The English Opening with 1…e5 for Black – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.c4 e5

After 1.c4 you answer 1...e5 and play a Sicilian Defense with reversed colours – except that White has an extra tempo. That is exactly what makes the setup pleasant for you: you place your pieces clearly and actively and need not fear sharp theory. The course is for club players who want a solid but active repertoire with clear plans against the English. The main idea is the setup with Nf6, Nc6 and d5: after the exchange on d5 you retreat the knight to b6, put the bishop on e7, castle and support the pawn on e5 with Be6 and f6 – a reversed Dragon. White usually attacks on the queenside with a3, b4 and Rb1; you answer with a5 and a knight on d4. White's main roads are 2.Nc3 (in 72 % of the games) and 2.g3; after 2...Nf6 3.Nf3 3...Nc6 mostly 4.g3, 4.e3, 4.d4, 4.d3, 4.a3 and 4.e4 follow. Against 4.e3 and 4.e4 you play Bb4, against 4.d4 you capture and pin with Bb4, against 4.a3 you choose the kingside fianchetto with g6.

The ideas

In the reversed Dragon you hold the pawn on e5 with Be6 and f6 – your centre is safe and White's bishop on g2 bites on granite.
Against the advance b4-b5 you play a5: after b5 the square d4 becomes free for your knight Nd4, which stands very well there.
If White exchanges on d4, you recapture with the pawn exd4: the pawn on d4 cramps White, and with Bd5 you often trade the strong bishop on g2.
Against quiet setups with e3 you pin with Bb4 and threaten e4 to drive away the knight on f3 and gain space.
The queen often belongs on c8 or d7: from there she supports moves like Nf5 and doubling the rooks on the d-file with Rd8.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 2.Nc3

Line 1: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2 Qc8 14.e3 Nf5 15.Qc2 Rd8 16.Bb2 Nd6

2.Nc3: White's main move, in 72 % of the games. White controls d5 and keeps every setup open.
2…Nf6: The knight develops and prepares d5. With Nf6 and Nc6 you play the reversed Four Knights – Stockfish sees the position as level.
3.Nf3: The most common move: White develops the knight and attacks the pawn on e5.
3…Nc6: You defend e5 in the most natural way – the Four Knights of the English. White now has many roads, but you meet them all with clear plans.
4.g3: The fianchetto is the main line: the bishop on g2 is to work on the long diagonal against d5 and b7.
4…d5: You strike in the centre at once – like White in an Open Sicilian, only with colours reversed. Stockfish rates the position as level.
5.cxd5: White exchanges, as in almost every game. Waiting would let you gain even more space with d4.
5…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight and have a nice centre with the pawn on e5.
6.Bg2: The bishop on g2 now attacks the knight on d5 – you have to decide where it goes.
6…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6: there it is safe from Nxd5 and covers the squares c4 and d5. This is the reversed Dragon.
7.O-O: White brings the king to safety – the most common move.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare castling. On e7 it guards the king and stands ready behind the pawn on e5.
8.a3: White prepares b4 and wants to gain space on the queenside.
8…O-O: You simply castle. Against the queenside attack you have Be6, f6 and a5 ready later.
9.b4: White continues the plan: b5 is meant to drive away the knight on c6 so that the pawn on e5 becomes weak.
9…Be6: The bishop covers c4 and d5 and can later become active with Bd5 or Bb3. It is a firm part of the reversed Dragon setup.
10.Rb1: The rook supports the advance b5 and stands on the b-file, which may soon open.
10…f6: The key move of the reversed Dragon: f6 supports e5 rock-solidly, so the knight on c6 may later move away too. Stockfish considers the position completely level.
11.d3: White opens the diagonal for the bishop on c1 and covers c4 and e4.
11…a5: You challenge White: after b5 the square d4 becomes free for your knight. According to Stockfish you are already a tiny bit better.
12.b5: White drives away the knight on c6, as in most games.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to its dream square d4. It stands centrally there, attacks f3 and e2 and cannot be chased by a pawn as long as e3 has not been played.
13.Nd2: White avoids the exchange and wants to drive away the knight on d4 with e3.
13…Qc8: The queen leaves the d-file and stands behind the bishop on e6. After e3 there is Nf5, and later the rook comes to d8.
14.e3: White drives away the knight but weakens the square d3.
14…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and now eyes d6 and d4. Stockfish sees the position as completely level.
15.Qc2: White connects the rooks and covers the squares c3 and e4.
15…Rd8: The rook takes the d-file and puts pressure on the pawn on d3. You have a healthy, level position with clear targets.
16.Bb2: White brings the last minor piece into play: the bishop on b2 eyes e5 and the long diagonal.
16…Nd6: 16...Nd6 – the knight comes back from f5 and attacks the pawn on b5. Your pawns on e5 and f6 hold the centre while White presses on the queenside – Stockfish sees the position as level.

Line 2: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Na4 Bd5 15.Bxd5 Qxd5

up to 12…Nd4 as line 1

13.Nxd4: White trades the strong knight at once.
13…exd4: You recapture with the pawn: the pawn on d4 cramps White and takes the square e4 away from the knight on c3.
14.Na4: The knight attacks your knight on b6 and wants to go to c5.
14…Bd5: You offer the trade of the bishop on g2 – the most important defender of White's king. If White sidesteps with Bh3, your bishop shuttles between f7 and d5 in Stockfish's line – the position is level.
15.Bxd5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White trades your strong bishop on d5, which stood in the middle of the board facing the bishop on g2.
15…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen. It stands in the centre, the pawn on d4 cramps White and the knight on a4 is on the rim – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 3: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Ne1 Qc8 14.e3 Nf5 15.a4 Bb4

up to 12…Nd4 as line 2

13.Ne1: A rare retreat: the knight wants to trade your knight on d4 via c2. Stockfish finds that White gives away a little.
13…Qc8: As in the main line you put the queen on c8: it protects the bishop on e6 and prepares Nf5.
14.e3: White drives the knight away from d4.
14…Nf5: The knight finds a good square on f5. Stockfish answers a4 with Bb4 and sees you slightly better.
15.a4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. With 15.a4 White supports the pawn on b5 and fixes your pawn on a5.
15…Bb4: 15...Bb4 – the bishop attacks the knight on c3 and stands on a square from which no white pawn can drive it away any more. Stockfish sees you slightly more comfortable (−0.15).

Line 4: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.Rb1 f6 11.Ne4 Ba2 12.Rb2 Bd5 13.Nc5 Nc4 14.Rb1 Bxc5 15.bxc5 e4

up to 10…f6 as line 3

11.Ne4: The knight aims at c5 and the bishop on e6. Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
11…Ba2: An active bishop trip: Ba2 attacks the rook on b1 and forces it to move.
12.Rb2: The rook goes to b2, where it stands a little awkwardly – Stockfish preferred Ra1.
12…Bd5: The bishop returns to the centre and offers the trade against the bishop on g2. According to Stockfish you are already slightly better.
13.Nc5: The knight advances to c5 and attacks b7.
13…Nc4: The knight attacks the rook on b2; Stockfish considers e4 equally good. After Rb1, e4 can chase the knight on f3, and with Bxc5 you remove the annoying knight.
14.Rb1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The rook goes back to b1, away from the knight on c4.
14…Bxc5: You give the bishop for the strong knight on c5 – White has to recapture with the pawn.
15.bxc5: White recaptures with the b-pawn – doubled pawns on the c-file, but a half-open b-file for the rook on b1. Stockfish: level (-0.09).
15…e4: 15...e4 – the advance gains space and attacks the knight on f3. Your knight on c4 is strong, and Stockfish sees the position as level (−0.07).

Line 5: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.d3 a5 11.b5 Nd4 12.Nd2 c6 13.bxc6 Nxc6 14.Rb1 a4 15.Nc4 Nxc4

up to 9…Be6 as line 4

10.d3: White plays d3 first instead of Rb1.
10…a5: Again a5: you provoke b5 and win the square d4 for your knight.
11.b5: White chases the knight, almost always.
11…Nd4: The knight occupies d4 – the familiar pattern of this line.
12.Nd2: White retreats the knight and wants to chase the knight on d4 with e3.
12…c6: You attack the pawn on b5 and open the queenside before White settles in. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
13.bxc6: White exchanges, almost always.
13…Nxc6: You recapture with the knight – it stands actively on c6, and the pawn on b7 is easy to protect with Rb8.
14.Rb1: The rook attacks the pawn on b7 on the open b-file.
14…a4: Stockfish's move: a4 takes the square b3 from White and fixes the queenside. After Re1 Nd4 Stockfish puts your knight in the centre – the position is level.
15.Nc4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight heads for c4, where it attacks the knight on b6 and the pawn on a5.
15…Nxc4: You trade it at once and take away White's best piece. Your pawn on a4 fixes White's queenside – Stockfish: level (−0.06).

Line 6: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.d3 a5 11.b5 Nd4 12.Rb1 f6

up to 11…Nd4 as line 5

12.Rb1: The rook protects the pawn on b5 and returns to the main line.
12…f6: With f6 you support e5 – by transposition you are back in the main line after Rb1 f6 d3 a5 b5 Nd4. (transposition)

Line 7: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.d3 a5 11.b5 Nd4 12.Bb2 Bb3 13.Qc1 Rb8 14.Nxe5 Na4 15.Nf3 Nxb2

up to 11…Nd4 as line 6

12.Bb2: White develops the bishop to the long diagonal.
12…Bb3: A cheeky bishop move: Bb3 attacks the queen on d1 and settles in White's camp. Stockfish preferred Nb3 and now sees White slightly ahead.
13.Qc1: The queen steps aside to c1 and keeps the bishop on b2 protected.
13…Rb8: Stockfish's move: the rook protects b7, because as soon as the knight on f3 moves, the bishop on g2 attacks that pawn. Stockfish's line continues Nxe5 Na4.
14.Nxe5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White takes the pawn on e5, which no piece defended after 11...Nd4.
14…Na4: 14...Na4 – you give the pawn and in return attack the bishop on b2 and the knight on c3.
15.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and attacks your knight on d4.
15…Nxb2: 15...Nxb2 – you take the bishop and keep the bishop pair. White has a pawn more, you have two bishops and pressure on the b-file – Stockfish sees White only slightly ahead (+0.2).

