The English Opening for White – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.c4

With c4 the English Opening begins: you attack d5 from the side instead of occupying the centre with pawns at once. This course deliberately stays English – White never plays d2–d4 but develops with Nc3, Nf3, g3 and Bg2 and opens the game later with e2–e3/e4 or via d3. So you do not end up in a Queen's Gambit or a Catalan but in the typical English positions, where your bishop on g2 rules the long diagonal. It is for players who want to play White flexibly and with a plan. Black has six main roads: Nf6 (almost a third of the games), e5 with the Reversed Sicilian, e6, the symmetrical c5, g6 and c6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead in every line – the advantages are small but lasting.

The ideas

The bishop on g2 is your most important piece: along the long diagonal it presses on d5 and b7 and supports every advance on the queenside.
The square d5 is the heart of the opening. c4, Nc3 and Bg2 aim at it; often the knight jumps there itself with Nd5.
Against e5 you play a Sicilian with colours reversed and an extra tempo: space on the queenside with a3 and b4, the rooks to the b-file.
When Black strikes in the centre with …d5, you often exchange with cxd5: the black knight on d5 then becomes a target for your pieces.
No d2–d4: you play the central break with e2–e3 or e2–e4, or only after d3 as d3–d4 – so the position stays English and Black cannot steer into his Queen's Gambit theory.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 1…Nf6

Line 1: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 c5

1…Nf6: The most common reply (almost a third of the games): Black keeps every road open and controls e4 and d5.
2.Nc3: The knight strengthens the grip on d5 and e4. Against Nf6, Nc3 is the practical choice – two games out of three.
2…g6: Black fianchettoes the bishop and keeps the King's Indian and the Grünfeld open. Stockfish slightly prefers 2...e5.
3.e4: You take the centre with the e-pawn – against 3...d5 there is 4.e5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.43).
3…d6: Black keeps e5 under control and sets up a King's Indian. Stockfish prefers 3...e5 at once.
4.Nf3: You develop the knight and prepare d4.
4…c5: Black hits d4 before your d-pawn gets there. With 5.d4 you open the centre; White is slightly better (eval 0.47). (transposition)

Line 2: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 Be7 5.b3 O-O 6.Bb2 b6 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.O-O a6 11.Re1 Rc8 12.Bf1 Re8 13.Ne2 c5 14.a4 Nf8 15.Nf4

up to 2.Nc3 as line 1

2…e6: Black keeps d5 and Bb4 in reserve – often a Hedgehog or Nimzo set-up arises.
3.Nf3: Quiet development. Against d5 you decide later whether to exchange or to fianchetto with g3.
3…d5: Black occupies the centre. Without d2–d4 you choose between the quiet e3 with b3 and the fianchetto.
4.e3: A quiet set-up: you support c4 and prepare b3 and the bishop to b2 – the double fianchetto idea without d2–d4.
4…Be7: Black develops solidly. With b3 and the bishop to b2 you aim at the centre.
5.b3: The pawn supports c4 and makes room for the bishop on b2.
5…O-O: Black castles. Your bishop goes to b2.
6.Bb2: The bishop aims along the long diagonal at e5 and Black's kingside.
6…b6: Black also fianchettoes his queen's bishop – a symmetrical, quiet game.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5 and open the c-file for your rook. 7.Be2 would be just as good.
7…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn: he holds d5, and the bishop on c8 gets a diagonal.
8.Rc1: The rook goes to the half-open c-file; once the knight on c3 moves, it aims at c7.
8…Bb7: Black develops the bishop behind his pawn on d5. The position is level.
9.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
9…Nbd7: The knight comes to d7 and supports the squares c5 and e5.
10.O-O: You castle; your king is safe.
10…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight and prepares 11...c5.
11.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and later supports d4.
11…Rc8: Black puts his rook opposite yours on the c-file.
12.Bf1: The bishop drops back to f1 and frees e2 for the knight.
12…Re8: Black brings his other rook to the centre too, to the e-file.
13.Ne2: The knight heads via e2 to f4 or g3 and clears the c-file for the rook.
13…c5: Black gains space in the centre; his pawns on c5 and d5 stand side by side.
14.a4: You stop 14...b5 and keep Black's queenside small.
14…Nf8: The knight heads via f8 to g6.
15.Nf4: The knight eyes d5 and takes g6 away from Black's knight. The position stays level.

Line 3: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 Be7 5.b3 O-O 6.Bb2 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd5 exd5 9.Rc1 Nc6 10.Bd3 Nb4 11.Bb1 Bg4 12.O-O b5 13.a3 Nc6 14.b4 c4 15.Qc2

up to 6.Bb2 as line 2

6…c5: Black attacks the centre. With the trade on d5 you simplify.
7.cxd5: You exchange and open the c-file – a Hedgehog-like game with a healthy position.
7…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight, keeps the lines closed and attacks c3.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights. Stockfish slightly prefers 8.Qc2.
8…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn and keeps the centre with c5 and d5.
9.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file and attacks c5.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
10.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7.
10…Nb4: The knight attacks the bishop on d3 and the pawn on a2.
11.Bb1: The bishop steps back to b1 and stays on the diagonal to h7.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 to the queen on d1.
12.O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety.
12…b5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.a3: You attack the knight on b4 and drive it away.
13…Nc6: The knight goes back to c6.
14.b4: You attack c5 and challenge Black's pawns.
14…c4: Black pushes past and closes the c-file. In return you get d4, which no black pawn can cover any more.
15.Qc2: The queen forms a battery with the bishop on b1 and threatens mate on h7. Black covers with 15...f5 or 15...g6.

Line 4: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 Be7 5.b3 O-O 6.Bb2 c5 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Rc1 Nc6 9.Na4 Ne4 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.O-O Qa5 12.d3 Ng5 13.Nxg5 Qxb5 14.Nc3 Qa6 15.Qh5

up to 7.cxd5 as line 3

7…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn and plays with the pawns on c5 and d5. Stockfish slightly prefers 7...Nxd5.
8.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file behind the knight on c3; once the knight moves, c5 comes under pressure.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
9.Na4: The knight attacks c5.
9…Ne4: The knight jumps into the centre to e4 and stands strongly there.
10.Bb5: The bishop attacks the knight on c6.
10…Bd7: Black covers the knight on c6 with the bishop.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Qa5: The queen attacks the bishop on b5 and the knight on a4.
12.d3: You attack the knight on e4. If Black takes the bishop on b5, your d-pawn takes the knight and you win the piece back.
12…Ng5: The knight steps away to g5 and attacks the knight on f3.
13.Nxg5: You take the knight; in return Black takes the bishop on b5.
13…Qxb5: The queen takes the bishop; material is level. Your knight on g5 now hangs to the bishop on e7.
14.Nc3: The knight attacks the queen and gains time.
14…Qa6: The queen steps away to a6 and attacks a2 and d3.
15.Qh5: The queen covers the knight on g5 and threatens mate on h7 with it. Black has to play 15...h6 or 15...g6.

Line 5: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 Be7 5.b3 O-O 6.Bb2 dxc4 7.bxc4 b6 8.Qc2 c5 9.Rg1 Bb7 10.Be2 Ne8 11.g4 Nd6 12.g5 Nc6 13.a3 f5 14.h4 Rc8 15.Nb5

up to 6.Bb2 as line 4

6…dxc4: Black gives up the centre and takes the pawn on c4. Stockfish slightly prefers 6...c5.
7.bxc4: You recapture towards the centre: your pawn on c4 holds d5, and the b-file is half open for your rook. White is somewhat better (eval 0.25).
7…b6: Black prepares 8...Bb7.
8.Qc2: The queen aims at h7 and supports the push e4.
8…c5: Black strikes at your centre with the c-pawn.
9.Rg1: The rook goes to g1 and prepares a pawn storm with g4.
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal and aims at f3.
10.Be2: You develop the bishop and keep the king in the centre for now – it should not get in the way of the kingside storm.
10…Ne8: The knight steps away from the push 11.g4 in advance and heads for d6.
11.g4: You advance the g-pawn and gain space on the kingside.
11…Nd6: The knight stands on d6 and attacks c4.
12.g5: You push on and take f6 away from the knight before it can come back.
12…Nc6: Black develops his last knight and keeps d4 and e5 under control.
13.a3: You take b4 away from the knight on c6.
13…f5: Black holds up your kingside pawns with his f-pawn.
14.h4: You continue the storm with the h-pawn.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file behind the knight on c6.
15.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and wants to trade the strong knight on d6. The position is level.

Line 6: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bb5 Nbd7 7.O-O a6 8.Be2 Bd6 9.Qb3 d4 10.exd4 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Nc5 12.Qc2 Bxh2 13.Kxh2 Qxd4 14.d3 Bf5 15.Be3

up to 4.e3 as line 5

4…c5: Black plays symmetrically. With cxd5 you open the position.
5.cxd5: You exchange in the centre. If Black recaptures with the pawn, he gets an isolated pawn as a target.
5…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn. The pawn on d5 becomes a target – after the trade on d4 it is often isolated.
6.Bb5: You give check and disturb Black's development. The position is level (eval 0.07).
6…Nbd7: Black blocks the check with the knight.
7.O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety.
7…a6: Black attacks the bishop on b5.
8.Be2: The bishop drops back to e2; the pawns on a6 and c5 are targets for later.
8…Bd6: Black develops the bishop and aims at h2.
9.Qb3: The queen attacks d5 and b7.
9…d4: Black pushes the d-pawn and attacks c3 and e3.
10.exd4: You take on d4 and open the centre.
10…cxd4: Black recaptures and attacks the knight on c3.
11.Nxd4: The knight takes the pawn on d4. You are a pawn up, and Black no longer has a pawn on d5.
11…Nc5: The knight attacks your queen.
12.Qc2: The queen steps away to c2 and aims at h7.
12…Bxh2: Black gives the bishop on h2 so that after 13.Kxh2 his queen can collect the knight on d4.
13.Kxh2: You take the bishop with the king.
13…Qxd4: The queen takes the knight on d4: material is level again. The queen now attacks d2, f2 and c3.
14.d3: You cover with the d-pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
14…Bf5: Black develops the bishop and attacks d3.
15.Be3: The bishop attacks the queen and gains time. The position is level.

Line 7: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.O-O a6 8.a4 Be7 9.Qe2 Nc6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.b3 O-O 12.Bb2 b6 13.Bd3 e5 14.Bc4 e4 15.Ne1

up to 5.cxd5 as line 6

5…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight and keeps the lines closed; this is the Anglo-Indian. 5...exd5 is hardly worse.
6.Bc4: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
6…Nf6: The knight goes back to f6; against your bishop on c4 Black now plays as in the Queen's Gambit Accepted.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…a6: Black prepares the push of the b-pawn and wants to drive away your bishop.
8.a4: You stop 8...b5.
8…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and frees d1 for the rook.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
10.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file and prepares d4.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to the diagonal to h2 and keeps e5 under control.
11.b3: You prepare 12.Bb2.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
12…b6: Black prepares 13...Bb7.
13.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7.
13…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn; he is now slightly better (eval -0.12).
14.Bc4: The bishop returns to c4 and aims at f7.
14…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
15.Ne1: The knight steps away to e1 and prepares 16.d3. The position is level.

Line 8: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.Qc2 O-O 8.Be2 Re8 9.O-O Qe7 10.Rfe1 e5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Ne4 Bc7 13.a3 a5 14.Ng3 Nf8 15.h3

up to 4.e3 as line 7

4…c6: Black builds a Slav structure. With b3 and the bishop to b2 you stay flexible.
5.b3: The double fianchetto set-up: b3, the bishop to b2, later the queen to c2.
5…Nbd7: Black prepares …e5. Your bishop goes to b2 and keeps an eye on e5.
6.Bb2: The bishop on b2 controls e5 – the advance …e5 becomes difficult.
6…Bd6: The bishop aims at h2. With the queen to c2 you cover the kingside.
7.Qc2: The queen aims at h7 and supports d4 or e4. 7.Be2 is just as good.
7…O-O: Black castles. You develop the bishop to e2 and castle as well.
8.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 – your king goes to safety next.
8…Re8: Black puts the rook on the e-file and prepares 9...e5.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Qe7: Black puts the queen on the e-file. Stockfish prefers 9...e5 at once.
10.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and later supports e4. 10.Rac1 is just as good.
10…e5: Black strikes in the centre with the e-pawn.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5 and open the c-file.
11…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks the bishop on d6.
12…Bc7: The bishop steps away to c7 and stays on the diagonal to h2.
13.a3: You stop 13...Nb4.
13…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and keeps f5 and e4 under control.
14…Nf8: The knight heads via f8 to g6.
15.h3: You give your king some air and keep g4 under control. The position is level.

Line 9: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.Qc2 O-O 8.Be2 a6 9.h3 e5 10.g4 e4 11.Nd4 Ne5 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.O-O-O b5 14.Kb1 Bb7 15.g5

up to 8.Be2 as line 8

8…a6: Black prepares 9...b5. 8...Re8 is a little more accurate.
9.h3: You prepare the storm with 10.g4. 9.cxd5 is just as good.
9…e5: Black strikes in the centre before your storm begins.
10.g4: You advance the g-pawn anyway. Afterwards Black is slightly better (eval -0.3).
10…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
11.Nd4: The knight goes to d4 in the centre and attacks c6.
11…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks the pawns on g4 and c4.
12.cxd5: You trade on d5 and take the target c4 away from the knight on e5.
12…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn and opens the c-file.
13.O-O-O: You castle long: the kings stand on opposite wings, and both sides attack.
13…b5: Black starts his attack on the queenside.
14.Kb1: The king goes to b1 and leaves the c-file.
14…Bb7: Black develops the bishop and prepares 15...Rc8.
15.g5: You attack the knight on f6 and continue your attack. Black is slightly better (eval -0.25).

Line 10: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.Qc2 O-O 8.Be2 Qe7 9.O-O Re8

up to 8.Be2 as line 9

8…Qe7: Black puts the queen on the e-file. 8...Re8 is a little more accurate.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Re8: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...Re8 9.O-O 9...Qe7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 11: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.Qc2 O-O 8.Be2 b6 9.Rg1 e5 10.g4 Bb7 11.h4 b5 12.h5 bxc4 13.bxc4 Rb8 14.g5 Ne8 15.Rb1

up to 8.Be2 as line 10

8…b6: Black prepares 9...Bb7. 8...Re8 is better; White is somewhat better (eval 0.32).
9.Rg1: The rook goes to g1 and prepares 10.g4.
9…e5: Black strikes in the centre with the e-pawn.
10.g4: You advance the g-pawn and want to drive away the knight on f6.
10…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
11.h4: You continue the storm with the h-pawn.
11…b5: Black counter-attacks on the queenside and attacks c4.
12.h5: You push on and prepare g5.
12…bxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3.
13.bxc4: You recapture towards the centre and attack d5.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to the open b-file and aims at your bishop on b2.
14.g5: You attack the knight on f6.
14…Ne8: The knight steps away to e8.
15.Rb1: The rook faces the black rook on the b-file and covers the bishop on b2. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 12: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.Qc2 Qe7 8.Be2 O-O

up to 7.Qc2 as line 11

7…Qe7: Black puts the queen on the e-file before castling. Stockfish prefers to castle at once.
8.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
8…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...O-O 8.Be2 8...Qe7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 13: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Bd6 6.Bb2 O-O 7.Be2 Nbd7 8.O-O Qe7 9.Qc2

up to 5.b3 as line 12

5…Bd6: The bishop aims at h2. Your bishop goes to b2.
6.Bb2: The bishop on b2 holds e5 and the long diagonal.
6…O-O: Black castles. You develop with the queen to c2 and the bishop to e2.
7.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...e5 is hardly better.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.Qc2 is a little more accurate.
8…Qe7: Black puts the queen on the e-file. Stockfish prefers 8...e5 at once.
9.Qc2: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...O-O 8.Be2 8...Qe7 9.O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 14: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Bd6 6.Bb2 Nbd7

up to 6.Bb2 as line 13

6…Nbd7: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...Nbd7 6.Bb2 6...Bd6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 15: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 c6 5.b3 Be7 6.Bb2 O-O 7.Rc1 dxc4 8.bxc4 c5 9.g3 Nc6 10.Bg2 e5 11.O-O Bf5 12.Ba1 h6 13.Ne1 e4 14.f3 exf3 15.Bxf3

up to 5.b3 as line 14

5…Be7: Black puts the bishop modestly on e7. 5...Bd6 is more active; White is somewhat better (eval 0.35).
6.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports the pawn on c4.
7…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3.
8.bxc4: You recapture towards the centre; the b-file is half open.
8…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
9.g3: You prepare a second bishop on a long diagonal.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
10.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2: both bishops now aim at the queenside.
10…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Bf5: Black develops the bishop and keeps e4 under control.
12.Ba1: The bishop goes to a1 and clears b2 – it keeps the diagonal against e5.
12…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
13.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and clears the way for f3 or d3.
13…e4: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d3 away from your knight.
14.f3: You attack the pawn on e4 and open the f-file.
14…exf3: Black takes on f3 and attacks g2.
15.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and aims at c6. White is slightly better (eval 0.08).

Line 16: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 Nbd7 5.b3 c6

up to 4.e3 as line 15

4…Nbd7: Black prepares …e5. With b3 and the bishop to b2 you hold against it.
5.b3: You prepare Bb2 and support c4.
5…c6: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...c6 5.b3 5...Nbd7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 17: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 a6 5.b3 c5 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.Na4 b5 9.Bxf6 Qxf6 10.Nb6 Rb8 11.Nxd5 Qf5 12.Nc3 Be7 13.Be2 O-O 14.O-O Rd8 15.Rc1

up to 4.e3 as line 16

4…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight and bishop. 4...b6 is a little more accurate.
5.b3: You prepare Bb2 and support c4.
5…c5: Black strikes in the centre with the c-pawn.
6.cxd5: You trade on d5 and open the c-file.
6…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn and holds d5.
7.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal; once the knight on c3 moves, it aims at f6.
7…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
8.Na4: The knight attacks c5 and opens the diagonal of the bishop on b2.
8…b5: Black attacks the knight on a4.
9.Bxf6: You take the knight on f6 and so weaken the cover of d5.
9…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks f3 and a1.
10.Nb6: The knight jumps to b6 and attacks the rook on a8 and the pawn on d5.
10…Rb8: The rook steps away to b8 and attacks the knight on b6.
11.Nxd5: The knight takes the pawn on d5 and attacks the queen on f6.
11…Qf5: The queen steps away to f5 and attacks d5 and f3.
12.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3 and attacks b5. You are a pawn up, Black has the better development for it.
12…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
13.Be2: You develop the bishop and attack b5.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file and attacks d2.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file. The position is level.

Line 18: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.e3 b6 5.b3 Bb7 6.Bb2 Nbd7 7.Rc1 a6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 Bd6 10.Bf5 O-O 11.O-O Re8 12.Ne2 b5 13.a4 bxa4 14.bxa4 c5 15.Ba3

up to 4.e3 as line 17

4…b6: Black prepares 5...Bb7.
5.b3: You prepare Bb2 and support c4.
5…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
6.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal: both bishops face each other.
6…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports c5 and e5.
7.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4. 7.g3 is just as good.
7…a6: Black prepares 8...b5 or 8...c5.
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn; his bishop on b7 now stands behind d5.
9.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7 and a6. 9.Ne2 is just as good.
9…Bd6: Black develops the bishop and aims at h2.
10.Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the knight on d7.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and attacks e3.
12.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and heads via f4 or g3 to the kingside.
12…b5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
13…bxa4: Black takes on a4 and attacks b3.
14.bxa4: You recapture; your pawn on a4 is isolated, but the bishop on b2 has a free path.
14…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
15.Ba3: The bishop attacks the pawn on c5. The position is level.

Line 19: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3 6.Qxc3 b6 7.b4 Bb7 8.Bb2 d6 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Be2 c5 11.O-O Qe7 12.d3 Rfc8 13.h3 h6 14.Nd2 a6 15.Rfc1

up to 3.Nf3 as line 18

3…Bb4: The Nimzo-English: the bishop pins the knight on c3 and fights for e4.
4.Qc2: The queen covers c3 and e4. If Black trades on c3, you recapture with the queen and keep a healthy pawn structure.
4…O-O: Black castles. With a3 you question the bishop.
5.a3: The bishop has to decide: trade on c3 or retreat.
5…Bxc3: Black trades. You recapture with the queen and have the bishop pair.
6.Qxc3: The queen stands actively on c3 and aims at g7. Your bishop pair is the long-term advantage.
6…b6: Black fianchettoes the bishop against your bishop pair. With b4 you gain space.
7.b4: Space on the queenside – your bishop goes to b2.
7…Bb7: Black puts his bishop on the long diagonal.
8.Bb2: Your bishop and the queen on c3 aim at g7 together.
8…d6: Black builds solidly. With e2–e3 and the bishop to e2 you finish your development.
9.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1 and get ready to castle. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).
9…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports e5. 9...a5 hits your b-pawn at once.
10.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
10…c5: Black attacks the pawn on b4. 10...a5 would be a little more accurate.
11.O-O: You castle. White is somewhat better (eval 0.46): the bishop pair aims at the kingside.
11…Qe7: Black brings the queen into play. 11...Re8 is just as good.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control and free d2 for the knight.
12…Rfc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
13.h3: You give the king some air.
13…h6: Black gives his king some air too.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and clears the way for the f-pawn.
14…a6: Black prepares 15...b5.
15.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 and keeps c5 under pressure. White is somewhat better (eval 0.43).

Line 20: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3 6.Qxc3 d6 7.b4 e5 8.Bb2 a5 9.e3 Bg4 10.Be2 Bh5 11.d3 axb4 12.axb4 Rxa1 13.Bxa1 Qe7 14.O-O Nbd7 15.Qa3

up to 6.Qxc3 as line 19

6…d6: Black plans …e5. With b4 and the bishop to b2 you hold against it.
7.b4: You gain space on the queenside and prepare Bb2.
7…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn. 7...a5 is just as good.
8.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the queen.
8…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
9.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3, the defender of e5 and d4.
10.Be2: You develop the bishop and cover the knight on f3.
10…Bh5: The bishop goes to h5 and keeps an eye on the knight on f3.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…axb4: Black trades on b4 and opens the a-file.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…Rxa1: Black trades the rooks on a1 with check.
13.Bxa1: The bishop recaptures and stays on the long diagonal.
13…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e5.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…Nbd7: Black develops his last knight.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to the open a-file. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).

Line 21: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3 6.Qxc3 c5 7.b4 b6 8.Bb2 d6 9.e3 e5 10.Be2 Re8 11.O-O Nbd7 12.d3 Nf8 13.Rfe1 Ng6 14.Nd2 Bb7 15.Bf1

up to 6.Qxc3 as line 20

6…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 6...d6 is a little more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.33).
7.b4: You attack the pawn on c5 and gain space on the queenside.
7…b6: Black supports c5 and prepares 8...Bb7.
8.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the queen. 8.e3 is just as good.
8…d6: Black supports c5 and prepares 9...e5.
9.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1.
9…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and blocks your bishop on b2.
10.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports e5.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…Nf8: The knight heads via f8 to g6.
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to the e-file.
13…Ng6: The knight stands on g6 and aims at f4 and h4.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and clears the way for the f-pawn.
14…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal and aims at g2.
15.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and covers the kingside. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 22: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.a3 Ba5 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 O-O 8.O-O Qe7 9.Rd1 e5 10.Qb1 Bxc3 11.dxc3 h6 12.e4 d6 13.b3 Be6 14.Nh4 Qc7 15.a4

up to 4.Qc2 as line 21

4…c5: Black attacks the centre from c5. With a3 you question the bishop.
5.a3: The bishop must trade or retreat.
5…Ba5: The bishop keeps the pin. With g3 and the bishop to g2 you develop.
6.g3: The fianchetto – your bishop on g2 aims at b7.
6…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 and e5 under control.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and aims at the queenside.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.O-O: Both have castled. With e2–e3 and b3 you keep building.
8…Qe7: Black brings the queen to e7 and prepares 9...e5. 8...d6 is a little more accurate.
9.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file. 9.d3 is a little better.
9…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
10.Qb1: The queen goes to b1 and prepares 11.b4.
10…Bxc3: Black takes the knight on c3 and gives up the bishop pair.
11.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file for the rook.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop and knight.
12.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and keep d5 and f5 under control.
12…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
13.b3: You support c4.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
14.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and heads for f5.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
15.a4: You gain space on the queenside. White is slightly better (eval 0.16): the bishop pair counts.

Line 23: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.a3 Ba5 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 O-O 8.O-O d6 9.e3 e5 10.b3 Bxc3 11.Qxc3 h6 12.Nh4 Be6 13.f4 d5 14.fxe5 d4 15.exd4

up to 8.O-O as line 22

8…d6: Black supports e5 and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
9.e3: You keep d4 under control and open the way for the bishop on f1. 9.b3 is a little more accurate.
9…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
10.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2.
10…Bxc3: Black takes the knight on c3 and gives up the bishop pair.
11.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and aims at e5.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
12.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and clears the way for f4.
12…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
13.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
13…d5: Black hits back in the centre and attacks c4.
14.fxe5: You take on e5 and attack the knight on f6.
14…d4: Black pushes the d-pawn and attacks your queen.
15.exd4: You take on d4: you are two pawns up, Black wins one back with 15...cxd4. White is slightly better (eval 0.19).

Line 24: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.a3 Ba5 6.g3 O-O 7.Bg2 Nc6

up to 6.g3 as line 23

6…O-O: Black castles. 6...Nc6 is just as good.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and aims at the queenside.
7…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...Nc6 7.Bg2 7...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 25: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.Qxc3 O-O

up to 5.a3 as line 24

5…Bxc3: Black takes the knight on c3 and gives up the bishop pair.
6.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and attacks the knight on f6. 6.dxc3 is hardly worse.
6…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...Bxc3 6.Qxc3 6...c5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 26: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4 4.Qc2 b6 5.a3 Bxc3 6.Qxc3 Bb7 7.b4 a5 8.d3 axb4 9.axb4 O-O 10.Rxa8 Bxa8 11.b5 d5 12.Bb2 c6 13.cxd5 Qxd5 14.bxc6 Qxc6 15.Qxc6

up to 4.Qc2 as line 25

4…b6: Black prepares 5...Bb7. Stockfish prefers to castle; White is somewhat better (eval 0.41).
5.a3: You put the question to the bishop on b4. 5.e4 is a little more accurate.
5…Bxc3: Black takes the knight on c3 and gives up the bishop pair.
6.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and attacks the knight on f6.
6…Bb7: Black develops the bishop and aims at f3. 6...O-O is just as good.
7.b4: You gain space on the queenside. 7.e3 is just as good.
7…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control.
8…axb4: Black trades on b4 and opens the a-file.
9.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
9…O-O: Black castles and leaves the rook on a8 where it is.
10.Rxa8: You trade the rooks on a8.
10…Bxa8: The bishop recaptures and keeps aiming at f3.
11.b5: You gain space and take c6 away from the knight on b8.
11…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the queen.
12…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5.
13…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks b5, d3 and f3.
14.bxc6: You take on c6.
14…Qxc6: The queen recaptures and offers a queen trade.
15.Qxc6: You trade the queens. White is slightly better in the endgame (eval 0.13): the bishop pair counts.

Line 27: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d6 8.e4 a6 9.b3 O-O 10.Bb2 Nbd7 11.d3 Qc7 12.Rc1 Rac8 13.Rc2 Ne5 14.d4 Nxf3 15.Bxf3

up to 3.Nf3 as line 26

3…c5: Black plays symmetrically and prepares the Hedgehog.
4.g3: The bishop goes to g2 – against the Hedgehog with b6 it is your strongest piece.
4…b6: The Hedgehog: Black puts the bishop on b7 and keeps his pawns on the sixth rank. Your bishop on g2 holds against it.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 – it fights the bishop on b7 for the long diagonal.
5…Bb7: The two bishops face each other on the long diagonal.
6.O-O: You castle. Without d2–d4 you play with Re1 and e2–e4 – a Hedgehog with a white centre.
6…Be7: Black develops. With Re1 you prepare e2–e4.
7.Re1: The rook supports e2–e4 – this is how you build a strong centre without d2–d4.
7…d6: Black stays in the Hedgehog. With e4 you occupy the centre.
8.e4: The centre with e4 and c4 – the Hedgehog set-up against the Maróczy idea.
8…a6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black loses time. Your space advantage grows.
9.b3: You prepare Bb2 and d4.
9…O-O: Black castles. 9...Nc6 is a little more accurate.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
10…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports e5. 10...e5 is a little more accurate.
11.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes the c-file.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports the pawn on c4.
12…Rac8: The rook goes to c8 behind the queen.
13.Rc2: The rook goes to c2 and guards the second rank.
13…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3, d3 and c4.
14.d4: You attack the knight on e5 and the pawn on c5.
14…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
15.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 28: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d6 8.e4 Nbd7 9.b3 Qc7 10.Nb5 Qb8 11.Nc3 h6 12.Bb2 O-O 13.h3 Ne5 14.d3 Nh7 15.Nh2

up to 8.e4 as line 27

8…Nbd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the evaluation rises for White.
9.b3: You prepare Bb2 and d4. White is better (eval 0.52).
9…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes the c-file.
10.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the queen on c7 and the pawn on d6.
10…Qb8: The queen steps away to b8 and covers d6.
11.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3; Black's queen does not stand well on b8.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.h3: You take g4 away from the knight.
13…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3 and c4.
14.d3: You cover c4 with the d-pawn. White is only slightly better now (eval 0.08).
14…Nh7: The knight goes to h7 and clears the way for the bishop to f6.
15.Nh2: The knight goes to h2 and clears the way for the f-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 29: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d6 8.e4 e5 9.d3 Nc6 10.Nh4 O-O 11.Nf5 Nd4 12.b3 h6 13.Rb1 a6 14.Ne3 b5 15.f4

up to 8.e4 as line 28

8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d4 away from your d-pawn. 8...Nc6 is a little more accurate.
9.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid. 9.Nh4 with the plan f4 is a little more accurate.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
10.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and heads for f5.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.Nf5: The knight jumps to f5 and attacks the bishop on e7 and the pawn on d6.
11…Nd4: The knight goes to d4 and attacks the knight on f5.
12.b3: You support c4 and prepare Rb1.
12…h6: Black gives his king some air and takes g5 away from your knight.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
13…a6: Black prepares 14...b5.
14.Ne3: The knight goes back to e3 and covers c4.
14…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
15.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).

Line 30: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d6 8.e4 Nc6 9.b3 e5 10.d3 O-O 11.Rb1 Bc8 12.Rb2 Ne8 13.Nd5 Bg4 14.Ne3 Bd7 15.Rf1

up to 8.e4 as line 29

8…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 and e5 under control.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare Rb1.
9…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d4 away from your d-pawn.
10.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
11…Bc8: The bishop goes back to c8 and eyes the kingside.
12.Rb2: The rook goes to b2 and guards the second rank.
12…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and clears the way for the f-pawn.
13.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e7 and the pawn on b6.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
14.Ne3: The knight goes back to e3 and attacks the bishop on g4.
14…Bd7: The bishop steps away to d7.
15.Rf1: The rook goes to f1 and later supports f4. White is slightly better (eval 0.2).

Line 31: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d6 8.e4 O-O 9.b3 e5 10.Rb1 Nc6 11.d3

up to 8.e4 as line 30

8…O-O: Black castles. 8...Nc6 is just as good.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare Rb1.
9…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d4 away from your d-pawn.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
10…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
11.d3: Transposition: the same position arises after 9...e5 10.d3 10...O-O 11.Rb1 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 32: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.e4 Nb4 10.Bf1 N4c6 11.d3 O-O 12.Bf4 Nd7 13.h4 Nd4 14.Rc1 Nxf3 15.Qxf3

up to 7.Re1 as line 31

7…d5: Black opens the centre. You exchange on d5.
8.cxd5: The exchange: if Black recaptures with the knight, e4 comes with tempo.
8…Nxd5: The knight stands on d5. With e4 you drive it away.
9.e4: Into the centre with tempo – the knight must trade or move.
9…Nb4: The knight goes to b4. It attacks d3 and c2; you cover with d2–d3.
10.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and covers d3 against the knight on b4. Black is better (eval -0.59).
10…N4c6: The knight goes back to c6 and keeps d4 under control.
11.d3: You cover d3 with the pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks the knight on b8.
12…Nd7: Black develops the knight.
13.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
13…Nd4: The knight goes to d4 and attacks the knight on f3.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file behind the knight on c3.
14…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
15.Qxf3: The queen recaptures. Black is slightly better (eval -0.45).

