Alekhine's Defense for Black – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.e4 Nf6

Alekhine's Defense is an invitation: after e4 you play Nf6 at once and attack the pawn. White may chase the knight with e5 and build a big pawn centre with d4, c4 and even f4 – exactly what you want to provoke. After Nd5 and Nb6 your knight stands a little offside, but with d6 you attack the centre straight away, and every far-advanced white pawn can become a weakness later. This course is for you if, as Black, you don't like the beaten track and enjoy unbalanced positions. In almost nine games out of ten White answers e5; after that the main roads are the Modern Variation with Nf3, against which you play g6, the Exchange Variation with exd6 and cxd6, the Four Pawns Attack with f4, and the advance c4 with c5. Against the quieter Nc3 you answer d5. In most main lines Stockfish sees White slightly ahead, as usual after White's first move – but the positions are lively, and White's mistakes are punished quickly.

The ideas

Lure the white pawns forward, then attack them: d6 against e5, later Nc6, Bg4 and Bg7 against d4.
After exd6 you recapture with cxd6: you get a half-open c-file and a solid structure with the bishop on g7.
When White drives the knight from b6 with c5, the square d5 or c4 is often a wonderful outpost for you.
The bishop on g4 pins the knight on f3 – once d4 is no longer covered well enough, White often loses the pawn there.
In the Four Pawns Attack the lever f6 is your freeing blow against the pawn on e5.
Always watch the square f7: a bishop on b3 or c4 and a knight on g5 aim right there – e6 closes the diagonal.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 2.e5

Line 1: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 e6 8.Qf3 Qe7 9.Ne4 dxe5 10.Bg5 Qb4 11.c3 Qa5 12.Bf6 Bxf6 13.Qxf6 O-O 14.Qxe5 Qxe5 15.dxe5 Bd7 16.Nbd2 Bc6

2.e5: The main reply: in 89 % of the games White chases the knight with e5 and gains space.
2…Nd5: The knight goes to the centre. From d5 it is hard to drive away without White pushing more pawns – and that is exactly your plan.
3.d4: The most common move: White builds the centre and supports e5 indirectly.
3…d6: Straight at the pawn on e5: before White settles in comfortably, you challenge the centre.
4.Nf3: The Modern Variation – the most popular answer. White does without further pawn moves and develops calmly.
4…g6: The Alburt Variation: the bishop comes to g7 and presses on e5 and d4 from there. Stockfish narrowly prefers dxe5, but g6 leads to clear plans.
5.Bc4: White attacks the knight on d5 and at the same time aims the bishop at f7.
5…Nb6: The knight retreats with tempo and now attacks the bishop on c4 in turn.
6.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3 and stays on the diagonal towards f7 – the main position of the Modern Variation.
6…Bg7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – your main pressure on White's centre.
7.Ng5: A direct attack: the knight and the bishop on b3 both aim at f7. Here you must play precisely.
7…e6: Closes the b3–f7 diagonal and takes the square e6 away from the knight. Stockfish's best move.
8.Qf3: The queen aims at f7 again – White threatens to capture there.
8…Qe7: Covers f7 reliably. On e7 the queen is also well placed to become active later.
9.Ne4: The knight wants to go to f6 or d6 – squares supported by the pawn on e5.
9…dxe5: You remove the support on e5 before the knight can jump to d6 or f6.
10.Bg5: White attacks the queen and wants to bring the bishop to f6.
10…Qb4: The queen gains time with check and becomes active – White has to block the check with c3.
11.c3: White blocks the check. Your queen is active and you are a pawn up – nearly level according to Stockfish.
11…Qa5: The queen retreats to the fifth rank, from where she can look across to e5 once the rank is clear.
12.Bf6: White wants to trade off the strong bishop on g7. According to Stockfish this gives away part of the advantage.
12…Bxf6: Of course you take. Stockfish sees the position as equal afterwards.
13.Qxf6: The queen takes on f6 and attacks your rook on h8 – you have to castle quickly.
13…O-O: Now you bring your king to safety; the white queen on f6 looks dangerous, but on her own she can achieve nothing.
14.Qxe5: White takes the pawn on e5 – but now you can trade queens.
14…Qxe5: Queen trade: according to Stockfish the endgame is equal. Careful: in the games here White won 46 % and the rest were drawn – so you have to keep playing accurately.
15.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn – a quiet endgame without queens.
15…Bd7: The bishop wants to go to c6 and pressure the knight on e4. Stockfish finds a5 slightly better.
16.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to e4 – the endgame is level. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
16…Bc6: On c6 the bishop stands on the long diagonal and attacks the knight on e4 – the endgame is equal.

Line 2: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 e6 8.Qf3 Qe7 9.Ne4 dxe5 10.Bg5 Qb4 11.c3 Qa5 12.Nf6 Kf8 13.d5 e4 14.Nxe4 exd5 15.Bf4 N6d7

up to 11…Qa5 as line 1

12.Nf6: A check instead of Bf6: according to Stockfish White gives up the whole advantage with it.
12…Kf8: The king steps aside; you lose the right to castle, but the knight on f6 won't stay there forever.
13.d5: White opens the centre before your king gets organised.
13…e4: With tempo: the pawn attacks the queen on f3. Stockfish now even sees you minimally ahead.
14.Nxe4: The knight takes the pawn on e4 and attacks f6 and d6.
14…exd5: You take on d5 and attack the knight on e4 – the centre opens for you.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes c7 and d6 – White wants to keep the pressure in the centre.
15…N6d7: The knight goes to d7 and covers f6 and e5. Stockfish: level (-0.11).

Line 3: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 e6 8.f4 dxe5 9.fxe5 c5 10.c3 cxd4 11.cxd4 Nc6 12.Nf3 f6 13.exf6 Qxf6 14.Be3 Nd5 15.Bf2 Nf4

up to 7…e6 as line 2

8.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn and wants to keep the knight on g5.
8…dxe5: You exchange on e5 so that White has to decide how to recapture.
9.fxe5: The natural recapture – the pawn on e5 stays strong.
9…c5: The break against d4: you attack White's centre before he can use his space advantage.
10.c3: White supports d4. With the trade on d4 you open the c-file.
10…cxd4: You exchange and open the c-file for your rook.
11.cxd4: White recaptures with the pawn and keeps the centre d4–e5.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on e5 – that is the target in the Alekhine.
12.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5.
12…f6: 12...f6 attacks the pawn on e5 a second time and opens the f-file.
13.exf6: White takes on f6 and releases the tension – your bishop on g7 gets the long diagonal.
13…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen; she presses on f3 and d4 and stands actively.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White holds the centre with pieces.
14…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3 – from d5 it is your best knight.
15.Bf2: The bishop steps aside to f2 and covers d4 – it avoids the knight and holds the centre.
15…Nf4: The knight goes to f4 – a strong outpost in front of White's kingside. Stockfish: level (+0.13).

Line 4: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 e6 8.f4 dxe5 9.fxe5 c5 10.c3 cxd4 11.O-O O-O 12.cxd4 Nc6 13.Nf3 f6 14.exf6 Qxf6 15.Be3 Nd5 16.Bf2 Nf4

up to 10…cxd4 as line 3

11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
11…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
12.cxd4: White has a strong centre with d4 and e5 – in return you have squares on d5 and against e5. Stockfish sees the position as level.
12…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 – White's centre is your target.
13.Nf3: The knight covers d4 and returns to the centre.
13…f6: The second break: you attack e5 and open the f-file for your rook.
14.exf6: White takes on f6 and releases the tension – your bishop on g7 gets the long diagonal.
14…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen; she presses on f3 and d4 and stands actively.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White holds the centre with pieces.
15…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3 – from d5 it is your best knight.
16.Bf2: The bishop steps aside to f2 and covers d4 – it avoids the knight and holds the centre.
16…Nf4: The knight goes to f4 – a strong outpost in front of White's kingside. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 5: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 e6 8.f4 dxe5 9.fxe5 c5 10.O-O O-O 11.c3 cxd4

up to 9…c5 as line 4

10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
10…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
11.c3: 11.c3 supports d4 – White keeps the centre together.
11…cxd4: You trade on d4 and open the c-file against the pawn on c3. Stockfish: level (+0.20). (transposition)

Line 6: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 e6 8.f4 dxe5 9.dxe5 Qxd1 10.Kxd1 h6 11.Ne4 Nc6 12.Ke2 Bd7 13.Rd1 O-O-O 14.g3 Ne7 15.a4 Bc6

up to 8…dxe5 as line 5

9.dxe5: A mistake: after this move the d-file opens, and according to Stockfish White loses all his advantage and is now worse.
9…Qxd1: You trade queens, White must recapture with the king and loses the right to castle. The pawn on e5 becomes a target.
10.Kxd1: The king recaptures – it can no longer castle and stands in the centre.
10…h6: 10...h6 drives the knight from its strong square on g5.
11.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and eyes d6 and f6.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on e5.
12.Ke2: The king goes to e2 – in the endgame it stands well in the centre.
12…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and prepares castling long.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 onto the open d-file – in the queenless endgame it matters.
13…O-O-O: You castle long and set your rook against the rook on d1.
14.g3: 14.g3 prepares the bishop on g2, which works on the long diagonal against b7.
14…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and on to f5 or d5.
15.a4: 15.a4 gains space on the queenside and wants to fix your pawns with a5.
15…Bc6: The bishop attacks the knight on e4 – you stand slightly better in the endgame. Stockfish: level (-0.15).

Line 7: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.a4 dxe5 8.a5 N6d7 9.Bxf7 Kxf7 10.Ng5 Kg8 11.Ne6 Qe8 12.Nxc7 Qd8 13.Nxa8 exd4 14.c3 h6 15.cxd4 Kh7

up to 6…Bg7 as line 6

7.a4: The Keres Variation: White threatens a5 and wants to drive away the knight on b6.
7…dxe5: You exchange in the centre first, so that the pawn on d4 becomes vulnerable after a5.
8.a5: 8.a5 attacks your knight on b6 and gains space on the queenside.
8…N6d7: The knight retreats to d7. Now comes the sacrifice on f7 – but you know what follows.
9.Bxf7: The well-known sacrifice: White gives up the bishop to land with the knight on e6 and c7.
9…Kxf7: Forced and good: you take the bishop.
10.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks your king.
10…Kg8: The king goes to g8. The white knight wants to reach c7 via e6 – it will win the rook on a8 there, but be trapped on a8 itself.
11.Ne6: The knight invades e6 and attacks queen and bishop.
11…Qe8: The queen steps out of the knight's attack.
12.Nxc7: The knight takes c7 and attacks queen and rook.
12…Qd8: The queen returns. After Nxa8 Stockfish suggests exd4: the knight on a8 is cut off from play, and Stockfish sees White only slightly ahead. White did not win a single one of these games.
13.Nxa8: The knight takes the rook on a8 – White has won the exchange, but the knight is trapped.
13…exd4: You take on d4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on g7.
14.c3: 14.c3 attacks your pawn on d4 – White wants the centre back.
14…h6: 14...h6 gives your king air and takes g5 from the knight.
15.cxd4: White recaptures on d4; the knight on a8 stays trapped though.
15…Kh7: The king goes to h7 to safety – the knight on a8 is lost. Stockfish: level (+0.29).

Line 8: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.a4 a5 9.h3 dxe5 10.Nxe5 Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.c3 e5 13.dxe5 Qxd1 14.Rxd1 Bxe5 15.Re1 Bg7

up to 6…Bg7 as line 7

7.O-O: White castles quietly and keeps the tension in the centre.
7…O-O: You castle as well. Then it is a question of when you exchange on e5.
8.a4: Once again a5 is threatened against the knight.
8…a5: You stop the a-pawn right away; the knight on b6 stays where it is.
9.h3: A cautious move Stockfish does not like – White does without active play in the centre.
9…dxe5: Now you exchange on e5; after Nxe5 comes Nc6 with exchanges and free play.
10.Nxe5: The knight recaptures on e5 and stands centrally.
10…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and offers to trade the strong knight on e5.
11.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you doubled pawns – in return you get the half-open b-file.
11…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn – the b-file is open for your rook.
12.c3: 12.c3 supports d4 against your bishop on g7 and keeps the centre firm.
12…e5: 12...e5 attacks the centre and opens the position for your pieces.
13.dxe5: White takes on e5 and offers a queen trade – he wants a quiet endgame.
13…Qxd1: You trade queens – in the endgame the doubled pawn bothers you less.
14.Rxd1: The rook recaptures and stands on the open d-file.
14…Bxe5: You take the pawn on e5 – material is level.
15.Re1: The rook attacks your bishop on e5 and gains a tempo.
15…Bg7: The bishop returns to g7 onto the long diagonal – level.

Line 9: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.a4 a5 9.Qe2 Bg4 10.c3 Qd7 11.exd6 exd6 12.h3 Be6 13.Bxe6 Qxe6 14.Qxe6 fxe6 15.Re1 Re8

up to 8…a5 as line 8

9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and supports the pawn on e5 – she connects the rooks too.
9…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 to the queen on e2 – which weakens d4.
10.c3: 10.c3 supports d4 and gives the bishop on b3 the square c2.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks – she also covers the bishop on g4.
11.exd6: White trades on d6 and opens the position – the advanced pawn on e5 would otherwise be a target.
11…exd6: You recapture with the e-pawn and open the e-file.
12.h3: 12.h3 attacks your bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade on f3.
12…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and offers a trade against the bishop on b3.
13.Bxe6: White trades on e6 and takes your bishop that covered d5.
13…Qxe6: The queen recaptures and offers a queen trade.
14.Qxe6: White trades queens and goes into a quiet endgame.
14…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 against your pawn on e6 – it is the only target.
15…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e6 – level. Stockfish: level (+0.10).

Line 10: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.h3 Nc6 9.Qe2 Na5 10.Nc3 Nxb3 11.axb3 a5 12.Re1 Be6 13.Ng5 Qc8 14.Nxe6 Qxe6 15.exd6 Qxe2

up to 7…O-O as line 9

8.h3: h3 takes g4 from your bishop – otherwise it pins the knight on f3, which covers e5.
8…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4 – inaccurate, White stands better afterwards.
9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and supports the pawn on e5 – she connects the rooks too.
9…Na5: The knight hunts the bishop on b3 – you win the bishop pair.
10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers e4 and d5 – White keeps developing.
10…Nxb3: You trade on b3 and take White's bishop aiming at f7 – in return the a-file opens.
11.axb3: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the rook on a1 gets the half-open a-file.
11…a5: 11...a5 fixes the pawn on b3 and takes b4 from White.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file and presses on e7.
12…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5 and c4.
13.Ng5: The knight attacks your bishop on e6 and wants to trade it.
13…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and covers the bishop on e6.
14.Nxe6: White trades on e6 and gets the bishop pair.
14…Qxe6: The queen recaptures and stands actively on e6.
15.exd6: White trades on d6 and opens the position – the advanced pawn on e5 would otherwise be a target.
15…Qxe2: You trade queens – White stands slightly better because of the bishop pair.