Line 8: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.d3 a5 11.b5 Nd4 12.Nxd4 exd4 13.Na4 Bd5 14.Nxb6 cxb6 15.e4 dxe3

up to 11…Nd4 as line 7

12.Nxd4: White exchanges on d4 at once – a mistake (0.31); Stockfish wanted Rb1.
12…exd4: You recapture with the pawn, which cramps White. Stockfish now sees you slightly better.
13.Na4: The knight attacks your knight on b6.
13…Bd5: You offer the bishop trade to get rid of the bishop on g2. Stockfish preferred Nd5 and now sees the position level; in practice Black has scored very well here.
14.Nxb6: White exchanges on b6.
14…cxb6: You recapture towards the centre and open the c-file for your rooks. Stockfish considers the position level.
15.e4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. With 15.e4 White attacks the bishop on d5 and wants to fix your pawn on d4.
15…dxe3: You take en passant: 15...dxe3. Your bishop stays on d5 and the position opens up – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 9: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.d3 Be6 10.b4

up to 8…O-O as line 8

9.d3: White plays d3 first and delays b4 – almost as good as b4 at once.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 as usual and covers c4 and d5.
10.b4: With b4 the position is, by transposition, the same as after b4 Be6 d3. (transposition)

Line 10: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.d3 Be6 10.Be3 f5 11.b4 Bf6 12.Rc1 Nd4 13.Bxd4 exd4 14.Na4 Bf7 15.Nc5 Rb8

up to 9…Be6 as line 9

10.Be3: White puts the bishop on e3 and aims at your knight on b6.
10…f5: An active plan: with f5 you gain space on the kingside and later threaten f4 to drive away the bishop on e3.
11.b4: White continues the advance on the queenside.
11…Bf6: The bishop goes to the long diagonal, supports e5 and looks at c3. Stockfish plays this move itself and sees the position as level.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file, where it targets the pawn on c7.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and offers the bishop on e3 an exchange.
13.Bxd4: White takes the knight.
13…exd4: You recapture with the pawn – the pawn on d4 takes the squares e4 and b5 away from the knight on c3 and cramps White.
14.Na4: The knight aims at c5 and your bishop on e6.
14…Bf7: Stockfish's move: the bishop avoids the attack from c5 and can trade the bishop on g2 via d5. Stockfish considers the position level.
15.Nc5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight jumps to c5 and attacks the pawn on b7.
15…Rb8: 15...Rb8 defends b7. You have the bishop pair, and the pawn on d4 takes space from White – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 11: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.d3 Be6 10.Be3 f5 11.Rc1 Bf6 12.Bc5 Be7 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Nd2 Rad8 15.Bxc6 bxc6

up to 10…f5 as line 10

11.Rc1: White puts the rook on the half-open c-file, against the pawn on c7.
11…Bf6: 11...Bf6 strengthens e5 but gives up the square e7: now 12.Bc5 attacks the rook on f8. Stockfish then sees White slightly ahead (+0.32).
12.Bc5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. 12.Bc5 attacks the rook on f8.
12…Be7: You interpose the bishop and offer the trade.
13.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 covered d6 and c5.
13…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; she stands well on e7, covers e5 and connects the rooks.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for c5 via b3 – the bishop on g2 gets more room.
14…Rad8: The rook on a8 comes to d8 and aims at the pawn on d3 – your pieces stand harmoniously. Stockfish: level (+0.20).
15.Bxc6: White gives the bishop on g2 for the knight on c6 and spoils your pawns: after 15...bxc6 you have doubled pawns on the c-file.
15…bxc6: In return you have the half-open b-file and a strong centre with e5 and f5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.24) – the position stays quite playable.

Line 12: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Be3 Be6 10.Rc1 Nd5 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Qa4 Re8 13.a3 h6 14.Qg4 Be6 15.Qh5 Bd6

up to 7…Be7 as line 11

8.d3: White plays d3 first and holds back a3 and b4; Stockfish considers a3 equally good.
8…O-O: You castle and wait to see which plan White chooses.
9.Be3: The bishop aims at the knight on b6 and prepares Rc1.
9…Be6: The bishop faces the bishop on e3 and covers c4. Stockfish slightly preferred Re8 with the idea d4; the difference is small.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file and targets c7.
10…Nd5: Again Nd5: you offer the trade against the knight on c3 to ease the pressure on the c-file. Stockfish named f5 as an alternative.
11.Nxd5: White trades the central knight on d5.
11…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop. On d5 it is strong and keeps the bishop on g2 in check.
12.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and eyes the pawn on a7.
12…Re8: 12...Re8 strengthens e5.
13.a3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White prepares the advance of the b-pawn.
13…h6: 13...h6 gives your king air and takes the square g5 from White's pieces.
14.Qg4: The queen switches to the kingside and attacks g7.
14…Be6: 14...Be6 – you gain time, the bishop attacks the queen.
15.Qh5: The queen dodges your bishop on e6 to h5 – she stands actively, but alone on the kingside. Stockfish: level (+0.10).
15…Bd6: 15...Bd6 defends e5, all your pieces are developed – Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 13: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Be3 Be6 10.Qc1 Nd5 11.Rd1 Re8 12.Bg5 f6 13.Be3 Nxe3 14.Qxe3 Nb4 15.Ne1 c6

up to 9…Be6 as line 12

10.Qc1: The queen supports the bishop on e3 and makes room for Rd1.
10…Nd5: The knight returns to d5 and offers exchanges. Stockfish expects Rd1 and considers the position level.
11.Rd1: White puts the rook on the d-file, against your knight on d5.
11…Re8: 11...Re8 defends e5 once more.
12.Bg5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White wants to trade the bishop on e7.
12…f6: You put the pawn on f6 in the way and strengthen e5 – the bishop has to go back.
13.Be3: The bishop goes back to e3 – after f6 it stood on g5 without a target.
13…Nxe3: You trade the bishop on e3 and then have the bishop pair.
14.Qxe3: The queen recaptures on e3 and stands centrally – a pair of minor pieces is traded.
14…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks the pawn on a2.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and covers c2 and d3 against your knight on b4. Stockfish: level (0).
15…c6: With 15...c6 you take the squares d5 and b5 from the knight on c3. With the bishop pair you stand firm, and Stockfish sees the position as level (0).

Line 14: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Be3 Be6 10.Na4 e4 11.Ne1 exd3 12.Nxd3 Bd5 13.Bh3 Bc4 14.Nc3 Bxd3 15.exd3 Nd4

up to 9…Be6 as line 13

10.Na4: The knight aims at c5 and your bishop on e6.
10…e4: A counterstrike in the centre: e4 attacks the knight on f3 and opens lines. Stockfish prefers f5 (0.1 better) but also considers this move playable.
11.Ne1: The knight retreats to e1.
11…exd3: You exchange on d3 and open the diagonal for your bishop.
12.Nxd3: White recaptures with the knight.
12…Bd5: The bishop offers the trade of the bishop on g2. Stockfish sees White a tiny bit better, but the position is quite playable.
13.Bh3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The bishop goes to h3 and takes the diagonal h3–c8.
13…Bc4: 13...Bc4 attacks the knight on d3.
14.Nc3: The knight comes back from the rim.
14…Bxd3: You take the knight on d3. White gets the bishop pair but has to recapture with the e-pawn.
15.exd3: White recaptures on d3 with the e-pawn – the e-file opens, and the pawn on d3 can become a target. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15…Nd4: 15...Nd4 – your knight stands in front of the isolated pawn on d3, and no white pawn can drive it away. Bishop pair against a strong knight: Stockfish sees the position as level (+0.09).

Line 15: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Be3 Be6 10.a3

up to 9…Be6 as line 14

10.a3: With a3 the game reaches, by transposition, the position after a3 O-O d3 Be6 Be3. (transposition)

Line 16: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Be3 Be6 10.Qd2 Qd7 11.Ne4 Rfe8 12.Rfc1 Rad8 13.a3 h6 14.b4 a6 15.Qb2 f6

up to 9…Be6 as line 15

10.Qd2: The queen wants to support the bishop on e3 and make Bh6 possible.
10…Qd7: Stockfish's move: the queen connects the rooks and prepares Rfd8. Stockfish considers the position level.
11.Ne4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight goes to e4 – from there it wants to go to c5 against queen and bishop.
11…Rfe8: You put the rook behind the pawn on e5.
12.Rfc1: The rook on f1 comes to the half-open c-file and presses against c7 and your knight on c6.
12…Rad8: Both rooks now stand in the centre, against the pawn on d3.
13.a3: 13.a3 prepares b4 – White wants to gain space on the queenside and drive away the knight on c6.
13…h6: 13...h6 takes the square g5 from White's pieces – a useful waiting move.
14.b4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…a6: 14...a6 stops the advance of the b-pawn.
15.Qb2: The queen goes to b2 and supports b5 – she also eyes your pawn on e5. Stockfish: level (+0.11).
15…f6: With 15...f6 you defend e5 and take the square g5 from the knight on e4. Stockfish sees the position as level (+0.05).

Line 17: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Be3 Be6 10.Ne4 f5 11.Nc5 Bd5 12.Rc1 f4 13.Bd2 Bxc5 14.Rxc5 Qd6 15.b4 h6

up to 9…Be6 as line 16

10.Ne4: White puts the knight on e4, eyeing c5.
10…f5: 10...f5 drives the knight away with tempo and gains space on the kingside.
11.Nc5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight attacks the bishop on e6 and the pawn on b7.
11…Bd5: The bishop steps aside to d5 and offers a trade against the bishop on g2.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports the knight on c5 – White plays on the c-file.
12…f4: You push on: 12...f4 attacks the bishop on e3.
13.Bd2: The bishop dodges your pawn on f4 to d2.
13…Bxc5: You trade the knight on c5, White's most active piece.
14.Rxc5: The rook recaptures on c5 and attacks your bishop on d5.
14…Qd6: The queen attacks the rook on c5 with tempo.
15.b4: 15.b4 supports the rook on c5 and threatens b5 against your knight on c6. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…h6: 15...h6 gives your king air. With e5 and f4 you have space on the kingside, White plays on the queenside – Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 18: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.a3

up to 8…O-O as line 17

9.a3: With a3 the game returns by transposition to the position after a3 O-O d3. (transposition)

Line 19: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.a4 a5 10.Be3 Be6 11.Rc1 Nd5 12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.Nd2 Bb4 14.Bxd5 Qxd5 15.Nf3 Rac8

up to 8…O-O as line 18

9.a4: White wants to chase the knight on b6 with a5. Stockfish finds that White gives away a little.
9…a5: You stop a5 and gain the square b4 as a firm outpost for your knight.
10.Be3: White develops the bishop and aims at b6.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 as usual.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file – Stockfish considers this inaccurate and preferred d4.
11…Nd5: Stockfish's move: the knight goes to d5 and offers the trade. After Nxd5 Bxd5 your bishop stands strongly in the centre.
12.Nxd5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White trades the knight on d5.
12…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop and keep the diagonal against g2.
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal of the bishop on g2 against your bishop on d5.
13…Bb4: 13...Bb4 – the bishop attacks the knight on d2 and is safe on b4: after 9.a4 no white pawn can drive it away.
14.Bxd5: White trades the light-squared bishops.
14…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen; she stands centrally on d5 and eyes a2 and the rook on h1.
15.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and shields the king – a quiet, level position. Stockfish: level (-0.01).
15…Rac8: With 15...Rac8 you put the rook on the open c-file. Your bishop on b4 is well placed – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 20: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.Rb1 O-O 9.b4 a6 10.a3 Be6 11.d3 f5 12.Bb2 Qd7 13.Ba1 Rad8 14.a4 e4 15.b5 axb5

up to 7…Be7 as line 19

8.Rb1: White prepares b4 with the rook. Stockfish considers a3 equally good.
8…O-O: You castle. Stockfish preferred a5 here to make b4 harder; after castling White stands slightly better.
9.b4: White carries out the plan and gains space on the queenside.
9…a6: You prevent b5 so that your knight can stay on c6 and protect e5.
10.a3: White supports the pawn on b4.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 – Stockfish plays it this way too; f5 with more space on the kingside follows soon after in its line.
11.d3: White opens the diagonal for the bishop on c1.
11…f5: With f5 you gain space on the kingside and prepare the further advance of your pawns on e5 and f5.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at e5.
12…Qd7: Stockfish's move: the queen connects the rooks and prepares Rad8.
13.Ba1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The bishop stays on the long diagonal but is safe on a1.
13…Rad8: You put the rook against the pawn on d3.
14.a4: 14.a4 prepares b5 to drive away your knight on c6 – you answer in the centre. Stockfish: level (+0.09).
14…e4: 14...e4 – the typical advance: you attack the knight on f3 and the pawn on d3, with the rook on d8 joining in.
15.b5: White answers on the queenside.
15…axb5: You capture, and after the recapture the a-file is open. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 21: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.Rb1 O-O 9.b4 a6 10.a4 Bf5 11.b5 axb5 12.axb5 Nd4 13.d3 Bg4 14.Bb2 Nxf3 15.exf3 Bf5

up to 9…a6 as line 20

10.a4: White wants to go forward against your pawn on a6 with b5.
10…Bf5: Stockfish's move: Bf5 attacks the rook on b1 and gains an important tempo.
11.b5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. With 11.b5 White attacks the knight on c6.
11…axb5: You capture – the a-file opens, the rooks on a1 and a8 face each other.
12.axb5: White recaptures on b5 and attacks your knight on c6.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps into the centre to d4.
13.d3: 13.d3 opens the way for the bishop on c1 and covers e4 and c4.
13…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3 against the pawn on e2.
14.Bb2: The bishop comes to b2 and attacks your knight on d4.
14…Nxf3: You trade the knight on f3 – this gives White doubled pawns on the f-file.
15.exf3: White recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks your bishop on g4 – the pawns on the kingside are damaged. Stockfish: level (+0.05).
15…Bf5: The bishop returns to f5 and eyes d3. Bishop pair against doubled pawns: Stockfish sees the position as level (+0.1).

