Joe, I heartily disagree about Larsen's Opening. It's a terrific opening played by many strong players. Larsen, of course, but also Bobby Fischer (5-0) and Vassili Smyslov (both World Champs) as well as many other strong GMs. I've played it ever since Larsen invented it. It has stood the test of time (42 years), and is not refuted, but as new and fresh as ever.

The consenus that this early fianchetto is weak is WRONG. Larsen's idea in inventing this opening is to play the QID with a move in hand, reasoning that if the defense was playable, playing it with an extra move as white cannot be a bad idea. I don't know who else plays it on GK, but I do, and you can see by the recorded games that it works pretty well.

2.e3 would be an even better move here, or 2.Bb2 followed by 3.e3 with threats against black already looming.

Personally, I dislike playing b3/d3 or g3/e3 (and the Black equivalents), as risking dangerous square-colur weaknesses. That is why I would prefer 2.e3. The move played is not fatal - it isn't even bad, exactly. It merely creates a situation that White has to be wary of.

Black is wasting time here protrcting against non-existent threats.

Much better was something like ...Nc6 or ...d6 or even ...d4. Worth a look was ...f3 if White were really worried about a bishop coming in at g5.

very proper and correct

too cautious, Joe's suggestion of 4.e4 is good although I don't see the pawn exchange he mentions.

5.Nbd2 has merit here, easing black's threat of d5!

d5 was better threatening d4 and winning the Knight.

I like Nf3 myself, although e2 is playable.

I know why you say that kenneth_fiore_3 it is obviously hitting more targets in the centre whereas all I am doing is burying my knight at e2 and being defensive. Although it is a move played by good players too isn't it.

7...Bxe2 would have benefited White.

This move is fine, and perhaps heralds K-side operations for White. White could castle Q-side after playing Qd2.

Quite a nasty counterstroke by Black.

Seems to be the best method of dealing with the threatened ...d4.