Line 11: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.exd6 cxd6 9.Re1 Nc6 10.h3 Bd7 11.a4 Na5 12.Ba2 Nxa4 13.b4 Nc6 14.b5 Nb4 15.Bxf7 Rxf7

up to 7…O-O as line 10

8.exd6: White releases the tension.
8…cxd6: Recapture with the c-pawn: you keep a pawn in the centre and get the half-open c-file.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file and presses on e7.
9…Nc6: The knight joins the game and attacks d4.
10.h3: h3 takes g4 from your bishop – otherwise it pins the knight on f3, which covers e5.
10…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and connects the rooks – it covers b5.
11.a4: 11.a4 gains space and threatens a5 against your knight on b6.
11…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on b3 – you want to get rid of the bishop aiming at f7.
12.Ba2: The bishop retreats to a2 and stays on the diagonal against f7.
12…Nxa4: You take the pawn on a4 – a pawn up, but your knight stands on the rim.
13.b4: 13.b4 attacks your knight on a5 and wants to cut it off.
13…Nc6: The knight returns to c6 and covers e5 and d4.
14.b5: 14.b5 attacks the knight on c6 again.
14…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks the bishop on a2.
15.Bxf7: White takes f7 and gives the bishop for two pawns.
15…Rxf7: You recapture with the rook and have the bishop for two pawns.

Line 12: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.exd6 cxd6 9.h3 Nc6 10.Re1

up to 8…cxd6 as line 11

9.h3: h3 takes g4 from your bishop – otherwise it pins the knight on f3, which covers e5.
9…Nc6: Natural development with pressure on d4.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file and presses on e7. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.32). (transposition)

Line 13: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.exd6 cxd6 9.Bg5 Nc6 10.Re1 h6 11.Be3 Na5 12.Na3 Nxb3 13.axb3 Nd5 14.Bd2 Nc7 15.c4 b6

up to 8…cxd6 as line 12

9.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks your pawn on e7.
9…Nc6: Development with pressure on d4; Stockfish sees the position as equal.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file and presses on e7.
10…h6: 10...h6 asks the bishop whether it trades or retreats.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White holds the centre with pieces.
11…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on b3 – you want to get rid of the bishop aiming at f7.
12.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and on to c2 or b5.
12…Nxb3: You trade on b3 and take White's bishop aiming at f7 – in return the a-file opens.
13.axb3: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the rook on a1 gets the half-open a-file.
13…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3.
14.Bd2: The bishop retreats to d2 and avoids your knight.
14…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and covers b5 and e6.
15.c4: 15.c4 gains space on the queenside and takes d5 from your knight.
15…b6: 15...b6 prepares bishop to b7 – the bishop comes to the long diagonal, level.

Line 14: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Qe2 Bg4 9.e6 d5 10.exf7 Rxf7 11.Nbd2 Nc6 12.Qe3 a5 13.c3 a4 14.Bd1 e5 15.Nxe5 Nxe5

up to 7…O-O as line 13

8.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and supports the pawn on e5 – she connects the rooks too.
8…Bg4: Again the pin of the knight on f3 against the queen on e2.
9.e6: 9.e6 sacrifices the pawn to weaken your kingside.
9…d5: 9...d5 leaves the pawn on e6 and holds the centre.
10.exf7: White takes on f7 with check – he opens the f-file, but also for your rook.
10…Rxf7: You recapture with the rook; it stands actively on the f-file.
11.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and develops – it covers e4 and f3.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4.
12.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and covers d4 while eyeing e6.
12…a5: 12...a5 attacks the bishop on b3 and wants to drive it away.
13.c3: 13.c3 supports d4 and gives the bishop the square c2.
13…a4: 13...a4 drives the bishop from b3.
14.Bd1: The bishop goes back to d1 and challenges the bishop on g4.
14…e5: 14...e5 opens the centre for your pieces.
15.Nxe5: White takes on e5 and attacks the rook on f7 and the bishop on g4.
15…Nxe5: Du nimmst den Springer e5 zurück – material is level again, and the position calms down.

Line 15: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Re1 dxe5 9.Nxe5 Bxe5 10.dxe5 Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Nc6 12.Nc3 Bf5 13.Bg5 Rfd8 14.f3 Kg7 15.Nb5 h6

up to 7…O-O as line 14

8.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file and presses on e7.
8…dxe5: You exchange on e5 and simplify; Stockfish then keeps exchanging.
9.Nxe5: White recaptures with the knight; it stands centrally on e5.
9…Bxe5: You trade your bishop on g7 for the knight on e5 and open the d-file.
10.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn and has a pawn on e5.
10…Qxd1: You trade queens – without queens White's space advantage is less dangerous, and your king is safe.
11.Rxd1: The rook recaptures and stands on the open d-file.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on e5.
12.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers e4 and d5.
12…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and eyes c2 and d3.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks your pawn on e7 and ties down your pieces.
13…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8 against the rook on d1 – you fight for the d-file.
14.f3: 14.f3 covers e4 and g4 against your bishop.
14…Kg7: The king goes to g7 and covers f6 – in the endgame it is a piece.
15.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the pawn on c7.
15…h6: 15...h6 drives the bishop from g5 and gains time.

Line 16: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Qe2 Nc6 8.O-O O-O 9.h3

up to 6…Bg7 as line 15

7.Qe2: The queen covers e5 and makes room for castling long.
7…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 and supports a later exchange on e5.
8.O-O: White castles; e5 is covered by the queen. After the trade on e5 your knight can hunt the bishop on b3 via a5.
8…O-O: You bring your king to safety and wait for the right moment in the centre.
9.h3: h3 takes g4 from your bishop – otherwise it pins the knight on f3, which covers e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.59). (transposition)

Line 17: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Qe2 Nc6 8.O-O O-O 9.c3 Bg4 10.Bf4 Bxf3 11.Qxf3 dxe5 12.dxe5 Bxe5 13.Bxe5 Nxe5 14.Qxb7 a5 15.Na3 a4

up to 8…O-O as line 16

9.c3: Too passive: according to Stockfish White gives away his whole advantage with this move.
9…Bg4: Pinning the knight on f3 makes d4 and e5 weak.
10.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers the pawn on e5.
10…Bxf3: You take the knight: after Qxf3 dxe5 dxe5 Nxe5 you win the pawn on e5 with an attack on the queen; White then looks for counterplay with Qxb7.
11.Qxf3: The queen recaptures and attacks your knight on c6.
11…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the d-file – White's space advantage in the centre melts.
12.dxe5: White recaptures and keeps a pawn on e5.
12…Bxe5: You take the pawn on e5 – a pawn up.
13.Bxe5: White trades on e5 and wants to collect the pawn on b7.
13…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight and attack the queen.
14.Qxb7: The queen takes b7 and wins the pawn back – but she stands offside.
14…a5: 14...a5 threatens a4 against the bishop on b3.
15.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and covers c4.
15…a4: 15...a4 attacks the bishop on b3 – the position is level.

Line 18: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Be3 d5 12.c5 Nc4 13.Bxc4 dxc4 14.Qa4 Bd3 15.Rfd1 Qa5 16.Qxa5 Nxa5

up to 4…g6 as line 17

5.c4: White attacks the knight with the c-pawn and builds an even broader centre.
5…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6, from where it watches c4 and d5.
6.exd6: White exchanges in the centre – the position takes on an Exchange Variation character.
6…cxd6: Recapture with the c-pawn: you keep the pawn on d6 as a bulwark and use the half-open c-file.
7.h3: A useful prophylactic move: White takes the square g4 away from your bishop.
7…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 and aims at d4.
8.Nc3: White develops and covers d5. You castle and attack d4 with the knight from c6.
8…O-O: First the king to safety, then the pieces against d4.
9.Be2: White develops and prepares to castle.
9…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 – the centre is your target.
10.O-O: Both sides have castled. Your plan: the bishop to f5, then …d5 against c4.
10…Bf5: The bishop goes actively to f5, since g4 is covered by h3. Now all your pieces are ready for the fight for the centre.
11.Be3: White covers d4. According to Stockfish this is inaccurate: White gives away a good part of his advantage.
11…d5: The strike at c4: you attack the pawn and secure the square c4 for your knight.
12.c5: White advances the pawn and chases the knight on b6 – but this leaves a hole on c4.
12…Nc4: The knight jumps straight into the hole and attacks the bishop on e3 and the pawn on b2.
13.Bxc4: White trades off the annoying knight.
13…dxc4: The new pawn on c4 controls d3 and b3; Stockfish sees the position as equal.
14.Qa4: The queen attacks the pawn on c4.
14…Bd3: The bishop covers c4 and attacks the rook on f1 at the same time.
15.Rfd1: White covers the d-file with the rook. Stockfish sees equality – your pawn on c4 and the bishop on d3 hold White's pieces back.
15…Qa5: You offer a queen trade. Stockfish finds Qe8 slightly better, but the endgame is perfectly playable for you.
16.Qxa5: White trades queens and goes into the endgame with a slight edge.
16…Nxa5: The knight recaptures and can become active again via c6 or c4. In these games 62 % ended in a draw.

Line 19: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Be3 d5 12.c5 Nc4 13.Bc1 b6 14.cxb6 axb6 15.b3 Na3

up to 12…Nc4 as line 18

13.Bc1: White saves the bishop from the knight.
13…b6: You attack the advanced pawn on c5 and open the b-file. Stockfish sees full equality.
14.cxb6: White takes on b6 and releases the tension on the queenside.
14…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file for your rook.
15.b3: 15.b3 attacks your knight on c4 and wants to drive it away.
15…Na3: The knight goes to a3 and disturbs White's queenside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 20: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Be3 d5 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.Bd3 Nxe3 14.fxe3 Bxd3 15.Qxd3 e5

up to 11…d5 as line 19

12.cxd5: A mistake: after the exchange on d5 your knight gets an ideal square, and Stockfish sees you ahead.
12…Nxd5: The knight centralises and attacks the bishop on e3.
13.Bd3: The bishop opposes your bishop on f5 and offers a trade.
13…Nxe3: You trade on e3 and get the bishop pair – White gets doubled pawns.
14.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn and opens the f-file.
14…Bxd3: You trade on d3 and leave White with weak pawns.
15.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and stands on d3.
15…e5: 15...e5 attacks the centre. Stockfish: level (-0.14).

Line 21: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Bf4 e5 12.Bg5 Qd7 13.dxe5 dxe5 14.c5 Qxd1 15.Rfxd1 Nd7

up to 10…Bf5 as line 20

11.Bf4: White puts the bishop on f4 – Stockfish considers that inaccurate.
11…e5: The lever e5 attacks the centre and the bishop at the same time.
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks your queen on d8 and gains a tempo.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
13.dxe5: White takes on e5 and opens the d-file.
13…dxe5: You recapture – the pawn structure is symmetrical.
14.c5: 14.c5 attacks your knight on b6.
14…Qxd1: You trade queens – without queens White's space advantage is less dangerous, and your king is safe.
15.Rfxd1: The rook recaptures and stands on the open d-file.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks the pawn on c5 – level.

Line 22: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Bg5 h6 12.Be3 d5 13.c5 Nc4 14.Bc1 b6 15.b3 bxc5

up to 10…Bf5 as line 21

11.Bg5: Bg5, too, gives away much of White's advantage according to Stockfish.
11…h6: You put the question to the bishop – it has to decide.
12.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3. Now …d5 comes against c4.
12…d5: As in the main line: d5 against c4.
13.c5: White closes the queenside. Your knight finds an outpost via c4.
13…Nc4: Again the knight jumps into the hole on c4.
14.Bc1: The bishop retreats to c1 and avoids your knight.
14…b6: You attack the pawn on c5 and open lines on the queenside.
15.b3: 15.b3 attacks your knight on c4.
15…bxc5: You take on c5 even though your knight is attacked: after bxc4 cxd4 White's centre starts to wobble.

Line 23: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Bg5 h6 12.Be3 d5 13.c5 Nc4 14.Bxc4 dxc4 15.Qd2 g5

up to 13…Nc4 as line 22

14.Bxc4: White trades the annoying knight on c4 for his bishop.
14…dxc4: As in the main line: the new pawn on c4 stands firm.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and eyes h6.
15…g5: 15...g5 gains space on the kingside and takes f4 from White.

Line 24: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.Bg5 h6 12.Be3 d5 13.b3 dxc4 14.bxc4 Na5 15.c5 Nd5

up to 12…d5 as line 23

13.b3: 13.b3 supports c4 against your pressure.
13…dxc4: You exchange on c4 at once. Stockfish prefers e6; the difference is small.
14.bxc4: White recaptures with the pawn and has hanging pawns on c4 and d4.
14…Na5: The knight attacks the pawn on c4 – White now has hanging pawns on c4 and d4.
15.c5: 15.c5 attacks your knight and gains space.
15…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – an ideal square in front of the pawn on d4.

Line 25: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bf5 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nd7 13.Bb2 Be4 14.Na4 Bxf3 15.Bxf3 e6

up to 10…Bf5 as line 24

11.b3: White covers c4 with a pawn, but according to Stockfish gives away some of his advantage.
11…d5: Here too the strike d5 against the pawn on c4.
12.c5: The trap! c5 looks active, but White gives up control of d4 and e4. After Nd7 your bishop threatens to trade the knight on f3 with Be4, and the pawn on d4 falls. Stockfish sees you slightly better – Black won 44 % of these games, White less than a quarter.
12…Nd7: The knight makes way and can join via f6 or e5; at the same time the way is clear for Be4.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and covers d4.
13…Be4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3, the defender of d4.
14.Na4: The knight goes to a4 – it stands on the rim.
14…Bxf3: You trade off the defender of d4. White is left with weaknesses in the centre, and Stockfish sees you ahead.
15.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop and now has the bishop pair.
15…e6: 15...e6 supports d5 – you stand better. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.47).