Line 22: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.O-O

up to 6…Nb6 as line 21

7.d3: White plays d3 before castling.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7 as usual – played in every game.
8.O-O: After castling the game reaches the main line with O-O Be7 d3 by transposition. (transposition)

Line 23: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.O-O

up to 7…Be7 as line 22

8.a3: White prepares b4 and leaves the king in the centre for now.
8…O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety.
9.O-O: With castling the position is, by transposition, the one after a3 O-O d3. (transposition)

Line 24: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Be6 10.O-O

up to 8…O-O as line 23

9.b4: White attacks on the queenside at once.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6, then a5 and Nd4 follow.
10.O-O: With castling the position after b4 Be6 d3 arises by transposition. (transposition)

Line 25: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.a3 Be7 8.b4 Be6 9.Rb1 f6 10.d3 O-O 11.O-O

up to 6…Nb6 as line 24

7.a3: White plays a3 at once to prepare b4.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare castling.
8.b4: White plays b4 even before castling.
8…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers c4 – the familiar setup.
9.Rb1: The rook supports b5.
9…f6: With f6 you support e5 – so the knight on c6 can later move away without worry.
10.d3: White plays d3 instead of castling. Stockfish considers this inaccurate and then sees you a tiny bit better.
10…O-O: You castle. Stockfish named a5 as slightly more accurate, heading for b5 and Nd4 at once.
11.O-O: After castling the position is, by transposition, the same as in the main line after Rb1 f6 d3. (transposition)

Line 26: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.a3 Be7 8.b4 Be6 9.Rb1 f6 10.O-O O-O

up to 9…f6 as line 25

10.O-O: White castles first.
10…O-O: You castle too – by transposition you are in the main line after Rb1 f6. (transposition)

Line 27: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.a3 Be7 8.b4 Be6 9.O-O O-O

up to 8…Be6 as line 26

9.O-O: White castles.
9…O-O: With castling you are, by transposition, in the main line after a3 O-O b4 Be6. (transposition)

Line 28: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.a3 Be7 8.b4 Be6 9.d3 O-O

up to 8…Be6 as line 27

9.d3: White plays d3 – inaccurate (0.13); Stockfish wanted b5.
9…O-O: You castle and reach, by transposition, the position after d3 Be7 a3 O-O b4 Be6. (transposition)

Line 29: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.a3 Be7 8.O-O

up to 7…Be7 as line 28

8.O-O: After castling the game continues in the main line with O-O Be7 a3 by transposition. (transposition)

Line 30: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.a3 Be7 8.d3

up to 7…Be7 as line 29

8.d3: With d3 the position after d3 Be7 a3 arises by transposition. Stockfish wanted b4 (0.13 better). (transposition)

Line 31: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.d3 Be7 7.Bg2 Be6 8.O-O O-O 9.Bd2 Qd7 10.Rc1 f6 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Re1 Rad8 13.Qa4 a6 14.a3 Rf7 15.Be3 h6

up to 5…Nxd5 as line 30

6.d3: White plays d3 before Bg2. Stockfish considers this slightly inaccurate.
6…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare castling. The knight on d5 still stands in the centre; after Nxd5 Qxd5 your queen stands actively.
7.Bg2: White puts the bishop on g2 and attacks the knight on d5.
7…Be6: Instead of retreating the knight, you protect it with the bishop. Stockfish sees the position as level.
8.O-O: White castles, almost always.
8…O-O: You castle as well. Stockfish now sees you a tiny bit better.
9.Bd2: White develops the bishop modestly to d2 and prepares Rc1.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and protects the bishop on e6. Later the rook can come to d8.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file and targets c7.
10…f6: Stockfish's move: f6 supports e5 as in the reversed Dragon. Stockfish sees you a tiny bit better.
11.Nxd5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White trades the knight on d5.
11…Bxd5: The bishop on d5 is strong and holds the diagonal against g2.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares e4 to drive away your bishop on d5.
12…Rad8: The rook goes to d8, against the pawn on d3.
13.Qa4: 13.Qa4 pins the knight on c6 against your queen.
13…a6: 13...a6 takes the square b5 from the queen.
14.a3: 14.a3 prepares b4 and b5 against your knight on c6.
14…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 – it can double the rooks on the d-file via d7.
15.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and connects the rooks – level. Stockfish: level (-0.01).
15…h6: 15...h6 gives your king air. Bishop on d5 and the centre with e5 and f6 – Stockfish sees you slightly more comfortable (−0.11).

Line 32: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.d3 Be7 7.Bg2 Be6 8.O-O O-O 9.a3 Qd7 10.Bd2 a5 11.Rc1 f6 12.Qc2 Nxc3 13.Bxc3 a4 14.e3 Bd5 15.Nh4 Bb3

up to 8…O-O as line 31

9.a3: White prepares b4.
9…Qd7: Stockfish's move: the queen connects the rooks; with f6 and a5 you follow the familiar plan.
10.Bd2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…a5: 10...a5 stops the advance of the b-pawn.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the half-open c-file against your pawn on c7.
11…f6: The pawn on f6 secures e5 – the typical centre of this line.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and increases the pressure on the c-file.
12…Nxc3: You trade the knight on c3.
13.Bxc3: The bishop recaptures on c3 and eyes your pawn on e5.
13…a4: The pawn on a4 fixes White's queenside.
14.e3: 14.e3 takes the square d4 from your knight and prepares a later d4 push.
14…Bd5: The bishop lines up against the bishop on g2.
15.Nh4: The knight dodges your bishop on d5 to h4 and wants to become active via f5. Stockfish: level (-0.04).
15…Bb3: With 15...Bb3 your bishop attacks the queen and settles on b3, supported by the pawn on a4. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 33: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.d3 Be7 7.Bg2 Be6 8.Bd2 O-O 9.O-O

up to 7…Be6 as line 32

8.Bd2: White puts the bishop on d2 before castling. Stockfish considers this inaccurate and then sees you slightly better.
8…O-O: You castle. Stockfish named Qd7 as more accurate (0.2 better); by castling you give away part of your edge, but the position stays good.
9.O-O: After castling the position is, by transposition, the same as after O-O O-O Bd2. (transposition)

Line 34: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.d3 Be7 7.Nxd5 Qxd5 8.Bg2 O-O 9.O-O Qd6 10.a3 Nd4 11.Nxd4 exd4 12.Bf4 Qd8 13.Qa4 c6 14.b4 Bg4 15.b5 Bxe2

up to 6…Be7 as line 33

7.Nxd5: White exchanges the knights at once.
7…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen. It stands strongly in the centre, and the bishop on f1 is not yet developed.
8.Bg2: White develops the bishop to the long diagonal; as soon as the knight on f3 moves, your queen is in its sights.
8…O-O: You simply castle; your queen is still shielded from the bishop on g2 by the knight on f3. Stockfish narrowly prefers Be6 (0.07) and considers the position level.
9.O-O: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and defends e5.
10.a3: 10.a3 prepares b4 – White plays on the queenside.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and offers a trade.
11.Nxd4: White trades off your strong knight on d4 – you recapture with the pawn.
11…exd4: After the trade your pawn stands on d4 and cramps White.
12.Bf4: The bishop attacks your queen.
12…Qd8: The queen dodges the bishop on f4 to d8 and covers c7.
13.Qa4: The queen attacks the pawns on d4 and a7.
13…c6: 13...c6 closes the long diagonal of the bishop on g2 and covers b5.
14.b4: 14.b4 prepares b5 against your pawn on c6.
14…Bg4: You develop the bishop and attack the pawn on e2.
15.b5: 15.b5 attacks your pawn on c6 – the typical minority attack. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bxe2: With 15...Bxe2 you take the pawn and attack the rook on f1. In return White has pressure on the queenside – Stockfish sees it all as level (0).

Line 35: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Qc2 O-O 6.Nd5 Re8 7.Qf5 d6 8.Nxf6 gxf6 9.Qh5 d5 10.a3 Bf8 11.cxd5 Qxd5 12.d3 f5 13.Bd2 Re6 14.Qxf5 Rg6 15.Qe4 Qb5

up to 3…Nc6 as line 34

4.e3: A quiet setup: White wants to open the centre with d4 later.
4…Bb4: You pin the knight on c3 – as in the Nimzo-Indian Defense. It is all about control over e4 and d5.
5.Qc2: The queen protects c3 and controls e4.
5…O-O: You castle. Stockfish slightly preferred Bxc3, but castling is the most common move.
6.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on b4 and the knight on f6.
6…Re8: The rook protects e5 and makes room for the bishop on f8. Stockfish considers the position level.
7.Qf5: The queen attacks the pawn on h7 and wants to tear open your kingside with Nxf6+. Stockfish preferred Ng5.
7…d6: You open the diagonal for your bishop on c8, which now attacks the queen on f5.
8.Nxf6: White exchanges the knight and breaks up your pawn structure on the kingside.
8…gxf6: You recapture with the pawn and keep the queens on the board. Stockfish considers this slightly less accurate than offering the queen trade with Qxf6; after gxf6 White stands slightly better. In return your pawns on e5 and f6 rule the centre.
9.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and aims at your weakened king.
9…d5: With d5 you strike in the centre and bring the bishop on c8 into play. Stockfish sees the position almost level.
10.a3: White attacks the bishop on b4.
10…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8, where it guards your king. Stockfish expects cxd5 Qxd5.
11.cxd5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White takes on d5.
11…Qxd5: Your queen stands in the centre. Your king is airy after 8...gxf6, but your pieces are active.
12.d3: 12.d3 opens the way for the bishop on c1 and takes the square e4 from your queen.
12…f5: 12...f5 – you push the pawn, the bishop on c8 defends it.
13.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 and connects the rooks.
13…Re6: The rook wants to go along the sixth rank to g6 against g2 – for that you give the pawn on f5.
14.Qxf5: White takes the pawn on f5.
14…Rg6: 14...Rg6 attacks the pawn on g2 – your pieces are very active.
15.Qe4: The queen goes to e4 and offers a queen trade – your pawns on the kingside are weakened. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Qb5: The queen attacks the pawns on b2 and d3. For the pawn you have strong play – Stockfish: level (+0.03).

