I don't even play 1. e4 right now.
Why would you think that after a year and a half and six pages, the thread still has anything to do with you? It's an interesting thread, full of good CK info and opinions. I'm glad it was near the top, or I'd never have seen it.
Something tells me that black is instantly equal if white retreats in response to Nf6:
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Ng3?!
The whole point of the 4... Nd7 line is to "prepare" Ngf6, so black won't have doubled pawns if white captures. And so naturally the only critical line is 5.Nxf6+ in response to 4... Nf6
I play 5...h5! after 5.Ng3 and always get a great game, with moves like h4, Bg4 coming.