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If $X$ is proper with rational singularities (and quotient and A-D-E (=Du Val) singularities are rational), then you can do most cohomology computations on a resolution.

Let $\pi:Y\to X$ be a resolution of singularities (not necessarily minimal). Then if $X$ has rational singularities, then $R^i\pi_*\mathscr O_Y=0$ for $i>0$. Let $L$ be a line bundle on $X$. Then by the above vanishing, $h^i(Y,\pi^*L)=h^i(X,L)$, so we have that $$\chi(Y,\pi^*L)=\chi(X,L).$$ Note that this actually holds in any dimension.

It follows that one has a sort-of-RR on $X$ (surface): $$\chi(X,L)=\chi(\mathcal{O}_X)+\frac{1}{2}((\pi^*c_1(L))^2-(\pi^*c_1(L))\cdot K_Y).$$ (Remark: it is not a bad idea to distinguish when we talk about a line bundle and when we talk about the associated Cartier divisor!divisor! Besides having the formulas be well-defined one has to remember that for example the divisor associated to the push forward of a line bundle is not necessarily the same as the push forward of the divisor associated to the line bundle.)

As for your question about the quasi-projective case, Christian already said that it is tricky. In general, when it comes to cohomology, experience shows that it is better to compactify and figure out the difference than trying to develop a handicapped theory for quasi-projective varieties directly. (See Deligne's way of doing Hodge theory on open varieties).

The genus formula on a surface is essentially equivalent to Riemann-Roch, so as soon as the formula makes sense, it will follow.

2 added 133 characters in body

If $X$ is proper with rational singularities (and quotient and A-D-E (=Du Val) singularities are rational), then you can do most cohomology computations on a resolution.

Let $\pi:Y\to X$ be a resolution of singularities (not necessarily minimal). Then if $X$ has rational singularities, then $R^i\pi_*\mathscr O_Y=0$ for $i>0$. Let $L$ be a line bundle on $X$. Then by the above vanishing, $h^i(Y,\pi^*L)=h^i(X,L)$, so we have that $$\chi(Y,\pi^*L)=\chi(X,L).$$ Note that this actually holds in any dimension.

It follows that one has a sort-of-RR on $X$ (surface): $$\chi(X,L)=\chi(\mathcal{O}_X)+\frac{1}{2}((\pi^*c_1(L))^2-(\pi^*c_1(L))\cdot K_Y).$$ (Remark: it is not a bad idea to distinguish when we talk about a line bundle and when we talk about the associated Cartier divisor!)

As for your question about the quasi-projective case, Christian already said that it is tricky. In general, when it comes to cohomology, experience shows that it is better to compactify and figure out the difference than trying to develop a handicapped theory for quasi-projective varieties directly. (See Deligne's way of doing Hodge theory on open varieties).

The genus formula on a surface is essentially equivalent to Riemann-Roch, so as soon as the formula makes sense, it will follow.

1

If $X$ is proper with rational singularities (and quotient and A-D-E (=Du Val) singularities are rational), then you can do most cohomology computations on a resolution.

Let $\pi:Y\to X$ be a resolution of singularities (not necessarily minimal). Then if $X$ has rational singularities, then $R^i\pi_*\mathscr O_Y=0$ for $i>0$. Let $L$ be a line bundle on $X$. Then by the above vanishing, $h^i(Y,\pi^*L)=h^i(X,L)$, so we have that $$\chi(Y,\pi^*L)=\chi(X,L).$$ Note that this actually holds in any dimension.

It follows that one has a sort-of-RR on $X$ (surface): $$\chi(X,L)=\chi(\mathcal{O}_X)+\frac{1}{2}((\pi^*c_1(L))^2-(\pi^*c_1(L))\cdot K_Y).$$ (Remark: it is not a bad idea to distinguish when we talk about a line bundle and when we talk about the associated Cartier divisor!)

As for your question about the quasi-projective case, Christian already said that it is tricky. In general, when it comes to cohomology, experience shows that it is better to compactify and figure out the difference than trying to develop a handicapped theory for quasi-projective varieties directly. (See Deligne's way of doing Hodge theory on open varieties).