Line 26: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.Be3 d5 11.c5 Nc4 12.Bxc4 dxc4 13.O-O b6 14.cxb6 axb6 15.Qe2 Ba6

up to 9…Nc6 as line 25

10.Be3: White delays castling – according to Stockfish this gives away the whole advantage.
10…d5: Immediately d5 against c4: the familiar motif.
11.c5: 11.c5 attacks your knight on b6 and gains space.
11…Nc4: The knight occupies the hole on c4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
12.Bxc4: White trades the annoying knight on c4 for his bishop.
12…dxc4: The position is equal; with b6 you will open the queenside later.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
13…b6: b6 attacks the chain on c5 – you want to break up White's queenside pawns.
14.cxb6: White takes on b6 and dissolves the pawn on c5.
14…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file for your rook.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and attacks your pawn on c4.
15…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and covers c4.

Line 27: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be3 Nc6 10.Rc1 d5 11.c5 Nc4 12.Bxc4 dxc4 13.O-O b6 14.Qa4 Nxd4 15.Nxd4 Bxd4

up to 8…O-O as line 26

9.Be3: White covers d4 with the bishop.
9…Nc6: Pressure on d4 – Stockfish's best move.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file, but Stockfish finds that inaccurate.
10…d5: The standard strike against c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.c5: White gains space on the queenside. Your knight jumps to c4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
11…Nc4: Again to c4, attacking the bishop on e3.
12.Bxc4: White trades the knight. After the recapture on c4 you have a strong pawn on c4.
12…dxc4: The pawn on c4 holds the white pieces back.
13.O-O: Stockfish sees equality. The pawn on c4 takes squares away from the white pieces.
13…b6: You attack c5 and open lines on the queenside; Stockfish sees equality.
14.Qa4: The queen attacks your knight on c6 and the pawn on c4.
14…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4 – an in-between move.
15.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
15…Bxd4: Du nimmst mit dem Läufer zurück – material is level again, and the position calms down.

Line 28: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be3 Nc6 10.Be2

up to 9…Nc6 as line 27

10.Be2: Transposition to the main line with Be2 Nc6 Be3 – there you continue with d5. (transposition)

Line 29: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be3 Nc6 10.Qd2 d5 11.c5 Nc4 12.Bxc4 dxc4 13.O-O b6 14.d5 Nb4 15.Bh6 e6

up to 9…Nc6 as line 28

10.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares bishop to h6.
10…d5: Again d5; Stockfish also likes e5.
11.c5: 11.c5 attacks your knight and gains space.
11…Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 – a hole in front of White's queenside, from which it attacks b2 and e3.
12.Bxc4: White trades the annoying knight on c4 for his bishop.
12…dxc4: You recapture with the pawn and have a pawn on c4 – in return the light squares are yours.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
13…b6: b6 attacks the chain on c5 – you want to break up White's queenside pawns.
14.d5: 14.d5 attacks the knight on c6 and gains space in the centre.
14…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and eyes d5 and c2.
15.Bh6: The bishop attacks your bishop on g7 and wants to trade it.
15…e6: 15...e6 opens the centre against the pawn on d5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.39).

Line 30: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O e5 10.a4 e4 11.Ng5 d5 12.cxd5 e3 13.Bxe3 Nxd5 14.Nf3 Nxe3 15.fxe3 Qe7

up to 7…Bg7 as line 29

8.Be2: White postpones Nc3. You castle and develop as usual.
8…O-O: Castle first, then bring the pieces against the centre.
9.O-O: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White gives away part of his advantage with the early castling.
9…e5: 9...e5 attacks the centre – you want to dissolve the pawn on d4.
10.a4: 10.a4 threatens a5 against your knight on b6.
10…e4: 10...e4 attacks the knight on f3 and gains space.
11.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks e4.
11…d5: 11...d5 supports the pawn on e4 and builds a centre d5–e4.
12.cxd5: White takes on d5 and attacks your centre.
12…e3: 12...e3 sacrifices the pawn to break up White's pawns.
13.Bxe3: White takes the pawn on e3 with the bishop – it now stands unprotected.
13…Nxd5: You take on d5 and attack the bishop on e3.
14.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and covers d4.
14…Nxe3: You trade on e3 and give White doubled pawns.
15.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
15…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and attacks e3. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.36).

Line 31: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.Nc3

up to 8…O-O as line 30

9.Nc3: Transposition to the main line. (transposition)

Line 32: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nc3 Bg4 10.Be3 Nc6 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nc8 13.b4 a6 14.Rb1 e6 15.a4 N8e7 16.b5 axb5

up to 6…cxd6 as line 31

7.Be2: White develops without h3 – which gives your bishop the square g4.
7…Bg7: The bishop to g7. Here Stockfish prefers Bg4 at once, because g4 is still free.
8.O-O: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White should have played h3 first; now your bishop can go to g4.
8…O-O: You castle; the bishop waits for its chance on g4.
9.Nc3: White develops the knight, but Stockfish finds it inaccurate: the evaluation is nearly level.
9…Bg4: Now the bishop pins the knight on f3 and increases the pressure on d4.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White holds the centre with pieces.
10…Nc6: Another attacker against d4.
11.b3: White supports c4 with a pawn.
11…d5: The lever against c4 – White has to decide.
12.c5: White pushes past and gains space on the queenside.
12…Nc8: The knight retreats to c8 and wants to go via e7 to f5 – where it presses on d4.
13.b4: White storms on the queenside. Your knight on c8 wants to go to f5 via e7 and press on d4 there.
13…a6: You prevent b5, which would drive away your knight on c6.
14.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b5.
14…e6: The pawn covers d5 and frees the square e7 for the knight on c8.
15.a4: 15.a4 supports the push b5 against your knight on c6.
15…N8e7: The knight joins via e7, ready for f5.
16.b5: 16.b5 attacks the knight on c6 and gains space.
16…axb5: You open the a-file for your rook.

Line 33: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nc3 Bg4 10.Be3 Nc6 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nc8 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 e6 15.Qd2 N8e7

up to 12…Nc8 as line 32

13.h3: White puts the question to the bishop on g4, but according to Stockfish gives up his advantage.
13…Bxf3: You trade off the knight on f3 – one defender of d4 fewer.
14.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop and has the bishop pair.
14…e6: The pawn supports d5, the knight on c8 can go to e7.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 – inaccurate, afterwards you stand better. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.72).
15…N8e7: The knight wants to press on d4 via f5. Stockfish sees you ahead.

Line 34: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nc3 Bg4 10.Be3 Nc6 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nc8 13.Rc1 e6 14.Ne1 Bxe2 15.Nxe2 N8e7

up to 12…Nc8 as line 33

13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports the pawn on c5.
13…e6: The pawn supports d5 and frees e7. Stockfish prefers Bxf3, but the plan is the same.
14.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and on to d3 – it escapes the pin and covers c5 and e5.
14…Bxe2: You trade on e2 and take White's bishop that covered g4 and d3 – your knights get more squares.
15.Nxe2: White recaptures with the knight; it heads for f4 and presses on d5.
15…N8e7: The knight comes from c8 to e7 and on to f5 – there it presses on d4.

Line 35: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nc3 Bg4 10.Be3 Nc6 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nc8 13.Qd2 e6 14.Ne1 Bxe2 15.Nxe2 Qa5

up to 12…Nc8 as line 34

13.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
13…e6: Quiet consolidation: d5 covered, e7 free for the knight.
14.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and on to d3 – it escapes the pin and covers c5 and e5.
14…Bxe2: You trade on e2 and take White's bishop that covered g4 and d3 – your knights get more squares.
15.Nxe2: White recaptures with the knight; it heads for f4 and presses on d5.
15…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks the queen on d2 – she offers a trade.

Line 36: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nc3 Bg4 10.Be3 Nc6 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nc8 13.Rb1 e6 14.b4 N8e7 15.b5 Na5

up to 12…Nc8 as line 35

13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
13…e6: Again e6 with the same plan; after b4 Stockfish answers b6 and challenges White's chain.
14.b4: 14.b4 gains space on the queenside and prepares b5 against your knight on c6.
14…N8e7: The knight comes from c8 to e7 and on to f5 – there it presses on d4.
15.b5: 15.b5 attacks your knight on c6.
15…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and on to c4.

Line 37: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.h3

up to 8…O-O as line 36

9.h3: Transposition to the line with h3 Bg7 Be2 O-O O-O. (transposition)

Line 38: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Be3 Nc6 10.Nbd2 e5 11.Ne4 d5 12.cxd5 exd4 13.Nxd4 Nxd5 14.Nxc6 bxc6 15.Bc5 Re8

up to 8…O-O as line 37

9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White holds the centre with pieces.
9…Nc6: Pressure on d4 with the knight.
10.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to e4.
10…e5: The central strike: you attack d4 directly.
11.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks d6.
11…d5: 11...d5 attacks the knight on e4 and opens the centre.
12.cxd5: White takes on d5 and opens the centre.
12…exd4: You take on d4 and attack the bishop on e3.
13.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
13…Nxd5: You take back the pawn on d5 – your knight stands centrally.
14.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you doubled pawns.
14…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn and open the b-file.
15.Bc5: The bishop attacks your rook on f8.
15…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and attacks the knight on e4.

Line 39: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.O-O O-O 9.Be3 Nc6 10.Nc3 Bg4

up to 9…Nc6 as line 38

10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5 and e4 – White develops before committing to a plan. Stockfish: level (+0.17).
10…Bg4: The pin – transposition to the line with Nc3 Bg4 Be3 Nc6. (transposition)

Line 40: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.h3

up to 7…Bg7 as line 39

8.h3: Transposition to the line with h3 Bg7 Be2. (transposition)

Line 41: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.O-O

up to 7…Bg7 as line 40

8.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5 and e4 – White develops before committing to a plan.
8…O-O: You castle – most players do. Stockfish considers the bishop to g4 slightly more precise because the square is still free.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens. Stockfish: level (+0.21). (transposition)

Line 42: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be2 Bg7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be3 Nc6 10.O-O

up to 8…O-O as line 41

9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – in the Exchange d4 is the target of your bishop on g7 and knight on c6.
9…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4 – together with the bishop on g7 you press on the centre.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens. Stockfish: level (+0.17). (transposition)

Line 43: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Be3 O-O 9.Be2

up to 6…cxd6 as line 42

7.Nc3: White develops the knight first.
7…Bg7: The bishop to g7; Stockfish also suggests Bg4.
8.Be3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White should have played h3. You castle and play against d4, with the bishop to g4 or the knight to c6.
8…O-O: You castle and keep the bishop move to g4 in reserve.
9.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – modest, but it covers g4 against your bishop and prepares castling. Stockfish: level (+0.25). (transposition)

Line 44: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Be3 O-O 9.Rc1 Bg4 10.Be2 e6 11.b3 d5 12.h3 Bxf3 13.Bxf3 Nc6 14.cxd5 Nxd5 15.Nxd5 exd5

up to 8…O-O as line 43

9.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c5 – White wants to drive your knight from b6.
9…Bg4: Without h3 the bishop pins the knight on f3.
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – modest, but it covers g4 against your bishop and prepares castling.
10…e6: The pawn strengthens d5 and keeps Bxf3 in reserve.
11.b3: 11.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
11…d5: d5 attacks the pawn on c4 and puts a firm pawn in the centre.
12.h3: 12.h3 attacks your bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade the knight on f3.
12…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and take away one of White's defenders of d4.
13.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop and presses on d5.
13…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4 – together with the bishop on g7 you press on the centre.
14.cxd5: White trades on d5 and simplifies the centre before your pressure on d4 gets too strong.
14…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight and attack the bishop on e3 and the knight on c3.
15.Nxd5: White trades on d5 – afterwards two isolated pawns face each other.
15…exd5: You recapture with the pawn – two isolated pawns face each other, level. Stockfish: level (+0.18).

Line 45: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Be3 O-O 9.h3

up to 8…O-O as line 44

9.h3: Transposition to the line with h3 Bg7 Nc3 O-O Be3. (transposition)

Line 46: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Be2

up to 7…Bg7 as line 45

8.Be2: Transposition to the line with Be2 Bg7 Nc3. (transposition)

Line 47: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.h3

up to 7…Bg7 as line 46

8.h3: Transposition to the main line with h3 Bg7 Nc3. (transposition)

Line 48: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Be2 Nc6 9.Na3 O-O 10.O-O e5 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Nb5 Qe7 13.Qd6 Qxd6 14.Nxd6 Na4 15.Rab1 Nd4

up to 6…cxd6 as line 47

7.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – in the Exchange d4 is the target of your bishop on g7 and knight on c6.
7…Bg7: The bishop to g7 – Stockfish's best move.
8.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – modest, but it covers g4 against your bishop and prepares castling.
8…Nc6: Pressure on d4. In these games Black won most of them.
9.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and on to c2 or b5.
9…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
10…e5: e5 attacks the centre – the second freeing move in the Exchange besides d5.
11.dxe5: White takes on e5 and opens the d-file for the rooks.
11…dxe5: You recapture – the pawn structure is symmetrical, the game open.
12.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes d6 and c7.
12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers d6 against the knight on b5.
13.Qd6: The queen invades d6 and offers a queen trade.
13…Qxd6: You trade queens – in the endgame the knight on d6 is less dangerous.
14.Nxd6: The knight recaptures and stands on d6 – it attacks c8.
14…Na4: The knight jumps to a4 and attacks the pawn on b2.
15.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and covers the pawn on b2.
15…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the bishop on e2 – level. Stockfish: level (+0.11).

Line 49: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6 7.b3 Bg7 8.Bb2 O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.O-O Bg4 11.Nbd2 d5 12.Rc1 Bh6 13.Rb1 Qc7 14.h3 Bf5 15.Rc1 Rad8

up to 6…cxd6 as line 48

7.b3: An unusual move; according to Stockfish White gives away much of his advantage.
7…Bg7: The bishop aims along the long diagonal – exactly where White has weakened squares with b3.
8.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 onto the long diagonal against your bishop on g7.
8…O-O: Castle first.
9.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – modest, but it covers g4 against your bishop and prepares castling.
9…Nc6: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish also suggests e5.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
10…Bg4: The pin of the knight on f3. Stockfish finds d5 a touch more accurate.
11.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers f3 and c4 against your pieces.
11…d5: d5 attacks the pawn on c4 and puts a firm pawn in the centre.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and presses down the c-file against your knight on c6.
12…Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and attacks the knight on d2.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and steps away from your bishop on h6.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and connects the rooks – she eyes h2.
14.h3: 14.h3 attacks your bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade the knight on f3.
14…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the rook on b1.
15.Rc1: The rook returns to c1 – White has no clear plan.
15…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 against the pawn on d4 – level.

