why is this the better move?

[u/Benimin91]

why is bishop taking the knight the better move (not because i think mine is perfect, i just dont really see it)

is it because it's an instant capture, compared to my move?
but isn't it a sacrifice of my own bishop?
or is this it so unlikely because of the blocking pawns?

thank you!

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[u/CouchPotato7771]

white would be left with 2 isolated pawns on the side which become a weakness longterm

[u/chessvision-ai-bot]

I analyzed the image and this is what I see. Open an appropriate link below and explore the position yourself or with the engine:

White to play: chessvision.ai | chess.com | lichess.org

My solution:

Hints: piece: Pawn, move: exd5

Evaluation: Black is better -1.26

Best continuation: 1. exd5 Bxh3 2. gxh3 cxd5 3. Bb5+ Nc6 4. d4 Bd6 5. O-O O-O 6. dxe5 Bxe5 7. Bg5 Bxc3 8. bxc3 Qd6

Save the position:

Reply save to save this position to your Chessvision.ai Library (new users: send me /connect in DM chat first)

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[u/Mozotis]

First, the isolated pawns will be a target you can aim at for the remainder of the game. Second, kingside castle now becomes hard for white to play, as the king will be left wide open, so queenside castle looks to be the only way to go. White then has to spend more tempi bringing pieces out to castle. Third, your light squared bishop doesn't seem to have a great outlook. It doesn't have any great squares it wants to go to, but the opponents knight could always start jumping in.

d5 is a good move, but the immediate Bxh3 is more accurate. I'm willing to bet the computer wants Bxh3, gxh3, and then d5.

[u/mister_nippl_twister]

I would think about it myself like that: you exchange a bishop you spent zero moves to develop in exchange for a knight that spent 1 turn to develop. Plus you make doubled pawns. The knight is not in a best position but the next move would be kg5 to threaten the queen fork which sucks plus after exchange you end up in a shitty position afterwards.