Line 36: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Qc2 O-O 6.Nd5 Re8 7.Bd3 g6 8.a3 Bf8 9.Nxf6 Qxf6 10.Be4 d6 11.b4 a5 12.b5 Nb8 13.Bb2 Qe7 14.h4 Nd7 15.h5 Nf6

up to 6…Re8 as line 35

7.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7. Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
7…g6: With g6 you protect h7 and take the squares f5 and h5 away from the queen. Stockfish now sees you slightly better.
8.a3: White attacks the bishop on b4.
8…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and later to g7. Stockfish considered Bf8 slightly weaker than the best continuation, but the position stays good for you.
9.Nxf6: White exchanges on f6 – Stockfish would have preferred Rb1.
9…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen; your pawn structure stays healthy.
10.Be4: The bishop stands on e4 and eyes b7.
10…d6: You open the way for the bishop on c8. Stockfish preferred Nd8 to reroute the knight; after d6 you still stand slightly better.
11.b4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. With 11.b4 White attacks on the queenside.
11…a5: 11...a5 attacks the pawn on b4 at once.
12.b5: White pushes on and drives away the knight on c6.
12…Nb8: The knight goes back to b8 – via d7 it comes back into play.
13.Bb2: The bishop comes to b2 and presses against your pawn on e5.
13…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e5 – the knight on b8 can return to the game via d7.
14.h4: 14.h4 wants to break open your kingside with h5. Stockfish: level (0).
14…Nd7: The knight is on its way to f6.
15.h5: White attacks your pawn on g6 with the h-pawn.
15…Nf6: 15...Nf6 attacks the bishop on e4 and the pawn on h5. Your king is well defended – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 37: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Qc2 O-O 6.Nd5 Re8 7.a3 Bf8 8.Bd3 g6

up to 6…Re8 as line 36

7.a3: White attacks the bishop on b4 at once. Stockfish considers this inaccurate and sees you slightly better.
7…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 – Stockfish plays it this way too.
8.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7.
8…g6: With g6 you protect h7 – by transposition you are in the position after Bd3 g6 a3 Bf8. (transposition)

Line 38: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Qc2 O-O 6.d3 Re8 7.Bd2 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Be2 Nxc3 10.Bxc3 a5 11.a3 Bd6 12.O-O Bf5 13.h3 h6 14.Rfd1 Qe7 15.Qa4 Bd7

up to 5…O-O as line 37

6.d3: White plays d3 and holds back Nd5.
6…Re8: The rook protects e5 and prepares d5. Stockfish also named Bxc3 as a good move.
7.Bd2: White protects the knight on c3 and removes the pin.
7…d5: With d5 you strike in the centre – as in the reversed Sicilian. Stockfish considers Bf8 equally good and the position level.
8.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre.
8…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight and have a nice centre.
9.Be2: White develops the bishop and prepares castling.
9…Nxc3: Stockfish's move: you exchange on c3. If White takes with bxc3, you retreat the bishop to d6, where it supports e5; after Bxc3 you secure the square b4 with a5.
10.Bxc3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White recaptures with the bishop and attacks e5.
10…a5: 10...a5 supports the bishop on b4.
11.a3: 11.a3 attacks your bishop on b4 – it must retreat or trade.
11…Bd6: The bishop steps back to d6 and defends e5.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
12…Bf5: You develop the bishop against the pawn on d3.
13.h3: 13.h3 gives the king air and takes the square g4 from your pieces.
13…h6: 13...h6 takes the square g5 from the bishop.
14.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and aims at your bishop on d6.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7, covers e5 and connects your rooks.
15.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks your knight on c6. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bd7: 15...Bd7 breaks the pin of the knight on c6. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 39: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Qc2 O-O 6.a3 Bxc3 7.Qxc3 Re8 8.d3 a5 9.b3 d5 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Qb2 f5 12.Qc2 e4 13.dxe4 fxe4 14.Nd2 Ne5 15.Bb2 Bf5

up to 5…O-O as line 38

6.a3: White questions the bishop on b4. Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
6…Bxc3: You give up the bishop pair, but White has lost time for it. Stockfish sees the position as level.
7.Qxc3: White recaptures with the queen.
7…Re8: The rook protects e5 and prepares d5 or e4. Stockfish sees the position as level.
8.d3: White plays d3. Stockfish then sees you slightly better.
8…a5: Stockfish's move: a5 prevents b4 and gains space on the queenside.
9.b3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…d5: 9...d5 – you strike in the centre, typical after the trade on c3.
10.cxd5: White takes on d5 – after the recapture your knight stands centrally and attacks the queen on c3.
10…Nxd5: The knight on d5 attacks the queen.
11.Qb2: The queen steps aside to b2 and eyes e5.
11…f5: With 11...f5 you gain space and prepare 12...e4.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at your knight on c6.
12…e4: The advance attacks the knight on f3.
13.dxe4: White takes on e4 and attacks your knight on d5.
13…fxe4: After the trade your pawn stands on e4 and the f-file is half-open.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks your pawn on e4.
14…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and eyes d3.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and attacks your knight on e5 – the game is open and level. Stockfish: level (-0.13).
15…Bf5: With 15...Bf5 you develop the last bishop and support e4. You have space and active pieces – Stockfish sees you slightly more comfortable (−0.1).

Line 40: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Nd5 e4 6.Ng1 O-O 7.a3 Bd6 8.Ne2 Nxd5 9.cxd5 Ne5 10.Ng3 f5 11.d3 Nxd3 12.Bxd3 exd3 13.Qxd3 Qf6 14.Bd2 b6 15.Bc3 Qg6

up to 4…Bb4 as line 39

5.Nd5: White attacks the bishop on b4 at once and offers a knight exchange.
5…e4: A powerful counterstrike: e4 drives away the knight on f3 and gains space. Stockfish sees the position as level.
6.Ng1: The knight retreats to g1 – the most common move.
6…O-O: You castle and leave the knights where they are. Stockfish considers the position level.
7.a3: White attacks the bishop on b4.
7…Bd6: The bishop retreats to d6, where it controls e5 and looks towards h2.
8.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2 – Stockfish considers this inaccurate and preferred d3. You now stand slightly better.
8…Nxd5: You trade the annoying knight on d5 – Stockfish plays it this way too, and the position stays good for you.
9.cxd5: White recaptures with the pawn.
9…Ne5: The knight centralises on e5 and aims at d3. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
10.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and attacks e4. Stockfish preferred Nc3.
10…f5: You protect e4 with the pawn and gain space on the kingside. Stockfish now sees you slightly better.
11.d3: White attacks your centre.
11…Nxd3: Stockfish's move: Nxd3+ with check! After Bxd3 exd3 Qxd3 the pieces are traded, and according to Stockfish you stand slightly better.
12.Bxd3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White takes the knight on d3.
12…exd3: You take back the bishop on d3 – your pawn now stands deep on d3, White must win it back.
13.Qxd3: White wins the pawn back.
13…Qf6: The queen comes to f6, towards the kingside.
14.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 and prepares bishop to c3 against your queen.
14…b6: 14...b6 prepares to develop the bishop on c8 via b7.
15.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and attacks your queen on f6. Stockfish: level (-0.14).
15…Qg6: With 15...Qg6 the queen stands on the kingside. You have the bishop pair and space with the pawn on f5 – Stockfish sees you slightly more comfortable (−0.11).

Line 41: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Nd5 e4 6.Ng1 O-O 7.a3 Bd6 8.Qc2 Re8 9.Ne2 b5 10.Nxf6 Qxf6 11.c5 Be5 12.Ng3 Bb7 13.Be2 Re6 14.O-O Qh4 15.Bxb5 a6

up to 7…Bd6 as line 40

8.Qc2: The queen covers c4 and attacks e4. Stockfish considers this inaccurate and sees you slightly better.
8…Re8: The rook protects the pawn on e4. Stockfish preferred another continuation, but you still stand slightly better.
9.Ne2: A clear mistake by White: after Ne2 White is underdeveloped. Stockfish already sees you clearly better.
9…b5: You attack the pawn on c4 and open lines on the queenside. According to Stockfish you stand clearly better; in practice Black has almost always won here.
10.Nxf6: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White trades on f6.
10…Qxf6: Your queen comes into play with the trade.
11.c5: White attacks the bishop on d6.
11…Be5: The bishop goes into the centre to e5.
12.Ng3: The knight comes to g3 and attacks your pawn on e4.
12…Bb7: The bishop on b7 aims along the long diagonal at g2.
13.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – White prepares to castle short.
13…Re6: The rook wants to attack along the sixth rank.
14.O-O: White castles – your pawn on e4 cramps White, your pieces stand actively. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.50).
14…Qh4: 14...Qh4 – the queen attacks the knight on g3.
15.Bxb5: White takes the pawn on b5.
15…a6: With 15...a6 you attack the bishop on b5. For the pawn you have a strong attack on the kingside – Stockfish sees you clearly better (−0.54).

Line 42: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Nd5 e4 6.Ng1 O-O 7.a3 Bd6 8.d3 exd3 9.Nf3 Ne5 10.Nxe5 Bxe5 11.Bxd3 Nxd5 12.cxd5 d6 13.O-O Bd7 14.Rb1 c6 15.dxc6 Bxc6

up to 7…Bd6 as line 41

8.d3: White attacks your advanced pawn on e4.
8…exd3: You exchange – the centre opens.
9.Nf3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight returns to f3.
9…Ne5: You offer the knight trade.
10.Nxe5: White trades off your knight on e5, which supported the pawn on d3.
10…Bxe5: The bishop is strong on e5 and eyes b2.
11.Bxd3: White wins back the pawn on d3.
11…Nxd5: You trade the knight on d5.
12.cxd5: White recaptures with the c-pawn – the pawn on d5 takes c6 and e6 from you.
12…d6: 12...d6 holds the pawn on d5.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
13…Bd7: The bishop comes to d7 and connects your rooks.
14.Rb1: 14.Rb1 prepares b4 – White wants to play on the queenside.
14…c6: You attack the pawn on d5 and open lines.
15.dxc6: White takes on c6 and attacks your bishop on d7 – level. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bxc6: After 15...Bxc6 the white pawn on d5 is gone, and both sides have the bishop pair. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 43: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Nd5 e4 6.Ng1 O-O 7.Qc2 Re8 8.Ne2 Bf8 9.a3 b5 10.b3 bxc4 11.bxc4 Ba6 12.Nef4 Rb8 13.Bb2 Nxd5 14.cxd5 Bxf1 15.Kxf1 Na5

up to 6…O-O as line 42

7.Qc2: The queen attacks e4. Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
7…Re8: The rook protects e4. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
8.Ne2: The knight goes to e2, but White's development remains clumsy.
8…Bf8: Stockfish's move: the bishop retreats to f8, and with b5 you can later attack on the queenside.
9.a3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…b5: 9...b5 – you attack the pawn on c4 and open the queenside.
10.b3: 10.b3 supports c4 against your pawn on b5 – White does not want to open the b-file.
10…bxc4: You take on c4 and open the b-file for your rook.
11.bxc4: White recaptures with the b-pawn – the pawn on c4 becomes a target for your bishop.
11…Ba6: The bishop attacks the pawn on c4.
12.Nef4: The knight on e2 comes to f4 and supports the knight on d5.
12…Rb8: The rook takes the open b-file.
13.Bb2: The bishop comes to b2 and attacks your knight on f6.
13…Nxd5: You trade the strong knight on d5.
14.cxd5: White recaptures with the c-pawn and attacks your knight on c6.
14…Bxf1: After 14...Bxf1 the white king has to recapture and can no longer castle.
15.Kxf1: The king takes your bishop – it has lost the right to castle and stands uncomfortably. Stockfish: level (-0.29).
15…Na5: With 15...Na5 your knight heads for c4 and b3. You have the b-file and White has not castled – Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (−0.23).