Line 50: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.exd6 cxd6

up to 5…Nb6 as line 49

6.Nc3: White develops the knight before exchanging on d6.
6…Bg7: The bishop to g7. Stockfish prefers dxe5 to get rid of the pawn on e5 at once.
7.exd6: White trades on d6 and opens the position – his lead in development counts. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.60).
7…cxd6: Recapture with the c-pawn – transposition to the line with Nc3 Bg7. (transposition)

Line 51: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Be3 dxe5 8.Nxe5 c5 9.Qd2 Be6 10.b3 Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.O-O-O cxd4 13.Bxd4 Qxd4 14.Qxd4 Bxd4 15.Rxd4 Nd7

up to 6…Bg7 as line 50

7.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – in the Exchange d4 is the target of your bishop on g7 and knight on c6.
7…dxe5: You exchange on e5; after Nxe5 you attack the centre with c5.
8.Nxe5: The knight recaptures on e5 and stands centrally.
8…c5: c5 attacks the pawn on d4 – you undermine White's centre from the side.
9.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks – White can now castle long.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the pawn on c4.
10.b3: 10.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
10…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and offers to trade the knight on e5.
11.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you doubled pawns.
11…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn and open the b-file.
12.O-O-O: White castles long and sets the rook against the pawn on d4.
12…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the long diagonal of your bishop on g7.
13.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop and offers the bishop trade.
13…Qxd4: You take the bishop on d4 with the queen.
14.Qxd4: White trades queens and goes into the endgame.
14…Bxd4: You recapture with the bishop and attack the knight on c3.
15.Rxd4: The rook recaptures and stands on the open d-file.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 – a level endgame. Stockfish: level (+0.09).

Line 52: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.Be2 dxe5 7.Nxe5 Bg7 8.Nc3 Bxe5 9.dxe5 Qxd1 10.Nxd1 Be6 11.b3 Nc6 12.Bb2 O-O-O 13.Ne3 Nd4 14.Rd1 Nxe2 15.Kxe2 Rxd1

up to 5…Nb6 as line 51

6.Be2: Too quiet a move: according to Stockfish White gives away almost his whole advantage.
6…dxe5: You exchange on e5 and then develop with Bg7 and castling.
7.Nxe5: The knight recaptures on e5 and stands centrally.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks the knight on e5.
8.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5 and e4 – White develops before committing to a plan.
8…Bxe5: You trade on e5 and open the d-file against d4.
9.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn and has a pawn on e5.
9…Qxd1: You trade queens – White can no longer castle.
10.Nxd1: The knight recaptures – White can no longer castle.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the pawn on c4.
11.b3: 11.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on e5.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and covers the pawn on e5.
12…O-O-O: You castle long and bring the rook to the d-file.
13.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and covers d5 and c4.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the bishop on e2.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 against your knight on d4.
14…Nxe2: You trade on e2 and take one of White's bishops.
15.Kxe2: The king recaptures and stands in the centre.
15…Rxd1: You trade rooks – a level endgame. Stockfish: level (+0.11).

Line 53: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 dxe5 6.Nxe5 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.c4 Nb6 9.Nc3 c5 10.dxc5 Bxe5 11.cxb6 Qxb6 12.Bf3 Bxc3 13.bxc3 Rd8 14.Qe2 Be6 15.Bh6 Nc6

up to 4…g6 as line 52

5.Be2: White plays without c4 – inaccurate according to Stockfish.
5…dxe5: You exchange on e5; then come Bg7 and castling.
6.Nxe5: The knight recaptures on e5 and stands centrally.
6…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks the knight on e5.
7.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
7…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
8.c4: 8.c4 drives your knight from d5.
8…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on c4.
9.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5 and e4 – White develops before committing to a plan.
9…c5: c5 attacks the pawn on d4 – you undermine White's centre from the side.
10.dxc5: White takes on c5 and attacks your knight on b6.
10…Bxe5: You trade on e5 first – an in-between move before saving the knight on b6.
11.cxb6: White takes the knight on b6 – now your in-between move pays off.
11…Qxb6: You recapture with the queen and attack b2.
12.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and covers the long diagonal.
12…Bxc3: You trade on c3 and double White's pawns.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn and has doubled pawns.
13…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 against the queen on d1.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and leaves the d-file.
14…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the pawn on c4.
15.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and attacks your rook on f8.
15…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and develops – level.

Line 54: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 O-O 9.b3 e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.c5 N6d7 13.Bc4 Nc6 14.Nf3 Na5 15.Be2 b6 16.cxb6 Nxb6

up to 3…d6 as line 53

4.c4: White attacks the knight at once with the c-pawn – the gateway to the Exchange Variation and the Four Pawns Attack.
4…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6. Now White must decide how to deal with the tension on e5.
5.exd6: The Exchange Variation: White releases the tension and keeps the pawns on c4 and d4.
5…cxd6: You recapture with the c-pawn: an unbalanced structure, a half-open c-file and pressure on d4. Stockfish prefers exd6, but cxd6 leads to more of a fight.
6.Nc3: White develops the knight and covers d5.
6…g6: The fianchetto plan: the bishop on g7 becomes the main opponent of the pawn on d4.
7.Be3: White covers d4 with the bishop.
7…Bg7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal.
8.Rc1: The rook lines up opposite your queenside.
8…O-O: You castle – safety first, then the central strike.
9.b3: The Voronezh Variation: White supports c4 and holds the centre firmly.
9…e5: The central strike against d4 – Stockfish's best move.
10.dxe5: White exchanges on e5. After the recapture the d-file opens, and the queens are often traded.
10…dxe5: You recapture; now the d-file is open.
11.Qxd8: White trades queens.
11…Rxd8: The rook takes over the open d-file.
12.c5: White chases the knight and gains space – but the pawn on c5 can become a target later.
12…N6d7: The knight goes to d7, from where it attacks c5.
13.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7.
13…Nc6: The second knight joins the game – Stockfish's first choice. After Ne4 it jumps to a5 and chases the bishop on c4.
14.Nf3: White develops his last knight. In the endgame you stand solidly; your knights aim at d4 and c5.
14…Na5: The knight attacks the bishop on c4. Stockfish prefers h6, but the difference is small.
15.Be2: The bishop retreats; according to Stockfish not the most accurate move.
15…b6: You attack the pawn on c5 and want to dissolve it.
16.cxb6: White takes on b6 and releases the tension on the queenside.
16…Nxb6: The knight recaptures; White's outpost is gone. Stockfish sees near equality.

Line 55: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 O-O 9.b3 e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.c5 N6d7 13.Nf3 Nc6 14.Bc4

up to 12…N6d7 as line 54

13.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and attacks your pawn on e5.
13…Nc6: The knight joins the game; after Bc4 the main line is reached again.
14.Bc4: Transposition to the line with Bc4 Nc6 Nf3. (transposition)

Line 56: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 O-O 9.b3 e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.c5 N6d7 12.Bc4 Nc6 13.Nf3 Qa5 14.Ng5 Nxc5 15.O-O Ne6

up to 10…dxe5 as line 55

11.c5: White chases the knight without trading queens.
11…N6d7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks c5.
12.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and eyes f7 – White looks for play against your king.
12…Nc6: Development; the knight can become active via a5 or e5.
13.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and attacks your pawn on e5.
13…Qa5: The queen pins the knight on c3 and prepares Nxc5.
14.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks f7.
14…Nxc5: You take the pawn on c5 – material is level again.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
15…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks the knight on g5. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 57: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 O-O 9.b3 e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.c5 N6d7 12.Nf3 Nc6 13.Bc4

up to 11…N6d7 as line 56

12.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and attacks your pawn on e5.
12…Nc6: Natural development; Stockfish then plans Qa5 and Nxc5.
13.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and eyes f7. (transposition)

Line 58: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 O-O 9.Be2 d5 10.b3 dxc4 11.bxc4 Nc6 12.Nf3 Bg4 13.c5 Nd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.h3 Bf5

up to 8…O-O as line 57

9.Be2: A quiet move with which White loses his advantage according to Stockfish.
9…d5: Without b3 you can strike at c4 straight away with d5.
10.b3: 10.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
10…dxc4: You take on c4 and get the square d5 for your pieces.
11.bxc4: White recaptures – the pawns on c4 and d4 are hanging.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4 – together with the bishop on g7 you press on the centre.
12.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on d4.
12…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers d4 – that makes your pressure on d4 even stronger.
13.c5: c5 attacks your knight on b6 and gains space on the queenside.
13…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3 and the knight on c3.
14.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and simplifies.
14…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks the knight on f3.
15.h3: 15.h3 attacks your bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade the knight on f3.
15…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and eyes b1 – the position is level.

Line 59: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Nge2 O-O 10.O-O e5 11.d5 Nb4 12.b3 Nxd3 13.Qxd3 f5 14.f4 Nd7 15.Qd2 Nf6

up to 7…Bg7 as line 58

8.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and wants to develop the knight to e2.
8…Nc6: Pressure on d4.
9.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 and leaves the f-pawn free.
9…O-O: You castle and prepare e5.
10.O-O: Both sides have castled. With …e5 you now attack the centre.
10…e5: The central strike against d4.
11.d5: White closes the centre and attacks the knight on c6.
11…Nb4: The knight attacks the bishop on d3 – White loses the bishop pair.
12.b3: 12.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
12…Nxd3: You take the bishop and then have the bishop pair.
13.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 and covers c4 and e4.
13…f5: With f5 you gain space on the kingside – the typical plan with a closed centre.
14.f4: 14.f4 opens the kingside and attacks e5.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers e5.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
15…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and eyes e4.

Line 60: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Nge2 O-O 10.b3 d5 11.c5 Nd7 12.Bb5 a6 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.b4 e5 15.O-O Re8

up to 9…O-O as line 59

10.b3: White delays castling; according to Stockfish he loses his advantage with it.
10…d5: The strike against c4 – Stockfish rates the position as level.
11.c5: c5 attacks your knight on b6 and gains space on the queenside.
11…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f6 or b8.
12.Bb5: The bishop attacks your knight on c6 and wants to trade it.
12…a6: 12...a6 asks the bishop whether it trades.
13.Bxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you the bishop pair.
13…bxc6: You recapture and have the bishop pair – in return doubled pawns on the c-file.
14.b4: 14.b4 gains space on the queenside.
14…e5: 14...e5 attacks the centre and opens your bishop.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
15…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and supports e4.

Line 61: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.h3 O-O 9.Nf3

up to 7…Bg7 as line 60

8.h3: 8.h3 takes g4 from your bishop – White wants no pin. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.43).
8…O-O: You castle; after Nf3 the main line is reached.
9.Nf3: Transposition to the line with h3 Bg7 Nc3 O-O Be3. (transposition)

Line 62: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nf3

up to 6…g6 as line 61

7.h3: White takes the square g4 away from the bishop.
7…Bg7: The bishop to g7 – Stockfish's best move.
8.Nf3: Transposition to the main line with Nf3 g6 c4 Nb6 exd6 cxd6 h3 Bg7 Nc3. (transposition)

Line 63: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Bd3 Bg7 8.Nge2 O-O 9.O-O Nc6 10.d5 Ne5 11.b3 Nxd3 12.Qxd3 e6 13.Be3 exd5 14.cxd5 Nd7 15.Qd2 a5

up to 6…g6 as line 62

7.Bd3: The bishop to d3 – according to Stockfish White gives away a lot of his advantage.
7…Bg7: The bishop to the long diagonal against d4.
8.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 so that the f-pawn stays free. You keep developing and play against d4.
8…O-O: You castle; Nc6 and e5 follow.
9.O-O: Both kings are safe. Your plan stays: knight to c6, then …e5 against d4.
9…Nc6: Pressure on d4.
10.d5: White closes the centre and attacks the knight.
10…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks the bishop on d3.
11.b3: 11.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
11…Nxd3: You trade on d3 and take White's bishop.
12.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 and covers c4.
12…e6: 12...e6 attacks the pawn on d5 and opens the e-file.
13.Be3: The bishop attacks your knight on b6.
13…exd5: You take on d5 and open the e-file.
14.cxd5: White recaptures with the pawn and has a passed pawn on d5.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to c5 or e5.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space and secures c5 for your knight. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.31).

Line 64: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Bd3 Bg7 8.Nge2 O-O 9.O-O Nc6 10.Be3

up to 9…Nc6 as line 63

10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – in the Exchange d4 is the target of your bishop on g7 and knight on c6. Stockfish: level (-0.01). (transposition)

Line 65: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Bd3 Bg7 8.Be3

up to 7…Bg7 as line 64

8.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – in the Exchange d4 is the target of your bishop on g7 and knight on c6. Stockfish: level (0.00). (transposition)

Line 66: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.a4 Bg7 8.a5 N6d7 9.Nf3 O-O 10.Be2 Nc6 11.d5 Bxc3 12.bxc3 Nxa5 13.h4 h5 14.O-O Qc7 15.Re1 Nxc4

up to 6…g6 as line 65

7.a4: White threatens a5 to drive away the knight on b6.
7…Bg7: You keep developing. Stockfish finds a5, which stops the a-pawn, slightly more accurate.
8.a5: 8.a5 drives your knight from b6.
8…N6d7: The knight goes to d7 and can continue to c5 or e5.
9.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers d4.
9…O-O: You castle – Stockfish also picks O-O and follows up with Nf6.
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – modest, but it covers g4 against your bishop and prepares castling.
10…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4 – together with the bishop on g7 you press on the centre.
11.d5: 11.d5 attacks the knight on c6 and gains space.
11…Bxc3: You trade on c3 and give White doubled pawns.
12.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn and has doubled pawns on the c-file.
12…Nxa5: You take the pawn on a5 – a pawn up.
13.h4: 13.h4 attacks on the kingside – White looks for play for the pawn.
13…h5: 13...h5 stops the pawn on h4 and keeps the kingside closed.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks c4.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file.
15…Nxc4: You take the pawn on c4 – two pawns up. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.38).

