When Black opts for the Accelerated Dragon, White usually counteracts with 5. Nc3. Alternatively, White might try for the Maroczy Bind with 5. c4.

But what is Black to do when White opts for 5. Bc4 ?

Looking through my library, this move for White seems to have been ignored by the literature. My instinct tell me that 5. .. e6 is best, because it opens paths for the Dark Bishop and the Queen while successfully defending the sacrificial attack on the King by White's Light Bishop (which would force Black to capture with the King and thus forfeit castling).

But I also wonder whether 5. ..Ne5 might be good. Of course, Black ends up moving a developed piece twice, but it does force White to move the Light Bishop again.

Any thoughts on the this little-known dilemma would be welcome.

Below is the PGN for ease of experimentation.

Back In Black

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