Line 44: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Nd5 e4 6.Nxb4 Nxb4 7.Nd4 c5 8.Nb5 d5 9.a3 Nd3 10.Bxd3 exd3 11.b4 dxc4 12.Qf3 a6 13.Nc3 cxb4 14.axb4 O-O 15.O-O Be6

up to 5…e4 as line 43

6.Nxb4: White takes the bishop but loses time doing so.
6…Nxb4: You recapture with the knight, which now aims at d3 and c2.
7.Nd4: An inaccurate move: Stockfish then already sees you clearly better.
7…c5: You chase the knight on d4. Stockfish preferred another move, but after c5 too you stand clearly better – watch for Nd3+.
8.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and aims at d6 and c7. Stockfish considered Nc2 better.
8…d5: Stockfish's move: d5 opens the centre. After a3, Nd3+ follows with check, and Stockfish sees you clearly better.
9.a3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White attacks the knight on b4.
9…Nd3: 9...Nd3+ – the knight jumps to d3 with check, and White has to give the bishop on f1 for it.
10.Bxd3: White must take your knight on d3 – the check leaves no choice.
10…exd3: The pawn on d3 sits deep in White's camp and cramps White badly.
11.b4: 11.b4 attacks your pawn on c5 and wants to open lines.
11…dxc4: You take on c4 – now the pawn on c4 supports your pawn on d3.
12.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks your knight on f6 and the pawn on b7.
12…a6: 12...a6 drives away the knight on b5.
13.Nc3: The knight retreats from your pawn on a6 to c3.
13…cxb4: You take on b4 and attack the knight on c3.
14.axb4: White recaptures with the a-pawn – the a-file is open.
14…O-O: You bring your king to safety.
15.O-O: White castles – your pawns on d3 and c4 cramp White. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.53).
15…Be6: With 15...Be6 you develop the last bishop. The pawns on c4 and d3 cramp White – Stockfish sees you clearly better (−0.49).

Line 45: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Ne5 9.f4 Ng6 10.Bxf6 Qxf6 11.g3 O-O 12.Bg2 d6 13.O-O Re8 14.Rb1 Nf8 15.Bxb7 Bxb7

up to 3…Nc6 as line 44

4.d4: White opens the centre at once.
4…exd4: You capture – played almost always.
5.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
5…Bb4: You pin the knight on c3 and threaten to take on c3 and weaken White's pawn structure. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
6.Bg5: White pins the knight on f6 in turn.
6…h6: You put the question to the bishop on g5.
7.Bh4: The bishop keeps up the pin.
7…Bxc3: You exchange on c3 and double White's c-pawns. The pawn on c4 becomes a target.
8.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
8…Ne5: The knight aims at c4 and d3. Stockfish preferred castling; after Ne5 the position is level.
9.f4: White drives away the knight with f4.
9…Ng6: The knight steps aside to g6, where it attacks the pawn on f4 and the bishop on h4.
10.Bxf6: White exchanges on f6.
10…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen, which now puts pressure on the knight on d4 and the pawn on f4.
11.g3: White protects f4 and prepares Bg2.
11…O-O: You bring your king to safety.
12.Bg2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
12…d6: You open the diagonal for the bishop on c8. Stockfish considers the position level.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…Re8: Stockfish's move: the rook takes the half-open e-file and aims at e2. Then the knight can look for new squares via f8.
14.Rb1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The rook goes to the half-open b-file, against the pawn on b7.
14…Nf8: The knight goes to f8, from where it wants to come into play via e6.
15.Bxb7: The bishop on g2 takes your pawn on b7 and attacks the bishop on c8 and the rook on a8. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bxb7: The position is open, both sides have active pieces – Stockfish sees it as level (0).

Line 46: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Ne5 9.e3 Ng6 10.Bg3 O-O 11.Bd3 d6 12.Bc2 a6 13.O-O Re8 14.a4 Ne4 15.a5 Qg5

up to 8…Ne5 as line 45

9.e3: With e3 White opens the diagonal for the bishop on f1, which can then protect c4. Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
9…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks the bishop on h4 – Stockfish's choice.
10.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3.
10…O-O: Stockfish's move: you castle and, according to Stockfish, stand slightly better – the pawn on c4 remains a target.
11.Bd3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White develops the bishop and aims at your knight on g6.
11…d6: 11...d6 opens the way for the bishop on c8.
12.Bc2: The bishop goes to c2 and avoids the trade for your knight.
12…a6: You take the square b5 from the knight on d4.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 onto the half-open e-file against e3.
14.a4: 14.a4 gains space on the queenside and wants to advance further with a5.
14…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the bishop on g3 and the pawn on c3.
15.a5: 15.a5 gains further space and takes the square b6 from your pieces. Stockfish: level (-0.03).
15…Qg5: With 15...Qg5 the queen attacks the bishop on g3 and the pawn on e3. White has doubled pawns on the c-file – Stockfish: level (−0.06).

Line 47: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.g3 Ne4 7.Qd3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bc5 9.Be3 Ne5 10.Qe4 d6 11.f4 f5 12.Nxf5 Bxf5 13.Qxf5 Bxe3 14.fxe5 Rf8 15.Qe4 Bf2

up to 5…Bb4 as line 46

6.g3: White prepares to put the bishop on g2.
6…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and increases the pressure on c3. Stockfish prefers to take at once with Bxc3 (0.23 better); after Ne4 White stands slightly better.
7.Qd3: The queen protects c3 and attacks the knight on e4.
7…Nxc3: You exchange on c3. Stockfish preferred Nc5; after the exchange White stands slightly better.
8.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
8…Bc5: The bishop attacks the knight on d4 and develops with tempo. Stockfish prefers Ba5 (0.14 better).
9.Be3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White develops the bishop and defends the knight on d4.
9…Ne5: The knight attacks the queen on d3.
10.Qe4: The queen steps aside to e4 and pins the knight on e5 against your king.
10…d6: 10...d6 supports the pinned knight.
11.f4: White attacks the pinned knight.
11…f5: You answer with 11...f5 – the pawn attacks the queen.
12.Nxf5: Now comes a sequence in which many pieces are traded.
12…Bxf5: Your bishop takes the knight on f5 and attacks the queen on e4.
13.Qxf5: The queen takes back your bishop and attacks the knight on e5.
13…Bxe3: You take the bishop on e3.
14.fxe5: White takes your knight on e5 – before that you took the bishop on e3.
14…Rf8: The rook attacks the queen on f5 with tempo.
15.Qe4: The queen dodges your rook on f8 and attacks the bishop on e3. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bf2: 15...Bf2+ – your bishop gives check. After the sequence Stockfish sees the position as level (+0.06).

Line 48: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd2 O-O 8.e3 d5 9.Be2 dxc4 10.O-O Be6 11.Qc2 Rb8 12.Rad1 Qe7 13.Nb1 Rfd8 14.Bxb4 Qxb4 15.a3 Qb3

up to 5…Bb4 as line 47

6.Nxc6: White exchanges the knights.
6…bxc6: You recapture towards the centre and open the b-file. Stockfish named Bxc3 as an alternative.
7.Bd2: White defends the pinned knight on c3.
7…O-O: You castle short – after bxc6 you have the half-open b-file and can occupy the centre with d5.
8.e3: 8.e3 opens the way for the bishop on f1 and covers d4 and f4.
8…d5: 8...d5 – with the pawns on c6 and d5 you gain space in the centre.
9.Be2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…dxc4: You take on c4 and hold the pawn with 10...Be6.
10.O-O: White castles short – he will win back your pawn on c4 later, it is hard to hold.
10…Be6: The bishop defends the pawn on c4.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and connects the rooks – White plans rook to d1 on the d-file.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file, against b2.
12.Rad1: The rook on a1 comes to d1 onto the open d-file.
12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers your bishop on b4 – she connects the rooks.
13.Nb1: The knight goes back to b1 – now the bishop on d2 attacks your bishop on b4.
13…Rfd8: The rook on f8 comes to d8 and attacks the bishop on d2 – the d-file belongs to you.
14.Bxb4: White trades the bishops on b4 – otherwise you would have taken on d2.
14…Qxb4: After the bishop trade your queen stands actively on b4.
15.a3: 15.a3 attacks your queen on b4 – White will soon win back the pawn on c4. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Qb3: With 15...Qb3 you offer the queen trade and keep the pawn on c4. Stockfish sees you slightly more comfortable (−0.12).

Line 49: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Qc2 O-O 8.g3 Ba6 9.a3 Bxc3 10.Qxc3 d5 11.Bg2 Re8 12.b3 Ne4 13.Qc2 Bc8 14.O-O Bf5 15.g4 Bg6

up to 6…bxc6 as line 48

7.Qc2: The queen protects c3 – Stockfish preferred Bd2.
7…O-O: You castle and have good prospects with the half-open b-file and your pawn centre. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
8.g3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White prepares the fianchetto.
8…Ba6: The bishop attacks the pawn on c4.
9.a3: 9.a3 attacks your bishop on b4 – White wants the bishop pair.
9…Bxc3: You give the bishop for the knight on c3 – White gets the bishop pair.
10.Qxc3: The queen recaptures on c3 and attacks your knight on f6 along the long diagonal.
10…d5: 10...d5 – with the pawns on c6 and d5 you hold the centre.
11.Bg2: The bishop comes to g2 and presses against d5 and c6.
11…Re8: The rook goes to the open e-file.
12.b3: 12.b3 supports c4 against your bishop on a6 and prepares bishop to b2.
12…Ne4: The knight attacks the queen on c3.
13.Qc2: The queen dodges your knight on e4 to c2 and attacks it.
13…Bc8: The bishop goes back – on a6 it has nothing left to do.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
14…Bf5: The bishop supports the knight on e4.
15.g4: 15.g4 attacks your bishop on f5 – a sharp move that loosens White's own king. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bg6: After 15...Bg6 your knight still stands strongly on e4. Bishop pair against a firm outpost in the centre – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 50: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e3 Be7 7.Be2 O-O 8.O-O Be6 9.a3 a5 10.Qc2 f5 11.Bd2 Nb6 12.Na4 Nxa4 13.Qxa4 Qe8 14.Rfe1 Bd6 15.Bc3 h6

