Exploiting the fact that 1.Qd4! Nxh1? 2.Rg6! with mate, White secures a decent square for his rook.

Thanks to his extra pawn and active pieces, White is clearly better.

A pawn up, White should be happy to swap pieces, especially the active bishop on d6.

The only chance for counterplay.

With threats on both flanks, White is clearly better.

By exploiting the potential pin along the d-file, Black damages the enemy pawn structure.

After 3.Nb5 exd4 Black is better, but the text practically loses a pawn.

Now White is unable to sustain all the exposed pawns on the fourth rank.