Line 33: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.e4 Nxc3 10.bxc3 O-O 11.d3 Nc6 12.d4 cxd4 13.cxd4 Bf6 14.Be3 Qd7 15.Qd2

up to 9.e4 as line 32

9…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
10.bxc3: You recapture with the b-pawn and strengthen the centre.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.d3: You prepare 12.d4.
11…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
12.d4: You put the pawn on d4 and attack c5.
12…cxd4: Black trades on d4.
13.cxd4: You recapture with the pawn and have a strong centre with d4 and e4.
13…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and attacks the pawn on d4.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks the pawn on d4.
15.Qd2: The queen covers d4 once more. The position is level.

Line 34: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 d5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Qa4 Nc6 10.Ne5 Rc8 11.e4 d4 12.Nd5 O-O 13.Nxc6 Bxc6 14.Qxa7 Nxd5 15.exd5

up to 8.cxd5 as line 33

8…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn – slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish. The pawn on d5 becomes a target.
9.Qa4: You give check and later attack a7. 9.e3 is just as good.
9…Nc6: Black blocks the check with the knight.
10.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
10…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers the knight on c6 once more.
11.e4: You attack the pawn on d5.
11…d4: Black pushes the d-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e7 and the knight on f6.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.Nxc6: You trade the knight on e5 for the knight on c6.
13…Bxc6: The bishop recaptures and attacks your queen and the knight on d5.
14.Qxa7: The queen takes the pawn on a7 and attacks the bishop on e7 and the pawn on b6.
14…Nxd5: Black trades on d5.
15.exd5: You recapture and attack the bishop on c6. You are a pawn up; the position is level.

Line 35: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 O-O 8.e4 d6

up to 7.Re1 as line 34

7…O-O: Black castles. With e4 you occupy the centre.
8.e4: The centre is yours – Black has to wait in the Hedgehog with …d6 and …a6.
8…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...d6 8.e4 8...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 36: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 O-O 8.e4 Nc6 9.b3 Ng4 10.Bb2 f6 11.Rf1 Nge5 12.Ne1 Nd4 13.Ne2 Nec6 14.Nxd4 Nxd4 15.Nc2

up to 8.e4 as line 35

8…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2. 9.e5 is just as good.
9…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks f2 and h2.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
10…f6: Black supports the knight on g4 and keeps e5 under control.
11.Rf1: The rook goes to f1 and covers f2.
11…Nge5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3 and c4.
12.Ne1: The knight steps away to e1 and clears the way for f4.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks b3.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and attacks the knight on d4.
13…Nec6: The knight goes to c6 and covers d4 once more.
14.Nxd4: You trade on d4.
14…Nxd4: Black recaptures with the knight and attacks b3.
15.Nc2: The knight attacks the knight on d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.18).

Line 37: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 Ne4 8.Nxe4 Bxe4 9.d3 Bb7 10.e4 Nc6 11.d4 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 13.Qxd4 O-O 14.Rd1 Bc6 15.Bf4

up to 7.Re1 as line 36

7…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and trades on c3. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
8.Nxe4: You trade the knight on e4 at once.
8…Bxe4: The bishop recaptures and aims at f3.
9.d3: You attack the bishop on e4.
9…Bb7: The bishop goes back to b7.
10.e4: You gain space in the centre and block the long diagonal. 10.d4 is just as good.
10…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
11.d4: You put the pawn on d4 and attack c5.
11…cxd4: Black trades on d4.
12.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks c6 and e6.
12…Nxd4: Black trades the knights.
13.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and stands strongly in the centre; she attacks d7, g7 and b6.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file behind the queen. 14.Bf4 is more accurate.
14…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and attacks e4.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and keeps d6 under control. The position is level.

Line 38: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1 a6 8.e4 d6

up to 7.Re1 as line 37

7…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight. 7...d5 is a little more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.35).
8.e4: With e4 you occupy the centre – the space advantage is yours.
8…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...d6 8.e4 8...a6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 39: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O a6 7.b3 d6 8.Bb2 Be7 9.e3 O-O 10.Qe2 Nbd7 11.Rfd1 Qc7 12.Rac1 Rfe8 13.h4 Ne4 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.d3

up to 6.O-O as line 38

6…a6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: Black delays his development.
7.b3: You fianchetto the second bishop too – both diagonals belong to you.
7…d6: Black stays in the Hedgehog.
8.Bb2: The bishop aims at g7 and the long diagonal.
8…Be7: Black develops. With e2–e3 and d2–d3 you stay flexible.
9.e3: You keep d4 under control and prepare Qe2. 9.d3 is just as good.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and frees d1 for the rook.
10…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports c5 and e5. 10...Re8 is a little more accurate.
11.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports d4. 11.Nh4 is a little more accurate.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes the c-file. 11...Re8 is a little more accurate.
12.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
12…Rfe8: The rook goes to e8 and later supports a push of the e-pawn.
13.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3 and d2.
14.Nxe4: You trade on e4.
14…Bxe4: The bishop recaptures and aims at f3.
15.d3: You attack the bishop on e4. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 40: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O a6 7.b3 d6 8.Bb2 Be7 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nh4 Bxg2 11.Nxg2 O-O 12.Qe2 h6 13.f4 d5 14.d3 b5 15.e4

up to 9.e3 as line 39

9…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports c5 and e5. 9...O-O is just as good.
10.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and offers the trade of the bishops. 10.Qe2 is just as good.
10…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops.
11.Nxg2: The knight recaptures and stands on g2 next to your king.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and guards the second rank.
12…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
13.f4: You gain space on the kingside.
13…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
14.d3: You cover c4 once more and keep e4 under control.
14…b5: Black attacks c4 once more.
15.e4: You attack d5. White is slightly better (eval 0.18).

Line 41: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O a6 7.b3 Be7 8.Bb2 O-O 9.e3 d6

up to 7.b3 as line 40

7…Be7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your bishop goes to b2.
8.Bb2: Both bishops stand on the long diagonals.
8…O-O: Black castles. You build up with e2–e3 and the queen to e2.
9.e3: You keep d4 under control and open the way for the queen to e2.
9…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.Bb2 8...Be7 9.e3 9...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 42: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O d6 7.Re1 Be7

up to 6.O-O as line 41

6…d6: Black stays flexible. With Re1 and e4 you build the centre.
7.Re1: The rook supports e4.
7…Be7: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...Be7 7.Re1 7...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 43: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O d6 7.Re1 Nbd7 8.e4 a6 9.b3 Be7 10.Bb2 O-O

up to 7.Re1 as line 42

7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports e5. 7...Be7 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.53).
8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and prepare d4.
8…a6: Inaccurate: Black loses time, White is clearly better (eval 1.04). 8...Qc7 holds better.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2. 9.d4 opens the centre at once and makes better use of the situation.
9…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
10…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 9.b3 9...O-O 10.Bb2 10...Nbd7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 44: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O d6 7.Re1 a6 8.e4 Nbd7

up to 7.Re1 as line 43

7…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight. 7...Be7 is a little more accurate.
8.e4: Your centre with e4 and c4 stands – Black has to wait in the Hedgehog.
8…Nbd7: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...Nbd7 8.e4 8...a6. White is clearly better (eval 1.04); 8...Be7 holds better. (transposition)

Line 45: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O d6 7.Re1 a6 8.e4 Be7

up to 8.e4 as line 44

8…Be7: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...d6 8.e4 8...a6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 46: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7 6.O-O d6 7.Re1 a6 8.e4 Qc7 9.b3 Be7 10.Bb2 O-O 11.Rc1 Nc6 12.d3 Nd4 13.Nb1 Nxf3 14.Bxf3 b5 15.Nd2

up to 8.e4 as line 45

8…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes the c-file. 8...Be7 is just as good.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2.
9…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
11…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
12.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid. White is only marginally better now (eval 0.03).
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and b3.
13.Nb1: The knight goes to b1 and wants to come back into play via d2.
13…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
14.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures.
14…b5: Black attacks c4.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers c4. The position is level.

Line 47: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nxd5 exd5 9.h4 d4 10.e3 dxe3 11.dxe3 Qxd1 12.Rxd1 O-O 13.Bd2 Bg4 14.Rdc1 Rac8 15.Bc3

up to 4.g3 as line 46

4…d5: Black occupies the centre. You exchange on d5.
5.cxd5: You exchange and open the game for your bishop on g2.
5…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight. Your bishop on g2 presses on d5.
6.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
6…Nc6: Black covers d4 and develops. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. The knight on d5 remains your target.
7…Be7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With the trade on d5 you use that.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knight. If Black recaptures with the pawn, d5 is a target.
8…exd5: The pawn on d5 is isolated and becomes a target for your pieces.
9.h4: You gain space on the kingside. 9.a4 is just as good.
9…d4: Black gains space in the centre with the d-pawn.
10.e3: You attack the pawn on d4.
10…dxe3: Black takes on e3 and attacks d2 and f2.
11.dxe3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file.
11…Qxd1: Black trades the queens.
12.Rxd1: The rook recaptures and stands on the open d-file.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.Bd2: You develop the bishop.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
14.Rdc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
14…Rac8: The rook goes to c8 behind the knight on c6.
15.Bc3: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g7. The position is level.

Line 48: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Qh5 11.Rc1 Bd7 12.h3 Rad8 13.g4 Qd5 14.a3 f5 15.Qd2

up to 8.Nxd5 as line 47

8…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and stands in the centre. 8...exd5 is a little more accurate.
9.d3: You close the diagonal to d2 and open the way for the bishop on c1.
9…O-O: Black castles. 9...Qh5 is a little more accurate.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and aims at h2 and f3.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
11…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and connects the rooks.
12.h3: You prepare g4 to drive the queen away.
12…Rad8: The rook goes to the d-file behind the bishop on d7.
13.g4: You attack the queen on h5 and drive her away from the kingside.
13…Qd5: The queen returns to d5 and attacks a2, d3 and f3.
14.a3: You save the pawn on a2 by pushing it to a3.
14…f5: Black attacks the pawn on g4 and opens the f-file.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 49: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.Nxd5 exd5 9.h4 Nc6 10.d3 Be6 11.Bf4 h6 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.Bxe5 Qd7 14.d4 c4 15.e4

up to 6.Bg2 as line 48

6…Be7: Black develops the bishop. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle and prepare e2–e4 or the trade on d5.
7…O-O: Both have castled. The knight on d5 remains your target.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5. 8.e4 is a little more accurate.
8…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn and now has the pawns on c5 and d5 in the centre.
9.h4: You gain space on the kingside. 9.Ne5 is just as good.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control and open the way for the bishop on c1. Black is now better (eval -0.55): his centre is strong.
10…Be6: Black develops the bishop and covers d5.
11.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and keeps e5 under control.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and offers a trade.
12…Nxe5: Black trades the knights and attacks d3.
13.Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and stands strongly on e5.
13…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
14.d4: You attack the pawns on c5 and d5.
14…c4: Black pushes past with the c-pawn and gets a majority on the queenside.
15.e4: You attack d5 and open the diagonal of your bishop on g2. Black is better (eval -0.53).

Line 50: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.e4 Nb4 9.Ne1 N8c6 10.d3 Nd4 11.Be3 Qd7 12.Bxd4 Qxd4 13.Qe2 Qd7 14.e5 Rb8 15.Be4

up to 7…O-O as line 49

8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and attack the knight on d5.
8…Nb4: The knight steps away to b4, attacks a2 and eyes d3.
9.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and covers d3. Black is better (eval -0.67): the square d4 belongs to him.
9…N8c6: Black develops his second knight to c6.
10.d3: You cover d3 with the pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and stands strongly there.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the knight on d4.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and covers the knight on d4 once more.
12.Bxd4: You trade the bishop for the knight on d4.
12…Qxd4: The queen recaptures and stands strongly on d4.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and guards the second rank.
13…Qd7: The queen goes back to d7 and attacks d3.
14.e5: You gain space in the centre and open the diagonal of your bishop on g2.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares 14...b6.
15.Be4: The bishop goes to e4 and aims at h7. Black is better (eval -0.66).

Line 51: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O Nc6

up to 7.O-O as line 50

7…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Bg2 6...Nc6 7.O-O 7...Be7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 52: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 d4 7.Ne2 Nc6 8.Bg2 dxe3 9.fxe3 g6 10.b3 Bg7 11.Bb2 O-O 12.O-O Bf5 13.Nf4 Qd6 14.a3 Rfd8 15.Bc3

up to 5.cxd5 as line 51

5…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn. The pawn on d5 can become isolated – your bishop on g2 aims at it.
6.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1 but allow 6...d4. Black is better (eval -0.4).
6…d4: Black pushes the d-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
7.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4.
7…Nc6: Black covers d4 with the knight.
8.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and aims at the queenside.
8…dxe3: Black takes on e3 and attacks d2 and f2.
9.fxe3: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file.
9…g6: Black prepares 10...Bg7.
10.b3: You prepare Bb2.
10…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks the knight on f6.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.O-O: You castle.
12…Bf5: Black develops the bishop and keeps e4 and d3 under control.
13.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and keeps d5 and d3 under control.
13…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks the knight on f4 and the pawn on d2.
14.a3: You prepare b4.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to the d-file behind the queen.
15.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and attacks the knight on f6. Black is slightly better (eval -0.26).

Line 53: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 Nc6 5.Bg2 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5

up to 4.g3 as line 52

4…Nc6: Black develops the knight. You keep fianchettoing.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…d5: Black occupies the centre. You exchange on d5.
6.cxd5: You exchange and open the bishop on g2.
6…Nxd5: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.cxd5 5...Nxd5 6.Bg2 6...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 54: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 Nc6 5.Bg2 d5 6.cxd5 exd5 7.e3 d4 8.Ne2

up to 6.cxd5 as line 53

6…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn. The pawn on d5 becomes a target.
7.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1 but allow 7...d4. Black is better (eval -0.44).
7…d4: Black pushes the d-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
8.Ne2: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...d4 7.Ne2 7...Nc6 8.Bg2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 55: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 Nc6 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.b3 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bb2 Bf6 10.Qc2 b6 11.Nxd5 Bxb2 12.Qxb2 exd5 13.e3 Bg4 14.h3 Bxf3 15.Bxf3

up to 5.Bg2 as line 54

5…Be7: Black develops. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Your plan: e2–e4 or b3 with the bishop to b2.
6…O-O: Both have castled. With e2–e4 you gain space.
7.b3: You prepare Bb2 and support c4.
7…d5: Black strikes in the centre with the d-pawn.
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight and attacks c3.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
9…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and attacks the knight on c3.
10.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers the knight on c3.
10…b6: Black prepares the bishop on b7.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5 and attack the bishop on f6.
11…Bxb2: Black trades the bishops on b2.
12.Qxb2: The queen recaptures and aims at g7.
12…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn; his pawns on c5 and d5 stand side by side.
13.e3: You keep d4 under control.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
14.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
14…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
15.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks d5. The position is level.

Line 56: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 Nc6 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O d5 7.cxd5 Nxd5

up to 6.O-O as line 55

6…d5: Black strikes in the centre with the d-pawn. Stockfish prefers to castle first.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5.
7…Nxd5: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Bg2 6...Nc6 7.O-O 7...Be7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 57: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 d5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.e3 Ne4 10.Ne2 Nd7 11.d3 Nef6 12.b3 Bb4 13.Bd2 Bd6 14.b4 c5 15.Rb1

up to 3.Nf3 as line 56

3…b6: A Queen's Indian set-up: Black fianchettoes the bishop to b7.
4.g3: You fianchetto too – the bishops fight for the long diagonal.
4…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7.
5.Bg2: Your bishop faces the bishop on b7.
5…Be7: Black develops. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. With Re1 you prepare e2–e4.
6…O-O: Both have castled. With Re1 and e2–e4 you build the centre.
7.Re1: The rook supports e2–e4.
7…d5: Black opens the centre. You exchange on d5.
8.cxd5: You exchange. After the recapture with the knight, e2–e4 comes with tempo.
8…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn. The pawn on d5 becomes a target.
9.e3: You keep d4 under control and open the way for the queen.
9…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3 and d2.
10.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and avoids the trade.
10…Nd7: Black develops his second knight and supports e4 and c5.
11.d3: You attack the knight on e4.
11…Nef6: The knight goes back to f6.
12.b3: You support c4.
12…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and attacks your rook on e1.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and offers a trade.
13…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at g3.
14.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
14…c5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 58: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.e4 Nxc3 10.bxc3 c5

up to 8.cxd5 as line 57

8…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight and attacks c3.
9.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and attack the knight on d5.
9…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
10.bxc3: You recapture with the b-pawn and strengthen the centre.
10…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 9.e4 9...Nxc3 10.bxc3 and castling – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 59: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c5

up to 7.Re1 as line 58

7…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.O-O 6...Be7 7.Re1 7...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 60: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 Ne4 8.Nxe4 Bxe4 9.d3 Bb7 10.e4 c5 11.d4 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Nc6 13.Nb5 d6 14.Be3 Ne5 15.b3

up to 7.Re1 as line 59

7…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3 and d2. 7...d5 is a little more accurate.
8.Nxe4: You trade the knight on e4 at once.
8…Bxe4: The bishop recaptures and aims at f3.
9.d3: You attack the bishop on e4.
9…Bb7: The bishop goes back to b7.
10.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and block the long diagonal. 10.d4 is just as good.
10…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
11.d4: You put the pawn on d4 and attack c5.
11…cxd4: Black trades on d4.
12.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks e6.
12…Nc6: Black develops the knight and attacks the knight on d4.
13.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes d6 and a7.
13…d6: Black takes d6 away from your knight.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks b6.
14…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks c4.
15.b3: You cover c4 with the b-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 61: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 c5

up to 5.Bg2 as line 60

5…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 4.g3 4...b6 5.Bg2 5...Bb7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 62: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Bb4 6.O-O O-O 7.Qc2 d5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.a3 Bxc3 10.dxc3 Re8 11.Bf4 Nc6 12.Rad1 Qe7 13.Rfe1 h6 14.b4 Rad8 15.h4

up to 5.Bg2 as line 61

5…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and attacks the knight on c3. 5...Be7 is a little more accurate.
6.O-O: You castle. The bishop on b4 no longer pins – your king is safe.
6…O-O: Both have castled. With the queen to c2 you cover c3 and e4.
7.Qc2: The queen covers c3 and e4 – a trade on c3 gives you the bishop pair.
7…d5: Black strikes in the centre with the d-pawn. 7...Re8 is a little more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.4).
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn and holds d5.
9.a3: You put the question to the bishop on b4.
9…Bxc3: Black takes the knight on c3 and gives up the bishop pair.
10.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
10…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and attacks e2.
11.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks c7.
11…Nc6: Black develops the knight and covers e5.
12.Rad1: The rook goes to the d-file and attacks d5.
12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and attacks e2 and a3.
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e2.
13…h6: Black gives his king some air and takes g5 away from your knight.
14.b4: You gain space on the queenside and prepare c4.
14…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 and covers d5.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. White is somewhat better (eval 0.3): the bishop pair.

Line 63: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Bb4 6.O-O O-O 7.Qc2 d6 8.b3 Nbd7 9.Bb2 Re8 10.Rac1 h6 11.Rfd1 Rc8 12.d3 d5 13.d4 dxc4 14.bxc4 Bxc3 15.Bxc3

up to 7.Qc2 as line 62

7…d6: Black keeps e5 under control. 7...Re8 is a little more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.42).
8.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2.
8…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports e5 and c5.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5.
10.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 behind the queen.
10…h6: Black gives his king some air.
11.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports d4.
11…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and supports c5.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre with the d-pawn and attacks c4.
13.d4: You push on to d4 and gain space in the centre.
13…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3.
14.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn and have the pawns on c4 and d4 in the centre.
14…Bxc3: Black takes the knight on c3.
15.Bxc3: The bishop recaptures and covers d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.21): the bishop pair.

Line 64: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.a3 a6 9.Rb1 Rb8 10.b4 cxb4 11.axb4 b5 12.cxb5 axb5 13.Be3 Ng4 14.Bd2 Nge5 15.Ne1

up to 2.Nc3 as line 63

2…c5: Symmetry: Black mirrors your c-pawn.
3.Nf3: A flexible move: you develop and wait to see whether Black answers with …d5 or a fianchetto.
3…Nc6: The Symmetrical Variation: Black mirrors your moves.
4.g3: The fianchetto – your bishop on g2 aims at d5 and b7.
4…g6: Black fianchettoes too – the fully symmetrical position.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…Bg7: Both sides have the same position. You use your extra tempo for space on the queenside.
6.O-O: You castle first – then d3, a3 and b4.
6…O-O: Both have castled. Now you prepare the advance on the queenside.
7.d3: A quiet move: you cover e4 and open the bishop on c1. Stockfish sees the position as level.
7…d6: Black stays symmetrical. With a3 and Rb1 you prepare b4.
8.a3: The preparation for b4.
8…a6: Black prepares b5, just as you prepare b4.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
9…Rb8: Black puts his rook on the b-file as well.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on c5 and open the queenside.
10…cxb4: Black trades on b4.
11.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn; the a-file is open.
11…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
12.cxb5: You take on b5.
12…axb5: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and keeps c5 under control.
13…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
14.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2.
14…Nge5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3 and d3.
15.Ne1: The knight steps away to e1 and covers d3. The position is level.

Line 65: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.a3 Bd7 9.Rb1 a5 10.Bd2 Rb8 11.Nb5 Ne8 12.Bc3 Nc7 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.d4 cxd4 15.Nfxd4

up to 8.a3 as line 64

8…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 8...a6 is more accurate.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
9…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn with 9...a5. 9...Qc8 is a little more accurate.
10.Bd2: You develop the bishop and prepare b4. 10.b3 is a little more accurate.
10…Rb8: Black puts his rook on the b-file as well.
11.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes d6. 11.Ne1 is more accurate.
11…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and covers d6. 11...d5 is more accurate.
12.Bc3: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and offers to trade the bishops. 12.b4 is just as good.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and attacks the knight on b5.
13.Bxg7: You trade the bishops on g7.
13…Kxg7: The king recaptures.
14.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
14…cxd4: Black trades on d4.
15.Nfxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks c6. White is slightly better (eval 0.12).

Line 66: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.a3 Bd7 9.Rb1 a5 10.Bd2 Ne8 11.Ne1 Nc7 12.Nc2 Rb8 13.b4 axb4 14.axb4 Nxb4 15.Nxb4 cxb4 16.Rxb4

up to 10.Bd2 as line 65

10…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and heads via c7 towards b5. 10...Rb8 is just as good.
11.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and wants to support b4 via c2. 11.Nb5 is just as good.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and keeps b5 under control.
12.Nc2: The knight goes to c2 and supports b4. 12.e3 is a little more accurate.
12…Rb8: Black puts his rook on the b-file as well.
13.b4: Finally the advance: after the regrouping you open the b-file.
13…axb4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the a-pawn.
14.axb4: The b-file is open – the position is level according to Stockfish.
14…Nxb4: The knight takes on b4 and attacks d3 and c2. 14...cxb4 is just as good.
15.Nxb4: You trade the knights on b4.
15…cxb4: Black recaptures with the pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
16.Rxb4: The rook takes the pawn on b4 and attacks b7. 16.Na2 is a little more accurate; the position is level.

Line 67: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.a3 Bd7 9.Rb1 a5 10.Bd2 Ne8 11.Ne1 Nc7 12.Nc2 Rb8 13.b4 axb4 14.axb4 cxb4 15.Nxb4 Nxb4 16.Rxb4

up to 14.axb4 as line 66

14…cxb4: Black trades on b4.
15.Nxb4: The knight takes the pawn on b4 and attacks c6.
15…Nxb4: Black trades the knights on b4.
16.Rxb4: Transposition: the same position arises after 14...Nxb4 15.Nxb4 15...cxb4 16.Rxb4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 68: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.a3 Bd7 9.Rb1 Qc8 10.Re1 Bh3 11.Bh1 a5 12.b3 h6 13.Bb2 Qg4 14.Nb5 Qd7 15.e3

up to 9.Rb1 as line 67

9…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and prepares 10...Bh3, the trade of your bishop on g2.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 so that the bishop can step back to h1.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.Bh1: The bishop steps back to h1 and stays on the long diagonal.
11…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
12.b3: You prepare Bb2.
12…h6: Black gives his king some air.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
13…Qg4: The queen goes to g4 and attacks c4 and g3.
14.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes d6.
14…Qd7: The queen goes back to d7 and covers d6.
15.e3: You keep d4 under control. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 69: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.a3 Rb8 9.Rb1 a6

up to 8.a3 as line 68

8…Rb8: Black puts the rook on the b-file and prepares b5. 8...a6 is just as good.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
9…a6: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...a6 9.Rb1 9...Rb8 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 70: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bd2 Nc7 10.Qc1 b6 11.Bh6 Rb8 12.Bxg7 Kxg7 13.Rd1 e5 14.Nd2 Bb7 15.a3

up to 7.d3 as line 69

7…d5: Black opens the centre. You exchange on d5.
8.cxd5: The exchange opens the game for your bishop on g2.
8…Nxd5: The knight on d5 is the target of your pieces.
9.Bd2: You develop the bishop. 9.Nxd5 is just as good.
9…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and avoids the trade.
10.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and prepares Bh6.
10…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
11.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishops.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file.
12.Bxg7: You trade the bishops on g7.
12…Kxg7: The king recaptures.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file and supports d3.
13…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and wants to go on via e4 or c4.
14…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
15.a3: You prepare b4. The position is level.

Line 71: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 a6 8.d4 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 cxd4 10.Qxd4 d6 11.Qd1 h5 12.b3 Rb8 13.Bf4 b5 14.c5 Nd7 15.Ne4

up to 7.d3 as line 70

7…a6: Black prepares b5. 7...d5 is more accurate.
8.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
8…Nxd4: The knight takes the pawn on d4 and attacks e2 and f3.
9.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
9…cxd4: Black recaptures with the pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
10.Qxd4: The queen takes the pawn on d4 and attacks the knight on f6 and the pawn on d7.
10…d6: Black covers with the d-pawn and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
11.Qd1: The queen goes back to d1 and attacks d6.
11…h5: Black prepares an attack on the kingside with the h-pawn.
12.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bf4. The position is level.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file and supports b5.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks d6.
13…b5: Black attacks c4.
14.c5: You push past with the c-pawn and attack d6.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks c5.
15.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and covers c5. The position is level.

Line 72: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 b6 8.Ne5 Bb7 9.Nxc6 Bxc6 10.e4 Rc8 11.Be3 d6 12.a4 Nd7 13.d4 Bxd4 14.Bxd4 cxd4 15.Qxd4

up to 7.d3 as line 71

7…b6: Black prepares Bb7. 7...d5 is more accurate.
8.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6. 8.d4 is just as good.
8…Bb7: Black develops the bishop and covers c6.
9.Nxc6: You trade the knights on c6.
9…Bxc6: The bishop recaptures and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
10.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and block the long diagonal.
10…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and eyes the c-file.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
11…d6: Black keeps e5 under control.
12.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…Bxd4: The bishop takes the pawn on d4.
14.Bxd4: You trade the bishops on d4.
14…cxd4: Black recaptures and attacks the knight on c3.
15.Qxd4: The queen takes the pawn on d4 and attacks d6 and b6. The position is level.

Line 73: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O Bg7 7.a3 O-O 8.Rb1 a5 9.d3 Bd7

up to 5.Bg2 as line 72

5…d6: Black delays the fianchetto. You castle and later play Rb1.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
7.a3: You prepare b4. 7.d3 is just as good.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.Rb1: The rook supports b4 – your queenside plan.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn. 8...d5 is a little more accurate.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control and open the way for the bishop on c1.
9…Bd7: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.a3 8...Bd7 9.Rb1 9...a5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 74: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O Bg7 7.a3 O-O 8.Rb1 Bf5 9.d3 Qd7 10.b4 Bh3 11.b5 Nd4 12.e3 Bxg2 13.Kxg2 Nxf3 14.Qxf3 b6 15.Bb2

up to 8.Rb1 as line 73

8…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the rook on b1. 8...d5 is a little more accurate.
9.d3: You cover with the d-pawn and close the diagonal to the rook on b1.
9…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and prepares 10...Bh3.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on c5.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3, e2 and b5.
12.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
12…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops on g2.
13.Kxg2: The king recaptures.
13…Nxf3: Black trades on f3.
14.Qxf3: The queen recaptures and attacks f6 and b7.
14…b6: Black saves the pawn on b7 by pushing it to b6.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. The position is level.

Line 75: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nc7 7.O-O e5 8.d3 Be7 9.Nd2 Bd7 10.Nc4 f6 11.f4 b5 12.Ne3 exf4 13.gxf4 Rb8 14.f5 O-O 15.Bd2

up to 4.g3 as line 74

4…d5: Black occupies the centre. You exchange at once.
5.cxd5: You exchange and lure the knight to d5.
5…Nxd5: The knight stands on d5 – your bishop on g2 aims at it.
6.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
6…Nc7: The knight retreats to c7 and covers e6 and b5. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. Black builds a reversed Maróczy centre with …e5.
7…e5: Black has space in the centre. With d3 and the knight via d2 to c4 you attack e5 and the queenside squares.
8.d3: A quiet move – the knight on f3 goes to d2 and c4 next.
8…Be7: Black develops. Your knight sets off via d2.
9.Nd2: The knight goes to c4 and attacks e5; at the same time the diagonal of the bishop on g2 opens.
9…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. Your knight comes to c4.
10.Nc4: The knight on c4 attacks e5 and aims at b6 and d6.
10…f6: Black covers e5 with the pawn. With f4 you attack the centre.
11.f4: The break against e5 – your pieces become active.
11…b5: Black drives your knight away. It goes to e3 and aims at d5 and f5.
12.Ne3: The knight controls d5 and f5 – key squares in this structure.
12…exf4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the g-pawn and keep the centre.
13.gxf4: You recapture with the g-pawn: the g-file opens, and f4 supports e5. Stockfish sees the position as level.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b5. 13...Rc8 is more accurate.
14.f5: You gain space on the kingside and take e6 and g6 away from Black's pieces.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.Bd2: You develop the bishop. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 76: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nc7 7.O-O e5 8.d3 Be7 9.Nd2 Bd7 10.Nc4 f6 11.f4 b5 12.Ne3 Rc8 13.a4 b4 14.Nb5 exf4 15.Nc4

up to 12.Ne3 as line 75

12…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers c5. Stockfish prefers to castle.
13.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
13…b4: Black pushes the b-pawn and attacks the knight on c3. 13...a6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.42).
14.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the knight on c7.
14…exf4: Black takes on f4 and attacks the knight on e3.
15.Nc4: The knight returns to c4. White is better (eval 0.46).

Line 77: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nc7 7.O-O e5 8.d3 Be7 9.Nd2 Bd7 10.Nc4 O-O 11.Bxc6 Bxc6 12.Nxe5 Be8 13.Be3 Ne6 14.Rc1 Bf6 15.Nf3

up to 10.Nc4 as line 76

10…O-O: Black castles. With the trade on c6 you win the pawn on e5.
11.Bxc6: You give the bishop to win the pawn on e5.
11…Bxc6: Black recaptures. Now your knight takes on e5.
12.Nxe5: You have won a pawn. Black has the bishop pair as compensation.
12…Be8: The bishop retreats. You keep the extra pawn – Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5. 13.a4 is more accurate.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and covers c5.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and adds to the pressure on c5. 14.Nf3 is just as good.
14…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and attacks the knight on e5.
15.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3. You are a pawn up; White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 78: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nc7 7.O-O e5 8.d3 Be7 9.Nd2 O-O 10.Nc4 f6 11.f4 exf4 12.Bxf4 Ne6 13.Bd2 Rb8 14.Rc1 Kh8 15.Rf2

up to 9.Nd2 as line 77

9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks e5.
10…f6: Black covers e5 with the f-pawn. 10...Qe8 is just as good.
11.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. 11.Bxc6 is a little more accurate.
11…exf4: Black takes on f4.
12.Bxf4: The bishop recaptures and attacks the knight on c7.
12…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks the bishop on f4.
13.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
14…Kh8: The king goes to the corner, off the diagonal a2–g8.
15.Rf2: The rook goes to f2 and attacks f6. The position is level.