up to 3…Nc6 as line 49

4.d3: A flexible move: White keeps everything open between g3 and e3.
4…d5: You strike in the centre at once – the same plan as against 4.g3.
5.cxd5: White exchanges, almost always.
5…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight and have a nice centre.
6.e3: A quiet setup with e3 and Be2 – a Scheveningen Sicilian with reversed colours. Stockfish considers this slightly inaccurate.
6…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare castling.
7.Be2: White develops the bishop.
7…O-O: You castle.
8.O-O: White castles too.
8…Be6: The bishop protects the knight on d5 and completes your development. Stockfish sees you a tiny bit better.
9.a3: White prepares b4.
9…a5: With a5 you prevent b4 and take away White's space on the queenside.
10.Qc2: The queen connects the rooks and protects c3.
10…f5: With f5 you gain space on the kingside and control e4. Stockfish considers the position level.
11.Bd2: White develops the bishop.
11…Nb6: The knight steps aside to b6 and controls c4 and a4.
12.Na4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White offers the knight trade.
12…Nxa4: Your knight takes the knight on a4 – you trade the piece that wanted to go to c5.
13.Qxa4: The queen recaptures and attacks your knight on c6.
13…Qe8: 13...Qe8 defends the knight on c6 and can later go to the kingside via f7 or g6.
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 – White wants to open the centre with e4.
14…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and covers e5 – it also aims at h2.
15.Bc3: The bishop comes to c3 and presses against your pawn on e5. Stockfish: level (0).
15…h6: 15...h6 gives your king air. With e5 and f5 you have space while White waits on the queenside – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 51: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e3 Be7 7.Be2 O-O 8.O-O Be6 9.Bd2 f5 10.a3 a6 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Bc3 Qd6 13.Nd2 Qg6 14.e4 fxe4 15.Nxe4 Rad8

up to 8…Be6 as line 50

9.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
9…f5: You gain space with f5. Stockfish slightly preferred a5 to prevent b4.
10.a3: White prepares b4.
10…a6: a6 takes the square b5 away from the knight on c3. Stockfish considers Kh8 equally good and sees the position as level.
11.Nxd5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…Bxd5: The bishop stands in the centre on d5.
12.Bc3: White attacks the pawn on e5.
12…Qd6: The queen defends e5.
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and prepares e4 to drive away your bishop on d5.
13…Qg6: The queen switches to the kingside and eyes g2.
14.e4: White attacks the bishop on d5 and opens the centre.
14…fxe4: You take on e4 – the f-file opens for your rook on f8.
15.Nxe4: The knight recaptures on e4 and stands strongly in the centre. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Rad8: With 15...Rad8 you put the rook against the pawn on d3. Stockfish: level (−0.04).

Line 52: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e3 Be7 7.Be2 O-O 8.O-O Be6 9.Qc2 f5 10.a3 a5

up to 8…Be6 as line 51

9.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 at once.
9…f5: You gain space on the kingside. Stockfish preferred a5; after f5 the position is level.
10.a3: White prepares the advance of the b-pawn.
10…a5: 10...a5 stops it. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 53: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.g3

up to 5…Nxd5 as line 52

6.g3: With g3 the position after g3 d5 cxd5 Nxd5 d3 arises by transposition. (transposition)

Line 54: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nb6 7.Be2 Be7 8.Be3 Be6 9.O-O O-O 10.h3 Re8 11.Rc1 h6 12.Qd2 Qd7 13.Rfd1 Rad8 14.d4 exd4 15.Nxd4 Nxd4

up to 5…Nxd5 as line 53

6.e4: White attacks the knight on d5 with e4 and builds a centre, but leaves the square d4 weak.
6…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6 and covers c4 and d5.
7.Be2: White develops the bishop.
7…Be7: Stockfish's move: you develop the bishop and castle soon. The weak square d4 is a fine target for your knight on c6.
8.Be3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White develops the bishop and aims at the knight on b6.
8…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and covers c4 – together with the knight on b6 you control the square.
9.O-O: White castles short – his centre with e4 and d3 stands firm.
9…O-O: You castle short as well and bring the king to safety.
10.h3: 10.h3 takes the square g4 from your pieces and gives the king air.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – you hold the centre firmly.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the half-open c-file against c7.
11…h6: 11...h6 takes the square g5 from White's pieces.
12.Qd2: The queen comes to d2, connects the rooks and eyes h6.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7, connects your rooks and eyes h3.
13.Rfd1: The rook on f1 comes to d1 and prepares d4.
13…Rad8: Your rooks stand on d8 and e8 – ready for when the centre opens.
14.d4: With 14.d4 White opens the centre.
14…exd4: You take on d4 and attack the knight on c3 and the bishop on e3.
15.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks your bishop on e6 and the knight on c6. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Nxd4: After 15...Nxd4 you trade knights, and the open lines suit your central rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 55: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.g3 Bg7 6.Bg2 O-O 7.O-O d6 8.d3 h6 9.b4 Nd4 10.Nd2 c6 11.Bb2 Re8 12.Rc1 d5 13.e3 Nf5 14.cxd5 Nxd5 15.Re1 Nxc3

up to 3…Nc6 as line 54

4.a3: White plays a3 to prepare b4 and to deny your bishop the square b4.
4…g6: You choose the kingside fianchetto: your bishop on g7 will be strong on the long diagonal. Stockfish named d5 as an alternative; the difference is small.
5.g3: White fianchettoes too.
5…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and supports e5.
6.Bg2: White develops the bishop to g2.
6…O-O: You castle.
7.O-O: White castles too.
7…d6: With d6 you set up a firm chain. Stockfish preferred the more active d5; after d6 White stands slightly better.
8.d3: White plays d3.
8…h6: With h6 you prevent Bg5 and Ng5 and prepare Be6. Stockfish names Nd4 as an alternative; the difference is small (0.03).
9.b4: White plays b4 without Rb1 – Stockfish plays it this way too.
9…Nd4: Stockfish's move: the knight jumps to d4, its best square. Stockfish expects Nd2 c6.
10.Nd2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight avoids the trade against your knight on d4.
10…c6: You prepare 12...d5.
11.Bb2: The bishop comes to b2 and attacks your knight on d4.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – you prepare d5.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and stands behind the pawn on c4.
12…d5: 12...d5 – you strike in the centre.
13.e3: White drives away the knight on d4.
13…Nf5: The knight dodges the pawn on e3 to f5.
14.cxd5: White trades on d5 and opens the c-file for the rook on c1.
14…Nxd5: The knight on d5 attacks c3 and e3.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 – you stand comfortably in the centre. Stockfish: level (+0.11).
15…Nxc3: After 15...Nxc3 you trade the knight. White has a little more space on the queenside, and Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.14) – hardly more than level.

Line 56: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.g3 Bg7 6.Bg2 O-O 7.O-O d6 8.d3 h6 9.Rb1 Be6 10.b4 Qd7 11.e4 Bg4 12.Be3 Kh7 13.Qc2 a6 14.Nd2 Bh3 15.Bxh3 Qxh3

up to 8…h6 as line 55

9.Rb1: The rook supports b4.
9…Be6: You develop the bishop. Stockfish preferred Nd4 and sees White slightly better after Be6.
10.b4: White attacks on the queenside.
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and supports Bh3 to trade the bishop on g2.
11.e4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. With 11.e4 White takes the centre.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3.
12.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and covers d4 against your knight on c6.
12…Kh7: 12...Kh7 defends the pawn on h6, which the bishop on e3 attacks.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and connects the rooks.
13…a6: 13...a6 stops the advance b4–b5.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and clears the way for f4.
14…Bh3: You offer to trade the important bishop on g2.
15.Bxh3: White trades on h3 – the bishop attacks your queen on d7 doing so, you recapture with her. Stockfish: level (+0.28).
15…Qxh3: After 15...Qxh3 your queen stands in front of the white king. White has more space and Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.24) – but your queen on h3 gives you counterplay.

Line 57: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.g3 Bg7 6.Bg2 O-O 7.d3 d6 8.O-O

up to 6…O-O as line 56

7.d3: White plays d3 before castling.
7…d6: You play d6; Stockfish considers d5 equally good, and the position is almost level.
8.O-O: After castling you are, by transposition, in the position after O-O d6 d3. (transposition)

Line 58: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.e3 Bg7 6.Be2 O-O 7.Qc2 Re8 8.O-O e4 9.Ng5 Qe7 10.f4 exf3 11.Nxf3 d6 12.d3 Ng4 13.Nd5 Qd8 14.h3 Nge5 15.Bd2 Ne7

up to 4…g6 as line 57

5.e3: White chooses a quiet setup with e3.
5…Bg7: You fianchetto the bishop, as planned.
6.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
6…O-O: You castle. Later d5 comes into question to open the centre.
7.Qc2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
7…Re8: The rook prepares 8...e4.
8.O-O: White castles short – you answer with e4 and gain space.
8…e4: The advance drives away the knight on f3.
9.Ng5: The knight attacks the pawn on e4.
9…Qe7: The queen defends e4.
10.f4: White attacks the pawn on e4 with the f-pawn.
10…exf3: You take en passant.
11.Nxf3: The knight on g5 recaptures on f3 – the f-file is half-open for White.
11…d6: 11...d6 opens the way for your bishop on c8 and covers e5.
12.d3: 12.d3 takes the square e4 from your pieces and opens the way for the bishop on c1.
12…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and eyes e3 and e5.
13.Nd5: The knight attacks your queen.
13…Qd8: The queen dodges the knight on d5 to d8 and covers c7.
14.h3: 14.h3 attacks your knight on g4 – it has to go back to e5.
14…Nge5: The knight returns to e5, into the centre.
15.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 and connects the rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.07).
15…Ne7: With 15...Ne7 you attack the strong knight on d5. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 59: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.d3 Bg7 6.g3 O-O 7.Bg2

up to 4…g6 as line 58

5.d3: White plays d3.
5…Bg7: You fianchetto the bishop.
6.g3: White fianchettoes too.
6…O-O: You castle; Stockfish prefers d5 at once, but the difference is small (0.07).
7.Bg2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White puts the bishop on g2 – by transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 60: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.b4 e4 6.Ng5 Bg7 7.Rb1 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Qb3 Qxg5 10.Qxd5 Bf5 11.Nxe4 Qe7 12.f3 Rd8 13.Qc5 Rd6 14.Qe3 Bxe4 15.Qxe4 Re6

up to 4…g6 as line 59

5.b4: A serious mistake (0.64): b4 does nothing for development, and e4 now drives away the knight on f3. Stockfish then sees you ahead.
5…e4: Stockfish's move: e4 chases the knight on f3, and White falls behind in development. After Ng5 Bg7 – or Ng1 – you are ahead according to Stockfish.
6.Ng5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight attacks the pawn on e4.
6…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 – your pawn on e4 cramps White, the knight on g5 stands on the edge.
7.Rb1: The rook leaves the long diagonal of your bishop on g7 and covers the pawn on b4.
7…d5: 7...d5 defends e4 and opens the game.
8.cxd5: White takes on d5 and attacks your knight on c6.
8…Nxd5: Your knight recaptures and attacks the knight on c3 – the long diagonal of the bishop on g7 opens.
9.Qb3: White attacks the knight on d5.
9…Qxg5: You take the knight on g5! After 10.Qxd5 White wins the piece back, but your pieces come into play faster.
10.Qxd5: The queen takes your knight on d5 – material is level, she attacks the queen on g5 and the knight on c6.
10…Bf5: The bishop defends the pawn on e4.
11.Nxe4: White takes the pawn on e4.
11…Qe7: The queen attacks the knight on e4 a second time.
12.f3: White defends the knight.
12…Rd8: The rook attacks the queen on d5.
13.Qc5: The queen goes to c5 and attacks your bishop on f5, the knight on c6 and the queen on e7.
13…Rd6: The rook goes to d6 and covers c6 – it steps between the queens.
14.Qe3: The queen steps back to e3 and covers the knight on e4.
14…Bxe4: After 15...Re6 you attack the queen on e4. White is far behind in development – Stockfish sees you clearly better (−0.56).
15.Qxe4: The queen recaptures on e4 and attacks your queen on e7 and the knight on c6.
15…Re6: The rook goes to e6, covers c6 and attacks the queen on e4 – you stand more actively. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.56).