Line 67: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Nf3

up to 6…g6 as line 66

7.Nf3: Transposition to the line with Nf3 g6 c4 Nb6 exd6 cxd6 Nc3. (transposition)

Line 68: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.d5 e5 7.Nc3 Be7 8.Bd3 O-O 9.Nge2 f5 10.b3 N8d7 11.f4 Nc5 12.Bc2 Bh4 13.g3 Bf6 14.O-O Qe7 15.fxe5 Bxe5

up to 5…cxd6 as line 67

6.d5: White gains space, but according to Stockfish gives away part of his advantage.
6…e5: You close the centre and later plan f5 on the kingside. Stockfish prefers e6.
7.Nc3: White has closed the centre. You play on the kingside, often with …f5.
7…Be7: The bishop to e7 – with the pawn on e5 that is its natural place.
8.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7 and the kingside. You castle and prepare …f5.
8…O-O: You castle and prepare f5.
9.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 and leaves the f-pawn free.
9…f5: The typical lever on the kingside.
10.b3: 10.b3 supports the pawn on c4 against your pressure – White wants to keep the chain c4–d4.
10…N8d7: The knight from b8 joins the game. Stockfish also suggests a5.
11.f4: 11.f4 attacks your pawn on e5.
11…Nc5: The knight attacks the bishop on d3.
12.Bc2: The bishop retreats to c2.
12…Bh4: The bishop gives check on h4 and weakens White's kingside.
13.g3: 13.g3 blocks and attacks the bishop.
13…Bf6: The bishop retreats to f6.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and connects the rooks.
15.fxe5: White takes on e5 and opens the f-file.
15…Bxe5: You recapture and have a strong bishop on e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.51).

Line 69: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.d5 e5 7.Nc3 Be7 8.Bd3 O-O 9.Nge2 f5 10.b3 a5 11.O-O Na6 12.Kh1 a4 13.Be3 Nb4 14.f3 Bg5 15.Bg1 axb3

up to 10.b3 as line 68

10…a5: 10...a5 gains space on the queenside.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
11…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to b4.
12.Kh1: The king goes to h1 off the diagonal.
12…a4: 12...a4 attacks the pawn on b3 and wants to open the a-file.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks your knight.
13…Nb4: The knight attacks the bishop on d3.
14.f3: 14.f3 covers e4 and gives the bishop on e3 a retreat.
14…Bg5: The bishop attacks the bishop on e3.
15.Bg1: The bishop retreats to g1 and avoids the trade.
15…axb3: You take on b3 and open the a-file.

Line 70: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.d5 e5 7.Nc3 Be7 8.Bd3 f5 9.b3 O-O 10.Nge2

up to 8.Bd3 as line 69

8…f5: At once f5 – Stockfish's first choice, even before castling. The pawn takes e4 away from the bishop on d3 and the knight on c3 and gains space on the kingside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.48).
9.b3: White protects the pawn on c4 with b3 so your knight on b6 can no longer attack it; the bishop on c1 can later come into play via b2 or a3. Stockfish: White stays slightly ahead (+0.53).
9…O-O: You castle – Stockfish's first choice. The rook on f8 now stands behind the pawn on f5 and later supports the advance on the kingside.
10.Nge2: The knight goes via e2 so the f-pawn stays free: White can play f4 himself and stop your pawn on f5. Stockfish expects a5 O-O Na6 f4 and sees White slightly ahead (+0.47). (transposition)

Line 71: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nf3 g6

up to 5…cxd6 as line 70

6.Nf3: A rare move order. You play as usual with …g6 and the bishop to g7.
6…g6: Transposition to the main line with Nf3 g6 c4 Nb6 exd6 cxd6. (transposition)

Line 72: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.d5 exd5 11.cxd5 Nb4 12.Nd4 Bd7 13.e6 fxe6 14.dxe6 Bc6 15.Qg4 Bh4 16.g3 Bxh1

up to 4…Nb6 as line 71

5.f4: The Four Pawns Attack – the biggest centre White can build. Now the task is to attack the pawns before they advance.
5…dxe5: You exchange on e5 so that White has to recapture with the f-pawn – Stockfish's first choice. After fxe5 comes Bf5.
6.fxe5: The Four Pawns Attack: White has a huge centre. Your job is to attack and undermine it with pieces.
6…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 – the pressure on the centre begins.
7.Be3: The main line: White covers d4.
7…Bf5: The bishop comes out to f5 in front of the pawn chain before you play e6.
8.Nc3: White covers e4. With …e6 you open your bishop and control d5.
8…e6: Now e6: you open the bishop on f8 and control d5.
9.Nf3: White develops. You follow with the bishop to e7 and castling, then …f6 against e5.
9…Be7: The bishop goes to e7; then you castle and play the lever f6.
10.d5: A sharp advance: White wants to break open the centre. According to Stockfish White gives away almost all his advantage with it.
10…exd5: You take the pawn; the centre opens.
11.cxd5: White opens the centre. Stockfish sees the position as level – your knight attacks via b4.
11…Nb4: The knight attacks d5 and threatens to jump into c2, forking king and rook.
12.Nd4: White covers c2 and attacks the bishop on f5.
12…Bd7: The bishop retreats to d7 and stays on the diagonal towards c6.
13.e6: White sacrifices the pawn to open lines.
13…fxe6: You take – Stockfish's best move.
14.dxe6: A sharp moment: White sacrifices to keep your king in the centre. With the bishop to c6 you gain time.
14…Bc6: The bishop lines up on the long diagonal against g2 and h1 – after Bh4+ and g3 the rook on h1 is exposed.
15.Qg4: White threatens to capture on g7 and attacks.
15…Bh4: A check with tempo: White has to play g3.
16.g3: White has to block the check with g3. Now your bishop takes on h1 – Stockfish sees the position as level.
16…Bxh1: You take the rook; in return the bishop on h4 is usually lost. White has an attack, but Stockfish sees the position as equal.

Line 73: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.d5 exd5 11.cxd5 Nb4 12.Nd4 Bd7 13.Qb3 O-O 14.Be2 a5 15.Nf3 a4

up to 12…Bd7 as line 72

13.Qb3: White attacks b7, but according to Stockfish this is a mistake after which you are better.
13…O-O: Simply castle: Stockfish now sees you ahead.
14.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – modest, but it covers g4 against your bishop and prepares castling.
14…a5: 14...a5 gains space on the queenside.
15.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers d4 and e5.
15…a4: 15...a4 attacks the queen on b3 – you stand better.

Line 74: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.d5 exd5 11.cxd5 Nb4 12.Nd4 Bd7 13.Qf3 c5 14.dxc6 Bxc6 15.Nxc6 bxc6

up to 12…Bd7 as line 73

13.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks f7.
13…c5: 13...c5 attacks the knight on d4.
14.dxc6: White takes en passant and opens the lines – the pawn structure changes.
14…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop and attack the queen.
15.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and simplifies the position.
15…bxc6: You recapture with the pawn – material is level, the position open.

Line 75: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.Be2 O-O 11.O-O f6 12.exf6 Bxf6 13.Qd2 Qe7 14.Rad1 Rad8 15.Qc1 e5

up to 9…Be7 as line 74

10.Be2: White develops the bishop before the knight.
10…O-O: You castle and prepare f6.
11.O-O: Both sides have castled. Now your break …f6 against e5 comes.
11…f6: The freeing blow against e5: you open the f-file for your rook.
12.exf6: White exchanges; the f-file opens for your rook.
12…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures and now presses on d4.
13.Qd2: The bishop on f6 presses on d4. With the queen to e7 you connect the rooks.
13…Qe7: The queen comes to e7 and connects the rooks.
14.Rad1: White covers d4 with the rook. Your rooks belong on the d- and f-files.
14…Rad8: The rook lines up against d4 – the pressure on the centre grows.
15.Qc1: According to Stockfish a mistake that costs almost all of White's advantage.
15…e5: Now you strike with e5 against d4 – White's centre starts to wobble.

Line 76: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.Be2 O-O 11.O-O f6 12.Nh4 fxe5 13.Nxf5 exf5 14.d5 Nd4 15.Bxd4 exd4 16.Qxd4 Nd7

up to 11…f6 as line 75

12.Nh4: The trap! White wants to take the bishop on f5 but overlooks the pawn on e5. After fxe5 your pawn attacks d4, the f-file opens, and Stockfish sees you ahead. With this move White gives away nearly a whole pawn in evaluation.
12…fxe5: The pawn captures on e5 and attacks d4 at once.
13.Nxf5: The knight takes the bishop on f5 and gets the bishop pair.
13…exf5: You recapture with the pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The position is level.
14.d5: White attacks the knight on c6 and, according to Stockfish, gives away even more.
14…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 – a dream square in the middle of White's camp.
15.Bxd4: White trades on d4 and gives up the bishop pair.
15…exd4: You recapture; after Qxd4 the knight joins the game via d7.
16.Qxd4: The queen recaptures on d4 – you stand slightly better. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (-0.34).
16…Nd7: The knight joins the game via d7; Stockfish sees you ahead.

Line 77: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Be2 Be7 10.Nf3

up to 8…e6 as line 76

9.Be2: As against Nf3: the bishop goes to e7, you castle and prepare …f6.
9…Be7: The bishop to e7; after Nf3 the main line is reached.
10.Nf3: Transposition to the main line with Nf3 Be7 Be2. (transposition)

Line 78: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nf3 e6 9.Nc3

up to 7…Bf5 as line 77

8.Nf3: Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish – White does without Nc3. You play …e6 and put the bishop on b4.
8…e6: The pawn opens the bishop on f8. Stockfish prefers Nb4, which threatens c2 and d3.
9.Nc3: Transposition to the main line with Nc3 e6 Nf3. (transposition)

Line 79: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Nf3 Bg4 8.Be3 e6 9.Nbd2 Bb4 10.a3 Bxf3 11.gxf3 Be7 12.Ne4 f5 13.exf6 Bxf6 14.Qd3 Bxd4 15.O-O-O e5

up to 6…Nc6 as line 78

7.Nf3: White leaves d4 uncovered – according to Stockfish he loses almost all his advantage with it.
7…Bg4: The pin: the knight on f3 no longer reliably defends d4. Stockfish expects Be3 e6 and rates the position as level.
8.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – in the Exchange d4 is the target of your bishop on g7 and knight on c6.
8…e6: The pawn opens the bishop. Stockfish prefers Bxf3 followed by Nxd4, which wins the pawn on d4.
9.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers f3.
9…Bb4: The bishop pins the knight on d2.
10.a3: 10.a3 attacks the bishop on b4 and asks whether you trade.
10…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and give White doubled pawns.
11.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn.
11…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7 and covers the kingside.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and eyes d6 and f6.
12…f5: 12...f5 attacks the knight on e4.
13.exf6: White takes en passant and opens the lines – the pawn structure changes.
13…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop and attack d4.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and covers d4 and e4.
14…Bxd4: You take the pawn on d4 – a pawn up.
15.O-O-O: White castles long and attacks your bishop.
15…e5: 15...e5 builds a centre and covers the bishop.

Line 80: 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Nf3 Bg4 8.e6 fxe6 9.c5 Nd5 10.Bb5 Qd7 11.Nbd2 g6 12.h3 Bxf3 13.Nxf3 Bg7 14.Bd2 O-O 15.O-O a6

up to 7…Bg4 as line 79

8.e6: A pawn sacrifice that, according to Stockfish, does not work.
8…fxe6: You take the pawn; Stockfish sees you ahead.
9.c5: 9.c5 attacks your knight on b6.
9…Nd5: The knight jumps to the centre on d5. Stockfish prefers Bxf3 first.
10.Bb5: The bishop pins the knight on c6.
10…Qd7: The queen covers c6 and prepares castling long; Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
11.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and breaks the pin.
11…g6: 11...g6 prepares the fianchetto.
12.h3: 12.h3 attacks your bishop on g4.
12…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and take away a defender of d4.
13.Nxf3: White recaptures with the knight.
13…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks d4.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
14…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
15…a6: 15...a6 attacks the bishop on b5 and gains time.

Line 81: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.d4 d6

up to 2…Nd5 as line 80

3.c4: White attacks the knight with the c-pawn at once, even before d4.
3…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6 – Stockfish's best move.
4.d4: White supports the centre; now you continue with d6 as in the main line.
4…d6: The attack on e5 – transposition to the line with d4 d6 c4 Nb6. (transposition)

Line 82: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 e6 6.d4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 b6 8.cxb6 axb6 9.Nf3 Ba3 10.Bg5 Be7 11.Bxe7 Qxe7 12.a4 O-O 13.Bb5 Bb7 14.O-O d6 15.exd6 Qxd6

up to 3…Nb6 as line 81

4.c5: White keeps chasing the knight, but according to Stockfish gives away most of his advantage: the pawns are far advanced and become targets.
4…Nd5: The knight returns to d5, where no pawn can drive it away any more.
5.Nc3: White attacks the knight on d5 with a piece.
5…e6: The pawn covers d5 and opens the bishop on f8 against c5.
6.d4: White supports c5 and e5 with the d-pawn.
6…Nxc3: You exchange the knight and double White's pawns. Stockfish finds d6 slightly better.
7.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn and strengthens d4.
7…b6: You attack the advanced pawn on c5.
8.cxb6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: after the exchange White no longer has an advantage.
8…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file for your rook against a2.
9.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers e5.
9…Ba3: You trade off White's good bishop on c1; Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
10.Bg5: The bishop attacks your queen on d8 and wants the bishop trade.
10…Be7: The bishop interposes and offers the trade.
11.Bxe7: White trades the dark bishops on e7.
11…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; she stands actively on e7.
12.a4: 12.a4 gains space on the queenside and threatens a5.
12…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
13.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and eyes d7.
13…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
14…d6: 14...d6 attacks the pawn on e5 and opens the centre.
15.exd6: White takes on d6 and opens the d-file.
15…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen – material is level, the position open.

Line 83: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Bc4 Nxc3 7.dxc3 Nc6 8.Bf4 Bxc5 9.Qg4 g5 10.Bxg5 Rg8 11.h4 h6 12.Bxd8 Rxg4 13.Be2 Rxg2 14.Bxc7 b5 15.Bd6 Bxd6

up to 5…e6 as line 82

6.Bc4: White develops the bishop and eyes d5.
6…Nxc3: You exchange the knight before White puts pressure on d5.
7.dxc3: White recaptures with the d-pawn and opens lines for his pieces.
7…Nc6: The knight attacks e5.
8.Bf4: White covers e5 with the bishop.
8…Bxc5: You take the pawn on c5 – the advanced pawn was unprotected.
9.Qg4: The queen attacks g7.
9…g5: A counter-attack: the pawn attacks the bishop on f4.
10.Bxg5: White takes the pawn.
10…Rg8: The rook pins the bishop on g5 to the queen on g4. Stockfish expects h4 h6 Bxd8 Rxg4 – the position is equal.
11.h4: 11.h4 supports the bishop on g5 and keeps up the pressure.
11…h6: h6 attacks the bishop on g5 and gains time for your development.
12.Bxd8: White takes your queen – a queen trade in the middle of the melee.
12…Rxg4: You take White's queen on g4 back – material is level.
13.Be2: The bishop attacks your rook on g4.
13…Rxg2: You take the pawn on g2 and put the rook on the second rank.
14.Bxc7: White takes the pawn on c7 and wins material back.
14…b5: 14...b5 attacks the bishop on c4 and gains time.
15.Bd6: The bishop attacks your bishop on c5.
15…Bxd6: You trade on d6 – an open endgame.

