Position: What should White play?

🟡 g5 — Small inaccuracy

EVAL: [██████░░░░] +0.67

Diff: -0.98

💡 g5 is okay: White develops the c1 to pin the f6 against the d8, maintaining pressure on the kingside.

🎯 xg4 was slightly better: This move immediately eliminates the active g4 and secures the bishop pair advantage before Black can retreat.

⚖️ Comparison

💡 The Nuance

While g5 looks natural, it allows Black to keep their light-squared bishop active. By playing xg4, White simplifies the position into a structural advantage. After the sequence xg4 xg4 e4, White dominates the center and prepares to recapture the pawn on c4 with the f1.

📚 Tip: When an opponent's piece is hanging or can be traded for a superior minor piece (the Bishop pair), look to resolve that tension immediately before they can fix their coordination.