Line 61: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3 g6 5.d4 exd4 6.Nxd4 Bg7 7.Nxc6 dxc6 8.Qxd8 Kxd8 9.Bd2 Be6 10.e4 Nd7 11.O-O-O Kc8 12.f4 Re8 13.Be2 a5 14.Rhf1 Nb6 15.b3 a4

up to 4…g6 as line 60

5.d4: White opens the centre at once.
5…exd4: Stockfish's move: you capture, and after Nxd4 Bg7 your bishop works powerfully on the long diagonal.
6.Nxd4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
6…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 and attacks the knight on d4 along the long diagonal.
7.Nxc6: White trades the knights on c6 and attacks your queen on d8 doing so.
7…dxc6: You recapture with the d-pawn – the d-file opens and the queens come off.
8.Qxd8: White trades the queens with check – your king must recapture on d8.
8…Kxd8: An early endgame: your king is well placed in the centre.
9.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 and connects the rooks.
9…Be6: The bishop attacks the pawn on c4.
10.e4: 10.e4 occupies the centre and takes d5 and f5 from your pieces.
10…Nd7: The knight is on its way to b6.
11.O-O-O: White castles long – the rook comes to the d-file against your king.
11…Kc8: The king heads for the queenside.
12.f4: 12.f4 gains space on the kingside and threatens f5 against your bishop on e6.
12…Re8: The rook on h8 comes to e8 and covers the bishop on e6.
13.Be2: The bishop comes to e2 and connects the rooks.
13…a5: 13...a5 – you attack with the a-pawn.
14.Rhf1: The rook on h1 comes to f1 and supports the f5 push against your bishop on e6.
14…Nb6: The knight attacks the pawn on c4.
15.b3: 15.b3 takes the square c4 from your knight on b6 and the bishop on e6. Stockfish: level (0).
15…a4: With 15...a4 you attack the pawn on b3. A quiet endgame in which the pressure on c4 carries your play – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 62: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bb4 5.d3 d6 6.g3 Bg4 7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 Nd4 9.Qd1 a5 10.Bg2 c6 11.Rb1 Bc5 12.a3 Ba7 13.Be3 h5 14.h4 Ng4 15.Bh3 Qd7

up to 3…Nc6 as line 61

4.e4: White builds a solid centre with e4 – a Botvinnik-like setup. The square d4 becomes weak in the process.
4…Bb4: You pin the knight on c3, which covers the square d5.
5.d3: White plays d3 and protects e4.
5…d6: You place your pawns on d6 and e5 – solid and well prepared against d4.
6.g3: White fianchettoes; Stockfish considers this inaccurate and preferred a3.
6…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3 – it is the most important defender of the square d4. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
7.h3: White puts the question to the bishop.
7…Bxf3: You trade the knight on f3 so that nobody controls your square d4 any more.
8.Qxf3: White recaptures with the queen.
8…Nd4: Stockfish's move: the knight jumps to d4, attacks the queen and eyes c2. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
9.Qd1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen retreats from the knight on d4.
9…a5: 9...a5 secures the bishop on b4.
10.Bg2: The bishop comes to g2 – White has the bishop pair, you have the strong knight on d4.
10…c6: 10...c6 takes the squares d5 and b5 from the knight on c3.
11.Rb1: 11.Rb1 prepares b4 – White wants to gain space on the queenside.
11…Bc5: The bishop takes the diagonal against f2.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares b4 against your bishop on c5.
12…Ba7: The bishop retreats to a7 before b4 attacks it – it stays on the diagonal against f2.
13.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and attacks your knight on d4.
13…h5: 13...h5 – you attack on the kingside.
14.h4: 14.h4 stops your pawn on h5 – in return your knight gets the square g4.
14…Ng4: The knight attacks the bishop on e3.
15.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and attacks your knight on g4. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Qd7: With 15...Qd7 you defend the knight on g4. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 63: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bb4 5.d3 d6 6.a3 Bc5 7.b4 Bb6 8.Na4 Bd4 9.Rb1 Bg4 10.Be2 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 a6 12.Bd2 Ba7 13.Nc3 Nd4 14.O-O c6 15.a4 Qd7

up to 5…d6 as line 62

6.a3: White questions the bishop on b4.
6…Bc5: The bishop dodges the pawn on a3 to c5 and aims at f2.
7.b4: White gains space on the queenside with tempo.
7…Bb6: The bishop dodges the pawn on b4 to b6 – it stays on the diagonal against f2.
8.Na4: The knight wants to trade your bishop on b6.
8…Bd4: The bishop steps into the centre.
9.Rb1: The rook dodges your bishop on d4 to b1.
9…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3.
10.Be2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…Bxf3: You trade the knight that attacks your bishop on d4.
11.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures on f3 – White has the bishop pair.
11…a6: 11...a6 stops the advance b4–b5.
12.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 and covers c3 for the knight.
12…Ba7: The bishop retreats to a7 and stays on the diagonal against f2.
13.Nc3: The knight returns from the edge to c3 and covers d5.
13…Nd4: The knight occupies the square d4.
14.O-O: White castles short – the bishop on f3 stays covered by the pawn on g2.
14…c6: 14...c6 takes the squares d5 and b5 from the knight on c3.
15.a4: 15.a4 prepares b5 and wants to open lines on the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…Qd7: After 15...Qd7 you connect the rooks. Your knight on d4 is strong – Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 64: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bb4 5.d3 d6 6.Be2 Bc5 7.O-O O-O 8.Be3 Bg4 9.Nd2 Bxe2 10.Qxe2 Nd4 11.Qd1 c6 12.Nf3 Nxf3 13.Qxf3 Bxe3 14.Qxe3 Re8 15.h3 Qa5

up to 5…d6 as line 63

6.Be2: White develops the bishop – Stockfish preferred a3.
6…Bc5: Stockfish's move: the bishop goes to c5 and controls d4.
7.O-O: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
7…O-O: You castle short – your bishop on c5 aims at f2.
8.Be3: White offers to trade your bishop on c5.
8…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks the bishop on e2 through the knight on f3.
9.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and offers the bishop trade on e2.
9…Bxe2: You trade the light-squared bishops.
10.Qxe2: The queen recaptures on e2 – White no longer has a light-squared bishop.
10…Nd4: The knight attacks the queen on e2.
11.Qd1: The queen dodges your knight on d4 to d1.
11…c6: 11...c6 supports your knight on d4 against c3 and takes d5 and b5 from the knight on c3.
12.Nf3: The knight comes to f3 and attacks your knight on d4.
12…Nxf3: You trade on f3 with check – White has to recapture with the queen.
13.Qxf3: The queen recaptures and attacks your knight on f6.
13…Bxe3: After the trades each side has only a knight left.
14.Qxe3: The queen recaptures on e3 – the dark-squared bishops are traded.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – you hold the centre firmly.
15.h3: 15.h3 gives the king air – after the trades the position is quiet and level. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…Qa5: With 15...Qa5 you attack the knight on c3 and the pawn on a2. Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 65: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e4 Bb4 5.d3 d6 6.h3 Bc5 7.Be2 O-O 8.Rb1 a5 9.O-O Re8 10.a3 h6 11.Be3 Bd7 12.Qd2 Nh7 13.Bd1 Nf8 14.d4 exd4 15.Nxd4 Nxd4

up to 5…d6 as line 64

6.h3: White takes the square g4 from your bishop.
6…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2 – after h3 your bishop on c8 can no longer use g4.
7.Be2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
7…O-O: You castle short and bring the king to safety before the centre opens.
8.Rb1: 8.Rb1 prepares b4 – White wants to drive away your bishop on c5 with tempo.
8…a5: 8...a5 stops the advance of the b-pawn.
9.O-O: White castles short – after your a5, b4 is harder to achieve.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – your pieces are ready.
10.a3: 10.a3 prepares b4 once more, now backed by the a-pawn.
10…h6: 10...h6 takes the square g5 from the bishop on c1 and gives your king air.
11.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and offers a trade of your active bishop on c5.
11…Bd7: The bishop comes to d7 and connects your rooks – later it supports b5.
12.Qd2: The queen comes to d2 and eyes h6 – White thinks of bishop takes on h6.
12…Nh7: The knight goes via h7 to f8 – a typical detour towards g6 or e6.
13.Bd1: The bishop goes to d1 and wants to reach the diagonal against f7 via b3.
13…Nf8: The knight on h7 goes to f8 and wants to rejoin via g6 or e6.
14.d4: With 14.d4 White opens the centre.
14…exd4: You take on d4 and attack the knight on c3 and the bishop on e3.
15.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks your knight on c6 – level. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Nxd4: After 15...Nxd4 you trade knights. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 66: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.Nf3 Nc6

up to 2…Nf6 as line 65

3.g3: White fianchettoes at once, without Nf3. The knight on g1 can later go to e2 as well.
3…d5: The reversed Dragon: you strike in the centre at once. Stockfish named Bb4 as an alternative.
4.cxd5: White exchanges.
4…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
5.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
5…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6 – the same plan as in the main line.
6.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3.
6…Nc6: You protect e5 – by transposition you are in the main line after Bg2 Nb6. (transposition)

Line 67: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Rc1 Re8 9.a3 Bf8 10.Qc2 c6 11.Nf3 Bf5 12.O-O N8d7 13.Bg5 f6 14.Bd2 Kh8 15.Ne4 a5

up to 5…Nb6 as line 66

6.d3: White plays d3 and keeps the knight on g1 back for now.
6…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare castling.
7.Be3: White puts the bishop on e3 and aims at the knight on b6.
7…O-O: You castle.
8.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file and targets c7.
8…Re8: The rook protects e5 and makes room for Bf8. Stockfish plays this move itself.
9.a3: 9.a3 takes the square b4 from your pieces and prepares b4.
9…Bf8: The bishop drops back to f8 and covers the kingside.
10.Qc2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…c6: 10...c6 takes the squares d5 and b5 from the knight on c3.
11.Nf3: The knight comes to f3 and attacks your pawn on e5.
11…Bf5: The bishop attacks the pawn on d3.
12.O-O: White castles short – development is complete.
12…N8d7: The knight is developed via d7.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks your queen on d8.
13…f6: You drive the bishop away and strengthen e5.
14.Bd2: The bishop retreats from the pawn on f6 to d2 – your pawn on e5 is now firmly supported.
14…Kh8: The king goes to h8 and leaves the a2–g8 diagonal.
15.Ne4: The knight comes to e4 and wants to attack your queenside via c5. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15…a5: With 15...a5 you gain space on the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 68: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Rc1 Re8 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.O-O Bf8 11.Ne4 Nd4 12.Nc5 Nxf3 13.Bxf3 c6 14.Qb3 Bxc5 15.Bxc5 Be6

up to 8…Re8 as line 67

9.Nf3: White develops the knight and attacks e5.
9…Nc6: You protect e5.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8 and supports the kingside; the rook on e8 protects e5. Stockfish considers the position level.
11.Ne4: The knight aims at c5.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the knight on f3 and the pawn on e2. Stockfish prefers h6 (0.16 better).
12.Nc5: The knight on c5 attacks b7 and eyes d7 and e6. Stockfish sees this as an inaccuracy.
12…Nxf3: You exchange on f3 with check. Stockfish preferred a5 and now sees the position level.
13.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop.
13…c6: Stockfish's move: c6 blocks the long diagonal of the bishop on f3 towards b7 and covers d5.
14.Qb3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen aims at f7 and b7.
14…Bxc5: You trade the strong knight on c5.
15.Bxc5: The bishop on e3 recaptures on c5 and attacks your knight on b6 – level. Stockfish: level (+0.05).
15…Be6: With 15...Be6 you attack the queen and defend f7. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 69: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Rc1 Re8 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.O-O Bf8 11.Na4 Nd4 12.Nc5

up to 10…Bf8 as line 68

11.Na4: The knight goes to the edge and aims at c5.
11…Nd4: The knight occupies d4.
12.Nc5: With Nc5 the same position arises by transposition as after the knight route via e4. (transposition)