Line 84: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Bc4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 d5 8.cxd6 cxd6 9.Qe2 Nd7 10.Nf3 Be7 11.exd6 Bxd6 12.a4 O-O 13.O-O b6 14.Bxe6 Bb7 15.Bh3 Qc7

up to 6…Nxc3 as line 83

7.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn; according to Stockfish less accurate than dxc3.
7…d5: The pawn attacks the bishop on c4; Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
8.cxd6: White takes en passant and opens the lines – the pawn structure changes.
8…cxd6: You recapture with the c-pawn and open the c-file.
9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers e5.
9…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
10.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers e5.
10…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and prepares castling.
11.exd6: White takes on d6 and opens the d-file.
11…Bxd6: You recapture with the bishop; it stands actively on d6.
12.a4: 12.a4 gains space on the queenside.
12…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
13…b6: 13...b6 prepares the bishop on b7.
14.Bxe6: White takes the pawn on e6 and opens the position in front of your king.
14…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 and attacks the knight on f3.
15.Bh3: The bishop retreats to h3.
15…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes h2.

Line 85: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nxd5 exd5 7.d4 d6 8.cxd6 cxd6 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.Bd3 dxe5 11.Nxe5 Bd6 12.O-O O-O 13.Bf4 Qf6 14.Bg3 Nxd4 15.Bxh7 Kxh7

up to 5…e6 as line 84

6.Nxd5: White exchanges the knight immediately.
6…exd5: You recapture and have a pawn on d5 in the centre.
7.d4: White has space on the queenside, you a pawn on d5 in the centre. Stockfish sees equality.
7…d6: The lever against the pawn on c5: White's centre is under attack.
8.cxd6: White takes on d6 and opens the position for his pieces.
8…cxd6: You recapture and attack e5.
9.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
9…Nc6: The knight increases the pressure on d4 and e5.
10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes h7.
10…dxe5: You exchange on e5; Stockfish sees the position as equal.
11.Nxe5: White recaptures on e5 and stands centrally.
11…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and attacks the knight on e5.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
12…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers the knight on e5.
13…Qf6: The queen goes to f6 and attacks the bishop on f4 and the knight on e5.
14.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3 and covers e5.
14…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4 – a pawn up.
15.Bxh7: White takes on h7 with check and wins the pawn back.
15…Kxh7: You recapture with the king – level.

Line 86: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Bc4 e6 6.Nc3

up to 4…Nd5 as line 85

5.Bc4: White attacks the knight on d5 with the bishop.
5…e6: The pawn covers the knight and opens the bishop on f8 against c5.
6.Nc3: Transposition to the line with Nc3 e6 Bc4. (transposition)

Line 87: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Bc4 e6 6.d4 b6 7.cxb6 axb6 8.Nf3 Ba6 9.b3 Bb4 10.Bd2 Bxd2 11.Qxd2 Bb7 12.O-O O-O 13.Nc3 Nxc3 14.Qxc3 Nc6 15.a4 Qe7

up to 5…e6 as line 86

6.d4: White supports c5 and e5. With …b6 you attack the pawn chain from the front.
6…b6: You attack the pawn on c5 and want to dissolve it.
7.cxb6: White exchanges, but according to Stockfish gives up his advantage.
7…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file.
8.Nf3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – you now stand better.
8…Ba6: You trade off the strong bishop on c4, which aims at your knight and at e6.
9.b3: 9.b3 supports c4 against your bishop on a6 – otherwise it takes the pawn.
9…Bb4: The bishop gives check on b4 and offers a trade.
10.Bd2: The bishop interposes and offers to trade the dark bishops.
10…Bxd2: You trade the bishop for the bishop on d2 – your dark squares stay safe because the pawns stand on e6 and d6.
11.Qxd2: The queen recaptures and covers d4 – White has the centre, you the better squares.
11…Bb7: The bishop returns to b7 onto the long diagonal.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
12…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
13.Nc3: The knight attacks your knight on d5 and wants to trade it.
13…Nxc3: You trade on c3 – without the knight White controls d5 less.
14.Qxc3: The queen recaptures on c3 and stands on the long diagonal against g7.
14…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4.
15.a4: 15.a4 gains space and threatens a5 against your pawn on b6.
15…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 – you stand slightly better. Stockfish: level (-0.17).

Line 88: 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Bc4 e6 6.d4 b6 7.cxb6 axb6 8.Ne2 Bb4 9.Bd2 Bxd2 10.Qxd2 Ne7 11.Nbc3 O-O 12.O-O d5 13.exd6 Qxd6 14.Rfd1 Ba6 15.Ne4 Qc6

up to 7…axb6 as line 87

8.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and leaves the f-pawn free.
8…Bb4: The bishop develops actively with check.
9.Bd2: The bishop interposes and offers to trade the dark bishops.
9…Bxd2: You trade the bishop for the bishop on d2 – your dark squares stay safe because the pawns stand on e6 and d6.
10.Qxd2: The queen recaptures and covers d4 – White has the centre, you the better squares.
10…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and on to f5 or c6.
11.Nbc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers e4 and d5.
11…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
12…d5: 12...d5 attacks the bishop on c4 and blows up the centre.
13.exd6: White takes en passant and opens the lines – your pieces get more room.
13…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen; she stands actively on d6.
14.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 against your queen on the open d-file.
14…Ba6: The bishop attacks the bishop on c4 and offers a trade.
15.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks your queen.
15…Qc6: The queen goes to c6 and attacks the bishop on c4 and the knight on e4 – level.

Line 89: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.dxc3 d6 5.Nf3 dxe5 6.Qxd8 Kxd8 7.Nxe5 Ke8 8.Bc4 e6 9.Be3 Bd6 10.Nf3 b6 11.a4 Bb7 12.a5 Nd7 13.Be2 Ke7 14.O-O h6 15.Nd4 a6

up to 2…Nd5 as line 88

3.Nc3: White attacks the knight with a piece instead of a pawn – according to Stockfish a large part of the advantage is gone.
3…Nxc3: You exchange the knight and double White's pawns if he recaptures with the b-pawn.
4.dxc3: White recaptures with the d-pawn and opens lines for his pieces.
4…d6: Again the attack on e5.
5.Nf3: White develops quickly. After the trade on e5 it often goes into an endgame without queens.
5…dxe5: You exchange and offer a queen trade. Stockfish prefers Nc6; the difference is small.
6.Qxd8: White offers the queen trade. After the king recaptures it stands safely without queens.
6…Kxd8: The king recaptures. With the queens off it is safe in the centre.
7.Nxe5: White wins the pawn back. The endgame is level; your king returns to e8.
7…Ke8: The king goes back to e8 and makes room for the pieces.
8.Bc4: White aims at f7; according to Stockfish Nc4 is slightly more accurate.
8…e6: The pawn closes the diagonal to f7.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and stands in front of the king – without queens that is safe.
9…Bd6: The bishop attacks the knight on e5; the position is equal.
10.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3 and covers d4 and e5.
10…b6: 10...b6 prepares the bishop on b7 on the long diagonal.
11.a4: 11.a4 gains space and threatens a5 against b6.
11…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 and attacks the knight on f3.
12.a5: 12.a5 attacks your pawn on b6 and wants to open the a-file.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers b6 and c5.
13.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
13…Ke7: The king goes to e7 – in the endgame it stands well.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
14…h6: 14...h6 takes g5 from the knight and gives the king air.
15.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and eyes b5 and e6.
15…a6: 15...a6 takes b5 from the knight – level.

Line 90: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.dxc3 d6 5.Nf3 dxe5 6.Qxd8 Kxd8 7.Nxe5 Ke8 8.Bc4 e6 9.Bf4 Bd6 10.Nd3 Nc6 11.a4 b6 12.Bb5 Bd7 13.O-O-O a6 14.Bxd6 cxd6 15.Bxc6 Bxc6

up to 8…e6 as line 89

9.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes c7.
9…Bd6: The bishop challenges the knight on e5, which the bishop on f4 supports. Stockfish rates the position as level.
10.Nd3: The knight goes to d3 and covers c5 and e5.
10…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and eyes d4 and b4.
11.a4: 11.a4 gains space on the queenside.
11…b6: 11...b6 prepares the bishop on b7.
12.Bb5: The bishop pins the knight on c6 to your king.
12…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and breaks the pin.
13.O-O-O: White castles long and brings the rook to the d-file.
13…a6: 13...a6 asks the bishop whether it trades.
14.Bxd6: White trades on d6 and takes your bishop.
14…cxd6: You recapture with the c-pawn and open the c-file.
15.Bxc6: White trades on c6 and gives up the bishop pair.
15…Bxc6: You recapture: your bishop faces the knight on d3, and the position is level.

Line 91: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.dxc3 d6 5.Bf4 Nc6 6.Nf3 dxe5 7.Qxd8 Nxd8 8.Bxe5 c6 9.h4 f6 10.Bg3 h5 11.Bd3 e5 12.O-O-O Be6 13.Nd2 Nf7 14.a4 O-O-O 15.f3 b6

up to 4…d6 as line 90

5.Bf4: White covers e5 with the bishop.
5…Nc6: Another attacker against e5.
6.Nf3: White covers e5 once more. With the trade on e5 you force the queen trade.
6…dxe5: You exchange on e5 and offer a queen trade.
7.Qxd8: White trades queens – in the endgame your king stands well in the centre.
7…Nxd8: The knight recaptures the queen, and your king stays on e8.
8.Bxe5: The bishop takes the pawn on e5 and stands centrally.
8…c6: The pawn leaves c7, where the bishop on e5 was attacking it, and controls d5 and b5 – the endgame is equal.
9.h4: 9.h4 gains space on the kingside and prepares h5.
9…f6: 9...f6 drives the bishop from e5.
10.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3.
10…h5: 10...h5 stops the push h5 and keeps the kingside closed.
11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes g6.
11…e5: 11...e5 builds a centre and opens your bishop on f8.
12.O-O-O: White castles long and brings the rook to the d-file.
12…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5.
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to e4.
13…Nf7: The knight goes to f7 and covers d6 and e5.
14.a4: 14.a4 gains space on the queenside.
14…O-O-O: You castle long and set your rook against the rook on d1.
15.f3: 15.f3 covers e4 and g4 against your pieces.
15…b6: 15...b6 gives your king air – level.

Line 92: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.dxc3 d6 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.Nf3 dxe5 7.Qxd8 Nxd8 8.Nxe5 f6 9.Nd3 e5 10.Bb5 c6 11.Bc4 Be6 12.Bxe6 Nxe6 13.a4 Kf7 14.f3 h5 15.Be3 Be7

up to 4…d6 as line 91

5.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7. You keep playing against e5.
5…Nc6: The knight attacks e5.
6.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
6…dxe5: You exchange on e5.
7.Qxd8: According to Stockfish the queen trade is inaccurate – afterwards you stand better.
7…Nxd8: The knight recaptures the queen.
8.Nxe5: The knight takes the pawn on e5 and stands centrally.
8…f6: You drive the knight away from e5.
9.Nd3: The knight retreats to d3 and covers c5 and e5.
9…e5: The pawn occupies the centre; Stockfish sees you ahead.
10.Bb5: The bishop gives check on b5 and disturbs your development.
10…c6: 10...c6 attacks the bishop and gains time.
11.Bc4: The bishop retreats to c4 and eyes g8.
11…Be6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on c4.
12.Bxe6: White trades on e6 and gives up the good bishop.
12…Nxe6: You recapture with the knight; it stands strongly on e6.
13.a4: 13.a4 gains space on the queenside.
13…Kf7: The king goes to f7 – in the endgame it stands well there.
14.f3: 14.f3 covers e4 and g4 against your pieces.
14…h5: 14...h5 gains space on the kingside.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
15…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and connects the rooks – you stand better.

Line 93: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.dxc3 d6 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.Nf3 dxe5 7.Qe2 f6 8.Be3 e6 9.Nd2 Bd6 10.Qh5 g6 11.Qe2 Ne7 12.O-O-O Nf5 13.Ne4 Nxe3 14.fxe3 O-O 15.h4 Rb8

up to 6…dxe5 as line 92

7.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers the pawn on e5 – she avoids the queen trade.
7…f6: You support the pawn on e5 and prepare e6.
8.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and prepares castling long.
8…e6: 8...e6 opens the bishop on f8 and covers d5.
9.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks e5.
9…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and covers e5.
10.Qh5: The queen gives check on h5 and lures your g-pawn forward.
10…g6: 10...g6 blocks the check and attacks the queen.
11.Qe2: The queen retreats to e2.
11…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and on to f5.
12.O-O-O: White castles long and brings the rook to the d-file.
12…Nf5: The knight attacks the bishop on e3 and wants to trade it.
13.Ne4: The knight attacks your bishop on d6.
13…Nxe3: You trade on e3 and give White doubled pawns.
14.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn and opens the f-file.
14…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
15.h4: 15.h4 attacks on the kingside – the kings stand on opposite sides.
15…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5 against White's king.