Line 79: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 g6 7.O-O Bg7 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Bd7 11.Nd4 Qd6 12.Nxc6 Bxc6 13.Bxc6 Qxc6 14.Rc1 Qe6 15.Rxc5 Qxa2 16.Rb5

up to 6.Bg2 as line 78

6…g6: Black fianchettoes. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. The knight on d5 remains your target.
7…Bg7: Black develops the bishop. With the trade on d5 you simplify.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights. The queen has to recapture and is exposed in the centre.
8…Qxd5: The queen stands on d5. With d3 and the bishop to e3 you gain time.
9.d3: You open the bishop on c1. It soon attacks c5.
9…O-O: Black castles. Your bishop goes to e3.
10.Be3: The bishop attacks c5. If Black takes on b2, you have counterplay along the b-file.
10…Bd7: Black covers c6. With the knight to d4 you trade further.
11.Nd4: The knight attacks the queen and offers the trade.
11…Qd6: The queen steps aside. You trade on c6.
12.Nxc6: The trade simplifies – it heads into a level middlegame.
12…Bxc6: Black recaptures with the bishop. You trade the light-squared bishops.
13.Bxc6: The bishop trade – the position is level.
13…Qxc6: A quiet middlegame. With the rook to c1 you press on c5.
14.Rc1: The rook attacks c5 – your small pressure on Black's c-pawn.
14…Qe6: The queen goes to e6 and attacks the bishop on e3 and the pawn on a2.
15.Rxc5: The rook takes the pawn on c5.
15…Qxa2: The queen takes the pawn on a2 and attacks b2.
16.Rb5: The rook goes to b5, covers b2 and attacks b7. The position is level.

Line 80: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 g6 7.O-O Bg7 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Qd6 11.Rc1 Nd4 12.Nxd4 Bxd4 13.Bxd4 cxd4 14.Qd2 Rb8 15.a3

up to 10.Be3 as line 79

10…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks d3 and g3. 10...Bxb2 is more accurate.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
12.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
12…Bxd4: The bishop recaptures and attacks the bishop on e3 and the pawn on b2.
13.Bxd4: You trade the bishops on d4.
13…cxd4: Black recaptures with the pawn.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
15.a3: You prepare b4. White is somewhat better (eval 0.31): the pawn on d4 is weak.

Line 81: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 g6 7.O-O Bg7 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Bxb2 11.Rb1 Bf6 12.Qa4 Qd7 13.Bxc5 b6 14.Bxb6 Nd4 15.Qd1

up to 10.Be3 as line 80

10…Bxb2: The bishop takes the pawn on b2 and attacks the rook on a1.
11.Rb1: The rook steps away to b1 and attacks the bishop on b2.
11…Bf6: The bishop goes back to f6.
12.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7 and the knight on c6.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and covers the knight on c6.
13.Bxc5: The bishop takes the pawn on c5 and wins the pawn back.
13…b6: Black attacks the bishop on c5.
14.Bxb6: The bishop takes on b6 and attacks a7.
14…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
15.Qd1: The queen goes back to d1 and covers e2. The position is level.

Line 82: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 g6 7.O-O Bg7 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 Qd6 10.Be3 Rb8 11.Nd2 Nd4 12.Ne4 Qb6 13.Bxd4 Bxd4 14.e3 Bg7 15.Rc1

up to 9.d3 as line 81

9…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks d3 and g3. Stockfish prefers to castle.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for e4.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
12.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the queen on d6 and the pawn on c5.
12…Qb6: The queen steps away to b6 and attacks b2.
13.Bxd4: You trade the bishop for the knight on d4.
13…Bxd4: The bishop recaptures and attacks f2 and b2.
14.e3: You attack the bishop on d4.
14…Bg7: The bishop goes back to g7 and attacks b2.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 83: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 e6

up to 6.Bg2 as line 82

6…e6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.cxd5 5...Nxd5 6.Bg2 6...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 84: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 e6

up to 4.g3 as line 83

4…e6: Transposition: the same position arises after 3.Nf3 3...c5 4.g3 4...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 85: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.g3 Nc6

up to 3.Nf3 as line 84

3…d5: Black opens the centre at once. You exchange on d5.
4.cxd5: Against d5 you exchange at once; after Nxd5 the knight on d5 becomes a target.
4…Nxd5: The knight stands on d5. Your bishop on g2 will attack it.
5.g3: The fianchetto – the bishop on g2 aims at the knight on d5 and the queenside.
5…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 4.g3 4...d5 5.cxd5 5...Nxd5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 86: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.g3 g6 6.Bg2 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 Nc6

up to 5.g3 as line 85

5…g6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black fianchettoes too.
6.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
6…Bg7: Black develops the bishop. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. The trade on d5 simplifies later.
7…O-O: Both have castled. With the trade on d5 you force the queen into the centre.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights – the queen has to recapture.
8…Qxd5: The queen stands on d5. With d3 and the bishop to e3 you gain time.
9.d3: You open the bishop on c1 – it soon attacks c5.
9…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.Nxd5 8...Qxd5 9.d3 9...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 87: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.g3 g6 6.Bg2 Bg7 7.O-O Nc6

up to 7.O-O as line 86

7…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Bg2 6...g6 7.O-O 7...Bg7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 88: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 b6 4.e4 d6 5.Bd3 e5 6.Bc2 Be7 7.d3 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Ba4 Bd7 10.a3 Ne8 11.b4 Nc7 12.bxc5 bxc5 13.Rb1 Qe8 14.Be3 Nd4 15.Bxd7

up to 3.Nf3 as line 87

3…b6: A clear inaccuracy according to Stockfish: Black delays his development. With e4 you occupy the centre at once.
4.e4: The centre with e4 and c4 – Black has too little control over d4 and e5.
4…d6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White stands clearly better.
5.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and heads via c2 to a4.
5…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
6.Bc2: The bishop goes to c2 and clears the way for the d-pawn.
6…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
7.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
9.Ba4: The bishop goes to a4 and attacks the knight on c6.
9…Bd7: Black covers the knight on c6 with the bishop.
10.a3: You prepare b4.
10…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and heads for c7.
11.b4: You attack the pawn on c5.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
12.bxc5: You trade on c5 and open the b-file.
12…bxc5: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to the open b-file.
13…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and covers the bishop on d7.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
14…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3.
15.Bxd7: You trade the bishops on d7. White is slightly better (eval 0.09).

Line 89: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 b6 4.e4 Bb7 5.e5 Ng4 6.h3 Nh6 7.Bd3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 Nc6 9.Be4 Rc8 10.Bxc6 Rxc6 11.b3 e6 12.O-O Nf5 13.Bb2 Be7 14.Ne2 d5 15.Nf4

up to 4.e4 as line 88

4…Bb7: Black attacks e4. With e5 you drive the knight away.
5.e5: The pawn drives away the knight on f6 and gains space with tempo.
5…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks e5. 5...Ne4 is better; White is clearly better (eval 1.01).
6.h3: You attack the knight on g4; it only has h6 left.
6…Nh6: The knight steps away to the edge, to h6.
7.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7. White is somewhat better (eval 0.36).
7…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
8.Qxf3: The queen recaptures and attacks the rook on a8 and the pawn on f7.
8…Nc6: The knight goes to c6, blocks the diagonal to a8 and attacks e5.
9.Be4: The bishop goes to e4 and attacks the knight on c6.
9…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers the knight on c6.
10.Bxc6: You trade the bishop for the knight on c6.
10…Rxc6: The rook recaptures.
11.b3: You prepare Bb2.
11…e6: Black opens the way for the bishop on f8.
12.O-O: You castle.
12…Nf5: The knight comes back from the edge to f5.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
13…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
14.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and heads for f4.
14…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
15.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks d5 and e6. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 90: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 b6 4.e4 Bb7 5.e5 Ng8 6.Be2 Nc6 7.O-O e6 8.Nb5 a6 9.Nd6 Bxd6 10.exd6 Nh6 11.b4 Nf5 12.bxc5 bxc5 13.Ba3 Qa5 14.Bb2 O-O 15.Bd3

up to 5.e5 as line 89

5…Ng8: The knight goes back to g8. 5...Ne4 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.97).
6.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
6…Nc6: Black develops the knight and attacks e5.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…e6: Black opens the way for the bishop on f8.
8.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes d6.
8…a6: Black attacks the knight on b5.
9.Nd6: The knight jumps to d6 with check.
9…Bxd6: Black trades the bishop for the knight on d6.
10.exd6: You recapture with the e-pawn; the pawn on d6 stands deep in Black's camp.
10…Nh6: The knight goes to h6 and wants to attack the pawn on d6 via f5.
11.b4: You attack the pawn on c5.
11…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d6.
12.bxc5: You trade on c5.
12…bxc5: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
13.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks c5.
13…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on a3 and the pawn on d2.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal on b2 and aims at g7.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and attacks the knight on f5. The position is level.

Line 91: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 b6 4.e4 Nc6 5.g3 e5 6.d3 d6 7.Bg2 g6 8.a3 Bg7 9.b4 a6 10.Rb1 O-O 11.O-O h6 12.h3 Bd7 13.Kh2 Kh7 14.Bd2 Rb8 15.Re1

up to 4.e4 as line 90

4…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control. White is better (eval 0.51).
5.g3: You prepare Bg2.
5…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d4 away from you.
6.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
6…d6: Black covers e5 and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
7…g6: Black prepares 8...Bg7.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
9.b4: You attack the pawn on c5.
9…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports the b-pawn.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop.
12.h3: You take g4 away from the knight on f6.
12…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
13.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
13…Kh7: Black's king goes to h7 as well.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks h6.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4. White is slightly better (eval 0.09).

Line 92: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 g6 4.e4 Nc6 5.d3 Bg7 6.Be3 d6 7.h3 e5 8.a3 O-O 9.g3 Ne8 10.Bg2 Nc7 11.O-O a5 12.Bg5 Bf6 13.Bd2 Rb8 14.Nd5 b5 15.cxb5

up to 3.Nf3 as line 91

3…g6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – with e4 you build a big centre.
4.e4: The centre with e4 and c4: without d2–d4 you keep d5 and f5 under control.
4…Nc6: Black develops. You build with d2–d3 and the bishop to e2.
5.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid. 5.h3 is just as good.
5…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
6.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
6…d6: Black keeps e5 under control and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
7.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8 and the knight on f6.
7…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d4 away from you.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.g3: You prepare Bg2.
9…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and heads via c7 to e6 or d4.
10.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
10…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
12.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8.
12…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and offers a trade.
13.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on f6 and the knight on c7.
14…b5: Black attacks c4.
15.cxb5: You take on b5. The position is level.

Line 93: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 g6 4.e4 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6

up to 4.e4 as line 92

4…Bg7: Black fianchettoes. Your centre gives you more space.
5.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid. 5.h3 is just as good.
5…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...Nc6 5.d3 5...Bg7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 94: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 g6 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 e5 6.O-O Nc6 7.d3 Bg7 8.Ne1 Nd7 9.f4 exf4 10.Bxf4 Nde5 11.Nc2 O-O 12.Qd2 Nd4 13.Nxd4 cxd4 14.Nd5 Be6 15.Bg5

up to 4.e4 as line 93

4…d6: Black builds solidly. With d2–d3 and the bishop to e2 you develop.
5.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
5…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn and takes d4 away from you.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
7.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
7…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
8.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and clears the way for f4.
8…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and opens the diagonal of the bishop on g7.
9.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
9…exf4: Black takes on f4.
10.Bxf4: The bishop recaptures and attacks d6.
10…Nde5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks d3 and c4.
11.Nc2: The knight goes to c2 and keeps d4 under control.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and c2.
13.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
13…cxd4: Black recaptures and attacks the knight on c3.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps into the centre to d5.
14…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on d5.
15.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8. The position is level.

Line 95: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O e4 7.Ng5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Re8 9.f3 exf3 10.Nxf3 d5 11.cxd5 Qxd5 12.Nd4 Qh5 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.e3 Bg4 15.Qc2

up to 2.Nc3 as line 94

2…e5: The Reversed Sicilian reaches the board here via Nf6.
3.Nf3: The knight attacks e5 and prepares g3 and Bg2 – the Four Knights with colours reversed.
3…Nc6: The Four Knights with colours reversed – almost all games go here. Your plan: g3, Bg2 and short castling.
4.g3: The fianchetto is the heart of the set-up. Against Bb4 and d5 your bishop on g2 holds the diagonal to b7.
4…Bb4: Black pins and wants to exchange the knight on c3 to weaken your control of d5.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2. You are patient against the pin on c3 – the bishop on b4 often trades on c3.
5…O-O: Black castles. Now you castle as well.
6.O-O: Both kings are safe. Black chooses between e4, Re8 and the trade on c3.
6…e4: Black drives your knight away. It goes to g5 and attacks e4.
7.Ng5: The knight attacks e4 – Black's outpost becomes a target.
7…Bxc3: Black trades so that your c-pawn becomes doubled.
8.bxc3: You recapture with the b-pawn: the b-file opens for your rook, and the bishop pair makes up for the doubled pawns.
8…Re8: Black covers e4. With f3 you attack the pawn a second time.
9.f3: You blast the pawn on e4 – your bishops get open lines.
9…exf3: Black exchanges. After the recapture with the knight your pieces are active.
10.Nxf3: The knight returns to play. Your plan: d2–d3 or e2–e4 and pressure along the f-file.
10…d5: Black occupies the centre. You press on d5 with your bishops and rooks.
11.cxd5: You take on d5.
11…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks a2, d2 and f3.
12.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6. 12.d3 is just as good.
12…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks h2 and e2.
13.Nxc6: You trade on c6.
13…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
14.e3: You open the way for the queen and keep d4 under control. 14.e4 is a little more accurate.
14…Bg4: The bishop attacks your queen on d1.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7. Black is slightly better (eval -0.34).

Line 96: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O e4 7.Ng5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Re8 9.f3 exf3 10.Nxf3 Qe7 11.e3 Ne5 12.Nxe5 Qxe5 13.c5 Qxc5 14.c4 Qh5 15.Qxh5

up to 10.Nxf3 as line 95

10…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and attacks e2. 10...d5 is more accurate.
11.e3: You cover with the e-pawn and keep d4 under control.
11…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3 and c4. 11...d6 is just as good.
12.Nxe5: You trade the knights. 12.Nd4 is a little more accurate.
12…Qxe5: The queen recaptures and attacks c3, e3 and g3.
13.c5: You give up the pawn on c5 and in return undo your doubled pawns: with 14.c4 the pawn on c3 comes to life.
13…Qxc5: The queen takes the pawn and attacks c3 and e3.
14.c4: You put the pawn on c4 and open the diagonal for the bishop on c1.
14…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and offers a queen trade.
15.Qxh5: You trade the queens. The position is level.

Line 97: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O e4 7.Ng5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Re8 9.f3 exf3 10.Nxf3 Qe7 11.e3 d6 12.d3 Ne5 13.Nh4 Bg4 14.Qc2 Qe6 15.Bxb7

up to 11.e3 as line 96

11…d6: Black keeps e5 under control and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3, d3 and c4.
13.Nh4: The knight steps away to h4 and heads for f5.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks your queen on d1.
14.Qc2: The queen steps away to c2.
14…Qe6: The queen goes to e6 and attacks c4.
15.Bxb7: The bishop takes the pawn on b7 and attacks the rook on a8. The position is level.

Line 98: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O e4 7.Ng5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Re8 9.f3 e3 10.d3 d5 11.Qb3 Na5 12.Qa3 c6 13.cxd5 cxd5 14.f4 Nc6 15.Nf3

up to 9.f3 as line 97

9…e3: A pawn sacrifice: the pawn on e3 disturbs your development. With d3 you lock it in and collect it later.
10.d3: You leave the pawn on e3 and win it later; development first.
10…d5: Black opens the centre for his pieces.
11.Qb3: The queen attacks d5 and b7 – it uses the open b-file.
11…Na5: The knight attacks the queen. It steps aside and keeps the pressure.
12.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks the knight on a5.
12…c6: Black covers d5 with the c-pawn.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5.
13…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
14.f4: You gain space on the kingside and shut in the pawn on e3.
14…Nc6: The knight returns to c6. 14...h6 is just as good.
15.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3. White is slightly better (eval 0.1): the pawn on e3 is a target.

Line 99: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 Bf8 8.d3 h6 9.Nxf6 Qxf6 10.Nd2 Rb8 11.Ne4 Qd8 12.b3 b5 13.e3 Ne7 14.Bb2 d5 15.Nd2

up to 6.O-O as line 98

6…Re8: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black does without e4. With Nd5 you question the bishop on b4.
7.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5, trades on f6 or attacks the bishop – the key square of the English.
7…Bf8: The bishop retreats. You play d3 and build up slowly.
8.d3: A quiet move: you control e4 and open the bishop on c1.
8…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. Your bishop comes to c3 via d2.
9.Nxf6: You trade the knight for the knight on f6, with check. 9.Bd2 is more accurate.
9…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks f3.
10.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for e4.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the queen on f6.
11…Qd8: The queen goes back to d8.
12.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2.
12…b5: Black attacks c4.
13.e3: You keep d4 under control.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for f5 or g6.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5.
14…d5: Black attacks the knight on e4 and the pawn on c4.
15.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 100: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 Bf8 8.d3 Nxd5 9.cxd5 Nd4 10.Nxd4 exd4 11.Bd2 a5 12.e4 c6 13.Qa4 Qb6 14.Rab1 Ra6 15.Bh3

up to 8.d3 as line 99

8…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5. 8...h6 is a little more accurate.
9.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
9…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2. White is better (eval 0.59).
10.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
10…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
11.Bd2: You develop the bishop and connect the rooks.
11…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
12.e4: You gain space and support d5.
12…c6: Black attacks the pawn on d5.
13.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6, d4 and a5.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b2.
14.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2.
14…Ra6: The rook comes into play via a6.
15.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and attacks d7. White is somewhat better (eval 0.31).

Line 101: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 Nxd5 8.cxd5 Nd4 9.Nxd4 exd4 10.e3 Be7 11.b3 c5 12.e4 d6 13.d3 a5 14.a4 Rb8 15.Bd2

up to 7.Nd5 as line 100

7…Nxd5: Black trades. After cxd5 you have the half-open c-file and press on c7.
8.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn: it gains space, and the c-file opens for your rook.
8…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4. You trade it and keep the centre.
9.Nxd4: You trade the knights on d4.
9…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
10.e3: You attack the pawn on d4. 10.b3 is just as good.
10…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7.
11.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on the long diagonal.
11…c5: Black supports d4 with the c-pawn.
12.e4: You gain space in the centre and support d5.
12…d6: Black keeps e5 under control and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
13.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
13…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
14.a4: You hold up Black's a-pawn.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks a5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).

Line 102: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 Bc5 8.d3 Nxd5 9.cxd5 Nd4 10.Nd2 d6 11.e3 Nf5 12.Nc4 b5 13.Na5 Bb6 14.Nc6 Qf6 15.a4

up to 7.Nd5 as line 101

7…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5. With d3 and later e2–e3 you take its diagonal away.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.a3 is more accurate.
8…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5. 8...h6 is just as good.
9.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
9…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
10.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2 and avoids the trade.
10…d6: Black keeps e5 under control and opens the way for the bishop on c8.
11.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
11…Nf5: The knight steps away to f5 and attacks e3 and g3.
12.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks d6 and e5.
12…b5: Black attacks the knight on c4.
13.Na5: The knight steps away to a5 and heads for c6.
13…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 and attacks the knight on a5.
14.Nc6: The knight jumps to c6 and attacks the queen on d8.
14…Qf6: The queen steps away to f6.
15.a4: You attack the pawn on b5. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).

Line 103: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 Bc5 8.d3 h6 9.a3 Nxd5 10.cxd5 Nd4 11.Nd2 a5 12.e3 Nf5 13.Nc4 d6 14.Bd2 a4 15.Bb4

up to 8.d3 as line 102

8…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
9.a3: You prepare b4.
9…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
10.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
11.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2 and avoids the trade.
11…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
12.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
12…Nf5: The knight steps away to f5 and attacks e3 and g3.
13.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks e5 and a5.
13…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks a5.
14…a4: Black pushes the a-pawn further.
15.Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and offers to trade the bishops. White is slightly better (eval 0.11).

Line 104: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 e4 8.Ne1 Be7 9.d3 exd3 10.Nxd3 d6 11.Bd2 Nxd5 12.cxd5 Ne5 13.Ba5 Bf5 14.Nf4 Rc8 15.Bc3

up to 7.Nd5 as line 103

7…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3. 7...a5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.47).
8.Ne1: The knight steps away to e1 and prepares d3.
8…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7.
9.d3: You attack the pawn on e4.
9…exd3: Black takes on d3 and attacks e2.
10.Nxd3: The knight recaptures and stands well on d3.
10…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
11.Bd2: You develop the bishop and connect the rooks.
11…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
12.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
12…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks the knight on d3.
13.Ba5: The bishop goes to a5 and attacks c7.
13…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the knight on d3.
14.Nf4: The knight steps away to f4.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers c7.
15.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and attacks the knight on e5. White is better (eval 0.47).

Line 105: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.Nd5 a5 8.d3 h6 9.a3 Bf8 10.Bd2 d6 11.Nxf6 Qxf6 12.b4 e4 13.dxe4 axb4 14.axb4 Qxa1 15.Qxa1

up to 7.Nd5 as line 104

7…a5: Black gains space on the queenside and gives the bishop on b4 support.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.b3 is a little more accurate.
8…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
9.a3: You attack the bishop on b4.
9…Bf8: The bishop goes back to f8.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks a5.
10…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
11.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
11…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks f3.
12.b4: You attack the pawn on a5.
12…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3 and the pawn on d3.
13.dxe4: You take on e4.
13…axb4: Black takes on b4 and opens the a-file.
14.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
14…Qxa1: The queen takes the rook on a1; then everything is traded on a1.
15.Qxa1: The queen recaptures; after 15...Rxa1 16.Rxa1 16...Rxe4 White is slightly better (eval 0.22).

Line 106: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 Re8 8.d3 e4 9.Nd4 exd3 10.exd3 Nxd4 11.cxd4 d5 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.cxd5 Qxd4 15.Rc1

up to 6.O-O as line 105

6…Bxc3: Black trades on c3 at once. You get the bishop pair and the half-open b-file.
7.bxc3: Back with the b-pawn: the b-file opens, and your pawns control d4.
7…Re8: Black prepares e4. With d3 you get there first.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control and open the bishop on c1.
8…e4: Black pushes anyway. The knight goes to d4 in the centre.
9.Nd4: The knight stands strongly on d4. After a trade on d3 the position opens for your bishops.
9…exd3: Black exchanges on d3. You recapture with the e-pawn and keep a healthy centre.
10.exd3: Your bishops have open diagonals – the bishop pair is a long-term advantage.
10…Nxd4: Black trades the knights on d4.
11.cxd4: You recapture with the c-pawn; your doubled pawns are gone.
11…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
12…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
13.Bxf6: You trade the bishop for the knight on f6.
13…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks d4 and f2.
14.cxd5: You take on d5.
14…Qxd4: The queen takes the pawn on d4 and attacks a1, d3 and d5.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c7. The position is level.

Line 107: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 Re8 8.d3 e4 9.Nd4 exd3 10.exd3 h6 11.Bf4 Nxd4 12.cxd4 d5 13.Rc1 c6 14.h3 Be6 15.Kh2

up to 10.exd3 as line 106

10…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 10...Nxd4 is more accurate.
11.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks c7.
11…Nxd4: Black trades the knights on d4.
12.cxd4: You recapture with the c-pawn; your doubled pawns are gone.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c4.
13…c6: Black supports d5 with the c-pawn.
14.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
14…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
15.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3. White is slightly better (eval 0.11).

Line 108: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 Re8 8.d3 e4 9.Nd4 h6 10.dxe4 Nxe4 11.Qc2 d5 12.cxd5 Qxd5 13.Rd1 Bf5 14.Qb2 Qc5 15.Be3

up to 9.Nd4 as line 107

9…h6: A waiting move Stockfish finds inaccurate.
10.dxe4: You take on e4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on g2.
10…Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks c3, f2 and g3.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks the knight on e4.
11…d5: Black covers e4 with the d-pawn and attacks c4.
12.cxd5: You take on d5.
12…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks the knight on d4 and the pawn on a2.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and covers the knight on d4.
13…Bf5: Black develops the bishop and covers the knight on e4.
14.Qb2: The queen goes to b2 and attacks b7.
14…Qc5: The queen goes to c5 and attacks c3 and d4.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.18).

Line 109: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 Re8 8.d3 d6 9.e4 Rb8 10.a4 a6 11.Be3 h6 12.h3 Ne7 13.Ba7 Ra8 14.Be3 Rb8

up to 8.d3 as line 108

8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 8...e4 is clearly more active; White is somewhat better (eval 0.37).
9.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and keep d5 and f5 under control.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
10.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
10…a6: Black prepares b5 once more.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop and knight.
12.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for g6.
13.Ba7: The bishop attacks the rook on b8.
13…Ra8: The rook steps away to a8 and attacks the bishop on a7.
14.Be3: The bishop goes back to e3.
14…Rb8: Transposition: the same position arises after 11.Be3 11...h6 12.h3 12...Ne7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 110: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 d6 8.d3 e4 9.Nd4 exd3 10.exd3 Nxd4 11.cxd4 d5 12.h3 c6 13.Bf4 Be6 14.Rc1 Re8 15.Kh2

up to 7.bxc3 as line 109

7…d6: Black holds e5 with the pawn. You play d3 and e2–e4 – the bishop pair waits.
8.d3: A quiet set-up: your pawns control e4 and c4, the bishops follow.
8…e4: Black attacks f3 and d3.
9.Nd4: The knight goes into the centre to d4 and attacks c6.
9…exd3: Black takes on d3. 9...Re8 is a little more accurate.
10.exd3: You recapture with the e-pawn and open the e-file.
10…Nxd4: Black trades the knights on d4. 10...Bd7 is a little more accurate.
11.cxd4: You recapture with the c-pawn; your doubled pawns are gone.
11…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
12.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
12…c6: Black supports d5 with the c-pawn.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c4.
14…Re8: The rook goes to the open e-file.
15.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3. White is slightly better (eval 0.25).

Line 111: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 d6 8.d3 h6 9.e4 a6 10.a4 Rb8 11.Be3 Ne7 12.h3 c5 13.Nd2 b5 14.axb5 axb5 15.cxb5

up to 8.d3 as line 110

8…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 8...e4 is more active.
9.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and keep d5 and f5 under control.
9…a6: Black prepares b5.
10.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6.
11…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for g6.
12.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
12…c5: Black keeps d4 under control and prepares b5.
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers c4.
13…b5: Black attacks a4 and c4.
14.axb5: You take on b5.
14…axb5: Black recaptures with the a-pawn and attacks c4.
15.cxb5: You take on b5. White is slightly better (eval 0.26).

Line 112: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 d6 8.d3 Bd7 9.e4 Rb8 10.a4 h6 11.Nh4 Nh7 12.Ra2 b6 13.Re1 Ne7 14.d4 Nc6 15.Bf1

up to 8.d3 as line 111

8…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 8...e4 is clearly more active; White is better (eval 0.45).
9.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and keep d5 and f5 under control.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
10.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
10…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
11.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and heads for f5.
11…Nh7: The knight goes to h7 and clears the way for the f-pawn.
12.Ra2: The rook goes to a2 and guards the second rank.
12…b6: Black prepares b5 with the help of the a-pawn.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and supports e4.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for g6.
14.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
14…Nc6: The knight returns to c6 and attacks d4.
15.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and covers c4. White is slightly better (eval 0.29).

Line 113: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Bxc3 7.bxc3 e4 8.Ng5

up to 7.bxc3 as line 112

7…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3. 7...Re8 is just as good.
8.Ng5: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...e4 7.Ng5 7...Bxc3 8.bxc3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 114: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O d6 7.d3 h6 8.Bd2 a5 9.a3 Bxc3 10.Bxc3 a4 11.b4 axb3 12.Qxb3 Nd7 13.a4 Nc5 14.Qc2 Bg4 15.a5

up to 6.O-O as line 113

6…d6: Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish. You play d3 and keep e4 under control.
7.d3: You cover e4 and clear the way for the bishop on c1.
7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. Your plan stays space on the queenside.
8.Bd2: You develop the bishop and cover c3. 8.h3 is just as good.
8…a5: Black gives the bishop on b4 support.
9.a3: You attack the bishop on b4.
9…Bxc3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on c3.
10.Bxc3: The bishop recaptures and attacks e5 and a5.
10…a4: Black pushes the a-pawn further and takes b3 away from your b-pawn.
11.b4: You push the b-pawn two squares; Black can take en passant.
11…axb3: Black takes en passant on b3.
12.Qxb3: The queen recaptures and attacks b7.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and heads for c5.
13.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks the queen on b3 and the pawns on a4 and d3.
14.Qc2: The queen steps away to c2 and covers a4 and d3.
14…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
15.a5: You gain space on the queenside. White is slightly better (eval 0.12).

Line 115: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O d6 7.d3 Re8 8.Nd5 Nxd5 9.cxd5 Ne7 10.a3 Ba5 11.Nd2 c6 12.dxc6 Nxc6 13.Nc4 Bc7 14.Ne3 Be6 15.Nd5

up to 7.d3 as line 114

7…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 7...Bxc3 is just as good.
8.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on b4. 8.Bd2 is just as good.
8…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
9.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
9…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
10.a3: You attack the bishop on b4.
10…Ba5: The bishop steps away to a5.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for c4.
11…c6: Black attacks the pawn on d5.
12.dxc6: You take on c6.
12…Nxc6: The knight recaptures.
13.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks the bishop on a5 and the pawn on d6.
13…Bc7: The bishop goes back to c7.
14.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and heads for d5.
14…Be6: Black develops the bishop and keeps d5 under control.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on c7. The position is level.

Line 116: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O d6 7.d3 Bxc3 8.bxc3

up to 7.d3 as line 115

7…Bxc3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on c3.
8.bxc3: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...Bxc3 7.bxc3 7...d6 8.d3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 117: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2 Bxc3 6.bxc3 O-O 7.O-O

up to 5.Bg2 as line 116

5…Bxc3: An early trade Stockfish finds inaccurate – you get the bishop pair for nothing.
6.bxc3: The b-file opens, and your bishops become strong.
6…O-O: Black castles. You put the queen on c2 and prepare e2–e4.
7.O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...O-O 6.O-O 6...Bxc3 7.bxc3 – it goes on there. 7.Qc2 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 118: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 Bd5 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Bb2 a4 16.Bxd4

up to 4.g3 as line 117

4…d5: Black occupies the centre – an Open Sicilian with colours reversed in which you have an extra tempo.
5.cxd5: You exchange at once: the knight on d5 becomes a target for your pieces.
5…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight – an Open Sicilian with colours reversed.
6.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5 along the diagonal.
6…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6. Stockfish also mentions the bishop to c5.
7.O-O: You castle. The plan: a3 and b4 – space on the queenside as in a reversed Dragon.
7…Be7: Black develops solidly and castles next.
8.a3: The preparation for b4 – your attack on the queenside begins.
8…O-O: Black castles. Now your b-pawn marches.
9.b4: Space on the queenside: the b-pawn threatens to go to b5 and drive away the knight on c6.
9…Be6: Black develops the bishop. With Rb1 you support the advance.
10.Rb1: The rook supports the b-pawn – b5 is prepared.
10…f6: Black secures e5 and prepares f5.
11.d3: You cover e4 and open the bishop on c1 – the centre stays firm.
11…a5: Black challenges your b-pawn. With b5 you go past.
12.b5: The pawn drives away the knight on c6 – your space advantage on the queenside grows.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4. You regroup your knight to d2.
13.Nd2: The knight goes via d2 – it opens the diagonal of the bishop on g2 and wants to go to b3 or c4.
13…Bd5: A trap Black often falls into (about a third of the games): the bishop trade on d5 costs almost a pawn according to Stockfish. Qc8 was better – remember the picture, your queenside pieces become very active afterwards.
14.Nxd5: You take the bishop on d5. Stockfish now sees White almost a pawn ahead – Black made a mistake with the bishop trade.
14…Nxd5: Black recaptures. Your bishop on g2 and your queenside pieces now become very active.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks the knight on d4. White is clearly better (eval 0.83).
15…a4: Black gains space on the queenside.
16.Bxd4: You trade the bishop for the knight on d4 and attack e5. White is better (eval 0.63).