Line 70: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Rc1 Re8 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.O-O Bf8 11.a3 Nd4 12.Ne4 h6 13.Bd2 Be6 14.Bb4 Bxb4 15.axb4 Bd5

up to 10…Bf8 as line 69

11.a3: 11.a3 takes the square b4 from your pieces and prepares b4.
11…Nd4: The knight occupies the square d4.
12.Ne4: The knight comes to e4 – it wants to become active via c5 or g5.
12…h6: 12...h6 takes the square g5 from the knight on e4.
13.Bd2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
13…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and covers c4 and d5.
14.Bb4: White wants to trade your good bishop on f8.
14…Bxb4: You trade on b4 – the dark-squared bishops are off the board.
15.axb4: White recaptures with the a-pawn – the a-file is half-open for the rook on a1. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bd5: After 15...Bd5 your bishop stands strongly in the centre, and White has doubled pawns on the b-file – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 71: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.Nf3 Nc6

up to 6…Be7 as line 70

7.Nf3: White develops the knight.
7…Nc6: With Nc6 you are, by transposition, in the position after Bg2 Nb6 d3 Be7. (transposition)

Line 72: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.Nh3 Nc6 8.f4 h5 9.Be3 h4 10.Rc1 Bxh3 11.Bxh3 Nd5 12.Nxd5 Qxd5 13.Kf2 Qxa2 14.Qc2 a5 15.fxe5 Rd8

up to 6…Be7 as line 71

7.Nh3: White puts the knight on h3 to prepare the advance of the f-pawn.
7…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and covers e5 – White's knight on h3 stands on the edge.
8.f4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White attacks e5.
8…h5: 8...h5 – you attack with the h-pawn.
9.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and attacks your knight on b6.
9…h4: 9...h4 attacks the pawn on g3 and wants to open the h-file.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the half-open c-file against c7.
10…Bxh3: You trade the knight on h3.
11.Bxh3: The bishop recaptures on h3 – White has the bishop pair, but weaknesses on the kingside.
11…Nd5: The knight attacks the bishop on e3.
12.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks your bishop on e7.
12…Qxd5: The queen attacks the rook on h1 along the long diagonal.
13.Kf2: White defends the rook with the king.
13…Qxa2: You take the pawn on a2.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks your knight on c6 – White looks for play for the pawn.
14…a5: 14...a5 gains space on the queenside – the knight on c6 is covered by the pawn on b7, and you are a pawn up. Stockfish: level (0).
15.fxe5: White wins the pawn back.
15…Rd8: With 15...Rd8 you attack the pawn on d3. The white king stands in the centre and you are active – Stockfish: level (0).

Line 73: 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Be7 7.a3 O-O 8.Nf3 Nc6

up to 6…Be7 as line 72

7.a3: White prepares b4.
7…O-O: You castle – Stockfish's choice; the position is almost level.
8.Nf3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
8…Nc6: 8...Nc6 – by transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Chapter 2: 2.g3

Line 74: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nc3

2.g3: The second main road: White fianchettoes at once, in 25 % of the games.
2…Nf6: You develop the knight and prepare d5.
3.Bg2: White develops the bishop to the long diagonal.
3…d5: You strike in the centre – Stockfish plays it this way too.
4.cxd5: White exchanges.
4…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
5.Nc3: With Nc3 the position is, by transposition, the same as after Nc3 Nf6 g3 d5 cxd5 Nxd5 Bg2. (transposition)

Line 75: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.Nbd2 O-O 9.a3 a5 10.b3 Be6 11.Bb2 f6 12.Qc2 Qd7 13.Rfd1 Rfd8 14.Nc4 Qe8 15.Nfd2 Bf8

up to 4…Nxd5 as line 74

5.Nf3: White attacks the pawn on e5.
5…Nc6: You protect e5 with the knight.
6.O-O: White castles.
6…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6, safe from the attacks along the long diagonal.
7.d3: White plays d3.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare castling.
8.Nbd2: White puts the knight on d2 to go to c4 later. Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
8…O-O: You castle.
9.a3: White prepares b4.
9…a5: With a5 you prevent b4.
10.b3: White prepares Bb2.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 – Stockfish's choice; f6 follows right after in its line.
11.Bb2: The bishop attacks e5.
11…f6: With f6 you support e5 – the reversed Dragon setup is complete.
12.Qc2: The queen connects the rooks.
12…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and prepares Rfd8.
13.Rfd1: The rook goes to the d-file – Stockfish preferred e3.
13…Rfd8: You also put a rook on the d-file and put pressure on the pawn on d3.
14.Nc4: The knight attacks the pawn on a5.
14…Qe8: The queen leaves the d-file; Stockfish expects Nh4 Qf7. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
15.Nfd2: White regroups the knights.
15…Bf8: 15...Bf8 – the bishop drops back and covers g7. Your centre with e5 and f6 stands firm – Stockfish: level (−0.09).

Line 76: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.Nbd2 O-O 9.a3 a5 10.b3 Be6 11.Bb2 f6 12.Qc2 Qd7 13.Rfd1 Rfd8 14.Rac1 Bf8 15.Bf1 Bg4

up to 13…Rfd8 as line 75

14.Rac1: The rook goes to the c-file.
14…Bf8: Stockfish's move: the bishop retreats to f8 and supports your kingside. Stockfish sees you slightly better.
15.Bf1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The bishop goes to f1 and defends the pawn on d3.
15…Bg4: 15...Bg4 attacks the pawn on e2 and disturbs White's setup. Stockfish sees you slightly more comfortable (−0.16).

Line 77: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.Nbd2 O-O 9.a3 a5 10.b3 Be6 11.Bb2 f6 12.Qc2 Qd7 13.e3 Rfd8 14.d4 exd4 15.Nxd4 Nxd4

up to 12…Qd7 as line 76

13.e3: White prepares d4.
13…Rfd8: You put the rook on the d-file. Stockfish preferred Bf5.
14.d4: White opens the centre.
14…exd4: You capture on d4.
15.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish preferred Bxd4.
15…Nxd4: Stockfish's move: you trade the knights, and after Bxd4 c5 you gain space. Stockfish considers the position level.

Line 78: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.Nbd2 O-O 9.a3 a5 10.b3 Be6 11.Bb2 f6 12.Rc1 Qe8 13.e3 Bd5 14.Re1 Rd8 15.Bf1 Qh5

up to 11…f6 as line 77

12.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file.
12…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and can later go to h5 or f7. Stockfish considers Qd7 equally good.
13.e3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
13…Bd5: The bishop lines up against the bishop on g2.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares e4 to drive away your bishop on d5.
14…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 and covers the bishop on d5 – you hold the centre.
15.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and covers d3 – White stands firmly but passively. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…Qh5: With 15...Qh5 the queen switches to the kingside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 79: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.Nbd2 O-O 9.b3 f6 10.a3 a5 11.Qc2 Be6 12.Bb2

up to 8…O-O as line 78

9.b3: 9.b3 prepares bishop to b2 – the bishop is meant to press against your pawn on e5.
9…f6: 9...f6 secures e5 – the typical centre.
10.a3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…a5: You stop the advance of the b-pawn.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at your knight on c6.
11…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and covers c4 and d5 – you stand firmly. Stockfish: level (0).
12.Bb2: By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 80: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.d3 Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.Nbd2

up to 7…Be7 as line 79

8.a3: White prepares b4.
8…O-O: You castle.
9.Nbd2: With Nbd2 the position after Nbd2 O-O a3 arises by transposition. (transposition)

Line 81: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.b3 Be7 8.Bb2 f6 9.Nc3 O-O 10.Rc1 Be6 11.Ne4 Qe8 12.Nc5 Bxc5 13.Rxc5 Rd8 14.Nh4 Nd5 15.Qb1 Nde7

up to 6…Nb6 as line 80

7.b3: White prepares Bb2.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop. Stockfish slightly preferred Be6; after Be7 White stands slightly better.
8.Bb2: The bishop attacks e5.
8…f6: With f6 you support e5 – the familiar setup.
9.Nc3: The knight comes to c3 and covers d5 and e4.
9…O-O: You castle short – your pawn on f6 supports e5 against the bishop on b2.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the half-open c-file against c7.
10…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and covers c4 and d5.
11.Ne4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight heads for c5.
11…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and wants to reach the kingside via f7 or g6.
12.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks your bishop on e6 and the pawn on b7.
12…Bxc5: You trade the knight on c5.
13.Rxc5: The rook recaptures on c5 and presses on the c-file against c7.
13…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 onto the open d-file against d2.
14.Nh4: The knight wants to attack via f5.
14…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and closes the long diagonal of the bishop on g2.
15.Qb1: The queen goes to b1 and eyes your kingside along the b1–h7 diagonal – a quiet position. Stockfish: level (+0.14).
15…Nde7: With 15...Nde7 you cover the square f5. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 82: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.b3 Be7 8.Bb2 f6 9.d3 O-O 10.Nbd2 Be6 11.Qc1 Bd5 12.Rd1 Qd7 13.Ne4 a5 14.Nc5 Bxc5 15.Qxc5 a4

up to 8…f6 as line 81

9.d3: 9.d3 takes e4 from your pieces and prepares knight to d2.
9…O-O: You castle short – your pawn on f6 supports e5 against the bishop on b2.
10.Nbd2: The knight on b1 comes to d2 and wants to reach c5 via e4.
10…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and covers c4 and d5.
11.Qc1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…Bd5: The bishop lines up against the bishop on g2.
12.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and stands behind the pawn on d3 against your bishop on d5.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects your rooks.
13.Ne4: The knight comes to e4 and wants to go to c5 – it would then attack your queen.
13…a5: 13...a5 gains space on the queenside and threatens a4 against the pawn on b3.
14.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks your queen on d7.
14…Bxc5: You trade the knight on c5.
15.Qxc5: The queen recaptures on c5 and attacks your bishop on d5 and the knight on c6. Stockfish: level (0).
15…a4: With 15...a4 you attack the pawn on b3 and open the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 83: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nb6 7.Nc3

up to 6…Nb6 as line 82

7.Nc3: With Nc3 the game reaches, by transposition, the Four Knights with g3. (transposition)

Line 84: 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Nc3

up to 5…Nc6 as line 83

6.Nc3: With Nc3 the position is, by transposition, the same as after Nc3 Nf6 Nf3 Nc6 g3 d5 cxd5 Nxd5 Bg2. (transposition)