Line 94: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.bxc3 d6 5.f4 g6 6.Nf3 Bg7 7.d4 O-O 8.Bd3 c5 9.O-O dxe5 10.dxe5 Bf5 11.Be3 Bxd3 12.cxd3 Qd5 13.Qb3 Qxd3 14.Bxc5 Qd7 15.Rad1 Qc7

up to 3…Nxc3 as line 93

4.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn towards the centre; according to Stockfish he gives up his advantage.
4…d6: The attack on e5. Stockfish finds e6 marginally better.
5.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
5…g6: The bishop is to go to g7 and press on e5. Stockfish prefers c5.
6.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
6…Bg7: The bishop on the long diagonal.
7.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
7…O-O: You castle. Stockfish prefers the immediate dxe5.
8.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes g6.
8…c5: Another attack on White's centre.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
9…dxe5: You exchange on e5 and open the centre for your pieces.
10.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn and has a pawn on e5.
10…Bf5: The bishop attacks the bishop on d3 and offers a trade.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the pawn on c5.
11…Bxd3: You trade on d3 and give White a doubled pawn.
12.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn and has a doubled pawn on d3.
12…Qd5: The queen goes to d5 and attacks the knight on f3 and the pawn on d3.
13.Qb3: The queen attacks your queen and offers a trade.
13…Qxd3: You take the pawn on d3 – a pawn up.
14.Bxc5: White takes back the pawn on c5 – material is level.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and avoids the rook.
15.Rad1: The rook attacks your queen and gains time.
15…Qc7: The queen attacks the bishop on c5 – level.

Line 95: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.bxc3 d6 5.f4 g6 6.d4 Bg7 7.Bd3 dxe5 8.dxe5 Nd7 9.Nf3 Nc5 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.Qe2 c6 12.Bc4 O-O 13.O-O b5 14.Be3 Na4 15.Bb3 Nxc3

up to 5…g6 as line 94

6.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
6…Bg7: The bishop to g7 – pressure on d4 and e5.
7.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes g6.
7…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the d-file.
8.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn and keeps the pawn on e5.
8…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
9.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
9…Nc5: The knight attacks the bishop on d3 and wants to trade it.
10.Bb5: The bishop gives check on b5 and disturbs your development.
10…Bd7: The bishop interposes and offers a trade.
11.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and connects the pieces.
11…c6: 11...c6 attacks the bishop and gains time.
12.Bc4: The bishop retreats to c4.
12…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
13…b5: 13...b5 attacks the bishop on c4 and gains space.
14.Be3: The bishop attacks your knight on c5.
14…Na4: The knight jumps to a4 and attacks c3.
15.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3.
15…Nxc3: You take the pawn on c3 – level.

Line 96: 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 Nxc3 4.bxc3 d6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Bb5 c6 7.Bc4 Bg7 8.exd6 Qxd6 9.d4 Be6 10.Bxe6 Qxe6 11.Qe2 Qxe2 12.Kxe2 Nd7 13.a4 c5 14.a5 O-O 15.Be3 Rac8

up to 4…d6 as line 95

5.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
5…g6: The fianchetto plan; Stockfish sees equality.
6.Bb5: The bishop gives check on b5 and disturbs your development.
6…c6: 6...c6 attacks the bishop and gains time.
7.Bc4: The bishop retreats to c4 and eyes f7.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 onto the long diagonal and presses on e5 and c3.
8.exd6: White trades on d6 and opens the centre.
8…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen; she stands actively.
9.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
9…Be6: The bishop offers a trade against the bishop on c4.
10.Bxe6: White trades on e6 and simplifies.
10…Qxe6: The queen recaptures with check and stands actively.
11.Qe2: The queen interposes and offers a queen trade.
11…Qxe2: You trade queens – a quiet endgame.
12.Kxe2: The king recaptures and stands in the centre.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to b6 or f6.
13.a4: 13.a4 gains space on the queenside.
13…c5: 13...c5 attacks the pawn on d4 and opens the c-file.
14.a5: 14.a5 gains more space on the queenside.
14…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
15…Rac8: The rook goes to c8 onto the c-file – level.

Chapter 2: 2.Nc3

Line 97: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.f4 e6 5.Nf3 c5 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.O-O O-O 9.d3 a6 10.a4 Rb8 11.Qe2 b5 12.axb5 axb5 13.Nd1 Qc7 14.Re1 Nb6 15.Nf2 Bd7

2.Nc3: White covers e4 with the knight instead of playing e5. According to Stockfish this is harmless – almost the whole advantage is gone.
2…d5: The Scandinavian Variation: you attack e4 at once with the pawn. Stockfish considers e5 slightly better.
3.e5: White attacks the knight.
3…Nfd7: The knight retreats to d7; a structure like the French Defense arises. Stockfish prefers the sharp d4.
4.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
4…e6: The French set-up: e6 supports d5. Stockfish finds d4 better.
5.Nf3: A French set-up. With …c5 you attack White's centre.
5…c5: The lever against d4 – typical for this structure.
6.g3: White plans the bishop to g2 instead of d4 – according to Stockfish he loses his advantage with it.
6…Nc6: Development with control of d4.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 onto the long diagonal.
7…Be7: The bishop to e7 so that you can castle.
8.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
8…O-O: You castle. Stockfish names Rb8 as slightly better.
9.d3: 9.d3 supports e4 – White plays quietly.
9…a6: 9...a6 prepares b5 – your play is on the queenside.
10.a4: 10.a4 prevents b5 and keeps the queenside closed.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
11.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and connects the rooks.
11…b5: 11...b5 opens the queenside for your rooks.
12.axb5: White takes on b5 and opens the a-file.
12…axb5: You recapture and have the half-open a-file.
13.Nd1: The knight goes to d1 and on to f2 or e3.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes e5.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and supports e4.
14…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and on to c4 or d5.
15.Nf2: The knight goes to f2 and covers e4.
15…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and connects the rooks – level.

Line 98: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.d4 c5 5.f4 cxd4 6.Nb5 Nc6 7.Nf3 Ndb8 8.Nbxd4 Bg4 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Nxf3 e6 11.Bd3 Qb6 12.c3 Nd7 13.Qe2 a5 14.Kf1 Be7 15.g3 a4

up to 3…Nfd7 as line 97

4.d4: As in the French: White supports e5. With …c5 you attack d4.
4…c5: The lever against d4 – Stockfish's best move.
5.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn. After the trade on d4 the c-file opens.
5…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the c-file.
6.Nb5: The knight attacks d4 and aims at d6 and c7.
6…Nc6: The knight covers d4.
7.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
7…Ndb8: An unusual retreat: the knight goes from d7 back to b8 and covers c6 and d7 from there. Stockfish prefers Qa5.
8.Nbxd4: The knight takes back the pawn on d4 and stands centrally.
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers d4.
9.h3: 9.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade.
9…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and take away one of White's defenders.
10.Nxf3: White recaptures with the knight.
10…e6: 10...e6 opens the bishop on f8 and covers d5.
11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes h7.
11…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on b2.
12.c3: 12.c3 covers the pawns on b2 and d4 against your queen.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers e5.
13…a5: 13...a5 gains space on the queenside.
14.Kf1: The king goes to f1 – an artificial castling.
14…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and prepares castling.
15.g3: 15.g3 gives the king a safe square on g2.
15…a4: 15...a4 gains space on the queenside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.32).

Line 99: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.d4 c5 5.e6 fxe6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.dxc5 g6 8.h4 Bg7 9.Be3 Bxc3 10.bxc3 Qa5 11.Qd2 e5 12.Rb1 Qxa2 13.Qc1 Qa5 14.Qd2 Qa2

up to 4…c5 as line 98

5.e6: A pawn sacrifice: White wants to disrupt your pawn structure.
5…fxe6: You take the pawn – Stockfish sees equality.
6.Nf3: White has sacrificed a pawn. Stockfish sees the position as level.
6…Nc6: The knight joins the game and attacks d4. Stockfish prefers g6.
7.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
7…g6: The bishop is to go to g7 and press on c3 and e5.
8.h4: 8.h4 attacks on the kingside and wants to play h5.
8…Bg7: The bishop on the long diagonal – Stockfish sees equality.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers c5.
9…Bxc3: You trade on c3 and give White doubled pawns.
10.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn and has doubled pawns.
10…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks the pawn on c3.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and covers c3.
11…e5: 11...e5 builds a centre and takes squares from the bishop on e3.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and eyes b7.
12…Qxa2: You take the pawn on a2 – a pawn up.
13.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and covers b2.
13…Qa5: The queen goes back to a5 and attacks c3.
14.Qd2: The queen returns to d2 and covers c3.
14…Qa2: The queen takes a2 again – the position repeats. (transposition)

Line 100: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.d4 c5 5.e6 fxe6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Bb5 g6 8.dxc5 Bg7 9.Be3 a6 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Qd2 Rb8 12.Bh6 Bf6 13.Na4 Rb5 14.Rc1 Nxc5 15.Nxc5 Rxc5

up to 6…Nc6 as line 99

7.Bb5: According to Stockfish a mistake – you now stand better.
7…g6: The bishop comes to g7; Stockfish sees you ahead.
8.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
8…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks the knight on c3.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers c5.
9…a6: 9...a6 asks the bishop whether it trades.
10.Bxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you the bishop pair.
10…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn and open the b-file.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares bishop to h6.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 onto the open b-file.
12.Bh6: The bishop attacks your bishop on g7.
12…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and avoids the trade.
13.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and covers c5.
13…Rb5: The rook goes to b5 and attacks c5.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c5.
14…Nxc5: You take the pawn on c5 – material is level.
15.Nxc5: White trades on c5 and simplifies.
15…Rxc5: You recapture with the rook – the position is level.

Line 101: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.d4 c5 5.e6 fxe6 6.dxc5 Nc6 7.Nf3

up to 5…fxe6 as line 100

6.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
6…Nc6: The knight attacks e5. Stockfish names g6 as about equal.
7.Nf3: Transposition to the line with Nf3 Nc6 dxc5. (transposition)

Line 102: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.d4 c5 5.e6 fxe6 6.Bd3 g6 7.dxc5 Bg7 8.h4 Nxc5 9.h5 Qa5 10.hxg6 Bxc3 11.bxc3 Qxc3 12.Bd2 Nxd3 13.cxd3 Qe5 14.Kf1 hxg6 15.Bc3 d4

up to 5…fxe6 as line 101

6.Bd3: A mistake: afterwards Stockfish sees you noticeably better.
6…g6: The bishop comes to g7 and presses on the weakened centre.
7.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks the knight on c3.
8.h4: 8.h4 attacks on the kingside and sacrifices pawns for lines.
8…Nxc5: You take the pawn on c5 and attack the bishop on d3.
9.h5: 9.h5 pushes the attack and opens the h-file.
9…Qa5: The queen attacks the knight on c3.
10.hxg6: White takes on g6 and opens the h-file.
10…Bxc3: You trade on c3 and attack the king.
11.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn and leaves c3 weak.
11…Qxc3: You take the pawn on c3 with check.
12.Bd2: The bishop interposes and attacks your queen.
12…Nxd3: You take on d3 and win material.
13.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn – you are ahead in material.
13…Qe5: The queen goes to e5 with check and covers g7.
14.Kf1: The king goes to f1 out of check.
14…hxg6: You take on g6 and close the h-file.
15.Bc3: The bishop attacks your queen and gains time.
15…d4: 15...d4 blocks the bishop – you stand better. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.54).

Line 103: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.d4 c5 5.Nxd5 cxd4 6.e6 Qa5 7.c3 Qxd5 8.exd7 Bxd7 9.Qxd4 Qxd4 10.cxd4 Nc6 11.Be3 Nb4 12.Kd2 Bc6 13.Nf3 f6 14.h4 Nd5 15.Bd3 e6

up to 4…c5 as line 102

5.Nxd5: White takes the pawn on d5 – but the knight stands shakily there.
5…cxd4: You capture on d4. Stockfish shows e6 Qa5+ with an attack on the knight on d5 – you stand better.
6.e6: 6.e6 attacks your knight on d7 and wants to tear your position open.
6…Qa5: The queen gives check on a5 and attacks the knight on d5.
7.c3: 7.c3 blocks the check and covers d4.
7…Qxd5: You take the knight on d5 – a pawn up.
8.exd7: White takes d7 with check and wins the piece back.
8…Bxd7: You recapture and develop the bishop.
9.Qxd4: The queen takes d4 and offers a trade.
9…Qxd4: You trade queens and go into the endgame.
10.cxd4: White recaptures with the pawn and has an isolated pawn on d4.
10…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks d4.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
11…Nb4: The knight goes to b4 and eyes c2 and d5.
12.Kd2: The king goes to d2 and covers c2.
12…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 onto the long diagonal.
13.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers d4.
13…f6: 13...f6 covers e5 and holds the centre.
14.h4: 14.h4 gains space on the kingside.
14…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3.
15.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and connects the rooks.
15…e6: 15...e6 supports the knight on d5 – you stand better. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.39).

Line 104: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.e6 fxe6 5.d4 c5

up to 3…Nfd7 as line 103

4.e6: The Spielmann Gambit: White sacrifices a pawn to disrupt your structure.
4…fxe6: You take the pawn; Stockfish sees equality.
5.d4: A pawn sacrifice: White disturbs your development. Stockfish sees equality.
5…c5: The lever against d4 – transposition to the line with d4 c5 e6 fxe6. (transposition)

Line 105: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.Nxd5 Nxe5 5.Ne3 c5 6.b3 g6 7.Bb2 Bg7 8.Nc4 Nbc6 9.f4 Bg4 10.Be2 Bxe2 11.Nxe2 Nxc4 12.Bxg7 Rg8 13.Bc3 Nd6 14.d3 Qb6 15.a4 h5

up to 3…Nfd7 as line 104

4.Nxd5: White takes the pawn on d5, but the pawn on e5 is now weak.
4…Nxe5: You win the pawn back; Stockfish sees equality.
5.Ne3: White has won the pawn back. The position is level.
5…c5: The c-pawn gains space and controls d4.
6.b3: 6.b3 prepares the bishop on b2 against your knight on e5.
6…g6: The bishop comes to g7; the position is level.
7.Bb2: The bishop attacks your knight on e5.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 onto the long diagonal and presses on e5 and c3.
8.Nc4: The knight attacks your knight on e5.
8…Nbc6: The knight comes to c6 and covers the knight on e5.
9.f4: 9.f4 attacks the knight on e5 and gains space.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the queen on d1 and gains time.
10.Be2: The bishop interposes and covers the queen.
10…Bxe2: You trade on e2 and take White's bishop.
11.Nxe2: White recaptures with the knight.
11…Nxc4: You take the knight on c4 and attack the bishop on b2.
12.Bxg7: White takes the bishop on g7 and attacks the rook on h8.
12…Rg8: The rook attacks the bishop on g7.
13.Bc3: The bishop retreats to c3.
13…Nd6: The knight goes to d6 and covers e4 and f5.
14.d3: 14.d3 supports e4 and opens the bishop on c1.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and eyes b3 and f2.
15.a4: 15.a4 gains space on the queenside.
15…h5: 15...h5 gains space on the kingside.