Line 119: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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

up to 13.Nd2 as line 118

13…Qc8: The queen leaves d8 – it protects the bishop on e6 and aims at h3.
14.e3: You drive the knight away from d4. Stockfish sees the position as level.
14…Nf5: The knight goes to f5. With Qc2 and a4 you continue your play.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. 15.a4 is more accurate; Black is now slightly better (eval -0.23).
15…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file and attacks d3. 15...a4 is more accurate.
16.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. The position is level.

Line 120: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 c6 14.bxc6 Nxc6 15.Nc4

up to 13.Nd2 as line 119

13…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5. 13...Qc8 is more accurate.
14.bxc6: You take on c6 and attack b7.
14…Nxc6: The knight recaptures.
15.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks e5, a5 and b6. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 121: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 Nd5 14.Bxd5

up to 13.Nd2 as line 120

13…Nd5: A mistake: after 14.Bxd5 14...Bxd5 15.e3 Black loses the knight on d4. 13...Qc8 holds the position.
14.Bxd5: You trade the bishop for the knight on d5; after 15.e3 the knight on d4 hangs. White is clearly better (eval 1.12).

Line 122: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 Nd4 12.Nd2 c6 13.Nde4 Rf7 14.e3 Nb5 15.Bb2

up to 11.d3 as line 121

11…Nd4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black jumps to d4 too early.
12.Nd2: You regroup the knight and keep the queenside under pressure.
12…c6: Black secures d5. Your knight can go to c5 via e4.
13.Nde4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks f6. 13.Bb2 is just as good.
13…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 and guards the seventh rank. 13...Bf7 is a little more accurate.
14.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
14…Nb5: The knight steps away to b5 and attacks a3 and c3.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and covers c3. The position is level.

Line 123: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 Nd4 12.Nd2 Nd5 13.Bb2 Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Nb5 15.Qc1

up to 12.Nd2 as line 122

12…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3 and b4. 12...c6 is a little more accurate.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and covers c3.
13…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
14.Bxc3: The bishop recaptures and attacks the knight on d4.
14…Nb5: The knight steps away to b5 and attacks the bishop on c3.
15.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and covers the bishop on c3. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 124: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 Qd7 12.Ne4 Nd5 13.Qc2 a6 14.Rd1 Kh8 15.Bb2

up to 11.d3 as line 123

11…Qd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You continue your plan with b5.
12.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks f6. 12.Bb2 is just as good.
12…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and attacks b4. 12...Ba2 is more accurate.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks the knight on c6.
13…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file.
14…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.3).

Line 125: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 a6 11.d3 f5 12.Bb2 Qd7 13.Ba1 Rad8 14.a4 e4 15.b5

up to 10.Rb1 as line 124

10…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn. 10...f6 is a little more accurate.
11.d3: Black prevents b5. You build quietly with d3 and the bishop to b2.
11…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
13.Ba1: The bishop goes to a1 and stays on the long diagonal.
13…Rad8: The rook goes to the d-file.
14.a4: You prepare b5.
14…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
15.b5: You attack the knight on c6; both sides now strike. The position is level.

Line 126: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 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 a6 11.d3 f6 12.Ne4 Ba2 13.Rb2 Bd5 14.Nc5 Rb8 15.e4 Bf7 16.Qc2

up to 11.d3 as line 125

11…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn. 11...f5 is just as good.
12.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and eyes c5.
12…Ba2: The bishop goes to a2 and attacks the rook on b1.
13.Rb2: The rook steps away to b2 and attacks the bishop on a2.
13…Bd5: The bishop goes to d5 and attacks the knight on e4. 13...Bf7 is a little more accurate.
14.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks a6 and b7. White is better (eval 0.47).
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
15.e4: You attack the bishop on d5.
15…Bf7: The bishop goes back to f7.
16.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 127: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Re8 10.d3 Bf8 11.Bb2 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2 a4 14.e3 Ne6 15.Qc2 Nc5 16.d4

up to 9.b4 as line 126

9…Re8: Black covers e5 with the rook. With d3 and the bishop to b2 you keep up the pressure.
10.d3: You cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
10…Bf8: The bishop returns to f8 and covers the kingside.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and presses on e5.
11…a5: Black challenges your b-pawn. With b5 you go past.
12.b5: The knight on c6 has to move – your space gain on the queenside.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4. You regroup your knight to d2.
13.Nd2: The knight clears the way for the bishop on g2 and wants to become active via c4.
13…a4: Black pushes the a-pawn further. 13...c6 is just as good.
14.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
14…Ne6: The knight steps away to e6. 14...Nf5 is a little more accurate.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks a4. 15.Qh5 is a little more accurate.
15…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks d3.
16.d4: You attack the knight on c5 and the pawn on e5. The position is level.

Line 128: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Re8 10.d3 Bf8 11.Bb2 a5 12.b5 Nd4 13.Nd2 c6 14.bxc6 Nxc6 15.Rc1

up to 13.Nd2 as line 127

13…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
14.bxc6: You take on c6. 14.a4 is just as good.
14…Nxc6: The knight recaptures.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. The position is level.

Line 129: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Re8 10.d3 Bf8 11.Bb2 Bg4 12.h3 Bh5 13.Rc1 f6 14.Ne4 Bf7 15.Nc5

up to 11.Bb2 as line 128

11…Bg4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: the bishop is missing on the queenside.
12.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
12…Bh5: The bishop goes to h5 and keeps an eye on the knight on f3. 12...Be6 is a little more accurate.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. White is better (eval 0.49).
13…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
14.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and eyes c5.
14…Bf7: The bishop goes back to f7.
15.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks b7. White is slightly better (eval 0.22).

Line 130: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Re8 10.d3 Bf8 11.Bb2 Nd4 12.Nxd4 exd4 13.Nb5 a5 14.Qd2 c6 15.Nxd4

up to 11.Bb2 as line 129

11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2. 11...a5 is more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.37).
12.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
12…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
13.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks d4 and c7.
13…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and covers b4.
14…c6: Black attacks the knight on b5.
15.Nxd4: The knight takes the pawn on d4. You are a pawn up; White is slightly better (eval 0.28).

Line 131: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 Re8 10.d3 a5 11.b5 Nd4 12.Nd2 a4 13.Rb1 Bf8 14.h4 Ne6 15.Nf3

up to 10.d3 as line 130

10…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
11.b5: You push past and attack the knight on c6.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3, e2 and b5.
12.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and avoids the trade. 12.Nxe5 is just as good.
12…a4: Black pushes the a-pawn further.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b5.
13…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and attacks a3.
14.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
14…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and heads for c5.
15.Nf3: The knight goes to f3 and attacks e5. The position is level.

Line 132: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 a6 10.d3 Be6 11.Bb2 f6 12.Rc1 Qe8 13.Ne4 Qf7 14.Qc2 Rad8 15.e3

up to 9.b4 as line 131

9…a6: Black prevents b5. You play d3 and build up.
10.d3: You cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
10…Be6: Black develops the bishop and keeps c4 and d5 under control.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and presses on e5.
11…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. 12.Ne4 is just as good.
12…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for f7.
13.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and eyes c5.
13…Qf7: The queen goes to f7.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks the knight on c6.
14…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 and attacks d3.
15.e3: You keep d4 under control. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 133: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 a6 10.d3 Be6 11.Bb2 f5 12.Rc1 Bf6 13.Nd2 Bg5 14.Rb1 Be7 15.Ba1

up to 11.Bb2 as line 132

11…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn. 11...f6 is just as good.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. 12.Na4 is a little more accurate.
12…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6. 12...Qd7 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.51).
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
13…Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the knight on d2.
14.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers the bishop on b2.
14…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7 and attacks b4.
15.Ba1: The bishop goes to a1 and stays on the long diagonal. White is better (eval 0.41).

Line 134: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 O-O 9.b4 a6 10.d3 Re8 11.Bb2 Bf8 12.Rc1 Nd4 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Ne4 c6 15.Nc5

up to 10.d3 as line 133

10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 10...Be6 is just as good.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
11…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and attacks b4.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. 12.Nd2 is a little more accurate.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
13.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
13…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
14.Ne4: The knight steps away to e4 and eyes c5.
14…c6: Black keeps b5 and d5 under control.
15.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks a6 and b7. The position is level.

Line 135: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 Be6 9.b4 O-O

up to 8.a3 as line 134

8…Be6: Black develops the bishop first. With b4 you continue your plan.
9.b4: The b-pawn marches – space on the queenside.
9…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...O-O 9.b4 9...Be6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 136: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 Be6 9.b4 a5 10.b5 Nd4 11.Rb1 f6 12.e3 Nxf3 13.Bxf3 Rb8 14.Bh5 g6 15.Be2

up to 9.b4 as line 135

9…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4. Stockfish prefers to castle.
10.b5: You push past and attack the knight on c6.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3, e2 and b5.
11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b5.
11…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
12.e3: You attack the knight on d4. 12.Ne1 is a little more accurate.
12…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
13.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
14.Bh5: The bishop gives check on h5 and weakens Black's kingside.
14…g6: Black blocks the check with the g-pawn and attacks the bishop.
15.Be2: The bishop goes back to e2 and covers b5. The position is level.

Line 137: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 Be6 9.b4 Nd4 10.Rb1 Nxf3 11.Bxf3 c6 12.b5 Rc8 13.a4 a6 14.bxa6 bxa6 15.Qc2

up to 9.b4 as line 136

9…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2. Stockfish prefers to castle.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
10…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
11.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7.
11…c6: Black keeps d5 and b5 under control with the c-pawn.
12.b5: You attack the pawn on c6. 12.Qc2 is just as good.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers c6.
13.a4: You support b5.
13…a6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
14.bxa6: You take on a6.
14…bxa6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7. The position is level.

Line 138: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Be6 11.Rc1 Nd5 12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.Qa4 Re8 14.Rc2 Bd6 15.Ng5

up to 8.a3 as line 137

8…a5: Black prevents b4. You build with d3 and the bishop to e3.
9.d3: You cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
9…O-O: Black castles. Your bishop goes to e3.
10.Be3: The bishop attacks the knight on b6 and controls c5.
10…Be6: Black puts his bishop against yours.
11.Rc1: The rook comes to the c-file and presses on c7.
11…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3 and e3. 11...a4 is more accurate.
12.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
12…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and aims at f3.
13.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a5.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
14.Rc2: The rook goes to c2 and attacks the knight on c6.
14…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and covers e5.
15.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and invites the trade of the bishops on g2. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 139: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Be6 11.Rc1 a4 12.Nd2 Nd5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.Qc2 Ra5 15.Rfd1

up to 11.Rc1 as line 138

11…a4: Black pushes the a-pawn further and takes b3 away from your b-pawn.
12.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
12…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3 and e3.
13.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
13…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks a4 and c6.
14…Ra5: The rook goes to a5 and covers a4 and d5.
15.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1. The position is level.

Line 140: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Be6 11.Rc1 f5 12.Bxb6 cxb6 13.e3 Bf6 14.Re1 Bf7 15.Nb5

up to 11.Rc1 as line 139

11…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn. 11...a4 is more accurate.
12.Bxb6: You trade the bishop for the knight on b6.
12…cxb6: Black recaptures with the c-pawn and now has doubled pawns on the b-file.
13.e3: You keep d4 and f4 under control.
13…Bf6: Black puts the bishop on f6.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7.
15.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and eyes d6 and the weak pawn on b6. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 141: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Re8 11.Rc1 Bf8 12.d4 Nc4 13.Bg5 f6 14.d5 Nb8 15.Nd2

up to 10.Be3 as line 140

10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 10...Be6 is more accurate.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. 11.d4 is more accurate.
11…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and attacks a3. 11...Be6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.42).
12.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
12…Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 and attacks e3, b2 and a3.
13.Bg5: The bishop steps away to g5 and attacks the queen on d8.
13…f6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
14.d5: You push the d-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
14…Nb8: The knight goes back to b8.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks the knight on c4. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 142: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Re8 11.Rc1 Bg4 12.Na4 Nd5 13.Qb3 Nxe3 14.fxe3 Qb8 15.Qc4

up to 11.Rc1 as line 141

11…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3. 11...Be6 is more accurate.
12.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the knight on b6. 12.Nd2 is more accurate.
12…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3.
13.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks d5 and b7. 13.Nc5 is a little more accurate.
13…Nxe3: Black trades the knight for the bishop on e3.
14.fxe3: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file.
14…Qb8: The queen goes to b8 and covers b7.
15.Qc4: The queen goes to c4 and attacks f7, c6 and the bishop on g4. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 143: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 Bg4 11.Rc1 Re8

up to 10.Be3 as line 142

10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3. 10...Be6 is more accurate.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
11…Re8: Transposition: the same position arises after 10...Re8 11.Rc1 11...Bg4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 144: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 O-O 10.Be3 f5 11.Bxb6 cxb6 12.e3 f4 13.Qe2 Bg4 14.h3 Bh5 15.g4

up to 10.Be3 as line 143

10…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn. 10...Be6 is more accurate.
11.Bxb6: You trade the bishop for the knight on b6.
11…cxb6: Black recaptures with the c-pawn and has doubled pawns on the b-file.
12.e3: You keep d4 and f4 under control.
12…f4: Black attacks e3 and g3.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and guards the second rank.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
14.h3: You attack the bishop on g4.
14…Bh5: The bishop steps away to h5.
15.g4: You attack the bishop once more. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 145: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 Be6 10.Be3 Nd5 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Qa4 O-O 13.Rac1

up to 9.d3 as line 144

9…Be6: Black develops the bishop and keeps c4 and d5 under control.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and controls c5.
10…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3 and e3. Stockfish prefers to castle.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5. 11.d4 is just as good.
11…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and aims at f3.
12.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a5.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.Rac1: Transposition: the same position arises after 11...Nd5 12.Nxd5 12...Bxd5 13.Qa4 and castling – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 146: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Nb6 7.O-O Be7 8.a3 a5 9.d3 Be6 10.Be3 O-O

up to 10.Be3 as line 145

10…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 9...O-O 10.Be3 10...Be6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 147: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Bd2 Qd7 10.Rc1 f6 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Re1 Rf7 13.a3 a5 14.Qa4 Bf8 15.h4

up to 6.Bg2 as line 146

6…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: the bishop on e6 is a target for your pieces. With O-O and pressure on d5 you use that.
7.O-O: You castle and press on d5.
7…Be7: Black develops. With d3 you keep building quietly.
8.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
8…O-O: Black castles. Your bishop goes to d2, the rook to c1.
9.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and makes room for the rook on c1.
9…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. With Rc1 you press on the c-file.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3. 10.a3 is just as good.
10…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
11…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks a2 and f3.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 and guards the seventh rank.
13.a3: You save the pawn on a2 by pushing it to a3.
13…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a5.
14…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and attacks a3.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. The position is level.

Line 148: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Bd2 Nb6 10.a3 a5 11.Na4 Ra6 12.Rc1 Nxa4 13.Qxa4 Rb6 14.Bc3 Bb3 15.Qe4

up to 9.Bd2 as line 147

9…Nb6: The knight goes back to b6. 9...Qd7 is a little more accurate.
10.a3: You prepare b4.
10…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
11.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the knight on b6.
11…Ra6: The rook goes to a6 and covers the knight on b6.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c6.
12…Nxa4: Black trades the knights on a4.
13.Qxa4: The queen recaptures and attacks c6 and a5.
13…Rb6: The rook goes to b6 and attacks b2.
14.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and covers b2.
14…Bb3: The bishop goes to b3 and attacks your queen.
15.Qe4: The queen goes to e4 and aims at h7 and c6. The position is level.

Line 149: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Bd2 f6 10.a3 Nd4 11.e3 Nxf3 12.Bxf3 c6 13.d4 Nb6 14.Na4 Bc4 15.Re1

up to 9.Bd2 as line 148

9…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn. 9...Qd7 is more accurate.
10.a3: You prepare b4. 10.Qb3 is more accurate.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
11.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
11…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
12.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks the knight on d5.
12…c6: Black covers the knight on d5 with the c-pawn.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…Nb6: The knight goes back to b6.
14.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the knight on b6.
14…Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and attacks the rook on f1.
15.Re1: The rook steps away to e1. The position is level.

Line 150: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Bd2 f5 10.Qb3 Qd6 11.Qxb7 Rab8 12.Qa6 Rxb2 13.Rfb1 Rfb8 14.Rc1 R8b6 15.Qa4

up to 9.Bd2 as line 149

9…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn. 9...Qd7 is more accurate.
10.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7 and the knight on d5.
10…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and leaves b7 unprotected; Black gives the pawn for development.
11.Qxb7: The queen takes the pawn on b7 and attacks c6, c7 and a8.
11…Rab8: The rook goes to b8 and attacks your queen.
12.Qa6: The queen steps away to a6 and attacks c6 and a7.
12…Rxb2: The rook takes the pawn on b2 and attacks d2 and a2. Material is level again.
13.Rfb1: The rook goes to b1 and offers a trade.
13…Rfb8: Black covers the rook on b2 with his second rook.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
14…R8b6: The rook goes to b6 and attacks your queen.
15.Qa4: The queen steps away to a4 and attacks c6 and a7. The position is level.

Line 151: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Be7 8.d3 O-O 9.Bd2 h6 10.a3 a5 11.Rc1 Qd7 12.Re1 Rfb8 13.Qc2 Rd8 14.Qa4 Nb6 15.Qb5

up to 9.Bd2 as line 150

9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight and bishop. 9...Qd7 is a little more accurate.
10.a3: You prepare b4.
10…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Rfb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
13…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file behind the queen.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a5.
14…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks your queen.
15.Qb5: The queen steps away to b5 and attacks a5, b6 and e5. The position is level.

Line 152: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Nb6 8.d3 Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.Rc1 Nd5 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Qa4 Re8 13.Rfe1 a6 14.a3 Bf6 15.Rc5

up to 7.O-O as line 151

7…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6. With d3 you build up.
8.d3: A quiet move: you cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
8…Be7: Black develops. Your bishop goes to e3.
9.Be3: The bishop controls c5 and faces the bishop on e6.
9…O-O: Black castles. With Rc1 you press on c7.
10.Rc1: The rook comes to the half-open c-file.
10…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3 and e3. 10...f5 is just as good.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
11…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks a2 and f3.
12.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a7. 12.a3 is a little more accurate.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 12...a6 is just as good.
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1. 13.a3 is just as good.
13…a6: Black takes b5 away from your queen.
14.a3: You save the pawn on a2 by pushing it to a3.
14…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and covers e5.
15.Rc5: The rook goes to c5 and attacks d5. The position is level.

Line 153: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Nb6 8.d3 Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.Rc1 f5 11.a3 Bf6 12.Nd2 Rf7 13.b4 Nd5 14.Bxd5 Bxd5 15.Nxd5

up to 10.Rc1 as line 152

10…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn.
11.a3: You prepare b4.
11…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6. 11...Kh8 is more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).
12.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. 12.Bc5 is more accurate.
12…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 and guards the seventh rank.
13.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks b4, c3 and e3.
14.Bxd5: You trade the bishop for the knight on d5.
14…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures.
15.Nxd5: You trade the second bishop too. The position is level.

Line 154: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Nb6 8.d3 Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.Rc1 Qd7 11.a3 h6 12.b4 a6 13.Ne4 Rfe8 14.Re1 Nd5 15.Nc5

up to 10.Rc1 as line 153

10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks d3. 10...f5 is just as good.
11.a3: You prepare b4.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop and knight.
12.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
13.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and heads for c5.
13…Rfe8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e3 and b4.
15.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks the queen on d7 and the bishop on e6. The position is level.

Line 155: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Nb6 8.d3 Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.Rc1 f6 11.d4 exd4 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 13.Bxd4 c6 14.Qd3 Qe8 15.Qe3

up to 10.Rc1 as line 154

10…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn. 10...f5 is more accurate.
11.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
11…exd4: Black takes on d4 and attacks c3 and e3.
12.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks c6 and e6.
12…Nxd4: Black trades the knights.
13.Bxd4: The bishop recaptures and attacks the knight on b6 and the pawn on f6.
13…c6: Black keeps d5 and b5 under control with the c-pawn.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and aims at h7.
14…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for f7.
15.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks the bishop on e6. White is slightly better (eval 0.25).

Line 156: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Nb6 8.d3 Be7 9.Be3 Nd5 10.Nxd5 Bxd5 11.Qa4 O-O 12.Rfe1 a6 13.Rac1 Kh8 14.Nd2 Bxg2 15.Kxg2

up to 9.Be3 as line 155

9…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3 and e3. 9...O-O is just as good.
10.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5. 10.d4 is just as good.
10…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks a2 and f3.
11.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a7. 11.Rc1 is a little more accurate.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1. 12.Rac1 is a little more accurate.
12…a6: Black takes b5 away from your queen.
13.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c6.
13…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and offers the trade of the bishops.
14…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops on g2.
15.Kxg2: The king recaptures. The position is level.

Line 157: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Bg2 Be6 7.O-O Nb6 8.d3 Be7 9.Be3 f5 10.Rb1 O-O 11.b4 Bf6 12.Ne1 Nd5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.Bc5 Rf7 15.b5

up to 9.Be3 as line 156

9…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn. 9...O-O is just as good.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and covers e5.
12.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
12…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks b4, c3 and e3.
13.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
13…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks a2 and g2.
14.Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks the rook on f8.
14…Rf7: The rook steps away to f7.
15.b5: You attack the knight on c6. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 158: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.a3 a5 9.e3 Bb6 10.b3 Be6 11.h3 Qd7 12.Kh2 d5 13.Bb2 Rfd8 14.Na4 dxc4 15.dxc4

up to 4.g3 as line 157

4…Bc5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the bishop on c5 is not very secure against your later e2–e3 and d3.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2. With O-O, d3 and later a3 and b4 you gain space.
5…d6: Black supports e5. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Your plan: d3, a3 and b4 – the bishop on c5 is driven away.
6…O-O: Both kings are safe. Now the play on the queenside begins.
7.d3: A quiet move: you cover e4 and prepare a3 and b4.
7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. With a3 and b4 you now chase the bishop on c5.
8.a3: You prepare b4 – the bishop on c5 will have to move.
8…a5: Black prevents b4. You play e3 and keep d4 under control.
9.e3: The pawn takes d4 away from the bishop on c5 and the knights.
9…Bb6: The bishop goes back to b6. 9...Ne7 is just as good.
10.b3: You prepare Bb2.
10…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
11.h3: You give your king some air.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 behind the bishop on e6 – together they eye h3.
12.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
13…Rfd8: The rook goes to the d-file.
14.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the bishop on b6.
14…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3 and d3.
15.dxc4: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 159: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.a3 a5 9.e3 Re8 10.b3 Ne7 11.h3 c6 12.d4 exd4 13.Nxd4 d5 14.cxd5 Nexd5 15.Nxd5

up to 9.e3 as line 158

9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 9...Ne7 is a little more accurate.
10.b3: You prepare Bb2.
10…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for g6.
11.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8 and the knight on f6.
11…c6: Black prepares d5.
12.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
12…exd4: Black takes on d4.
13.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks c6.
13…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
14.cxd5: You trade on d5.
14…Nexd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
15.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 160: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.a3 a6 9.b4 Ba7 10.Bb2 Be6 11.Rc1 Qd7 12.e3 Bg4 13.Qc2 Rad8 14.Rfe1 Ne7 15.d4

up to 8.a3 as line 159

8…a6: Black keeps a7 free for the bishop. With b4 you gain space.
9.b4: Space on the queenside with tempo – the bishop has to go to a7.
9…Ba7: The bishop stands on a7 and aims at f2. Your bishop goes to b2.
10.Bb2: The bishop presses on e5 – both bishops on the long diagonals work together.
10…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c4. 11.h3 is just as good.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
12.e3: You keep d4 under control.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
13…Rad8: The rook goes to the d-file.
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for g6.
15.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn. The position is level.

Line 161: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.a3 a6 9.b4 Ba7 10.Bb2 Bg4 11.h3 Be6 12.Rc1 Nd4 13.Nd2 Nf5 14.Kh2 c6 15.Nb3

up to 10.Bb2 as line 160

10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3. 10...Be6 is more accurate.
11.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4. White is somewhat better (eval 0.4).
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and h3.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c4.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
13.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2 and avoids the trade.
13…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks g3.
14.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers g3 and h3.
14…c6: Black prepares d5.
15.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. White is somewhat better (eval 0.29).

Line 162: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 a6 8.a3 h6

up to 7.d3 as line 161

7…a6: Black makes room for the bishop on a7. Stockfish prefers the knight to d4.
8.a3: You prepare b4. 8.e3 is a little more accurate.
8…h6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...h6 8.a3 8...a6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 163: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 a6 8.a3 Nd4 9.Nh4 c6 10.e3 Nf5 11.Nf3 a5 12.Re1 Re8 13.Na4 Ba7 14.b4 h6 15.b5

up to 8.a3 as line 162

8…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2. 8...Ba7 is a little more accurate.
9.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and avoids the trade.
9…c6: Black keeps b5 and d5 under control with the c-pawn.
10.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
10…Nf5: The knight steps away to f5 and attacks h4, g3 and e3.
11.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and attacks e5.
11…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
13.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the bishop on c5.
13…Ba7: The bishop steps away to a7 and aims at e3.
14.b4: You attack the pawn on a5.
14…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
15.b5: You attack the pawn on c6. White is slightly better (eval 0.11).

Line 164: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O a6 7.e3 O-O 8.b3 Ba7 9.h3 Bf5 10.d3 h6 11.Bb2 Bh7 12.Kh2 Ne7 13.d4 exd4 14.Nxd4 c6 15.Qd2

up to 6.O-O as line 163

6…a6: Black delays castling. With e3 you take the diagonal away from the bishop on c5.
7.e3: The pawn on e3 takes the diagonal away from the bishop on c5. Without d2–d4: you play d2–d3 and only later d3–d4.
7…O-O: Black castles. With h3 and d2–d3 you build quietly.
8.b3: You prepare Bb2. 8.h3 is just as good.
8…Ba7: The bishop goes back to a7. 8...Re8 is a little more accurate.
9.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8. 9.Bb2 is a little more accurate.
9…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…h6: Black gives the bishop on f5 the square h7 to fall back to.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
11…Bh7: The bishop goes to h7 and aims at d3.
12.Kh2: The king goes to h2.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for g6.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…exd4: Black takes on d4.
14.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and stands strongly on d4.
14…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your knight.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks. White is somewhat better (eval 0.38).

Line 165: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O d6

up to 5.Bg2 as line 164

5…O-O: Black castles at once. You castle as well.
6.O-O: Both have castled. Your plan stays e2–e3 and space on the queenside.
6…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...d6 6.O-O 6...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 166: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.d3 h6 8.e3 d6 9.b3 a5 10.a3

up to 6.O-O as line 165

6…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
7.d3: You keep e4 under control.
7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 7...Nd4 is just as good.
8.e3: You take d4 away from the knight and the bishop on c5.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
9.b3: You prepare Bb2.
9…a5: Black prepares a4.
10.a3: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...a5 9.e3 9...Re8 10.b3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 167: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Nd4 5.Bg2 Nxf3 6.Bxf3 Bb4 7.Qb3 Bc5 8.O-O O-O 9.d3 h6 10.Bd2 a5 11.a3 d6 12.Bg2 c6 13.Rab1 Bd4 14.h3 Qe7 15.e3

up to 4.g3 as line 166

4…Nd4: Black trades his knight for yours on f3. Afterwards your bishop stands actively on f3.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and recaptures on f3 after the trade.
5…Nxf3: Black trades. You recapture with the bishop.
6.Bxf3: The bishop on f3 aims at b7 – and you have the bishop pair.
6…Bb4: Black pins the knight on c3. With Qb3 you attack the bishop.
7.Qb3: The queen attacks the bishop on b4 and aims at b7.
7…Bc5: The bishop steps aside – inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions the knight to a4, which chases the bishop on c5.
8…O-O: Both have castled. Your bishop pair and the queen on b3 give you pressure on the queenside.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control. 9.Na4 is more accurate.
9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 9...a5 is a little more accurate.
10.Bd2: You develop the bishop. 10.Na4 is more accurate; Black is now slightly better (eval -0.12).
10…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.a3: You hold up Black's a-pawn.
11…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
12.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks b7.
12…c6: Black blocks the long diagonal with the c-pawn.
13.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
13…Bd4: The bishop goes to d4 and attacks c3 and f2.
14.h3: You give your king some air.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
15.e3: You attack the bishop on d4. Black is slightly better (eval -0.19).

Line 168: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Nd4 5.Bg2 Nxf3 6.Bxf3 Bb4 7.Qb3 a5 8.O-O O-O 9.d3 Bc5 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bxf6 Qxf6 12.Ne4 Qe7 13.Nxc5 Qxc5 14.Qc3 d6 15.Rfd1

up to 7.Qb3 as line 167

7…a5: Black gives the bishop on b4 support.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.Na4 is a little more accurate.
8…O-O: Black castles. 8...Bc5 is more accurate.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control. 9.Na4 is a little more accurate.
9…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2.
10.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
10…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
11.Bxf6: You trade the bishop for the knight on f6.
11…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks f3.
12.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the queen on f6 and the bishop on c5.
12…Qe7: The queen steps away to e7 and covers c5.
13.Nxc5: You trade the knight for the bishop on c5.
13…Qxc5: The queen recaptures and attacks c4 and f2.
14.Qc3: The queen goes to c3 and attacks e5 and a5.
14…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
15.Rfd1: The rook goes to the d-file. The position is level.

Line 169: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Nd4 5.Bg2 Nxf3 6.Bxf3 Bb4 7.Qb3 Ba5 8.Qa3 Bxc3 9.Qxc3 d6 10.Bg2 O-O 11.a4 Re8 12.d3 a5 13.e4 c6 14.Bd2 d5 15.O-O

up to 7.Qb3 as line 168

7…Ba5: The bishop goes back to a5. 7...a5 is more accurate.
8.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks the bishop on a5.
8…Bxc3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on c3.
9.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and attacks e5.
9…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
10.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks b7.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…a5: Black holds up your a-pawn.
13.e4: You gain space in the centre.
13…c6: Black prepares d5.
14.Bd2: You develop the bishop and connect the rooks.
14…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4 and e4.
15.O-O: You castle. White is slightly better (eval 0.28): the bishop pair.

Line 170: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Nd4 5.Bg2 Nxf3 6.Bxf3 Bc5 7.O-O O-O 8.e3 d6 9.Bg2 Bg4 10.Qa4 Bd7 11.Qd1 Bg4

up to 6.Bxf3 as line 169

6…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5. You castle and later play e2–e3.
7.O-O: You castle. The bishop pair is your long-term advantage.
7…O-O: Both have castled. With d2–d3 and e2–e3 you build quietly.
8.e3: You take d4 away from the bishop on c5. 8.Na4 is more accurate.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 8...Bb4 is more accurate.
9.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks b7.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks your queen.
10.Qa4: The queen steps away to a4 and attacks a7.
10…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and attacks your queen.
11.Qd1: The queen goes back to d1.
11…Bg4: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...d6 9.Bg2 9...Bg4 – the moves repeat. (transposition)

Line 171: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 h6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 Be6 12.b5 Ne7 13.Bb2 Qd7 14.Re1 Bh3 15.Bh1 Ng4 16.Qb3

up to 4.g3 as line 170

4…g6: Black fianchettoes too – a closed game. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2. Both sides build their fianchettos.
5…Bg7: A Closed Sicilian with colours reversed: you play on the queenside, Black on the kingside.
6.O-O: You castle. Then d3 and Rb1 follow.
6…O-O: Both have castled. Now you prepare the advance b4 with d3 and Rb1.
7.d3: A quiet move: you cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
7…d6: Black supports e5. With Rb1 your plan on the queenside begins.
8.Rb1: The rook supports the advance of the b-pawn – the core of your plan.
8…a5: Black slows down your b-pawn. With a3 you prepare b4 anyway.
9.a3: You prepare b4. After the exchange the b-file opens for your rook.
9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. Now b4 comes.
10.b4: The advance: after the exchange on b4 the b-file belongs to your rook.
10…axb4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the a-pawn.
11.axb4: The b-file stays with your rook – and the b-pawn marches on to b5.
11…Be6: Black develops the bishop. With b5 you drive away the knight on c6.
12.b5: The knight has to move – your space on the queenside grows.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. Your bishop goes to b2 and aims at e5.
13.Bb2: The bishop presses on e5 – together with the bishop on g2 you control the centre.
13…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. You bring the rook to e1 and hold the centre.
14.Re1: The rook supports e2–e4. Stockfish also mentions the knight to d2.
14…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2. 14...Rfb8 is just as good.
15.Bh1: The bishop steps back to h1 and stays on the long diagonal. 15.e4 is just as good.
15…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks f2 and h2. 15...Rfe8 is a little more accurate.
16.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and covers b5. 16.Ra1 is a little more accurate.

