Vitolins Variation

The Vitolins Variation answers 4. Bd2 with 4...c5, which strikes at d4 instead of defending or retreating the attacked bishop. The usual reply, 5. Bxb4 cxb4, leaves Black with doubled b-pawns drawn away from the center. In return, the advanced b4-pawn takes the c3-square from White's queen's knight. 5. g3 and 5. a3 are the main alternatives, and Black scores better against the latter. The engine gives White a slight edge.