Line 106: 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Nfd7 4.Nxd5 Nxe5 5.Ne3 c5 6.Nf3 Nxf3 7.Qxf3 Nc6 8.b3 Bd7 9.Bb2 Qc7 10.Nd5 Qd6 11.Ne3 Qc7

up to 5…c5 as line 105

6.Nf3: The knight attacks your knight on e5.
6…Nxf3: You exchange the knight; the position is equal.
7.Qxf3: The queen recaptures on f3 and eyes b7.
7…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and covers b7.
8.b3: 8.b3 prepares the bishop on b2.
8…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 onto the long diagonal.
9…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes h2.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks your queen.
10…Qd6: The queen steps aside to d6 and attacks the knight.
11.Ne3: The knight returns to e3.
11…Qc7: The queen returns – repetition. Stockfish: level (0). (transposition)

Line 107: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bf5 7.d4 e6 8.O-O Be7 9.Re1 Na5 10.Ne4 O-O 11.h3 c6 12.c3 Nxb3 13.axb3 Nd5 14.Ng3 Bg6 15.Ne5 a5

up to 2…d5 as line 106

3.exd5: White exchanges on d5.
3…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and stands centrally.
4.Bc4: White attacks the knight on d5. Retreating to b6 keeps it safe.
4…Nb6: The knight avoids the bishop. Stockfish prefers e6.
5.Bb3: The bishop stays on the diagonal towards f7. You develop with the knight to c6 or with …e6.
5…Nc6: Development with an eye on d4 and a5. Stockfish suggests e6.
6.Nf3: White develops. Your knight can trade the bishop on b3 via a5.
6…Bf5: The bishop comes out actively to f5 before you play e6.
7.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
7…e6: The pawn opens the bishop on f8.
8.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
8…Be7: The bishop to e7 so that you can castle.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and supports the pawn on e5.
9…Na5: The knight hunts the bishop on b3 – the bishop pair would be yours.
10.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and eyes d6 and c5.
10…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
11.h3: 11.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces.
11…c6: 11...c6 supports the pawn on d5.
12.c3: 12.c3 supports the pawn on d4.
12…Nxb3: You trade on b3 and take White's bishop aiming at f7 – in return the a-file opens.
13.axb3: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the rook on a1 gets the half-open a-file.
13…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – an ideal square in front of d4.
14.Ng3: The knight attacks your bishop on f5.
14…Bg6: The bishop goes to g6 and stays on the diagonal.
15.Ne5: The knight attacks the bishop on g6 and wants to trade it.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space on the queenside.

Line 108: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bf5 7.O-O e6 8.d4

up to 6…Bf5 as line 107

7.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens. Stockfish: level (+0.08).
7…e6: The pawn opens the bishop on f8; then Be7 and castling.
8.d4: Transposition to the line with d4 e6 O-O. (transposition)

Line 109: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bf5 7.a4 Na5 8.Ba2 e6 9.d4 c5 10.Bg5 Be7 11.Bxe7 Qxe7 12.dxc5 Rd8 13.Qe2 Qxc5 14.Qb5 Qxb5 15.axb5 Bxc2

up to 6…Bf5 as line 108

7.a4: 7.a4 threatens a5 against your knight on b6.
7…Na5: The knight attacks the bishop on b3.
8.Ba2: The bishop retreats to a2.
8…e6: 8...e6 opens the bishop on f8 and covers d5.
9.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
9…c5: 9...c5 attacks the pawn on d4.
10.Bg5: The bishop attacks your queen on d8.
10…Be7: The bishop interposes and offers the trade.
11.Bxe7: White trades on e7.
11…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; she stands actively.
12.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 and attacks the queen on d1.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 off the d-file.
13…Qxc5: You take back the pawn on c5.
14.Qb5: The queen offers a queen trade on b5.
14…Qxb5: You trade queens.
15.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn.
15…Bxc2: You take the pawn on c2 – a pawn up.

Line 110: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.Qf3 e6 7.Nge2 Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.a3 Bd7 10.Bf4 Nc8 11.O-O-O Nd6 12.d4 Na5 13.Ba2 Nac4 14.Rhe1 Rb8 15.Kb1 b5

up to 5…Nc6 as line 109

6.Qf3: Together with the bishop on b3, the queen aims at f7.
6…e6: The pawn closes the diagonal to f7.
7.Nge2: The queen on f3 aims at f7 – with e6 you have covered the point.
7…Be7: The bishop to e7. Stockfish finds Bd7 slightly more accurate.
8.d3: 8.d3 supports e4 and opens the bishop on c1.
8…O-O: You castle – solid and safe.
9.a3: 9.a3 takes b4 from your knight.
9…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and prepares castling long.
10.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes c7.
10…Nc8: The knight goes to c8 and on to d6.
11.O-O-O: White castles long and brings the rook to the d-file.
11…Nd6: The knight reaches d6 and covers c4 and e4.
12.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
12…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on b3 – you want to get rid of the bishop aiming at f7.
13.Ba2: The bishop retreats to a2.
13…Nac4: The knight jumps to c4 and attacks b2.
14.Rhe1: The rook goes to e1 and supports e4.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
15.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file.
15…b5: 15...b5 attacks on the queenside.

Line 111: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.Qf3 e6 7.Qg3 a5 8.Nb5 Bd6 9.Nxd6 Qxd6 10.Qxg7 Rf8 11.c3 Bd7 12.d4 O-O-O 13.Ne2 Rg8 14.Qh6 a4 15.Bc2 Rxg2

up to 6…e6 as line 110

7.Qg3: The queen goes to g3 and attacks g7.
7…a5: The rook's pawn threatens a4 against the bishop on b3.
8.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks c7.
8…Bd6: The bishop attacks the queen on g3.
9.Nxd6: White trades on d6.
9…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen and attack the queen.
10.Qxg7: The queen takes g7 and attacks the rook on h8.
10…Rf8: The rook goes to f8 and covers f7.
11.c3: 11.c3 supports d4.
11…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and prepares castling long.
12.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
12…O-O-O: You castle long – the rook comes to the g-file.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and covers g3.
13…Rg8: The rook attacks the queen on g7.
14.Qh6: The queen retreats to h6.
14…a4: 14...a4 attacks the bishop on b3.
15.Bc2: The bishop retreats to c2.
15…Rxg2: You take the pawn on g2 – level.

Line 112: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Bc4 Nb6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.a4 Nd4 7.Ba2 e6 8.Ne4 Bd7 9.Bb1 Bc6 10.c3 f5 11.cxd4 fxe4 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qe5 e3 14.f3 Qh4 15.g3 Qe7

up to 5…Nc6 as line 111

6.a4: 6.a4 threatens a5 against your knight on b6.
6…Nd4: The knight jumps into the centre on d4.
7.Ba2: The bishop retreats to a2.
7…e6: 7...e6 opens the bishop on f8 and covers d5.
8.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and eyes d6 and c5.
8…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and on to c6.
9.Bb1: The bishop goes to b1 and eyes h7.
9…Bc6: The bishop attacks the knight on e4.
10.c3: 10.c3 attacks the knight on d4.
10…f5: 10...f5 attacks the knight on e4.
11.cxd4: White takes the knight on d4.
11…fxe4: You take the knight on e4 back.
12.Qh5: The queen gives check on h5.
12…g6: 12...g6 blocks the check.
13.Qe5: The queen attacks the rook on h8.
13…e3: 13...e3 opens lines against White's king.
14.f3: 14.f3 covers the kingside.
14…Qh4: The queen gives check on h4.
15.g3: 15.g3 blocks the check.
15…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 – level. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 113: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Nxd5 Qxd5 5.d4 Nc6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nf3 Bf5 8.dxe5 Qxd1 9.Kxd1 O-O-O 10.Kc1 Re8 11.Bb5 Bd7 12.a4 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Rxe5 14.Bxd7 Kxd7 15.Rd1 Kc8

up to 3…Nxd5 as line 112

4.Nxd5: White exchanges knights – inaccurate according to Stockfish.
4…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and stands strongly in the centre.
5.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
5…Nc6: Pressure on d4.
6.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
6…e5: The central strike against d4. White did not win a single one of these games.
7.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
7…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and eyes c2.
8.dxe5: White takes on e5 and opens the d-file.
8…Qxd1: You trade queens – White cannot castle.
9.Kxd1: The king recaptures and stands in the centre.
9…O-O-O: You castle long with check – the rook stands on the d-file.
10.Kc1: The king goes to c1 out of check.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and attacks e5.
11.Bb5: The bishop pins the knight on c6.
11…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and breaks the pin.
12.a4: 12.a4 gains space on the queenside.
12…Nxe5: You take the pawn on e5 – material is level.
13.Nxe5: White trades on e5.
13…Rxe5: You recapture with the rook.
14.Bxd7: White trades on d7.
14…Kxd7: You recapture with the king.
15.Rd1: The rook gives check on the d-file.
15…Kc8: The king goes to c8 – level. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 114: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Nxd5 Qxd5 5.d4 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.Be2 O-O-O 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Bxe2 10.Qxe2 Qxd4 11.Bg5 Qc5 12.h4 h6 13.Be3 Qf5 14.Bxa7 e6 15.a4 Bd6

up to 5…Nc6 as line 113

6.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
6…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 and increases the pressure on d4.
7.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and covers against the pin.
7…O-O-O: Castling long: the rook comes straight to the d-file against d4.
8.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
8…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4 with the knight.
9.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
9…Bxe2: You trade on e2.
10.Qxe2: The queen recaptures.
10…Qxd4: You take the knight on d4 – a pawn up.
11.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the rook on d8.
11…Qc5: The queen attacks the bishop on g5.
12.h4: 12.h4 supports the bishop on g5.
12…h6: 12...h6 attacks the bishop again.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks your queen.
13…Qf5: The queen goes to f5 and avoids the bishop.
14.Bxa7: White takes the pawn on a7 and wins material back.
14…e6: 14...e6 opens the bishop on f8.
15.a4: 15.a4 gains space on the queenside.
15…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and eyes h2.

Line 115: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Nxd5 Qxd5 5.Qf3 Qc5 6.Qb3 Nc6 7.Nf3 a5 8.a4 e6 9.c3 Qd5 10.Bc4 Qe4 11.Be2 b6 12.Qb5 Bd7 13.O-O Bd6 14.Re1 Ne7 15.Qb3 Qf5

up to 4…Qxd5 as line 114

5.Qf3: White offers a queen trade.
5…Qc5: The queen goes to c5 and attacks c2.
6.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and covers c2 and eyes b7.
6…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and covers b7.
7.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
7…a5: 7...a5 gains space and threatens a4.
8.a4: 8.a4 stops the pawn on a5.
8…e6: 8...e6 opens the bishop on f8.
9.c3: 9.c3 supports d4.
9…Qd5: The queen goes to d5 and offers a queen trade.
10.Bc4: The bishop attacks your queen and gains time.
10…Qe4: The queen gives check on e4.
11.Be2: The bishop interposes.
11…b6: 11...b6 prepares the bishop on b7.
12.Qb5: The queen goes to b5 and attacks the knight on c6.
12…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers the knight on c6.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
13…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and eyes h2.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1 against your queen.
14…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and covers d5 and f5.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and eyes b6 and f7.
15…Qf5: The queen goes to f5 and attacks the knight on f3.

Line 116: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Nxd5 Qxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.d4

up to 4…Qxd5 as line 115

5.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
5…Nc6: Development; afterwards Bg4 presses on the knight on f3.
6.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5. Stockfish: level (-0.02). (transposition)

Line 117: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.d4 Bf5 5.Nf3 Nb4 6.Bb5 c6 7.Ba4 e6 8.Qe2 Be7 9.O-O a5 10.a3 O-O 11.Re1 Nd7 12.Bb3 Nd5 13.Nxd5 cxd5 14.Bxd5 exd5 15.Qxe7 Qb6

up to 3…Nxd5 as line 116

4.d4: White takes the centre, but Stockfish finds it slightly inaccurate – you can trade on c3.
4…Bf5: The bishop comes out actively to f5. Stockfish prefers Nxc3.
5.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and covers the pawn on e5 – the most natural development.
5…Nb4: The knight goes to b4 and attacks c2.
6.Bb5: The bishop gives check on b5 and disturbs your development.
6…c6: 6...c6 blocks the check and attacks the bishop.
7.Ba4: The bishop retreats to a4 and keeps the pin.
7…e6: 7...e6 opens the bishop on f8.
8.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers c2.
8…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and prepares castling.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
9…a5: 9...a5 supports the knight on b4.
10.a3: 10.a3 attacks the knight on b4.
10…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and supports e5.
11…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers e5.
12.Bb3: The bishop goes to b3 and eyes e6.
12…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and offers a trade.
13.Nxd5: White trades on d5.
13…cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn.
14.Bxd5: White takes the pawn on d5.
14…exd5: You take back the bishop on d5.
15.Qxe7: The queen takes the bishop on e7.
15…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4.

Line 118: 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.h3 Bh5 6.d4 e6 7.g4 Bg6 8.Bg2 Nd7 9.O-O Be7 10.Ne2 b5 11.a4 b4 12.c4 bxc3 13.bxc3 O-O 14.Nf4 Nxc3 15.Qb3 Nd5

up to 3…Nxd5 as line 117

4.Nf3: White develops quietly. Your knight on d5 stands centrally.
4…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3. Stockfish prefers Bf5.
5.h3: 5.h3 attacks the bishop on g4.
5…Bh5: The bishop goes to h5 and keeps the pin.
6.d4: d4 builds the centre and supports the pawn on e5.
6…e6: 6...e6 opens the bishop on f8.
7.g4: 7.g4 attacks the bishop on h5.
7…Bg6: The bishop goes to g6 and stays active.
8.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 onto the long diagonal.
8…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers e5.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety before the centre opens.
9…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and prepares castling.
10.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and on to f4.
10…b5: 10...b5 gains space on the queenside.
11.a4: 11.a4 attacks the pawn on b5.
11…b4: 11...b4 gains space and keeps the queenside closed.
12.c4: 12.c4 attacks your knight on d5.
12…bxc3: You take en passant and open the c-file.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
13…O-O: You castle – behind the bishop on g7 your king is safe, and the rook on f8 can go to d8 or e8.
14.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks your bishop.
14…Nxc3: You take the pawn on c3 – a pawn up.
15.Qb3: The queen attacks your knight on c3.
15…Nd5: The knight goes back to d5 and covers everything.