Line 172: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 h6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 Be6 12.b5 Ne7 13.Bb2 Nd7 14.Nd2 c6 15.Ra1

up to 13.Bb2 as line 171

13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7. 13...c6 is more accurate.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. 14.Ra1 is just as good.
14…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
15.Ra1: The rook goes to the open a-file and attacks the rook on a8. White is slightly better (eval 0.06).

Line 173: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 h6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 Be6 12.b5 Ne7 13.Bb2 Qc8 14.Ra1 Qd7 15.Qb3

up to 13.Bb2 as line 172

13…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and prepares 14...Bh3. 13...c6 is more accurate.
14.Ra1: The rook goes to the open a-file. 14.Qc2 is just as good.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks b5.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and covers b5. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 174: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Nd4 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 c6 12.b5 Bg4 13.bxc6 bxc6 14.Nxd4 exd4 15.Ne4

up to 9.a3 as line 173

9…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4. With b4 you continue your plan.
10.b4: The advance – after the exchange on b4 the b-file is yours.
10…axb4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the a-pawn.
11.axb4: The b-file is open. Stockfish sees the position as nearly level.
11…c6: Black secures b5 and d5. With b5 you open lines anyway.
12.b5: You attack the pawn on c6.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3. 12...Nxf3 is more accurate.
13.bxc6: You take on c6 and attack b7.
13…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
14.Nxd4: You trade the knights on d4 and attack c6.
14…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
15.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks f6 and d6. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 175: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Re8 10.Nd2 Nd4 11.Nde4 Nxe4 12.dxe4 h5 13.h4 Be6 14.b3 Qd7 15.e3

up to 9.a3 as line 174

9…Re8: Black covers e5 with the rook. With b4 you continue your plan.
10.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. 10.b4 is more accurate.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2. 10...h5 is just as good.
11.Nde4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers a trade.
11…Nxe4: Black trades the knights.
12.dxe4: You recapture with the d-pawn and keep d5 under control.
12…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
13.h4: You hold up Black's h-pawn.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
14.b3: You cover c4 with the b-pawn.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
15.e3: You attack the knight on d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.07).

Line 176: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Bf5 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 Qd7 12.b5 Nd8 13.c5 e4 14.Nd4 Bh3 15.dxe4

up to 9.a3 as line 175

9…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5. You continue your plan with b4.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.31).
10…axb4: Black trades on b4.
11.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn; the a-file is open.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks. 11...Ne7 is just as good.
12.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
12…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
13.c5: You attack the pawn on d6.
13…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3 and the pawn on d3.
14.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the bishop on f5.
14…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
15.dxe4: You take on e4. White is slightly better (eval 0.2).

Line 177: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 h6 9.b4 Be6 10.b5 Ne7 11.a4 Qd7 12.a5 a6 13.b6 c5 14.Ne1 Bh3 15.e4

up to 8.Rb1 as line 176

8…h6: Black does without …a5. Your b-pawn marches at once.
9.b4: Space on the queenside: the pawn threatens to go to b5.
9…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – with b5 you drive away the knight.
10.b5: The knight has to move – the queenside is yours.
10…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. With a4 and b6 you open more lines.
11.a4: You gain space on the queenside. 11.Nd2 is just as good; White is better (eval 0.43).
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks b5. 11...a6 is just as good.
12.a5: You gain more space on the queenside. 12.e4 is more accurate.
12…a6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
13.b6: You push on to b6 and attack c7.
13…c5: Black pushes past with the c-pawn.
14.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
14…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
15.e4: You gain space in the centre. White is somewhat better (eval 0.37).

Line 178: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 d6 8.Rb1 h6 9.b4 a6 10.a4 Be6 11.b5 axb5 12.axb5

up to 9.b4 as line 177

9…a6: Black prevents b5. With a4 you prepare it anyway.
10.a4: The a-pawn supports b5 – your queenside plan goes on.
10…Be6: Black develops. You regroup the knight to d2.
11.b5: You attack the pawn on a6 and open the queenside. 11.Nd2 is a little more accurate.
11…axb5: Black takes on b5 and attacks a4 and c4.
12.axb5: Transposition: the same position also arises when the pawns are traded on b4 first and 12.b5 follows – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 179: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Re8 8.e4 d6 9.h3 a5 10.Kh2 Nd4 11.Nxd4 exd4 12.Ne2 a4 13.Nxd4 Ng4 14.hxg4 Bxd4 15.Rb1

up to 7.d3 as line 178

7…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 7...d6 is more accurate.
8.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
9.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
9…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
10.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3.
11.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
11…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
12.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4.
12…a4: Black gains space on the queenside and leaves the pawn on d4 where it is.
13.Nxd4: The knight takes the pawn on d4.
13…Ng4: The knight gives check on g4 and opens the diagonal of the bishop on g7.
14.hxg4: You take the knight on g4.
14…Bxd4: The bishop takes the knight on d4 and attacks b2 and f2.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2. You are a pawn up; White is better (eval 0.43).

Line 180: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.Rb1 a5 9.e4 d6 10.b3 Nh7 11.Be3 Nd4 12.Bxd4 exd4 13.Ne2 c5 14.Nf4 Nf6 15.Nd2

up to 7.d3 as line 179

7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 7...d6 is a little more accurate.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
9…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
10.b3: You support c4 and prepare Bb2.
10…Nh7: The knight goes to h7 and clears the way for the f-pawn.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and b3.
12.Bxd4: You trade the bishop for the knight on d4.
12…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
13.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4.
13…c5: Black covers d4 with the c-pawn.
14.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks g6.
14…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and attacks e4.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers e4. White is slightly better (eval 0.25).

Line 181: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O d6 7.d3 O-O

up to 6.O-O as line 180

6…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. Stockfish prefers to castle; White is better (eval 0.45).
7.d3: A quiet move – you cover e4 and keep your plan with Rb1 ready.
7…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...O-O 7.d3 7...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 182: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O d6 7.d3 h6 8.Rb1 a5 9.b3 O-O 10.e4

up to 7.d3 as line 181

7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. Stockfish prefers to castle.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.b3: You prepare Bb2.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.e4: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...a5 9.e4 9...d6 10.b3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 183: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Nc6

up to 3.Nf3 as line 182

3…d6: Black supports e5 with the pawn – passive according to Stockfish. You fianchetto and later play on the queenside.
4.g3: The fianchetto: your bishop on g2 will rule the long diagonal.
4…g6: Black fianchettoes too – a King's Indian with colours reversed.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…Bg7: Both bishops stand on the long diagonals. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Your plan: d3, Rb1 and b4.
6…O-O: Both have castled. Now your queenside plan begins.
7.d3: You cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
7…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.O-O 6...O-O 7.d3 7...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 184: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Re8 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 c6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 d5 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.e4

up to 7.d3 as line 183

7…Re8: Black prepares e5–e4. With Rb1 you continue your plan.
8.Rb1: The rook supports b4.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.a3: You prepare b4. 9.e4 is more accurate.
9…c6: Black prepares d5. 9...e4 is more accurate.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 10.e4 is more accurate; Black is now slightly better (eval -0.08).
10…axb4: Black trades on b4.
11.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
11…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
12.cxd5: You trade on d5.
12…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn and has a strong centre.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
13…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
14.Bxf6: You trade the bishop for the knight on f6 and so weaken d5.
14…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures.
15.e4: You attack the pawn on d5. The position is level.

Line 185: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Re8 10.Nd2 c6 11.b4 axb4 12.axb4 d5 13.Qc2 Na6 14.b5 Nc7 15.bxc6

up to 7.d3 as line 184

7…h6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Rb1 you start on the queenside at once.
8.Rb1: The rook supports the b-pawn.
8…a5: Black slows down your b-pawn. With a3 you prepare b4.
9.a3: You prepare b4.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 9...Be6 is just as good.
10.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. 10.e4 is more accurate.
10…c6: Black prepares d5.
11.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 11.Nde4 is more accurate; Black is now slightly better (eval -0.15).
11…axb4: Black trades on b4.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c4.
13…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and attacks b4.
14.b5: You attack the knight on a6 and the pawn on c6.
14…Nc7: The knight steps away to c7 and attacks b5.
15.bxc6: You take on c6. Black is slightly better (eval -0.15).

Line 186: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Nc6

up to 9.a3 as line 185

9…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.Rb1 8...a5 9.a3 9...h6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 187: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 h6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Be6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 c6 12.e4 Re8 13.Bd2 Nbd7 14.Qc1 Kh7 15.h3

up to 9.a3 as line 186

9…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 10.e4 is a little more accurate.
10…axb4: Black trades on b4.
11.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
11…c6: Black prepares d5.
12.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 under control.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks h6.
13…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5 and e5.
14.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 behind the bishop on d2; together they eye h6.
14…Kh7: The king covers h6.
15.h3: You give your king some air. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 188: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 c6 8.Rb1 Re8 9.b4 d5 10.Qb3 dxc4 11.Qxc4 h6 12.Qb3 Be6 13.Qc2 Nbd7 14.Nd2 Rc8 15.Nce4

up to 7.d3 as line 187

7…c6: Black prepares …d5. With Rb1 and b4 you play on the queenside.
8.Rb1: The rook supports b4.
8…Re8: Black covers e5. With b4 you gain space.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside. 9.e4 is more accurate.
9…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
10.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and covers c4.
10…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks the queen on b3 and the pawn on d3.
11.Qxc4: The queen recaptures and attacks c6 and f7.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your knight.
12.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and aims at f7.
12…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks your queen.
13.Qc2: The queen steps away to c2.
13…Nbd7: Black develops his last knight.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for e4.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 behind the pawn on c6.
15.Nce4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers a trade. The position is level.

Line 189: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 c6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Re8

up to 8.Rb1 as line 188

8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.a3: You prepare b4. 9.h3 is a little more accurate.
9…Re8: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.Rb1 8...a5 9.a3 9...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 190: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 c6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 h6 10.e4 Bg4 11.Be3 Nbd7 12.h3 Bxf3 13.Bxf3 Nc5 14.Bg2 Qe7 15.h4

up to 9.a3 as line 189

9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 9...Re8 is a little more accurate.
10.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6.
11…Nbd7: Black develops his last knight.
12.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
12…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
13.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures; you have the bishop pair.
13…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks d3 and e4.
14.Bg2: The bishop goes back to g2 and covers e4.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 191: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 c6 8.Rb1 Nbd7 9.b4 d5 10.b5 d4 11.Na4 cxb5 12.Rxb5 Re8 13.Ba3 Qc7 14.Qb3 Rb8 15.Ng5

up to 8.Rb1 as line 190

8…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 8...a5 is a little more accurate.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside. 9.e4 is just as good.
9…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
10.b5: You attack the pawn on c6.
10…d4: Black pushes on to d4 and attacks the knight on c3.
11.Na4: The knight steps away to the edge, to a4.
11…cxb5: Black takes on b5 and attacks a4 and c4.
12.Rxb5: The rook recaptures and attacks b7 and e5.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
13.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and aims at d6.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks c4.
14.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and covers c4.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and faces your rook.
15.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks f7. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 192: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Nbd7 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 Re8 10.e4 c6 11.Be3 Nc5 12.b4 axb4 13.axb4 Ne6 14.h3 h5 15.Qd2

up to 7.d3 as line 191

7…Nbd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You play Rb1 and b4.
8.Rb1: The rook supports b4.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.a3: You prepare b4.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 9...c6 is more accurate.
10.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
10…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your knight.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and keeps c5 under control.
11…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks d3 and e4.
12.b4: You attack the knight on c5.
12…axb4: Black trades on b4.
13.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn and attack the knight on c5.
13…Ne6: The knight steps away to e6.
14.h3: You take g4 away from the knight.
14…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks. White is slightly better (eval 0.08).

Line 193: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Nbd7 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 c6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 Re8 12.Ne1 Nf8 13.b5 Bd7 14.h3 Ne6 15.Bd2

up to 9.a3 as line 192

9…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your knight.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 10.Qc2 is just as good.
10…axb4: Black trades on b4.
11.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
12.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
12…Nf8: The knight heads via f8 to e6.
13.b5: You attack the pawn on c6.
13…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers c6.
14.h3: You take g4 away from the knight.
14…Ne6: The knight goes to e6.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 194: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Nbd7 8.Rb1 c6

up to 8.Rb1 as line 193

8…c6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...c6 8.Rb1 8...Nbd7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 195: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.d3 Nbd7 8.Rb1 Nh5 9.b4 a5 10.b5 Nc5

up to 8.Rb1 as line 194

8…Nh5: Inaccurate: the knight goes to the edge, to h5. 8...a5 is better; White is better (eval 0.72).
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside and use the time.
9…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
10.b5: You push past and gain more space.
10…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks d3. White is clearly better (eval 0.8).

Line 196: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 h6 8.e4 c5 9.Ne1 Nc6 10.Nc2 a6 11.Ne3 Nd4 12.f4 b5 13.f5 Kh7 14.b3 Rh8 15.h4

up to 4.g3 as line 195

4…Be7: Black develops the bishop to e7 – solid but passive according to Stockfish.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
6.O-O: Both have castled. With d3 you build up.
6…c6: Black prepares …d5. With d3 you keep e4 under control.
7.d3: A quiet set-up: you cover e4 and open the bishop on c1.
7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 7...a6 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.46).
8.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
8…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
9.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and heads via c2 to e3 or d5.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and eyes d4.
10.Nc2: The knight goes to c2.
10…a6: Black prepares b5.
11.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and eyes d5 and f5.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and stands strongly there.
12.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
12…b5: Black attacks c4.
13.f5: You gain space on the kingside.
13…Kh7: The king goes to h7.
14.b3: You cover c4 with the b-pawn.
14…Rh8: The rook goes to h8 and guards the kingside.
15.h4: You prepare g4. White is better (eval 0.43).

Line 197: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 Nbd7 8.e4 a5 9.Be3 Re8 10.Qc2 Nf8 11.d4 Ng4 12.Bd2 Ne6 13.d5 Nd4 14.Qd3 Nxf3 15.Bxf3

up to 7.d3 as line 196

7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...a6 is a little more accurate.
8.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
8…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
10.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and prepares d4.
10…Nf8: The knight heads via f8 to e6.
11.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
11…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
12.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2.
12…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks d4.
13.d5: You push on to d5 and attack c6 and the knight on e6.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and c2.
14.Qd3: The queen steps away to d3 and attacks the knight on d4.
14…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
15.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks the knight on g4. White is better (eval 0.45).

Line 198: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 Re8 8.e4 Bg4 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Qxf3 a5 11.Be3 Nbd7 12.b3 Nc5 13.Rad1 Ne6 14.h4 g6 15.Rde1

up to 7.d3 as line 197

7…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 7...a6 is just as good.
8.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
8…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
9.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
9…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
10.Qxf3: The queen recaptures and attacks f6.
10…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
11…Nbd7: Black develops his last knight.
12.b3: You support c4 and take b3 away from the a-pawn.
12…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks b3, d3 and e4.
13.Rad1: The rook goes to the d-file and covers d3.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6.
14.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
14…g6: Black strengthens his kingside.
15.Rde1: The rook goes to e1. White is better (eval 0.42): the bishop pair.

Line 199: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Nbd7 7.Qc2 c6 8.e4 c5 9.Rb1 Nb8 10.b4 Nc6 11.bxc5 dxc5 12.a4 Rb8 13.d3 Bd6 14.Qd1 a6 15.Re1

up to 6.O-O as line 198

6…Nbd7: Inaccurate: the knight blocks the bishop on c8. 6...c6 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.81).
7.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
7…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your knight. White is better (eval 0.62).
8.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
8…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
9…Nb8: The knight goes back to b8 and heads for c6.
10.b4: You attack the pawn on c5.
10…Nc6: The knight goes to c6 and attacks b4.
11.bxc5: You trade on c5 and open the b-file.
11…dxc5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
12.a4: You keep b5 under control.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and faces your rook.
13.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
13…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and covers c5 and e5.
14.Qd1: The queen goes back to d1.
14…a6: Black prepares b5.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4. White is slightly better (eval 0.19).

Line 200: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O Re8 7.d3 Nc6 8.e4 Bg4 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 Nd4 11.Bg2 a6 12.Be3 b5 13.Rc1 Rb8 14.cxb5 axb5 15.Nd5

up to 6.O-O as line 199

6…Re8: The rook goes to e8. 6...c6 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.79).
7.d3: You keep e4 under control.
7…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
8.e4: You gain space in the centre and keep d5 and f5 under control.
8…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
9.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
9…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
10.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures; you have the bishop pair.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the bishop on f3.
11.Bg2: The bishop goes back to g2.
11…a6: Black prepares b5.
12.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the knight on d4.
12…b5: Black attacks c4.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and covers c4.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
14.cxb5: You take on b5.
14…axb5: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f6 and c7. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 201: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 c6 6.O-O O-O

up to 5.Bg2 as line 200

5…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your knight.
6.O-O: You castle. The plan stays d3 and play on the queenside.
6…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...O-O 6.O-O 6...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 202: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 c6 5.Bg2 Be7

up to 4.g3 as line 201

4…c6: Black prepares …d5. You keep fianchettoing.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and presses on d5.
5…Be7: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...Be7 5.Bg2 5...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 203: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 c6 5.Bg2 Nbd7 6.O-O Be7 7.d3 a6 8.Nh4 g6 9.b4 O-O 10.Qb3 Re8 11.a4 a5 12.b5 Nc5 13.Qa2 Bd7 14.Ba3 Rc8 15.Bxc5

up to 5.Bg2 as line 202

5…Nbd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions the queen to c2.
6…Be7: Black develops. With d3 you build up.
7.d3: You keep e4 under control. White is better (eval 0.43).
7…a6: Black prepares b5.
8.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and heads for f5.
8…g6: Black takes f5 away from your knight.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and supports b4 and c4.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
11.a4: You support b5.
11…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
12.b5: You push past and attack c6.
12…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks the queen on b3 and the pawns on a4 and d3.
13.Qa2: The queen steps away to a2 and covers a4.
13…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers c6.
14.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks the knight on c5.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers c6.
15.Bxc5: You trade the bishop for the knight on c5. White is better (eval 0.45).

Line 204: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 c6 5.Bg2 Nbd7 6.O-O g6 7.b3 Be7

up to 6.O-O as line 203

6…g6: Black prepares Bg7. 6...Be7 is more accurate; White is clearly better (eval 0.8).
7.b3: You prepare Ba3 and support c4.
7…Be7: Black develops the bishop to e7. White is clearly better (eval 0.8).

Line 205: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 d6 4.g3 c6 5.Bg2 g6 6.O-O Bg7 7.Qc2 Bf5 8.d3 a5 9.e4 Bg4 10.h3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 h5 12.h4 Na6 13.Bg2 Qe7 14.Bh3 Nc5 15.Be3

up to 5.Bg2 as line 204

5…g6: Black prepares Bg7. 5...Be7 is a little more accurate.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
7.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and keeps e4 under control.
7…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks your queen.
8.d3: You cover the queen with the d-pawn.
8…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
9.e4: You attack the bishop on f5.
9…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks the knight on f3.
10.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
10…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
11.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures; you have the bishop pair.
11…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
12.h4: You hold up Black's h-pawn.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and heads for c5.
13.Bg2: The bishop goes back to g2.
13…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
14.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and eyes the diagonal towards c8.
14…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks d3 and e4.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the knight on c5. White is slightly better (eval 0.29).

Line 206: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Bg7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.Qc1 h5 10.Nf3 a5 11.O-O Bg4 12.Ng5 f6 13.Nf3 Bxf3 14.exf3 h4 15.Qc2

up to 2.Nc3 as line 205

2…d5: The Anglo-Grünfeld: Black opens the centre at once.
3.cxd5: You exchange and lure the knight to d5, where it is exposed to your pieces.
3…Nxd5: The knight stands in the centre. With g3 and the bishop to g2 you attack it.
4.g3: The fianchetto aims at once at the knight on d5 and the queenside.
4…g6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: against the double fianchetto your pieces stand better; the evaluation rises for White.
5.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5. Black must trade or retreat.
5…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6. With d3 and the bishop to e3 you develop.
6.d3: A quiet move: you open the bishop on c1. Stockfish also mentions the h-pawn to h4.
6…Bg7: Black fianchettoes. Your bishop goes to e3.
7.Be3: The bishop aims at the queenside; with the queen to d2 you prepare the bishop trade on h6.
7…Nc6: Black develops the knight. With the trade on c6 you break Black's pawn structure.
8.Bxc6: You give up the bishop pair, but Black gets doubled pawns on the c-file.
8…bxc6: Black's pawns are broken – a target for your pieces.
9.Qc1: The queen aims at h6 and c5 – you target the weaknesses.
9…h5: Black gains space on the kingside. 9...h6 is just as good.
10.Nf3: You develop the knight.
10…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
12.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks f7.
12…f6: Black attacks the knight on g5.
13.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3.
13…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
14.exf3: You recapture with the e-pawn and keep e4 and g4 under control.
14…h4: Black attacks g3.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 207: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Bg7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Qd2 Re8 9.Bh6 Bh8 10.h4 N8d7 11.h5 Nf6 12.Bf3

up to 7.Be3 as line 206

7…O-O: Black castles. With the queen to d2 you prepare the bishop trade on h6.
8.Qd2: The queen and the bishop aim at h6 – trading the bishop on g7 weakens the black king.
8…Re8: The rook goes to e8. 8...Na6 is more accurate; White is clearly better (eval 0.8).
9.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishop on g7. 9.h4 is just as good.
9…Bh8: Inaccurate: the bishop steps back to h8. 9...Qd4 is better; White is clearly better (eval 1.26).
10.h4: You advance the h-pawn against Black's king.
10…N8d7: The knight goes to d7 and heads for f6.
11.h5: You attack the pawn on g6 and open the h-file.
11…Nf6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks h5.
12.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and covers h5. 12.hxg6 is more accurate; White is clearly better (eval 1.21).

Line 208: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Bg7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.Bxc6 bxc6 10.Bh6 c5 11.Bxg7 Kxg7 12.Nf3 c4 13.dxc4 Nxc4 14.Qf4 Nd6 15.O-O

up to 8.Qd2 as line 207

8…Nc6: Black develops the knight. 8...Na6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.67).
9.Bxc6: You trade the bishop for the knight on c6 and weaken Black's pawns.
9…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn; his pawns on the c-file are doubled.
10.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishop on g7. 10.h4 is just as good.
10…c5: Black pushes the c-pawn.
11.Bxg7: You trade the bishops on g7. 11.Nf3 is just as good.
11…Kxg7: The king recaptures.
12.Nf3: You develop the knight.
12…c4: Black attacks d3.
13.dxc4: You take on c4.
13…Nxc4: The knight recaptures and attacks the queen on d2 and the pawn on b2.
14.Qf4: The queen steps away to f4 and attacks the knight on c4 and the pawns on c7 and f7.
14…Nd6: The knight goes back to d6.
15.O-O: You castle. White is better (eval 0.49).

Line 209: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Bg7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Qd2 e5 9.Bh6 Qe7 10.h4 Bxh6 11.Qxh6 Na6 12.h5

up to 8.Qd2 as line 208

8…e5: Inaccurate: Black closes his own long diagonal. 8...Na6 is better; White is clearly better (eval 1).
9.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers a trade. 9.h4 is stronger; White is now only better (eval 0.54).
9…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
10.h4: You advance the h-pawn against the king.
10…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops on h6.
11.Qxh6: The queen recaptures and stands in front of Black's king.
11…Na6: The knight goes to a6.
12.h5: You attack g6 and open the h-file. White is clearly better (eval 0.86).

Line 210: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Bg7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Qd2 N8d7 9.Bh6 Bxh6 10.Qxh6 Ne5 11.Nf3 Nxf3 12.Bxf3 Qd4 13.h4 f6 14.Be4 Rf7 15.Qd2

up to 8.Qd2 as line 209

8…N8d7: The knight goes to d7. 8...Na6 is a little more accurate.
9.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishop on g7.
9…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops on h6.
10.Qxh6: The queen recaptures and stands in front of Black's king.
10…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks d3.
11.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
11…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
12.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7.
12…Qd4: The queen goes to d4 and attacks c3, d3 and f2.
13.h4: You advance the h-pawn against the king.
13…f6: Black supports g6 and e5.
14.Be4: The bishop goes to e4 and attacks g6 and b7.
14…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 and guards the seventh rank.
15.Qd2: The queen goes back to d2. White is better (eval 0.44).

Line 211: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.d3 Bg7 7.Be3 N8d7 8.Qd2 h6 9.Nf3

up to 7.Be3 as line 210

7…N8d7: The knight goes to d7. Stockfish prefers to castle; White is better (eval 0.51).
8.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6. 8.Nf3 is just as good.
8…h6: Black takes h6 away from your bishop. 8...Nf6 is more accurate; White is clearly better (eval 0.86).
9.Nf3: You develop the knight. White is clearly better (eval 0.85).

Line 212: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Rb1 Nd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Nb6 10.Qc2 Bd7 11.d3 Ba4 12.Qd2 Bc6 13.h4 e5 14.h5 gxh5 15.Nh4

up to 5.Bg2 as line 211

5…Nxc3: Black trades on c3. You recapture with the b-pawn and get the b-file.
6.bxc3: The b-file opens for your rook; your bishop on g2 presses on the queenside.
6…Bg7: Black fianchettoes. With Rb1 you press on b7.
7.Rb1: The rook attacks b7 – together with the bishop on g2 a classic pressure.
7…Nd7: Black covers b6 and develops. You bring the knight to f3.
8.Nf3: The knight comes into play. Stockfish also mentions the h-pawn to h4.
8…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
9.O-O: Both have castled. Your pressure along the b-file remains.
9…Nb6: The knight covers the queenside. With the queen to c2 you cover c3 and e4.
10.Qc2: The queen covers c3 and prepares e2–e4 – the centre grows without d2–d4.
10…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. You put a rook on d1 and prepare e2–e4.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…Ba4: The bishop goes to a4 and attacks your queen.
12.Qd2: The queen steps away to d2.
12…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and attacks the knight on f3. 12...e5 is a little more accurate.
13.h4: You advance the h-pawn against the king.
13…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
14.h5: You attack g6 and open the h-file.
14…gxh5: Black takes on h5.
15.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and heads for f5. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 213: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Rb1 Nd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O c5 10.c4 Qc7 11.d3 Rb8 12.Bb2 Ne5 13.Nxe5 Bxe5 14.Bxe5 Qxe5 15.a4

up to 9.O-O as line 212

9…c5: Black attacks the centre. With c4 you secure space.
10.c4: The pawn controls d5 and b5. The bishop on g2 aims undisturbed at the queenside.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks g3.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and offers to trade the bishop on g7. 12.Bf4 is more accurate.
12…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3, d3 and c4.
13.Nxe5: You trade the knights.
13…Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and attacks b2 and g3.
14.Bxe5: You trade the bishops.
14…Qxe5: The queen recaptures and attacks e2 and g3.
15.a4: You gain space on the queenside. The position is level.

Line 214: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Rb1 Nd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Rb8 10.Re1 Re8 11.e4 e5 12.h4 Nb6 13.Qc2 Bg4 14.Nh2 Bd7 15.d3

up to 9.O-O as line 213

9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 9...Nb6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.7).
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares e4. 10.Qc2 is just as good.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5.
11.e4: You gain space in the centre.
11…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
12.h4: You advance the h-pawn against the king.
12…Nb6: The knight goes to b6.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
14.Nh2: The knight steps away to h2 and attacks the bishop on g4.
14…Bd7: The bishop goes back to d7.
15.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid. The position is level.

Line 215: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Rb1 c6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Nd7 10.Qc2 Re8 11.d3 e5 12.Rd1 Qc7 13.d4 Qa5 14.e4 exd4 15.cxd4

up to 7.Rb1 as line 214

7…c6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black weakens d6. You develop with the knight to f3.
8.Nf3: The knight comes into play. Your pressure on b7 remains.
8…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
9.O-O: Both have castled. According to Stockfish you stand clearly better.
9…Nd7: The knight goes to d7. 9...Qa5 is just as good.
10.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. 10.h4 is just as good.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
12.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports d4.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks a2 and c3.
14.e4: You gain space in the centre.
14…exd4: Black takes on d4 and attacks c3.
15.cxd4: You recapture with the c-pawn and have a big centre. White is somewhat better (eval 0.32).

Line 216: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Rb1 Nc6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Rb8 10.Ng5 Bd7 11.Re1 h6 12.Ne4 b6 13.d3 Kh7 14.c4 f5 15.Nd2

up to 7.Rb1 as line 215

7…Nc6: A mistake according to Stockfish – the knight blocks the bishop and b7 stays weak.
8.Nf3: You develop the knight. 8.h4 is clearly stronger.
8…O-O: Black castles. 8...b6 is just as good.
9.O-O: You castle. 9.h4 is more accurate.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
10.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and eyes e4 and f7.
10…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…h6: Black attacks the knight on g5.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4.
12…b6: Black keeps c5 under control and prepares Na5.
13.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
13…Kh7: The king goes to h7.
14.c4: You gain space on the queenside.
14…f5: Black attacks the knight on e4.
15.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2. The position is level.

Line 217: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Rb1 O-O 8.Rxb7 Bxb7 9.Bxb7 Nd7 10.Bxa8 Qxa8 11.f3 Qc6 12.Qc2 Rb8 13.Nh3 Rb5 14.Nf2 Re5 15.Kf1

up to 7.Rb1 as line 216

7…O-O: Black castles and leaves the pawn on b7 unprotected.
8.Rxb7: The rook takes the pawn on b7. After the trades on b7 and a8 you are a pawn up. 8.h4 is just as good.
8…Bxb7: The bishop takes the rook on b7 and attacks your bishop on g2.
9.Bxb7: The bishop takes the bishop on b7 and attacks the rook on a8.
9…Nd7: Black develops the knight and leaves the rook on a8 where it is.
10.Bxa8: The bishop takes the rook on a8.
10…Qxa8: The queen recaptures and attacks the rook on h1.
11.f3: You block the long diagonal with the f-pawn. 11.Nf3 is just as good.
11…Qc6: The queen goes to c6 and attacks c3 and f3.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c3.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
13.Nh3: The knight goes to h3 and heads for f2.
13…Rb5: The rook goes to b5.
14.Nf2: The knight goes to f2.
14…Re5: The rook goes to e5 and attacks e2.
15.Kf1: The king goes to f1 and covers e2. White is slightly better (eval 0.11).

