user11135: I need help!
I am trying to invent something out of my own imagination. But something isn't right... I am playing as white and I can't figure out why is it that I have the feeling about losing a pawn on c3?
[FEN ""]

1. Nf3 Nf6
2. g3 g6
3. Bg2 Bg7
4. O-O O-O
5. c3 Nc6
6. b3 d5
7. d4 Bf5
8. Be3 Ne4
9. Nh4 Qd7

Any suggestions and opinions will be much appreciated.

user11137: The Be3 would make more sense on b2 since that would not only support c3 and d4, but also make room for opening the centre via e4 later (after Rf1-e1). Placing a bishop on the 3rd rank in the centre with the pawn behind still on the 2nd rank tends to become awkward.

user7297: If you're afraid of losing c3, you shouldn't play b3 in the first place (unless you intend to fianchetto the bishop, as @Ras mentions). Black also doesn't threaten to occupy c4 (or a4) with a piece. Remember that pawns cannot move backwards, so every time you move a pawn you lose control over the squares you leave behind.
Also, if you're trying to play/invent tactical openings, you're better off starting with 1. e4. The open positions which arise from these opening offer more chance for tactics.

11135: <p>I need help!</p>

<p>I am trying to invent something out of my own imagination. But something isn't right... I am playing as white and I can't figure out why is it that I have the feeling about losing a pawn on c3?</p>

<pre><code>[FEN ""]

1. Nf3 Nf6
2. g3 g6
3. Bg2 Bg7
4. O-O O-O
5. c3 Nc6
6. b3 d5
7. d4 Bf5
8. Be3 Ne4
9. Nh4 Qd7
</code></pre>

<p>Any suggestions and opinions will be much appreciated.</p>
 11137: <p>The Be3 would make more sense on b2 since that would not only support c3 and d4, but also make room for opening the centre via e4 later (after Rf1-e1). Placing a bishop on the 3rd rank in the centre with the pawn behind still on the 2nd rank tends to become awkward.</p>
 7297: <p>If you're afraid of losing c3, you shouldn't play b3 in the first place (unless you intend to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fianchetto" rel="nofollow noreferrer">fianchetto</a> the bishop, as <a href="https://chess.stackexchange.com/a/15250/7297">@Ras</a> mentions). Black also doesn't threaten to occupy c4 (or a4) with a piece. Remember that pawns cannot move backwards, so every time you move a pawn you lose control over the squares you leave behind.</p>

<p>Also, if you're trying to play/invent tactical openings, you're better off starting with 1. e4. The open positions which arise from these opening offer more chance for tactics.</p>
