4
[Title "White to move"]
[fen ""]

1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e3 e5

I've tried just taking the pawn at c4, but he takes my pawn at d4 and after exchanging some pieces I end with a broken pawn structure while we still have equal pieces.

I've came across this move many times and is dumb-struck at finding a solution.

Dag Oskar Madsen
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NoName
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  • Bxc4 of course. There was a whole chapter on this in Mark Dvoretsky's book Opening Prepration, called "You are right, Monsieur La Bourdonnais!" The great La Bourdonnais scored some fascinating wins in this line after 4. Bxc4.
  • – NM Wesley Falcao Jun 19 '14 at 01:28
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    I have taken the liberty to edit your question with a proper chess diagram and notation. In the future, you should do it yourself, just follow the instructions form this post and you will be fine. If you need help with it, or anything else, just leave a comment and I wil help you. Best regards. – AlwaysLearningNewStuff Jun 19 '14 at 01:33
  • @Wes The problem is ending up with a broken pawn structure no matter what I do after 4. Bxc4 e5xd4 – NoName Jun 19 '14 at 02:21
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    Then you need to learn how to play in those types of pawn structures. The isolated pawn on d4 in that position is not really bad. You just need to know how to play those types of positions. If you really dislike it, then play 3. Nf3 instead of 3. e3. – NM Wesley Falcao Jun 19 '14 at 02:58
  • Dont play e3 play Nf3 its better. –  Jun 25 '14 at 15:39
  • This is not a broken pawn structure. It is a nice isolani pawn structure where white gets free and easy development and more active pieces. I recommend this as the first pawn structure to learn as folks transition to positional play. I prefer white. – Michael West Nov 13 '18 at 17:43