Line 218: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 c5 5.Bg2 Nc7 6.Nf3 Nc6

up to 4.g3 as line 217

4…c5: Black attacks the centre at once. Your bishop goes to g2.
5.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
5…Nc7: The knight retreats to c7 – a reversed Maróczy set-up.
6.Nf3: The knight goes to f3. With d3 and a3 you prepare b4.
6…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.cxd5 5...Nxd5 6.Bg2 6...Nc7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 219: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 Nxc3 5.bxc3 g6 6.Bg2

up to 4.g3 as line 218

4…Nxc3: Black trades at once. You recapture with the b-pawn.
5.bxc3: The b-file opens, and your bishop on g2 soon presses on b7.
5…g6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your bishop goes to g2.
6.Bg2: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...g6 5.Bg2 5...Nxc3 6.bxc3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 220: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 Nxc3 5.bxc3 Bd7 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.Rb1 Rb8 8.f4 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.h4 Na5 11.h5 h6 12.Ne5 O-O 13.O-O c5 14.d3 Be8 15.c4

up to 5.bxc3 as line 219

5…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7. 5...c5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.43).
6.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks b7. 6.Nf3 is just as good.
6…Nc6: The knight goes to c6 and blocks the diagonal to the pawn on b7.
7.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and attacks b7.
7…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
8.f4: You gain space on the kingside.
8…e6: Black opens the way for the bishop on f8.
9.Nf3: You develop the knight.
9…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
10.h4: You advance the h-pawn.
10…Na5: The knight goes to the edge, to a5, and eyes c4.
11.h5: You push the h-pawn further.
11…h6: Black holds up the h-pawn.
12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks d7 and f7.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
14.d3: You keep e4 under control.
14…Be8: The bishop goes back to e8.
15.c4: You put the pawn on c4. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 221: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 Nxc3 5.bxc3 c5 6.Bg2 g6 7.Rb1 Qc7 8.Qa4 Nd7 9.Nf3 Bg7 10.O-O O-O 11.d3 a6 12.Qh4 Ne5 13.Nxe5 Bxe5 14.Be3 Ra7 15.a4

up to 5.bxc3 as line 220

5…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
6.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks b7.
6…g6: Inaccurate: Black leaves b7 weak. 6...e5 is better; White is better (eval 0.55).
7.Rb1: The rook attacks b7 – your pressure on the queenside.
7…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks g3. 7...Nd7 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.72).
8.Qa4: The queen gives check on a4. 8.Nh3 is more accurate.
8…Nd7: Black blocks the check with the knight.
9.Nf3: You develop the knight.
9…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal and attacks c3.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…a6: Black takes b5 away from your queen.
12.Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and attacks e7 and h7.
12…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3 and d3.
13.Nxe5: You trade the knights.
13…Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and attacks c3 and g3.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
14…Ra7: The rook goes to a7 and guards the seventh rank.
15.a4: You gain space on the queenside. White is slightly better (eval 0.26).

Line 222: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 Nxc3 5.bxc3 c5 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.Bxc6 bxc6 8.Qa4 Qd5 9.e4 Qe6 10.Ne2 Qd7 11.O-O Qb7 12.Qb3 e5 13.c4 Qc7 14.f4 Bg4 15.Qe3

up to 6.Bg2 as line 221

6…Nc6: Black develops the knight. 6...e5 is a little more accurate.
7.Bxc6: You trade the bishop for the knight on c6 with check and give Black doubled pawns.
7…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
8.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a7.
8…Qd5: The queen goes to d5 and attacks h1, d2 and a2.
9.e4: You attack the queen and cover h1.
9…Qe6: The queen steps away to e6 and attacks e4 and a2.
10.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and gets ready for castling.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks d2.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Qb7: The queen goes to b7.
12.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and offers a queen trade.
12…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
13.c4: You put the pawn on c4 and keep d5 under control.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
14.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
14…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
15.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks c5. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 223: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 e5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.Nf3 Nc6

up to 4.g3 as line 222

4…e5: Black occupies the centre with e5 – a reversed Dragon. Your bishop goes to g2.
5.Bg2: The bishop attacks the knight on d5.
5…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6. With Nf3 you attack e5.
6.Nf3: The knight attacks e5 – the reversed Dragon in which you have an extra tempo.
6…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.cxd5 5...Nxd5 6.Bg2 6...Nb6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 224: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 e5 5.Bg2 Ne7 6.Nf3 Nbc6 7.b4 a6 8.O-O g6 9.Rb1 Bg7 10.d3 O-O 11.a4 Nd4 12.Nd2 h5 13.h3 Ne6 14.h4 c6 15.Bb2

up to 5.Bg2 as line 223

5…Ne7: A clear mistake according to Stockfish: the knight stands badly on e7. With Nf3 you attack e5.
6.Nf3: The knight attacks e5. Stockfish sees you clearly ahead.
6…Nbc6: Black covers e5. With b4 you gain space on the queenside.
7.b4: A pawn advance: it threatens to go to b5 and drive away the knight on c6.
7…a6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black loses time. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle. Stockfish sees you almost a pawn ahead.
8…g6: Black prepares Bg7. 8...Nf5 is just as good; White is better (eval 0.73).
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4. 9.a4 is more accurate.
9…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…O-O: Black castles. 10...Nd4 is just as good.
11.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
12.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2 and avoids the trade.
12…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
13.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6.
14.h4: You hold up Black's h-pawn.
14…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3. White is better (eval 0.41).

Line 225: 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3 e5 5.Bg2 Ne7 6.Nf3 Nbc6 7.b4 a6 8.O-O Nf5 9.Bb2 Be7 10.a3

up to 8.O-O as line 224

8…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks g3. White is better (eval 0.75).
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. 9.e3 is more accurate.
9…Be7: Inaccurate: the bishop goes to e7 and leaves b4 alone. 9...Nfd4 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.97).
10.a3: You support b4. White is clearly better (eval 0.92).

Line 226: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d6 6.Nc3

up to 1…Nf6 as line 225

2.Nf3: You develop the knight and keep d4 open – the most common reply.
2…g6: Black fianchettoes the bishop and plays a King's Indian set-up. 2...c5 is a little more accurate.
3.g3: You fianchetto as well. 3.Nc3 is a little more accurate.
3…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
4…O-O: Black castles. 4...c6 is just as good.
5.O-O: You castle.
5…d6: Black prepares e5. 5...c6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.4).
6.Nc3: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...d6 5.Nf3 5...O-O 6.O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 227: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 c5

up to 5.O-O as line 226

5…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4 – a Grünfeld position.
6.cxd5: You trade on d5.
6…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight.
7.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks the knight on d5. 7.e4 is a little more accurate.
7…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Bg2 6...Bg7 7.O-O 7...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 228: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nc6 8.Nxd5 Qxd5 9.d3 Qb5 10.Rb1 a5 11.a4 Qb6 12.Be3 Nd4 13.Qe1 Nxf3 14.Bxf3 Qb3 15.Qd1

up to 7.Nc3 as line 227

7…Nc6: Black develops the knight. 7...c5 is more accurate.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5. 8.h4 is a little more accurate; the position is level.
8…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks a2, d2 and f3.
9.d3: You cover with the d-pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
9…Qb5: The queen goes to b5 and attacks b2 and d3. 9...a5 is more accurate.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2.
10…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.a4: You attack the queen on b5.
11…Qb6: The queen steps away to b6 and attacks b2 and f2.
12.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the queen.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
13.Qe1: The queen goes to e1 and covers e2.
13…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
14.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7.
14…Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks a4, b2 and d3.
15.Qd1: The queen goes to d1 and offers a queen trade. The position is level.

Line 229: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nb6 8.d3 Nc6 9.Be3 e5 10.Qd2 Re8 11.Bh6 Nd4 12.Nxd4 Bxh6 13.Qxh6 exd4 14.Ne4 Qe7 15.Rae1

up to 7.Nc3 as line 228

7…Nb6: The knight goes to b6. 7...c5 is more accurate.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control and open the way for the bishop on c1.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the knight on b6.
9…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
10.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6. 10.Bg5 is just as good.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 10...Qe7 is just as good.
11.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishop on g7.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
12.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
12…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops on h6.
13.Qxh6: The queen recaptures and stands in front of Black's king.
13…exd4: Black takes the knight on d4 and attacks c3.
14.Ne4: The knight goes to e4.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and attacks the knight on e4.
15.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e2. White is slightly better (eval 0.06).

Line 230: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nb6 8.d3 Nc6 9.Be3 h6 10.Qc1 Kh7 11.d4 Nb4 12.Bd2 Bg4 13.Rd1 c6 14.Ne4 Na6 15.Nc5

up to 9.Be3 as line 229

9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop. 9...e5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.52).
10.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 behind the bishop on e3.
10…Kh7: The king goes to h7 and covers h6.
11.d4: You gain space in the centre.
11…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks a2.
12.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks h6.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and covers d4.
13…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
14.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and heads for c5.
14…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and covers c5.
15.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks a6 and b7. White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 231: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nb6 8.d3 c6 9.Bg5 h6 10.Bf4 Nd5 11.Be5 Bxe5 12.Nxe5 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Qa5 14.d4 Nd7 15.Nc4

up to 8.d3 as line 230

8…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 8...Nc6 is a little more accurate.
9.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks e7.
9…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
10.Bf4: The bishop steps away to f4 and attacks b8 and h6.
10…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and attacks the bishop on f4 and the knight on c3.
11.Be5: The bishop goes to e5 and offers to trade the bishop on g7.
11…Bxe5: Black trades the bishops on e5.
12.Nxe5: The knight recaptures and attacks c6 and f7.
12…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
13.bxc3: You recapture with the b-pawn.
13…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks c3, e5 and a2.
14.d4: You put the pawn on d4 and cover the knight on e5.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks the knight on e5.
15.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks the queen on a5. White is slightly better (eval 0.19).

Line 232: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 c6 8.e4 Nxc3 9.dxc3 Qxd1 10.Rxd1 Nd7 11.Bg5 Re8 12.Be3 a5 13.a4 Ne5 14.Nxe5 Bxe5 15.Bf3

up to 7.Nc3 as line 231

7…c6: Black supports d5 with the c-pawn. 7...c5 is more accurate.
8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and attack the knight on d5.
8…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
9.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file.
9…Qxd1: Black trades the queens.
10.Rxd1: The rook recaptures and stands on the open d-file.
10…Nd7: Black develops the knight.
11.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks e7.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e7.
12.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7.
12…a5: Black saves the pawn on a7 by pushing it to a5.
13.a4: You hold up Black's a-pawn.
13…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3.
14.Nxe5: You trade the knights.
14…Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and attacks c3 and g3.
15.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3. The position is level.

Line 233: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 c5 9.Rb1 Nc6 10.Qa4 Qa5 11.Qxa5 Nxa5 12.Ng5 Rb8 13.Ne4 c4 14.Ba3 Re8 15.Nc5

up to 7.Nc3 as line 232

7…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3. 7...c5 is a little more accurate.
8.bxc3: You recapture with the b-pawn and open the b-file. 8.dxc3 is just as good.
8…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and attacks b7. 9.Qa4 is a little more accurate.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
10.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and a7.
10…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and offers a queen trade.
11.Qxa5: You trade the queens.
11…Nxa5: The knight recaptures.
12.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and heads for e4.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
13.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks c5.
13…c4: Black pushes the c-pawn.
14.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks e7.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e7.
15.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks b7. The position is level.

Line 234: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Nd7 9.Qc2 c5 10.a4 b6 11.Bb2 Bb7 12.c4 Bxb2 13.Qxb2 Rb8 14.d3 Qc7 15.a5

up to 8.bxc3 as line 233

8…Nd7: The knight goes to d7. 8...c5 is more accurate.
9.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. 9.a4 is a little more accurate.
9…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
10.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
10…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the pawn on c3.
11…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
12.c4: You put the pawn on c4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on b2.
12…Bxb2: Black trades the bishops on b2.
13.Qxb2: The queen recaptures and attacks b6.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
14.d3: You keep the pawn on d3 and make the position solid.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks g3.
15.a5: You attack the pawn on b6. The position is level.

Line 235: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O c6 6.Nc3 d5 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.e3 Nc6 9.d3 e5 10.h3 Re8 11.Rb1 a5 12.a3 Bf5 13.Ng5 Bd7 14.Re1 h6 15.Nf3

up to 5.O-O as line 234

5…c6: Black prepares d5.
6.Nc3: You develop the knight. 6.b3 is just as good.
6…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5.
7…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn; the position is symmetrical.
8.e3: You keep d4 under control.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control. With 9...e5 Black takes the centre; he is better (eval -0.7).
9…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
10.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
11…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
12.a3: You prepare b4.
12…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks h3 and d3.
13.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks f7.
13…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and attacks h3.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…h6: Black attacks the knight on g5.
15.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3 and attacks e5. Black is better (eval -0.7).

Line 236: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O c6 6.Nc3 d6

up to 6.Nc3 as line 235

6…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.Nf3 5...O-O 6.O-O 6...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 237: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O c5 6.Nc3 Nc6

up to 5.O-O as line 236

5…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 5...c6 is just as good.
6.Nc3: You develop the knight.
6…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.Bg2 5...Bg7 6.O-O 6...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 238: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O c5 6.Nc3 d5 7.cxd5 Nxd5

up to 6.Nc3 as line 237

6…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5.
7…Nxd5: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Bg2 6...Bg7 7.O-O 7...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 239: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O c5 6.Nc3 d6

up to 6.Nc3 as line 238

6…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.Nf3 5...O-O 6.O-O 6...c5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 240: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 d6 5.O-O O-O

up to 4.Bg2 as line 239

4…d6: Black prepares e5. 4...c6 is a little more accurate.
5.O-O: You castle. 5.Nc3 is just as good.
5…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...O-O 5.O-O 5...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 241: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O e5 7.d3 Nc6 8.Nd5 Nb8 9.b4 Na6 10.Rb1 c6 11.Nxf6 Bxf6 12.h4 Nc7 13.g3 Ne6 14.Re1 a5 15.b5

up to 2…g6 as line 240

3.Nc3: You develop the knight and keep e4 in reserve.
3…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal. 3...d5 is a little more accurate.
4.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and stop 4...d5. White is better (eval 0.52).
4…d6: Black prepares e5. Stockfish prefers to castle first.
5.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
5…O-O: Black castles.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
7.d3: You keep the pawn on d3. 7.d4 is the more active continuation.
7…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
8.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f6 and c7.
8…Nb8: The knight goes back to b8 and heads via a6 to c5.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
9…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and attacks b4.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b4.
10…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
11.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
11…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures.
12.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and heads for e6.
13.g3: You take f4 away from the knight.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and eyes d4.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
15.b5: You push past and attack c6. The position is level.

Line 242: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O 5.Be2 e5 6.Nxe5 Re8 7.Nf3 Nxe4 8.Nxe4 Rxe4 9.O-O Nc6 10.d3 Re8 11.d4 d6 12.Be3 Ne7 13.Qd2 Nf5 14.Bg5 Bf6 15.Bxf6

up to 4.e4 as line 241

4…O-O: Black castles.
5.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle. That allows 5...e5.
5…e5: Black offers the pawn on e5.
6.Nxe5: The knight takes the pawn on e5.
6…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and attacks the knight on e5.
7.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3; now Black wins the pawn on e4.
7…Nxe4: The knight takes the pawn on e4 and attacks c3, d2 and f2.
8.Nxe4: You trade the knights.
8…Rxe4: The rook recaptures and attacks c4 and e2.
9.O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
10.d3: You attack the rook on e4.
10…Re8: The rook goes back to e8.
11.d4: You gain space in the centre.
11…d6: Black keeps e5 under control.
12.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and heads for f5. Black is slightly better (eval -0.17).
13.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
13…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks e3 and d4.
14.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8.
14…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and offers a trade.
15.Bxf6: You trade the bishops. Black is slightly better (eval -0.11).

Line 243: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 Bd7 6.Qh4 Nxc3 7.dxc3 Nc6 8.e4 e5 9.Bg5 Be7 10.Bc4 h6 11.Bxe7 Qxe7 12.O-O-O Qxh4 13.Nxh4 Rf8 14.b3 Na5 15.Be2

up to 3.Nc3 as line 242

3…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4 – the Anglo-Grünfeld.
4.cxd5: You trade on d5.
4…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight and attacks c3.
5.Qa4: The queen gives check on a4. 5.h4 is a little more accurate.
5…Bd7: Black blocks the check with the bishop and attacks the queen. 5...Nc6 is a little more accurate.
6.Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and attacks e7 and h7. 6.Qb3 is a little more accurate.
6…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
7.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
7…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
8.e4: You gain space in the centre. 8.Qc4 is more accurate.
8…e5: Black gains space in the centre with the e-pawn.
9.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8. 9.Qxd8 is more accurate.
9…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and offers a trade.
10.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and aims at f7.
10…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5. 10...h5 is a little more accurate.
11.Bxe7: You trade the bishops on e7.
11…Qxe7: The queen recaptures and offers a queen trade.
12.O-O-O: You castle long.
12…Qxh4: Black trades the queens.
13.Nxh4: The knight recaptures.
13…Rf8: The rook goes to f8 and covers f7.
14.b3: You put the pawn on b3 and take a4 and c4 away from the knight.
14…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on c4.
15.Be2: The bishop goes back to e2. The position is level.

Line 244: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 Bd7 6.Qh4 Bc6 7.Qd4 f6 8.e3 Bg7 9.Be2 e5 10.Qc4 Qd7 11.O-O Nxc3 12.Qxc3 a5 13.Rd1 O-O 14.d3 a4 15.b4

up to 6.Qh4 as line 243

6…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6. 6...Nxc3 is more accurate.
7.Qd4: The queen goes to d4 and attacks the knight on d5 and the rook on h8.
7…f6: Black covers h8 with the f-pawn.
8.e3: You keep d4 under control. 8.e4 is more accurate.
8…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
9.Be2: You develop the bishop.
9…e5: Black attacks your queen.
10.Qc4: The queen steps away to c4 and attacks the knight on d5 and the bishop on c6.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and covers c6 and d5.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
12.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and attacks c6 and e5.
12…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.d3: You keep e4 under control.
14…a4: Black pushes the a-pawn further.
15.b4: You gain space on the queenside. The position is level.

Line 245: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 Bd7 6.Qh4 Nf6 7.e4 c5 8.e5 Nh5 9.Ne4 Bc6 10.Bc4 e6 11.Qxd8 Kxd8 12.d3 Nd7 13.g4 Ng7 14.Bg5 Kc7 15.Ke2

up to 6.Qh4 as line 244

6…Nf6: Inaccurate: the knight goes back to f6. 6...Nxc3 is better; White is better (eval 0.51).
7.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
7…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
8.e5: You attack the knight on f6.
8…Nh5: The knight steps away to the edge, to h5.
9.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c5.
9…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and attacks the knight on e4.
10.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and aims at f7.
10…e6: Black covers f7 and opens the way for the bishop on f8.
11.Qxd8: You trade the queens with check.
11…Kxd8: The king recaptures.
12.d3: You cover the knight on e4 and open the way for the bishop on c1.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
13.g4: You attack the knight on h5.
13…Ng7: The knight steps away to g7.
14.Bg5: The bishop gives check on g5.
14…Kc7: The king goes to c7.
15.Ke2: The king goes to e2 and connects the rooks. The position is level.

Line 246: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 Nc6 6.Ne5 Nb4 7.a3 Bg7 8.axb4 Bxe5 9.b5 Nb8 10.e3 Bg7 11.Be2 c6 12.O-O O-O 13.Rd1 Bd7 14.Qa3 a6 15.bxc6

up to 5.Qa4 as line 245

5…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
6.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7. 6.Qb3 is just as good.
6…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks a2. 6...Qd6 is more accurate.
7.a3: You attack the knight on b4.
7…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks the knight on e5.
8.axb4: You take the knight on b4.
8…Bxe5: The bishop takes the knight on e5 and attacks c3 and h2.
9.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
9…Nb8: The knight goes back to b8.
10.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1.
10…Bg7: The bishop goes back to g7 and attacks c3.
11.Be2: You develop the bishop and cover b5.
11…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
12.O-O: You castle.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1.
13…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
14.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks a7 and e7.
14…a6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
15.bxc6: You take on c6. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 247: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 Nc6 6.Ne5 Nxc3 7.dxc3 Bd7 8.Nxd7 Qxd7 9.g3 Ne5 10.Qb3 Qc6 11.Rg1 Qa6 12.f4 Nd7 13.Be3 Bg7 14.Bf2 e6 15.e4

up to 6.Ne5 as line 246

6…Nxc3: Inaccurate: Black trades the knights. 6...Qd6 is better; White is better (eval 0.64).
7.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the way for the bishop on c1.
7…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers the knight on c6. 7...Qd6 is just as good.
8.Nxd7: You trade the knight for the bishop on d7.
8…Qxd7: The queen recaptures.
9.g3: You prepare Bg2.
9…Ne5: The knight goes to e5.
10.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7 and f7.
10…Qc6: The queen goes to c6 and attacks c3 and the rook on h1.
11.Rg1: The rook steps away to g1.
11…Qa6: The queen goes to a6 and attacks a2 and e2.
12.f4: You attack the knight on e5.
12…Nd7: The knight goes back to d7.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7.
13…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and attacks c3.
14.Bf2: The bishop goes to f2 and covers e1.
14…e6: Black opens the way back for the queen.
15.e4: You gain space in the centre. White is somewhat better (eval 0.39).

Line 248: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 c6 6.Qd4 f6 7.e4 e5 8.Nxe5 Nxc3 9.Qxc3 fxe5 10.Qxe5 Qe7 11.Qxh8 Qxe4 12.Be2 Qxg2 13.Qe5 Be7 14.Qh8 Bf8

up to 5.Qa4 as line 247

5…c6: Black supports d5 with the c-pawn. 5...Nc6 is more accurate.
6.Qd4: The queen goes to d4 and attacks the knight on d5 and the rook on h8. 6.Nxd5 is just as good.
6…f6: Black covers h8 with the f-pawn. 6...Rg8 is just as good.
7.e4: You attack the knight on d5.
7…e5: Black attacks your queen.
8.Nxe5: The knight takes the pawn on e5 and attacks c6 and g6.
8…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
9.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and attacks c6.
9…fxe5: Black takes the knight on e5.
10.Qxe5: The queen takes on e5 with check and attacks the rook on h8.
10…Qe7: The queen blocks the check on e7.
11.Qxh8: The queen takes the rook on h8.
11…Qxe4: The queen takes on e4 with check.
12.Be2: The bishop blocks the check on e2.
12…Qxg2: The queen takes on g2 and attacks the rook on h1.
13.Qe5: The queen gives check on e5.
13…Be7: The bishop blocks the check on e7.
14.Qh8: The queen gives check on h8 and attacks h7.
14…Bf8: Transposition: the same position arises after 11.Qxh8 11...Qxe4 12.Be2 12...Qxg2 – the moves repeat. White is slightly better (eval 0.08). (transposition)

Line 249: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Qa4 c6 6.Qd4 Nf6 7.Qxd8 Kxd8 8.e4

up to 6.Qd4 as line 248

6…Nf6: A mistake: after the queen trade on d8 Black loses the right to castle. 6...Rg8 holds better; White is clearly better (eval 1.2).
7.Qxd8: You trade the queens with check; Black's king has to go to d8.
7…Kxd8: The king recaptures and stands in the centre.
8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn. White is clearly better (eval 1.07).

Line 250: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 e6

up to 2.Nf3 as line 249

2…b6: Black prepares 2...Bb7 – a Queen's Indian set-up. 2...c5 is a little more accurate.
3.g3: You prepare Bg2; the bishops on the long diagonals will face each other.
3…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal. 3...c5 is just as good.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and faces the bishop on b7.
4…e6: Transposition: the same position arises after 3.g3 3...b6 4.Bg2 4...Bb7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 251: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O e6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 250

4…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
5.O-O: You castle.
5…e6: Transposition: the same position arises after 4.Bg2 4...Bb7 5.O-O 5...c5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 252: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.d3 O-O 8.e4 Nc6 9.h3 Ne8 10.Be3 d6 11.Qd2 Nc7 12.Rae1 Rb8 13.b3 Nd4 14.Bh6 Nxf3 15.Bxf3

up to 5.O-O as line 251

5…g6: Black prepares a second bishop on a long diagonal.
6.Nc3: You develop the knight.
6…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
7.d3: You prepare e4 and block the diagonal of the bishop on b7. 7.Re1 is just as good.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn. 8.Bg5 is just as good.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
9…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g7.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…d6: Black supports c5 with the d-pawn.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and heads for e6.
12.Rae1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
13.b3: You support c4.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and b3.
14.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishop on g7.
14…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
15.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures. The position is level.

Line 253: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O g6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.d3 O-O 8.e4 d6 9.h3 Nc6 10.Be3 Qd7 11.Rb1 Rac8 12.Qd2 e6 13.Bh6 Bxh6 14.Qxh6 Ne8 15.Qd2

up to 8.e4 as line 252

8…d6: Black supports c5 with the d-pawn. 8...Nc6 is just as good.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and keeps d4 under control.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks h3.
11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
11…Rac8: The rook goes to c8 and supports c5.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6.
12…e6: Black prepares d5.
13.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers to trade the bishop on g7.
13…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops on h6.
14.Qxh6: The queen recaptures and stands in front of Black's king.
14…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and covers g7.
15.Qd2: The queen goes back to d2. The position is level.

Line 254: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 g6 5.O-O Bg7 6.Nc3 O-O 7.Re1 c5 8.e4 Nc6 9.e5 Ne8 10.d3 Nc7 11.a3 d6 12.exd6 exd6 13.Be3 Ne6 14.h4 Qd7 15.h5

up to 4.Bg2 as line 253

4…g6: Black fianchettoes his second bishop too. 4...c5 is more accurate; White is somewhat better (eval 0.47).
5.O-O: You castle.
5…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal. 5...c5 is more accurate.
6.Nc3: You develop the knight.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares e4.
7…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and block the diagonal of the bishop on b7.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
9.e5: You attack the knight on f6.
9…Ne8: The knight steps away to e8.
10.d3: You open the way for the bishop on c1.
10…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and heads for e6.
11.a3: You prepare b4.
11…d6: Black attacks the pawn on e5.
12.exd6: You trade on d6.
12…exd6: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and covers c5.
14.h4: You advance the h-pawn against the king.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
15.h5: You attack g6. Black is slightly better (eval -0.07).

Line 255: 1…Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Bb7

up to 3.g3 as line 254

3…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and keeps d4 under control.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
4…Bb7: Transposition: the same position arises after 3...Bb7 4.Bg2 4...c5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Chapter 2: 1…e5

Line 256: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 h5 7.h4 Bg4 8.d3 Nge7 9.Rb1 a5 10.b3 Qd7 11.f3 Be6 12.e4 O-O 13.O-O Kh7 14.Bg5 Ng8 15.Qd2

1…e5: The second most common reply: the Reversed Sicilian. Black plays your Sicilian – but you have an extra tempo.
2.Nc3: The knight controls d5 – together with c4 and later Bg2 the square everything revolves around.
2…Nc6: The closed set-up: Black plays like White in the Closed Sicilian.
3.g3: Fianchetto – your plan is clear: bishop to g2, later space on the queenside.
3…g6: Black fianchettoes – a Closed Sicilian with colours reversed.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2. Your plan: e2–e3, the knight to e2, space on the queenside.
4…Bg7: Both sides fianchetto. Your play lies on the queenside, Black's on the kingside – whoever is faster gains the initiative.
5.e3: The Botvinnik-like set-up: e3 and later the knight to e2 – the pawns control d4, the knights stay flexible.
5…d6: Black supports e5. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight on e2 does not block the f-pawn and holds d4. You castle soon.
6…h5: Black attacks with the h-pawn. With h4 you stop it.
7.h4: You block the h-pawn – Black's kingside attack is slowed down.
7…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2. You hold with d2–d3 and f2–f3.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control and make the position solid. 8.Rb1 is just as good.
8…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 8...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
9…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
10.b3: You support c4.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
11.f3: You attack the bishop on g4.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
12.e4: You gain space in the centre.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…Kh7: The king goes to h7.
14.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the knight on e7.
14…Ng8: The knight goes back to g8.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks. White is somewhat better (eval 0.31).

Line 257: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 h5 7.h4 Nh6 8.d3 O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.b3 Bg4 11.O-O Qd7 12.Kh2 Rae8 13.a3 Be6 14.Ne4 Ng4 15.Kg1

up to 7.h4 as line 256

7…Nh6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight stands on the rim.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.Rb1 is more accurate.
8…O-O: Black castles. 8...a5 is just as good.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 9.b3 is just as good.
9…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
10.b3: You support c4.
10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
12.Kh2: The king goes to h2.
12…Rae8: The rook goes to e8.
13.a3: You prepare b4.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
14.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks d6.
14…Ng4: The knight gives check on g4.
15.Kg1: The king goes back to g1. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 258: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 h5 7.h4 Nge7 8.d3 Bg4

up to 7.h4 as line 257

7…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 7...Bg4 is a little more accurate.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control.
8…Bg4: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...Bg4 8.d3 8...Nge7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 259: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 Be6 9.Nd5 Qd7 10.Rb1 Nd8 11.b4 Nxd5 12.cxd5 Bh3 13.Bxh3 Qxh3 14.b5 b6 15.Rb4

up to 6.Nge2 as line 258

6…Nge7: Black builds symmetrically. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. Your play lies on the queenside.
7…O-O: Both have castled. With d3 and later Rb1 and b4 your plan begins.
8.d3: A quiet move: you cover e4.
8…Be6: Black attacks c4. With Nd5 you occupy the key square.
9.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – it is hard to drive away from there.
9…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. With Rb1 you prepare b4.
10.Rb1: The rook supports b4.
10…Nd8: The knight regroups. Your queenside advance is coming.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
12.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the bishop on e6.
12…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
13.Bxh3: You trade the bishops.
13…Qxh3: The queen recaptures and attacks f1.
14.b5: You gain space on the queenside.
14…b6: Black holds up your queenside pawns.
15.Rb4: The rook comes into play via b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.22).

Line 260: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 Be6 9.Nd5 Rb8 10.Bd2 b5 11.b3 Qd7 12.Rc1 Bg4 13.Re1 b4 14.f3 Be6 15.e4

up to 9.Nd5 as line 259

9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5. 9...a5 is a little more accurate.
10.Bd2: You develop the bishop.
10…b5: Black attacks c4.
11.b3: You support c4.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers the knight on e2.
13…b4: Black gains space on the queenside.
14.f3: You attack the bishop on g4.
14…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on d5.
15.e4: You cover the knight on d5 with the e-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 261: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 Bg4 9.h3 Be6 10.Nd5 Qd7 11.Kh2 f5 12.Qc2 Rae8 13.Rb1 Bf7 14.b4 Nxd5 15.cxd5

up to 8.d3 as line 260

8…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2. 8...Be6 is more accurate.
9.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and h3.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7. 10.b3 is more accurate.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 behind the bishop on e6; together they eye h3.
11.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
11…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. 12.Rb1 is more accurate.
12…Rae8: The rook goes to e8.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
13…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7 and attacks the knight on d5.
14.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
14…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
15.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.

Line 262: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 Bg4 9.h3 Be6 10.Nd5 Qd7 11.Kh2 Rae8 12.Rb1 f5 13.b4 a6 14.Bb2 b5 15.Qd2

up to 11.Kh2 as line 261

11…Rae8: The rook goes to e8. 11...f5 is just as good.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
12…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn.
13.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
13…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5.
14…b5: Black attacks c4.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks. White is slightly better (eval 0.28).

Line 263: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 Bd7 9.Rb1 Qc8 10.b4 Bh3 11.Bxh3 Qxh3 12.b5 Nd8 13.a4 Qd7 14.d4 exd4 15.Nxd4

up to 8.d3 as line 262

8…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 8...Be6 is more accurate.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 9.h3 is more accurate.
9…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and prepares 10...Bh3.
10.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.Bxh3: You trade the bishops.
11…Qxh3: The queen recaptures and attacks f1.
12.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
12…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
13.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Qd7: The queen goes back to d7 and attacks b5.
14.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
14…exd4: Black takes on d4.
15.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and stands strongly on d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 264: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O Be6 8.Nd5 h5 9.h4 Bg4 10.d3 a5 11.a3 Nxd5 12.cxd5 Ne7 13.Qa4 c6 14.dxc6 bxc6 15.Bxc6

up to 7.O-O as line 263

7…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
8.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7. 8.d3 is just as good.
8…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
9.h4: You hold up Black's h-pawn.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.a3: You hold up Black's a-pawn.
11…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
12.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
13.Qa4: The queen gives check on a4 and attacks the bishop on g4.
13…c6: Black blocks the check with the c-pawn and attacks d5.
14.dxc6: You take on c6.
14…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
15.Bxc6: The bishop takes the pawn on c6 with check. The position is level.

Line 265: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.O-O h5 8.b3 h4 9.Rb1 Bf5 10.e4 Be6 11.d3 Qd7 12.Nd5 Nd8 13.b4 Nxd5 14.cxd5 Bh3 15.f3

up to 7.O-O as line 264

7…h5: Black gains space on the kingside. 7...Be6 is more accurate.
8.b3: You support c4 and free b2 for the bishop. 8.h4 is more accurate.
8…h4: Black attacks g3.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1. Black is now slightly better (eval -0.17).
9…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the rook on b1.
10.e4: You attack the bishop on f5.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
11.d3: You support e4 and open the way for the bishop on c1.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7.
12…Nd8: The knight goes to d8 and covers c6 and e6.
13.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
14.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the bishop on e6.
14…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
15.f3: You support the bishop on g2 with the f-pawn. Black is slightly better (eval -0.14).

