Want to understand this position
I encountered this position. I have the feeling that when I really understand it, it would entail with a whole host of positional knowledge for me. So I'm going to try to find out what I can learn from it. White to move [ rn3rk1/pp2qpp1/2p2n2/3p1b1p/1b1P4/2N1PPP1/PP2N1BP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 2 11 ] In a non tactical position there can always be some debate about the best move, since there can be more than one good (enough) move. But here both GM Smyslov and GM Stockfish seem to agree on [ 11. e4 ] Select the area between the brackets to see their suggestion. Although it is intuitively the first move that comes to mind, there are a few arguments against it. It seems to lose a pawn It leaves the d4 pawn vulnerable There doesn't seem too much difference in development or activity between both sides It gives black a nice outpost on d5 If I win back h5, I seem to have exchanged a center pawn for a rook pawn So why is it such good move?