Line 266: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Be6 7.Nd5 Qd7 8.Qa4 Nf6 9.d3 O-O 10.Bd2 Bh3 11.O-O Nxd5 12.Bxh3 Nb6 13.Bxd7 Nxa4 14.Rab1 a5 15.Nc3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 265

6…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – with Nd5 you use that at once.
7.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7.
7…Qd7: The queen goes to d7. 7...Nce7 is just as good.
8.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7 and the knight on c6. 8.Qb3 is just as good.
8…Nf6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks d5.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and gets ready to castle.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Nxd5: The knight takes on d5 and attacks e3.
12.Bxh3: The bishop takes the bishop on h3 and attacks the queen on d7.
12…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks your queen and c4.
13.Bxd7: You take the queen on d7.
13…Nxa4: The knight takes the queen on a4. Material is level.
14.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b2.
14…a5: Black supports the knight on a4.
15.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks the knight on a4. The position is level.

Line 267: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Be6 7.Nd5 Nce7 8.b3 c6 9.Nxe7 Qxe7 10.Ba3 h5 11.h4 Nh6 12.Qc2 Bg4 13.Bb2 O-O 14.a4 Rfe8 15.Nc3

up to 7.Nd5 as line 266

7…Nce7: Black offers the trade of the knights.
8.b3: You prepare Ba3. 8.Qb3 is a little more accurate.
8…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
9.Nxe7: You trade the knights on e7.
9…Qxe7: The queen recaptures.
10.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks d6.
10…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
11.h4: You hold up Black's h-pawn.
11…Nh6: The knight goes to h6 and heads for g4 or f5.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at g6.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.a4: You gain space on the queenside. Black is better (eval -0.55).
14…Rfe8: The rook goes to e8.
15.Nc3: The knight goes to c3. Black is better (eval -0.56).

Line 268: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Be6 7.d3 Qd7 8.Nd5 Nd8 9.b3 c6 10.Ndc3 Bh3 11.Bxh3 Qxh3 12.Ba3 f5 13.d4 Nf7 14.Qc2 Qg2 15.Rf1

up to 6…Be6 as line 267

7.d3: You keep e4 under control.
7…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and prepares Bh3.
8.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7. Stockfish prefers to castle.
8…Nd8: The knight goes to d8 and covers c6 and e6.
9.b3: You prepare Ba3.
9…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
10.Ndc3: The knight goes back to c3.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.Bxh3: You trade the bishops.
11…Qxh3: The queen recaptures and attacks g3 and h2.
12.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks d6.
12…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…Nf7: The knight goes to f7 and covers d6 and e5.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks f5.
14…Qg2: The queen goes to g2 and attacks the rook on h1 and the pawns on f2 and h2.
15.Rf1: The rook steps away to f1 and covers f2. The position is level.

Line 269: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 Be6 11.Nd5 Qd7 12.Nec3 Qf7 13.b3 Nd8 14.Nxf6 Qxf6 15.Bb2

up to 6.Nge2 as line 268

6…f5: Black attacks on the kingside. With d3 you hold e4.
7.d3: You cover e4 – the f-pawn gets no further.
7…Nf6: Black develops. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle. With Rb1 your plan begins.
8…O-O: Both have castled: you play on the queenside, Black on the kingside.
9.Rb1: The rook supports b4 – the race begins.
9…a5: Black slows down the b-pawn. With a3 you prepare b4.
10.a3: You prepare b4.
10…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Nd5 you occupy the square in front of the bishop.
11.Nd5: The knight occupies d5 – Black must trade it or tolerate it.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7. 11...Bf7 is a little more accurate.
12.Nec3: The knight goes to c3 and supports d5. 12.b4 is more accurate.
12…Qf7: The queen goes to f7.
13.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
13…Nd8: The knight goes to d8.
14.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
14…Qxf6: The queen recaptures.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).

Line 270: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 Be6 11.Nd5 Bf7 12.Nec3 Nxd5 13.Nxd5 Nb8 14.Qb3 Ra7 15.Nc3

up to 11.Nd5 as line 269

11…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7 and attacks the knight on d5.
12.Nec3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5.
12…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
13.Nxd5: The knight recaptures. 13.cxd5 is more accurate.
13…Nb8: The knight goes to b8 and heads for d7.
14.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7.
14…Ra7: The rook goes to a7 and covers b7.
15.Nc3: The knight goes to c3. The position is level.

Line 271: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 Be6 11.Nd5 Rb8 12.Bd2 Bf7 13.Qa4 h5 14.Rbe1 Ra8 15.Qc2

up to 11.Nd5 as line 270

11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 11...Bf7 is a little more accurate.
12.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks a5.
12…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7 and attacks the knight on d5.
13.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a5 and c6.
13…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
14.Rbe1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Ra8: The rook goes back to a8 and covers a5.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. White is slightly better (eval 0.34).

Line 272: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 Ne7 11.b4 axb4 12.axb4 c6 13.b5 Be6 14.Qc2 g5 15.f4

up to 10.a3 as line 271

10…Ne7: The knight regroups. With b4 you open the b-file.
11.b4: The advance – after the exchange the b-file is yours.
11…axb4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the a-pawn and open the file.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
13.b5: You attack the pawn on c6. 13.Qc2 is just as good.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c4.
14…g5: Black gains space on the kingside.
15.f4: You attack e5 and g5. The position is level.

Line 273: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 g5 11.f4 gxf4 12.exf4 Ne7 13.Kh1 c6 14.Be3 Be6 15.Bg1

up to 10.a3 as line 272

10…g5: Black gains space on the kingside. 10...Ne7 is more accurate.
11.f4: You attack e5 and g5.
11…gxf4: Black takes on f4.
12.exf4: You recapture with the e-pawn and attack e5.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
13.Kh1: The king goes to the corner.
13…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
14…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
15.Bg1: The bishop goes to g1. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 274: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 h6 11.b4 axb4 12.axb4 g5 13.b5 Ne7 14.Qc2 c6 15.c5

up to 10.a3 as line 273

10…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces. 10...Ne7 is more accurate.
11.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 11.Nd5 is more accurate.
11…axb4: Black trades on b4.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…g5: Black gains space on the kingside.
13.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
14…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
15.c5: You attack d6. White is slightly better (eval 0.09).

Line 275: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.a3 Kh8 11.b4 axb4 12.axb4 Ne7 13.Qb3 g5 14.f4 gxf4 15.exf4

up to 10.a3 as line 274

10…Kh8: The king goes to the corner. 10...Ne7 is more accurate.
11.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 11.b3 is a little more accurate.
11…axb4: Black trades on b4.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
13.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and supports b4 and c4.
13…g5: Black gains space on the kingside.
14.f4: You attack e5 and g5.
14…gxf4: Black takes on f4.
15.exf4: You recapture with the e-pawn. The position is level.

Line 276: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 Be6 10.Nd5 Qd7 11.b4 Nd8 12.b5 Nh5 13.Qa4 Bf7 14.Qc2 c6 15.Ndc3

up to 9.Rb1 as line 275

9…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Nd5 you gain time.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5. Your b-pawn follows.
10…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. With b4 you continue your plan.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Nd8: The knight goes to d8. 11...Nh5 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.51).
12.b5: You gain space on the queenside. 12.Nxf6 is a little more accurate.
12…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g3.
13.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7.
13…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7 and attacks the knight on d5.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
14…c6: Black attacks b5 and d5.
15.Ndc3: The knight goes back to c3. White is better (eval 0.47).

Line 277: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 Be6 10.Nd5 Rb8 11.b4 Ne7 12.Nxf6 Bxf6 13.Qc2 c6 14.a4 d5 15.Bb2

up to 10.Nd5 as line 276

10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 10...a5 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.42).
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks the knight on d5.
12.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
12…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
13…c6: Black prepares d5.
14.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
14…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).

Line 278: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 Be6 10.Nd5 Bf7 11.Nxf6 Bxf6 12.b4 d5 13.b5 Ne7 14.Qb3 c5 15.bxc6

up to 10.Nd5 as line 277

10…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7 and attacks the knight on d5. 10...a5 is a little more accurate.
11.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
11…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures.
12.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
13.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
14.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and covers c4.
14…c5: Black moves the c-pawn two squares; you can take en passant.
15.bxc6: You take en passant on c6. White is somewhat better (eval 0.35).

Line 279: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 g5 10.f4 h6 11.b4 Ne7 12.a4 Rb8 13.Ba3 Be6 14.b5 Re8 15.Qd2

up to 9.Rb1 as line 278

9…g5: Black gains space on the kingside. 9...a5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.52).
10.f4: You attack e5 and g5. 10.b4 is a little more accurate.
10…h6: Black covers g5. 10...gxf4 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.58).
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
12.a4: You gain more space on the queenside.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
13.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and supports b5.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
14.b5: You gain more space on the queenside.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2. White is better (eval 0.65).

Line 280: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 f5 7.d3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.Rb1 Ne7 10.b4 Rb8 11.b5 Be6 12.Qa4 g5 13.f4 gxf4 14.exf4 Qd7 15.Be3

up to 9.Rb1 as line 279

9…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. 9...a5 is more accurate.
10.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
11.b5: You gain more space on the queenside.
11…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
12.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7.
12…g5: Black gains space on the kingside.
13.f4: You attack e5 and g5.
13…gxf4: Black takes on f4.
14.exf4: You recapture with the e-pawn and attack e5.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks b5.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7. White is slightly better (eval 0.28).

Line 281: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nf6 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 Be6 9.Nd5 Qd7 10.Rb1 Bh3 11.b4 Bxg2 12.Kxg2 Nd8 13.e4 c6 14.Nxf6 Bxf6 15.Bb2

up to 6.Nge2 as line 280

6…Nf6: Black develops. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d3 and Rb1 your plan follows.
7…O-O: Both have castled.
8.d3: You cover e4.
8…Be6: Black attacks c4. With Nd5 you occupy the square.
9.Nd5: The knight stands strongly on d5.
9…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. With Rb1 and b4 you continue.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 10.e4 is just as good.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops on g2.
12.Kxg2: The king recaptures.
12…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
13.e4: You gain space in the centre and support the knight on d5.
13…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
14.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
14…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5. White is slightly better (eval 0.11).

Line 282: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 Nge7 6.Nge2 O-O 7.O-O d6

up to 5.e3 as line 281

5…Nge7: Black puts the knight on e7. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: Both sides build symmetrically.
6…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
7.O-O: Both have castled. With d3 and Rb1 your plan begins.
7…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Nge2 6...Nge7 7.O-O 7...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 283: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 Nge7 6.Nge2 O-O 7.O-O a6 8.b3 d6 9.d3 Be6 10.Qd2 d5 11.e4 d4 12.Nd5 a5 13.f4 Qd6 14.a3 b6 15.Kh1

up to 7.O-O as line 282

7…a6: Black prepares b5. 7...d6 is more accurate.
8.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2. 8.d3 is just as good.
8…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
10.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
10…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
11.e4: You attack the pawn on d5.
11…d4: Black pushes on to d4 and attacks the knight on c3.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7.
12…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
13…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks the knight on d5.
14.a3: You prepare b4.
14…b6: Black holds up your b-pawn.
15.Kh1: The king goes to the corner. White is somewhat better (eval 0.36).

Line 284: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 Nge7 6.Nge2 d6

up to 6.Nge2 as line 283

6…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.e3 5...d6 6.Nge2 6...Nge7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 285: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 Nge7 6.Nge2 Nf5 7.Rb1 a5 8.a3 O-O 9.d3 Nce7 10.b3 c6 11.e4 Nd4 12.Nxd4 exd4 13.Ne2 d6 14.O-O h6 15.h3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 284

6…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks e3 and g3. 6...d6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.57).
7.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
7…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
8.a3: You prepare b4 once more. 8.b3 is more accurate.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…Nce7: The knight goes to e7.
10.b3: You support c4.
10…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
11.e4: You attack the knight on f5.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and b3.
12.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
12…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
13.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4.
13…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
15.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. White is somewhat better (eval 0.38).

Line 286: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 f5 6.Nge2 Nf6 7.d3 O-O 8.O-O d6

up to 5.e3 as line 285

5…f5: Black attacks on the kingside at once. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight on e2 leaves room for the f-pawn and holds d4.
6…Nf6: Black develops. With d3 you hold e4.
7.d3: You cover e4 – Black's advance e5–e4 is harder.
7…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
8.O-O: Both have castled – your play on the queenside against Black's on the kingside.
8…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7.d3 7...Nf6 8.O-O 8...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 287: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 f5 6.Nge2 Nf6 7.d3 O-O 8.O-O Kh8 9.Rb1 a5 10.b3 d6 11.Qd2 Qe7 12.f4 Bd7 13.Bb2 Rae8 14.Rfe1 Nb4 15.a3

up to 8.O-O as line 286

8…Kh8: The king goes to the corner. 8...d6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.48).
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 9.b3 is a little more accurate.
9…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
10.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
10…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
11…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e5.
12.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
12…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
13…Rae8: The rook goes to e8.
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks a2 and d3.
15.a3: You attack the knight on b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.2).

Line 288: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 f5 6.Nge2 Nf6 7.d3 O-O 8.O-O Ne7 9.b4 d6 10.a4 a5 11.b5 c5 12.bxc6 bxc6 13.Rb1 Be6 14.Ba3 Qd7 15.Qd2

up to 8.O-O as line 287

8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. 8...d6 is more accurate.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside. White is better (eval 0.56).
9…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
10.a4: You support b5.
10…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
11.b5: You push on to b5.
11…c5: Black moves the c-pawn two squares; you can take en passant.
12.bxc6: You take en passant on c6.
12…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to the open b-file.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
14.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks d6.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and covers d6.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2. White is better (eval 0.53).

Line 289: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e3 f5 6.Nge2 Nf6 7.d3 d6

up to 7.d3 as line 288

7…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Nge2 6...f5 7.d3 7...Nf6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 290: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 g6 6.Nge2 Bg7

up to 3.g3 as line 289

3…f5: Black attacks early on the kingside. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop aims along the long diagonal at the queenside.
4…Nf6: Black attacks with the f-pawn on the kingside. Keep the centre stable and play on the queenside yourself.
5.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4. Your knight goes to e2.
5…g6: Black fianchettoes. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight on e2 – your set-up stands.
6…Bg7: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.e3 5...f5 6.Nge2 6...Nf6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 291: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 d5 6.cxd5 Nb4 7.d3 Nbxd5 8.Nxd5 Nxd5 9.Nf3 Bd6 10.O-O Nf6 11.Qb3 Qe7 12.Nd2 Rb8 13.Nc4 Be6 14.Nxd6 cxd6 15.Qa3

up to 5.e3 as line 290

5…d5: Black opens the centre. You exchange on d5.
6.cxd5: You exchange and open the bishop on g2.
6…Nb4: The knight attacks d3 and d5. With d3 you cover.
7.d3: You take d3 away from the knight on b4 and keep e4 under control.
7…Nbxd5: The knight on b4 recaptures on d5.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
8…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight and attacks e3.
9.Nf3: The knight comes into play. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
9…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and covers e5.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…Nf6: The knight goes back to f6. 10...Qe7 is just as good.
11.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7. 11.b3 is more accurate.
11…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e5.
12.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for c4.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
13.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks the bishop on d6.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on c4.
14.Nxd6: You trade the knight for the bishop on d6 with check.
14…cxd6: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks a7 and d6. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 292: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 d5 6.cxd5 Nb4 7.d3 Nbxd5 8.Nxd5 Nxd5 9.Nf3 Bb4 10.Bd2 Bxd2 11.Qxd2 Qd6 12.O-O O-O 13.e4 Ne7 14.exf5 Bxf5 15.Rfe1

up to 9.Nf3 as line 291

9…Bb4: The bishop gives check on b4. 9...Bd6 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.63).
10.Bd2: You block the check with the bishop and offer a trade.
10…Bxd2: Black trades the bishops with check.
11.Qxd2: The queen recaptures.
11…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and covers e5.
12.O-O: You castle.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.e4: You attack the knight on d5 and the pawn on f5.
13…Ne7: The knight steps away to e7.
14.exf5: You take on f5.
14…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and attacks d3.
15.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and attacks e5. White is better (eval 0.51).

Line 293: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 d5 6.cxd5 Nb4 7.d3 Nfxd5 8.Nxd5 Nxd5

up to 7.d3 as line 292

7…Nfxd5: The knight on f6 recaptures on d5.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights on d5.
8…Nxd5: Transposition: the same position arises when the knight from b4 recaptures on d5 first – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 294: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 g6 7.O-O Bg7 8.d3

up to 5.e3 as line 293

5…d6: Black supports e5. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight on e2 – flexible and without blocking the f-pawn.
6…g6: Black prepares Bg7.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
8.d3: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...f5 7.d3 7...Nf6 8.O-O – it goes on there. 8.Rb1 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 295: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.Rb1 a5 9.d3 Nb8 10.b3 c6 11.Qd2 Na6 12.Bb2 Qe8 13.f4 Bd8 14.Nd1 Bd7 15.a3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 294

6…Be7: The bishop goes to e7. 6...g6 is more accurate.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 8.d3 is just as good.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…Nb8: The knight goes to b8 and heads via d7 or a6.
10.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
10…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
11…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and heads for c5 or b4.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
12…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for h5.
13.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
13…Bd8: The bishop goes to d8 and heads for b6.
14.Nd1: The knight goes to d1 and heads for f2.
14…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
15.a3: You prepare b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 296: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 Bb4 6.Nge2 O-O 7.O-O Bxc3 8.Nxc3 d6 9.b3 Be6 10.Ba3 f4 11.Nd5 Bxd5 12.cxd5 Ne7 13.Qe2 fxg3 14.hxg3 Qd7 15.e4

up to 5.e3 as line 295

5…Bb4: The bishop pins the knight. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
6.Nge2: The knight covers c3 – the pin does not hurt. Stockfish also mentions Nd5.
6…O-O: Black castles. 6...Ne7 is just as good.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Bxc3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on c3. 7...Ne7 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.51).
8.Nxc3: The knight recaptures; you have the bishop pair.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
9.b3: You prepare Ba3.
9…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
10.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks d6.
10…f4: Black attacks e3 and g3.
11.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f4, f6 and c7.
11…Bxd5: Black trades the bishop for the knight on d5.
12.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
13…fxg3: Black takes on g3 and attacks f2 and h2.
14.hxg3: You recapture with the h-pawn.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
15.e4: You gain space in the centre. White is somewhat better (eval 0.38): the bishop pair.

Line 297: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.e3 Be7 6.Nge2 O-O 7.O-O Qe8 8.Rb1 Kh8 9.d3 a6 10.f4 d6 11.Qd2 Nd8 12.b3 Nf7 13.h3 Rb8 14.Kh2 Bd7 15.Bb2

up to 5.e3 as line 296

5…Be7: The bishop goes to e7. 5...g6 is a little more accurate.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight. 6.d3 is more accurate.
6…O-O: Black castles. 6...d5 is more accurate.
7.O-O: You castle. White is better (eval 0.5).
7…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for h5.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
8…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…a6: Black takes b5 away from your pieces.
10.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
10…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
11…Nd8: The knight goes to d8 and heads for f7.
12.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
12…Nf7: The knight goes to f7.
13.h3: You give your king some air.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
14.Kh2: The king goes to h2.
14…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. White is better (eval 0.44).

Line 298: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 Be6 5.d3 Qd7 6.Rb1 g6 7.b4 Bg7 8.b5 Nd8 9.a4 Ne7 10.Nd5 O-O 11.Qb3 f5 12.Nf3 Kh8 13.O-O Bg8 14.a5 Ne6 15.Bb2

up to 3.g3 as line 297

3…d6: Black supports e5 with the pawn. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and aims at b7.
4…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: the bishop attacks c4 but stands in the way of your b-pawn.
5.d3: You cover c4 and e4.
5…Qd7: Black plans the bishop trade on h3. With Rb1 you start on the queenside.
6.Rb1: The rook supports b4 – your attack comes faster than Black's.
6…g6: Black fianchettoes. With b4 your pawn marches.
7.b4: Space on the queenside – the pawn threatens to go to b5.
7…Bg7: Black develops the bishop. With b5 you drive away the knight.
8.b5: The knight on c6 has to move.
8…Nd8: The knight retreats to d8 – your space advantage on the queenside is clear.
9.a4: You support b5.
9…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. 9...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and supports b5 and d5.
11…f5: Black gains space on the kingside with the f-pawn.
12.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
12…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…Bg8: The bishop goes to g8 and attacks the knight on d5.
14.a5: You gain more space on the queenside.
14…Ne6: The knight goes to e6.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.35).

Line 299: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 Be6 5.d3 Qd7 6.Rb1 Nge7 7.b4 d5 8.b5 Nd8 9.Nf3

up to 6.Rb1 as line 298

6…Nge7: Inaccurate: the knight goes to e7. 6...Be7 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.83).
7.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
7…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4. 7...f6 is more accurate; White is clearly better (eval 1.01).
8.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
8…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
9.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5. White is clearly better (eval 1.01).

Line 300: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 g6 5.e3 Bg7

up to 4.Bg2 as line 299

4…g6: Black fianchettoes. With e3 and the knight to e2 you build up.
5.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4. Stockfish also mentions Rb1 at once.
5…Bg7: Transposition: the same position arises after 4.Bg2 4...Bg7 5.e3 5...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 301: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 g6 5.e3 Be6 6.b3 Bg7 7.Nge2 Qd7 8.O-O Nge7 9.Bb2 Bh3 10.Bxh3 Qxh3 11.Nd5 Qd7 12.Nxe7 Nxe7 13.Qc2 O-O-O 14.Rad1 h5 15.f3

up to 5.e3 as line 300

5…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. 5...Bg7 is just as good.
6.b3: You support c4. 6.d3 is just as good.
6…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
7.Nge2: You develop the knight. 7.Bb2 is a little more accurate.
7…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and prepares Bh3.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.h4 is just as good.
8…Nge7: The knight goes to e7.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
9…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
10.Bxh3: You trade the bishops.
10…Qxh3: The queen recaptures and attacks f1, g3 and h2.
11.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7.
11…Qd7: The queen goes back to d7 and covers c7.
12.Nxe7: You trade the knights on e7.
12…Nxe7: Black recaptures with the knight.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
13…O-O-O: Black castles long.
14.Rad1: The rook goes to d1.
14…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
15.f3: You cover g4 with the f-pawn. Black is better (eval -0.62): his h-pawn is attacking.

Line 302: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 g6 5.e3 Be6 6.b3 Bg7 7.Bb2 Nge7 8.Nge2 d5 9.d3 O-O 10.O-O Re8 11.a3 dxc4 12.bxc4 Qd7 13.Qc2 Bh3 14.Bxh3 Qxh3 15.e4

up to 6…Bg7 as line 301

7.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
7…Nge7: The knight goes to e7.
8.Nge2: You develop the knight.
8…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
11.a3: You prepare b4.
11…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3 and d3.
12.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks d3.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
13…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
14.Bxh3: You trade the bishops.
14…Qxh3: The queen recaptures and attacks f1, g3 and h2.
15.e4: You gain space in the centre. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 303: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 f5 5.d3 Nf6 6.e3 g6 7.Nge2 Bg7

up to 4.Bg2 as line 302

4…f5: Black attacks on the kingside. With d3 you hold e4.
5.d3: You cover e4.
5…Nf6: Black develops. With e3 and the knight to e2 you build up.
6.e3: The pawn holds d4 and f4. Your knight goes to e2.
6…g6: Black prepares Bg7.
7.Nge2: You develop the knight.
7…Bg7: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Nge2 6...f5 7.d3 7...Nf6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 304: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 f5 5.d3 Nf6 6.e3 Be7 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Qe8 9.Qd2 Bd7 10.f4 Nd8 11.b4 c6 12.Rb1 Qh5 13.b5 Nf7 14.bxc6 bxc6 15.Rb7

up to 6.e3 as line 303

6…Be7: The bishop goes to e7. 6...g6 is more accurate.
7.Nge2: You develop the knight.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.Qd2 is just as good.
8…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for h5.
9.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
9…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
10.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
10…Nd8: The knight goes to d8 and heads for f7.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…c6: Black keeps b5 and d5 under control.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b5.
12…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks e2 and h2.
13.b5: You attack the pawn on c6.
13…Nf7: The knight goes to f7.
14.bxc6: You take on c6.
14…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
15.Rb7: The rook gets in on b7 and attacks d7 and a7. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).

Line 305: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 Re8 7.O-O d6 8.h3 Bb6 9.b3 h6 10.f4 Nb4 11.fxe5 dxe5 12.Ba3 a5 13.g4 c6 14.Ng3 Be6 15.Rb1

up to 3.g3 as line 304

3…Nf6: The Four Knights without Nf3: your knight stays flexible.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
4…Bc5: The bishop aims at f2. With e3 you take the diagonal away.
5.e3: The pawn on e3 stops the bishop on c5 and holds d4.
5…O-O: Black castles. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2. Stockfish also mentions a3 and b4 against the bishop.
6…Re8: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With a3 and b4 you later chase the bishop.
7…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 7...Bb6 is just as good.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. 8.b3 is just as good.
8…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 and aims at e3.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
10.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
10…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks a2 and d3.
11.fxe5: You take on e5.
11…dxe5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
12.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks the knight on b4. Black is now slightly better (eval -0.19).
12…a5: Black covers the knight on b4 with the a-pawn.
13.g4: You gain space on the kingside.
13…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and heads for f5.
14…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and g4.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1. Black is slightly better (eval -0.24).

Line 306: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 Re8 7.O-O e4 8.Nf4

up to 7.O-O as line 305

7…e4: A common mistake: the pawn on e4 cannot be held. 7...Bb6 is correct; White is clearly better (eval 1.5).
8.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and goes after the defenders of e4 via d5. White is clearly better (eval 1.4).

Line 307: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 Re8 7.O-O Bf8 8.b3 d6 9.h3 a6 10.g4 h5 11.g5 Nh7 12.h4 g6 13.Ng3 Ne7 14.Bb2 Bg7 15.f4

up to 7.O-O as line 306

7…Bf8: The bishop goes back to f8. 7...Bb6 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.59).
8.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
9…a6: Black prepares b5.
10.g4: You gain space on the kingside.
10…h5: Black attacks the pawn on g4.
11.g5: You push on and attack the knight on f6.
11…Nh7: The knight steps away to h7 and attacks g5.
12.h4: You cover g5 with the h-pawn.
12…g6: Black protects h5 and prepares Bg7.
13.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and attacks h5.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
14…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
15.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. White is better (eval 0.66).

Line 308: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 d5 7.cxd5 Nb4 8.O-O Nbxd5 9.b3 Nxc3 10.Nxc3 c6 11.Bb2 Qe7 12.Qc2 Bd6 13.f4 exf4 14.gxf4 Re8 15.Rf3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 307

6…d5: Black opens the centre. You exchange on d5.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5. 7.Nxd5 is just as good.
7…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5 and a2.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Nbxd5: The knight takes the pawn on d5 and attacks c3 and e3.
9.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2. 9.Nxd5 is just as good.
9…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
10.Nxc3: The knight recaptures.
10…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your knight.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
11…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
12…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6.
13.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
13…exf4: Black takes on f4.
14.gxf4: You recapture with the g-pawn.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8 behind the queen and eyes the e-file with her.
15.Rf3: The rook goes to f3 and covers e3. The position is level.

Line 309: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 d6 7.O-O a6 8.h3 Re8 9.b3 Bf5 10.d3 Ba7 11.Kh2 Rb8 12.Bb2 Be6 13.d4 exd4 14.exd4 d5 15.Nf4

up to 6.Nge2 as line 308

6…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 6...d5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.52).
7.O-O: You castle. 7.h3 is just as good.
7…a6: Black prepares b5. 7...Re8 is a little more accurate.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
8…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
9.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
9…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks h3.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and aims at e3.
11.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
12…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and h3.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…exd4: Black takes on d4.
14.exd4: You recapture with the e-pawn.
14…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
15.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks d5 and the bishop on e6. White is better (eval 0.42).

Line 310: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 a6 7.O-O Re8 8.b3 Ba7 9.Bb2 d6 10.h3 Ne7 11.f4 c6 12.g4 Ng6 13.f5 Nf8 14.g5 Nh5 15.h4

up to 6.Nge2 as line 309

6…a6: Black prepares b5. 6...d5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.52).
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
8.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
8…Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and aims at e3.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
9…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
10.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
10…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
11.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
11…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
12.g4: You gain space on the kingside.
12…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks f4.
13.f5: You push on and attack the knight on g6.
13…Nf8: The knight goes back to f8.
14.g5: You attack the knight on f6.
14…Nh5: The knight steps away to h5.
15.h4: You cover g5 with the h-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 311: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 d5 6.cxd5 Nb4 7.d3 Nbxd5 8.Nf3 Qe7 9.O-O Nxc3 10.bxc3 e4 11.Nd2 Bg4 12.Qa4 Bd7 13.Qc4 Be6 14.Qa4 Bd7

up to 5.e3 as line 310

5…d5: Black strikes in the centre at once. You exchange.
6.cxd5: You exchange and open the bishop on g2.
6…Nb4: The knight attacks d5 and d3. You cover with the knight to f3 or with a3.
7.d3: You take d3 away from the knight on b4. 7.Nf3 is just as good.
7…Nbxd5: The knight on b4 takes the pawn on d5 and attacks c3 and e3.
8.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
8…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e5.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
10.bxc3: You recapture with the b-pawn.
10…e4: Black attacks f3 and d3.
11.Nd2: The knight steps away to d2 and attacks e4.
11…Bg4: The bishop attacks your queen.
12.Qa4: The queen gives check on a4.
12…Bd7: The bishop blocks the check on d7.
13.Qc4: The queen goes to c4 and attacks c5, e4 and f7.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks your queen.
14.Qa4: The queen gives check on a4 again.
14…Bd7: Transposition: the position after 12.Qa4 12...Bd7 repeats – the moves repeat. (transposition)

Line 312: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 a6 7.O-O O-O

up to 5.e3 as line 311

5…d6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – your set-up stands.
6…a6: Black prepares b5. Stockfish prefers to castle.
7.O-O: You castle. White is better (eval 0.66).
7…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...d6 7.O-O 7...a6 and castling – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 313: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 O-O

up to 6.Nge2 as line 312

6…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...O-O 6.Nge2 6...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 314: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Bf5 7.a3 a6 8.h3 Ba7 9.b4 O-O 10.Bb2 Rb8 11.Rc1 Ne7 12.Nd5 Nfxd5 13.cxd5 f6 14.O-O Rc8 15.Kh2

up to 6.Nge2 as line 313

6…Bf5: Inaccurate: the bishop goes to f5. Stockfish prefers to castle; White is clearly better (eval 0.8).
7.a3: You prepare b4.
7…a6: Black prepares b5.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
8…Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and aims at e3.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
11…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7, f6 and c7.
12…Nfxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
13.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and open the c-file.
13…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers c7.
15.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 315: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Bg4 7.h3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 314

6…Bg4: A mistake: the bishop attacks the knight on e2, but after 7.h3 it has to retreat. Stockfish prefers to castle; White is clearly better (eval 1).
7.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4. White is clearly better (eval 0.97).

Line 316: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.e3 a6 6.Nge2 d6

up to 5.e3 as line 315

5…a6: Black prepares b5. 5...d5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.62).
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...d6 6.Nge2 6...a6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 317: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 Bc5 6.e3 O-O 7.Ne2 Nxd5 8.cxd5 Ne7 9.O-O d6 10.b3 f6 11.a4 Bg4 12.a5 Qd7 13.b4 Bxb4 14.f3 Bf5 15.Qb3

up to 4.Bg2 as line 316

4…Bb4: The bishop pins the knight. With Nd5 you step aside with tempo.
5.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop.
5…Bc5: The bishop steps to c5. With e3 you take its diagonal away.
6.e3: The pawn on e3 stops the bishop.
6…O-O: Black castles. Your knight goes to e2.
7.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
7…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
8.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
10.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
10…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
11.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
12.a5: You push the a-pawn further.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
13.b4: You attack the bishop on c5 and give the pawn on b4 for it.
13…Bxb4: The bishop takes the pawn on b4 and attacks a5 and d2.
14.f3: You attack the bishop on g4.
14…Bf5: The bishop steps away to f5.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks the bishop on b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.09).

Line 318: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 Bc5 6.e3 O-O 7.Ne2 Re8 8.O-O

up to 7.Ne2 as line 317

7…Re8: The rook goes to e8. 7...Nxd5 is more accurate; White is clearly better (eval 0.85).
8.O-O: You castle. White is clearly better (eval 0.82).

Line 319: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 Bc5 6.e3 O-O 7.Ne2 d6 8.O-O Nxd5 9.cxd5 Ne7

up to 7.Ne2 as line 318

7…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 7...Nxd5 is just as good.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
9.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
9…Ne7: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.cxd5 8...Ne7 9.O-O 9...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 320: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 Bc5 6.e3 d6 7.Ne2 Nxd5 8.cxd5 Ne7 9.O-O O-O

up to 6.e3 as line 319

6…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 6...Nxd5 is just as good.
7.Ne2: You develop the knight.
7…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
8.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.cxd5 8...Ne7 9.O-O 9...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 321: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 Bc5 6.e3 Nxd5 7.cxd5 Ne7 8.Ne2 c6 9.Nc3 cxd5 10.Nxd5 Nxd5 11.Bxd5 O-O 12.a3 Be7 13.O-O d6 14.d3 Rb8 15.Qa4

up to 6.e3 as line 320

6…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
7.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
7…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
8.Ne2: You develop the knight.
8…c6: Black attacks the pawn on d5.
9.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5.
9…cxd5: Black takes the pawn on d5.
10.Nxd5: The knight recaptures.
10…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
11.Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks f7 and b7.
11…O-O: Black castles and covers f7.
12.a3: You prepare b4.
12…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
14.d3: You keep e4 under control.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers b7.
15.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 322: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 Nxd5 6.cxd5 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd6 8.e4 c6 9.O-O Bc7 10.d6 Bxd6 11.Qc2 O-O 12.Rd1 Bc7 13.Re1 f5 14.Qb3 Kh8 15.exf5

up to 5.Nd5 as line 321

5…Nxd5: Black trades. You recapture with the c-pawn and gain space.
6.cxd5: The pawn on d5 gains space and drives away the knight on c6.
6…Ne7: The knight retreats. You have more space.
7.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
7…Bd6: Inaccurate: the bishop covers e5 but stands in front of the d-pawn. 7...c6 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.91).
8.e4: You support d5 with the e-pawn.
8…c6: Inaccurate: Black attacks the pawn on d5. 8...c5 is better; White is clearly better (eval 1.36).
9.O-O: You castle. White is better (eval 0.67).
9…Bc7: The bishop goes to c7.
10.d6: You give the pawn on d6 to disturb Black's pieces.
10…Bxd6: The bishop takes the pawn on d6.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c6. Black is now slightly better (eval -0.22).
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and eyes the d-file.
12…Bc7: The bishop goes back to c7.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4. With 13...f5 Black now attacks; he is clearly better (eval -1.16).
13…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
14.Qb3: The queen gives check on b3.
14…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
15.exf5: You take on f5. Black is clearly better (eval -1.04).

Line 323: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 O-O 6.a3 Bc5 7.b4 Bd4 8.Rb1 d6 9.Nf3 Bb6 10.Nxf6 Qxf6 11.d3 a5 12.b5 Nd8 13.O-O Qg6 14.Bb2 Qh5 15.d4

up to 5.Nd5 as line 322

5…O-O: Black castles. With a3 you question the bishop.
6.a3: You attack the bishop on b4.
6…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2. 6...Be7 is a little more accurate.
7.b4: You attack the bishop on c5.
7…Bd4: The bishop goes to d4 and attacks the rook on a1 and the pawn on f2.
8.Rb1: The rook steps away to b1.
8…d6: Black opens the way for the bishop on c8.
9.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack the bishop on d4.
9…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
10.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
10…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks f3.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
12.b5: You push past and attack the knight on c6.
12…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…Qg6: The queen goes to g6 and attacks d3 and g3.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5.
14…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks f3 and h2.
15.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn. White is better (eval 0.38).

Line 324: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4 5.Nd5 a5 6.e3 O-O 7.Ne2 Nxd5 8.cxd5 Ne7 9.a3 Bc5 10.O-O d6 11.b3 Bb6 12.Bb2 f6 13.Nc3 Bf5 14.Qe2 Qd7 15.Qc4

up to 5.Nd5 as line 323

5…a5: Black gives the bishop on b4 support. 5...Be7 is just as good.
6.e3: You keep d4 and f4 under control.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.Ne2: You develop the knight.
7…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
8.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
9.a3: You attack the bishop on b4.
9…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks e3.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
11.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
11…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5.
12…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
13.Nc3: The knight goes to c3.
13…Bf5: Black develops the bishop.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
15.Qc4: The queen goes to c4 and attacks c7. The position is level.

Line 325: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 g6 5.Nf3

up to 4.Bg2 as line 324

4…g6: Black fianchettoes. With e3 and the knight to e2 you build up.
5.Nf3: Transposition: the same position arises after 3...Nc6 4.g3 4...g6 5.Bg2 – it goes on there. 5.e4 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 326: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O c6 9.exf5 gxf5 10.d4 Na6 11.b3 e4 12.Rb1 d5 13.cxd5 Nxd5 14.Nxd5 cxd5 15.Be3

up to 2.Nc3 as line 325

2…d6: Black plays a quiet set-up with d6 – Stockfish finds it slightly passive.
3.g3: The fianchetto – your bishop goes to g2.
3…g6: Black fianchettoes too. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
4…Bg7: Both fianchetto. With d3 you build quietly.
5.d3: You cover e4 – flexible for e2–e4 or b4.
5…f5: Black attacks on the kingside. With e4 you block the f-pawn.
6.e4: The pawn on e4 slows the f-pawn – the Botvinnik centre with c4 and e4.
6…Nf6: Black attacks e4. Your knight goes to e2.
7.Nge2: The knight does not cover e4 directly but holds f4 and d4. Stockfish also mentions the trade on f5.
7…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
8.O-O: Both have castled. The fight for e4 and f5 begins.
8…c6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black does without developing the knight to c6.
9.exf5: You exchange on f5 and open the diagonal of your bishop on g2.
9…gxf5: Black recaptures with the g-pawn. 9...Bxf5 is a little more accurate.
10.d4: Now d3–d4 comes – the pawn comes from d3, not d2. You attack Black's centre while the king on g8 is exposed.
10…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6, and heads for c7.
11.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
11…e4: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5.
13…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
14.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
14…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3. White is better (eval 0.41).

Line 327: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O c6 9.exf5 Bxf5 10.d4 Nbd7 11.h3 h5 12.Bg5 Qc7 13.Qd2 Rae8 14.b3 Nh7 15.Be3

up to 9.exf5 as line 326

9…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and attacks d3.
10.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
10…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
11.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
11…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
13.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
13…Rae8: The rook goes to e8.
14.b3: You support c4.
14…Nh7: The knight goes to h7 and attacks the bishop on g5.
15.Be3: The bishop goes back to e3. White is better (eval 0.39).

Line 328: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 Be6 10.Bg5 Qd7 11.Qd2 Nh5 12.exf5 Bxf5 13.b4 Bg4 14.Rae1 Bf3 15.Bxf3

up to 8.O-O as line 327

8…Nc6: Black develops the knight. With Nd5 you occupy the key square.
9.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – it can hardly be driven away from there.
9…Be6: Black puts the bishop against the knight. With Bg5 you pin the knight on f6.
10.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6 and attacks the control of d5.
10…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. You follow with the queen to d2.
11.Qd2: The queen connects your rooks. Stockfish also mentions b4.
11…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g3. 11...Rae8 is just as good.
12.exf5: You take on f5 and attack the bishop on e6.
12…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and attacks d3.
13.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
14.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e2.
14…Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and offers a trade.
15.Bxf3: You trade the bishops. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).

Line 329: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 Be6 10.Bg5 Qd7 11.Qd2 Rf7 12.b4 fxe4 13.b5 Nd8 14.Nxf6 Bxf6 15.Bxf6

up to 11.Qd2 as line 328

11…Rf7: The rook goes to f7. 11...Rae8 is just as good.
12.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…fxe4: Black takes on e4 and attacks d3.
13.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
13…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
14.Nxf6: You trade the knights on f6 with check.
14…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures.
15.Bxf6: You trade the bishops. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 330: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 Ne7 10.Nxf6 Bxf6 11.Bh6 Rf7 12.Qd2 c6 13.b3 Be6 14.Rad1 Qd7 15.f4

up to 9.Nd5 as line 329

9…Ne7: Black offers the knight trade. You trade on f6.
10.Nxf6: You trade on f6 and take a defender away from Black.
10…Bxf6: Black recaptures with the bishop. With d3–d4 you later open the centre.
11.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and attacks the rook on f8. 11.exf5 is a little more accurate.
11…Rf7: The rook steps away to f7.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and covers the bishop on h6.
12…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 12...fxe4 is a little more accurate.
13.b3: You support c4.
13…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
14.Rad1: The rook goes to d1.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
15.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 331: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 Ne7 10.Nxf6 Bxf6 11.Bh6 Bg7 12.Bxg7 Kxg7 13.exf5 Nxf5 14.Qd2 a5 15.h3

up to 11.Bh6 as line 330

11…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and offers a trade. 11...Rf7 is just as good.
12.Bxg7: You trade the bishops.
12…Kxg7: The king recaptures.
13.exf5: You take on f5.
13…Nxf5: The knight recaptures and attacks g3.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
14…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
15.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 332: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 h6 10.Be3 Kh7 11.Rc1 Ng4 12.Bd2 a5 13.h3 Nf6 14.Be3 Nb4 15.a3

up to 9.Nd5 as line 331

9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces. 9...Nxd5 is more accurate.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6 and a7.
10…Kh7: The king covers h6.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4.
11…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
12.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2.
12…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.h3: You attack the knight on g4.
13…Nf6: The knight goes back to f6 and attacks d5 and e4.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
14…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5, d3 and a2.
15.a3: You attack the knight on b4. White is better (eval 0.44).

Line 333: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 Nh5 10.exf5 Bxf5 11.h3 Be6 12.g4 Nf6 13.Bg5 Qd7 14.Qc2 a5 15.a3

up to 9.Nd5 as line 332

9…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g3. 9...Nxd5 is more accurate.
10.exf5: You take on f5 and attack g6.
10…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and attacks d3.
11.h3: You take g4 away from the bishop on f5.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on d5 and h3.
12.g4: You attack the knight on h5.
12…Nf6: The knight goes back to f6 and attacks g4 and d5.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
13…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
14…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
15.a3: You prepare b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.1).

Line 334: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Nd5 Nxd5 10.cxd5 Ne7 11.d4 fxe4 12.dxe5 dxe5 13.Nc3 Nf5 14.Nxe4 b6 15.Ng5

up to 9.Nd5 as line 333

9…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
10.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn – space on the queenside and the half-open c-file.
10…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
11.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn. 11.Bd2 is more accurate.
11…fxe4: Black takes on e4. 11...exd4 is more accurate.
12.dxe5: You take on e5.
12…dxe5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn. 12...Bg4 is more accurate.
13.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks e4.
13…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks g3.
14.Nxe4: The knight takes the pawn on e4.
14…b6: Black opens the b7 square for the bishop on c8.
15.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks h7. White is somewhat better (eval 0.35).

Line 335: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nf6 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O O-O

up to 7.Nge2 as line 334

7…Nc6: Black develops the knight. 7...fxe4 is just as good.
8.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions Nd5 at once.
8…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...O-O 8.O-O 8...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 336: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nf6

up to 6.e4 as line 335

6…Nc6: Black develops the knight first. Your knight goes to e2.
7.Nge2: The knight on e2 holds f4 and d4.
7…Nf6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...Nf6 7.Nge2 7...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 337: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nh6 8.O-O O-O 9.Nd5 a5 10.Rb1 Kh8 11.b3 Bd7 12.Qd2 Nb4 13.d4 c6 14.Nxb4 axb4 15.dxe5

up to 7.Nge2 as line 336

7…Nh6: The knight goes to h6 to come via f7. With Nd5 you occupy the centre.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.h4 is a little more accurate.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7. 9.exf5 is a little more accurate.
9…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
10…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
11.b3: You support c4.
11…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and attacks h6 and a5.
12…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5, d3 and a2.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
14.Nxb4: You trade the knights on b4.
14…axb4: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
15.dxe5: You take on e5. The position is level.

Line 338: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nge7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nd5 Be6 10.Be3 Qd7 11.Qd2 Rf7 12.Rac1 Raf8 13.b4 Nc8 14.b5 Nd8 15.a4

up to 7.Nge2 as line 337

7…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 7...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.h4 is more accurate.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – the key square is yours.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on d5. 9...Rb8 is more accurate.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3. With the queen to d2 you connect the rooks.
10…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. Your queen follows to d2.
11.Qd2: The rooks are connected. Stockfish also mentions b4 for play on the queenside.
11…Rf7: Black doubles on the f-file. Your rooks go to e1 and c1.
12.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4. 12.Rae1 is more accurate.
12…Raf8: Black doubles his rooks on the f-file.
13.b4: You gain space on the queenside. 13.Kh1 is a little more accurate.
13…Nc8: Inaccurate: the knight goes to c8. 13...f4 is better; White is better (eval 0.46).
14.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
14…Nd8: The knight goes back to d8.
15.a4: You support b5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.32).

Line 339: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nge7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nd5 Be6 10.Be3 Qd7 11.Qd2 Rae8 12.Rac1 f4 13.gxf4 Nd4 14.fxe5 Nxe2 15.Qxe2

up to 11.Qd2 as line 338

11…Rae8: The rook goes to e8. 11...Rf7 is a little more accurate.
12.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4. 12.Rae1 is more accurate.
12…f4: Black attacks the bishop on e3 and the pawn on g3.
13.gxf4: You take on f4 and attack e5.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
14.fxe5: You take on e5 and attack d6.
14…Nxe2: Black trades on e2 with check.
15.Qxe2: The queen recaptures. White is slightly better (eval 0.19).

Line 340: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nge7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nd5 Nxd5

up to 9.Nd5 as line 339

9…Nxd5: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.O-O 8...Nc6 9.Nd5 9...Nxd5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 341: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 f5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nge7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nd5 h6 10.Be3 a5 11.Qd2 Kh7 12.Rae1 Nxd5 13.cxd5 Ne7 14.Rd1 a4 15.d4

up to 9.Nd5 as line 340

9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces. 9...Rb8 is more accurate.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6 and a7.
10…a5: Black saves the pawn on a7 by pushing it to a5.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and attacks a5 and h6.
11…Kh7: The king covers h6.
12.Rae1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
13.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and open the c-file.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
14.Rd1: The rook goes to d1.
14…a4: Black gains space on the queenside.
15.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.3).

Line 342: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 a5 7.a3 Nf6 8.b4 axb4 9.axb4 O-O 10.b5 Ne7 11.Nf3 h6 12.O-O Be6

up to 5.d3 as line 341

5…Nc6: Black develops the knight. With Rb1 your plan on the queenside begins.
6.Rb1: The rook supports b4 – the classic plan in the Closed English.
6…a5: Black slows down your b-pawn. With a3 you prepare b4 anyway.
7.a3: You prepare b4.
7…Nf6: Black develops. With b4 you open the b-file.
8.b4: The advance – after the exchange the b-file belongs to your rook.
8…axb4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the a-pawn.
9.axb4: The b-file is open. With b5 you drive away the knight on c6.
9…O-O: Black castles. Now b5 comes.
10.b5: The knight on c6 has to move – your space gain.
10…Ne7: The knight retreats. Your knight goes to f3, the king to safety.
11.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5. 11.Qb3 is a little more accurate.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces. 11...d5 is more accurate.
12.O-O: You castle. 12.Bb2 is just as good.
12…Be6: Transposition: the same position arises after 11.axb4 11...Be6 12.b5 12...Ne7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 343: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 a5 7.a3 Nf6 8.b4 axb4 9.axb4 O-O 10.b5 Nd4 11.e3 Ne6 12.Nge2 h5 13.O-O Re8 14.f4 h4 15.h3

up to 10.b5 as line 342

10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks b5 and e2.
11.e3: You attack the knight on d4. 11.h3 is just as good.
11…Ne6: The knight steps away to e6.
12.Nge2: You develop the knight.
12…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
14.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
14…h4: Black attacks g3.
15.h3: You keep the h-file closed. The position is level.

Line 344: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 a5 7.a3 f5 8.e3 Nf6 9.Nge2 O-O 10.O-O

up to 7.a3 as line 343

7…f5: Black attacks on the kingside. With e3 you hold d4 and f4.
8.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4 and f4.
8…Nf6: Black develops. Your knight goes to e2.
9.Nge2: The knight on e2 – your set-up is complete.
9…O-O: Black castles. You castle and then play b4.
10.O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...O-O 9.Rb1 9...a5 10.a3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 345: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 a5 7.a3 Nge7 8.b4 axb4 9.axb4 O-O 10.b5 Nd4 11.e3 Ne6 12.Nge2 Re8 13.O-O c6 14.Qc2 h5 15.e4

up to 7.a3 as line 344

7…Nge7: The knight goes to e7.
8.b4: You attack the pawn on a5. 8.e3 is a little more accurate.
8…axb4: Black trades on b4.
9.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
9…O-O: Black castles. 9...f5 is just as good.
10.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks b5 and e2.
11.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
11…Ne6: The knight steps away to e6.
12.Nge2: You develop the knight.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
14…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
15.e4: You gain space in the centre. The position is level.

Line 346: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 a5 7.a3 Nge7 8.b4 axb4 9.axb4 Nd4 10.e3 Ne6 11.Nge2 O-O 12.O-O c6 13.b5 h5 14.e4 Bd7 15.f4

up to 9.axb4 as line 345

9…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2. 9...f5 is just as good.
10.e3: You attack the knight on d4.
10…Ne6: The knight steps away to e6.
11.Nge2: You develop the knight.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.O-O: You castle.
12…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
13.b5: You attack the pawn on c6.
13…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
14.e4: You gain space in the centre.
14…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
15.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. The position is level.

Line 347: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 a5 7.a3 Be6 8.b4 axb4 9.axb4 Rb8 10.Nf3 h6 11.O-O Nf6 12.b5 Ne7 13.e4 O-O 14.Be3 c6 15.Qe2

up to 7.a3 as line 346

7…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. 7...Nge7 is more accurate.
8.b4: You attack the pawn on a5.
8…axb4: Black trades on b4.
9.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
10.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
10…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
12.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
12…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
13.e4: You gain space in the centre.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6.
14…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).

Line 348: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 f5 7.e3 Nf6 8.Nge2 O-O 9.O-O

up to 6.Rb1 as line 347

6…f5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – with e3 and b4 you use the lost time.
7.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4. Stockfish also mentions b4 at once.
7…Nf6: Black develops. Your knight goes to e2.
8.Nge2: The knight goes to e2. Now b4 follows.
8…O-O: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With b4 you gain space.
9.O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...Nf6 8.O-O 8...O-O 9.Rb1 – it goes on there. 9.b4 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 349: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 f5 7.e3 Nf6 8.Nge2 a5 9.a3

up to 8.Nge2 as line 348

8…a5: Black slows down your b-pawn. With a3 you prepare b4.
9.a3: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...f5 8.e3 8...Nf6 9.Nge2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 350: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 f5 7.e3 Nf6 8.Nge2 Be6 9.Nd5 a5 10.O-O O-O 11.b3 Nh5 12.Rb2 Qd7 13.d4 e4 14.f3 Ne7 15.fxe4

up to 8.Nge2 as line 349

8…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. 8...a5 is more accurate.
9.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f6 and c7. 9.b4 is just as good.
9…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.b3: You support c4.
11…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g3.
12.Rb2: The rook goes to b2 and guards the second rank.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
13.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
13…e4: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
14.f3: You attack the pawn on e4.
14…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
15.fxe4: You take on e4. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 351: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 Be6 7.b4 Qd7

up to 6.Rb1 as line 350

6…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With b4 you gain space at once.
7.b4: The b-pawn marches – the knight on c6 will soon be driven away.
7…Qd7: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Rb1 6...g6 7.b4 7...Bg7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 352: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nc6 6.Rb1 Nf6 7.b4 O-O 8.b5 Ne7 9.Nf3 a6 10.a4 d5 11.cxd5 Nexd5 12.Nxd5 Nxd5 13.Qc2 axb5 14.axb5 e4 15.dxe4

up to 6.Rb1 as line 351

6…Nf6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With b4 you gain space.
7.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
7…O-O: Black castles. Your b-pawn marches on.
8.b5: You attack the knight on c6. 8.e4 is a little more accurate.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. 8...Nd4 is a little more accurate.
9.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5. 9.e4 is more accurate.
9…a6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
10.a4: You support b5.
10…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5.
11…Nexd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
12.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
12…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c7.
13…axb5: Black takes on b5 and attacks a4.
14.axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn.
14…e4: Black attacks f3 and d3.
15.dxe4: You take on e4 and attack the knight on d5. The position is level.

Line 353: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Be6 8.O-O c6 9.Be3 c5 10.Nd5 Bg4 11.f3 Bd7 12.f4 exf4 13.gxf4 Nbc6 14.Bf2 Kh8 15.Rb1

up to 5.d3 as line 352

5…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 – Black keeps f5 free. With e4 you set up a centre.
6.e4: The Botvinnik set-up: c4 and e4 control d5 without needing d2–d4.
6…O-O: Black castles. Your knight goes to e2.
7.Nge2: The knight on e2 holds f4 and d4.
7…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. 7...c5 is more accurate.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.h4 is more accurate.
8…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 8...c5 is a little more accurate.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7. 9.Bg5 is just as good.
9…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
11.f3: You attack the bishop on g4.
11…Bd7: The bishop goes back to d7.
12.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
12…exf4: Black takes on f4.
13.gxf4: You recapture with the g-pawn and have a strong centre.
13…Nbc6: Black develops the knight.
14.Bf2: The bishop goes to f2 and attacks c5.
14…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 354: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O Be6

up to 7.Nge2 as line 353

7…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 7...c5 is more accurate.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.h4 is just as good.
8…Be6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...Be6 8.O-O 8...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 355: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbc6 8.O-O Be6 9.Nd5 Qd7 10.Be3 f5

up to 7.Nge2 as line 354

7…Nbc6: Black develops the knight. 7...c5 is a little more accurate.
8.O-O: Both have castled. With Nd5 and Be3 you keep building.
8…Be6: Black attacks c4. With Nd5 you occupy the square.
9.Nd5: The knight stands strongly on d5.
9…Qd7: Black connects the rooks. Your bishop goes to e3.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 – your set-up is complete.
10…f5: Transposition: the same position arises after 9.Nd5 9...Be6 10.Be3 10...Qd7 with the pawn on f5 – it goes on there. White is better (eval 0.54). (transposition)

Line 356: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbc6 8.O-O Be6 9.Nd5 Qd7 10.Be3 Nd4 11.Nxd4 exd4 12.Bd2 Nxd5 13.cxd5 Bg4 14.f3 Bh3 15.Bxh3

up to 10.Be3 as line 355

10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
11.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
11…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the bishop on e3.
12.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2.
12…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
13.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the bishop on e6.
13…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks your queen.
14.f3: You attack the bishop on g4.
14…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
15.Bxh3: You trade the bishops. White is better (eval 0.48).

Line 357: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbc6 8.O-O Be6 9.Nd5 f5

up to 9.Nd5 as line 356

9…f5: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...O-O 9.Nd5 9...Be6 with the pawn on f5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 358: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbc6 8.O-O f5

up to 8.O-O as line 357

8…f5: Transposition: the same position also arises with the knight developed via e7 first – it goes on there. Black attacks e4. (transposition)

Line 359: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbc6 8.O-O Nd4 9.Nxd4 exd4 10.Ne2 c6 11.a4 a5 12.b3 Qc7 13.Nf4 Bd7 14.Re1 Be5 15.Nh3

up to 8.O-O as line 358

8…Nd4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. The knight on d4 becomes a target after the trade.
9.Nxd4: You trade the knights on d4.
9…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
10.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4.
10…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 10...a5 is a little more accurate.
11.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…a5: Black holds up your a-pawn.
12.b3: You support c4.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
13.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks g6.
13…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Be5: The bishop goes to e5 and attacks the knight on f4.
15.Nh3: The knight steps away to h3. White is slightly better (eval 0.29).

Line 360: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbc6 8.O-O Bg4 9.h3 Bd7 10.Kh2 a6 11.a4 f5 12.f4 Nd4 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Nd5 Nxd5 15.cxd5

up to 8.O-O as line 359

8…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2. 8...f5 is more accurate.
9.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
9…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and attacks h3.
10.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
10…a6: Black prepares b5.
11.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
11…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
12.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
13.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
13…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7.
14…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
15.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn. The position is level.

Line 361: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 Nbc6 7.Nge2 O-O

up to 6.e4 as line 360

6…Nbc6: Black develops the knight. 6...c5 is a little more accurate.
7.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – your set-up stands.
7…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...O-O 7.Nge2 7...Nbc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 362: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 Nbc6 7.Nge2 Be6 8.Nd5 O-O 9.O-O

up to 7.Nge2 as line 361

7…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Nd5 you gain time.
8.Nd5: The knight occupies d5.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...Nbc6 8.O-O 8...Be6 9.Nd5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 363: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 Nbc6 7.Nge2 Be6 8.Nd5 h6 9.O-O O-O 10.Be3 Kh7 11.d4 Bg4 12.dxe5 Nxe5 13.h3 Bf3 14.Bxf3 Nxf3 15.Kg2

up to 8.Nd5 as line 362

8…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces. Stockfish prefers to castle.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6 and a7.
10…Kh7: The king covers h6.
11.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
11…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
12.dxe5: You take on e5.
12…Nxe5: The knight recaptures and attacks c4.
13.h3: You attack the bishop on g4.
13…Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and offers a trade.
14.Bxf3: You trade the bishops.
14…Nxf3: The knight recaptures with check.
15.Kg2: The king goes to g2 and attacks the knight on f3. White is somewhat better (eval 0.37).

Line 364: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Ne7 6.e4 c5 7.Rb1 Nbc6 8.a3 a6 9.b4 cxb4 10.axb4 b5 11.Nf3 Rb8 12.cxb5 axb5 13.Be3 O-O 14.O-O f5 15.Ne2

up to 6.e4 as line 363

6…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn and takes d4 away from you.
7.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
7…Nbc6: Black develops the knight.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…a6: Black prepares b5.
9.b4: You attack the pawn on c5.
9…cxb4: Black trades on b4.
10.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
10…b5: Black attacks c4.
11.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
12.cxb5: You take on b5.
12…axb5: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
15.Ne2: The knight goes to e2. The position is level.

Line 365: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O Nh5 9.Be3 Nd4 10.Qd2 Bh3 11.f3 Bxg2 12.Kxg2 f5 13.Bg5 Qd7 14.Nxd4 exd4 15.Ne2

up to 5.d3 as line 364

5…Nf6: Black develops the knight to f6. With e4 you build a centre.
6.e4: The centre with c4 and e4 takes d5 and e4 away from the knight on f6.
6…O-O: Black castles. 6...c5 is just as good.
7.Nge2: The knight goes to e2.
7…Nc6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle. Your plan: the bishop to e3, h3 and f2–f4.
8…Nh5: The knight aims at f4. With Be3 you cover the square.
9.Be3: The bishop covers f4 and d4.
9…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
10.Qd2: The queen goes to d2. 10.Bc1 is a little more accurate.
10…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers to trade your bishop on g2.
11.f3: You support the bishop on g2 with the f-pawn.
11…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops.
12.Kxg2: The king recaptures.
12…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8.
13…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
14.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
14…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
15.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 366: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O Nh5 9.Be3 f5 10.exf5 Bxf5 11.d4 Nf6 12.d5 Nb4 13.Bg5 a5 14.Ne4 b6 15.N2c3

up to 9.Be3 as line 365

9…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4. 9...Nd4 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.51).
10.exf5: You take on f5.
10…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and attacks d3.
11.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
11…Nf6: The knight returns to f6.
12.d5: You push on to d5 and attack the knight on c6.
12…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5 and a2.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
13…a5: Black gives the knight on b4 support.
14.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks f6 and d6.
14…b6: Black strengthens his queenside.
15.N2c3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.31).

Line 367: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O Be6 9.h3 Qd7 10.Kh2 Ne8 11.Bg5 f5 12.Nd5 Kh8 13.exf5 gxf5 14.Rc1 a5 15.Qd2

up to 8.O-O as line 366

8…Be6: Black attacks c4. With h3 and f2–f4 you prepare play on the kingside.
9.h3: A prophylactic move – you take g4 away from the bishop and the knight.
9…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 behind the bishop on e6; together they eye h3.
10.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
10…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and clears the way for the f-pawn. 10...Nh5 is just as good.
11.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5. 11.f4 is more accurate.
11…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7.
12…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
13.exf5: You take on f5 and attack e6 and g6.
13…gxf5: Black recaptures with the g-pawn.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4.
14…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and attacks a5. White is better (eval 0.47).

Line 368: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O Nd7 9.Be3 Nc5 10.d4 exd4 11.Nxd4 Ne5 12.b3 a5 13.h3 a4 14.Rb1 axb3 15.axb3

up to 8.O-O as line 367

8…Nd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight leaves the defence.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7. 9.f4 is more accurate.
9…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks d3 and e4. 9...Nd4 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.64).
10.d4: You strike with the d-pawn and attack the knight on c5.
10…exd4: Black takes on d4 and attacks c3 and e3.
11.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks c6.
11…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks c4.
12.b3: You support c4.
12…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.h3: You take g4 away from the knights.
13…a4: Black attacks b3.
14.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b3.
14…axb3: Black takes on b3.
15.axb3: You recapture with the a-pawn. White is better (eval 0.56).

Line 369: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O Ne8 9.h3 a5 10.b3 Bd7 11.Bb2 Qg5 12.Kh2 Qh6 13.Rb1 f5 14.exf5 gxf5 15.f4

up to 8.O-O as line 368

8…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and clears the way for the f-pawn. 8...Rb8 is a little more accurate.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
9…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
10.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
10…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
11…Qg5: The queen goes to g5 and attacks g3.
12.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers g3 and h3.
12…Qh6: The queen goes to h6 and attacks h3.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
13…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
14.exf5: You take on f5.
14…gxf5: Black recaptures with the g-pawn.
15.f4: You attack e5 and hold up f5. White is better (eval 0.45).

Line 370: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O a6 9.Rb1 Rb8 10.Bg5 h6 11.Be3 Kh7 12.h3 b5 13.Nd5 Ne7 14.Qd2 Nfxd5 15.cxd5

up to 8.O-O as line 369

8…a6: Black prepares b5. 8...Rb8 is just as good.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 9.Bg5 is just as good.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
10.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6.
10…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6.
11…Kh7: The king covers h6.
12.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
12…b5: Black attacks c4.
13.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f6 and c7.
13…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
14…Nfxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
15.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.26).

Line 371: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.O-O Nd4 9.Nxd4 exd4 10.Ne2 c5 11.h3 Bd7 12.a4 Bc6 13.Nf4 a6 14.Bd2 Nd7 15.a5

up to 8.O-O as line 370

8…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2. 8...Rb8 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.54).
9.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
9…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the knight on c3.
10.Ne2: The knight steps away to e2 and attacks d4.
10…c5: Black supports d4 with the c-pawn.
11.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
11…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
12.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and attacks a4 and e4.
13.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and eyes d5 and e6.
13…a6: Black holds up your a-pawn.
14.Bd2: You develop the bishop.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7.
15.a5: You gain space on the queenside. White is better (eval 0.49).

Line 372: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O a6 9.h3 b5 10.f4 exf4 11.Bxf4 Be6 12.Rc1 bxc4 13.dxc4 Bxc4 14.Qxd6 Qxd6 15.Bxd6

up to 7.Nge2 as line 371

7…c6: Black prepares …d5. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle. The pawns on e4 and c4 hold back …d5.
8…a6: Black plans …b5. With h3 and a2–a4 you hold against it.
9.h3: A quiet move – you take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
9…b5: Black attacks on the queenside. With a2–a3 and the bishop to e3 you stay stable.
10.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
10…exf4: Black takes on f4 and attacks g3.
11.Bxf4: The bishop recaptures and attacks d6.
11…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4 and h3.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the knight on c3.
12…bxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks d3.
13.dxc4: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file.
13…Bxc4: The bishop takes on c4 and attacks e2 and a2.
14.Qxd6: The queen takes the pawn on d6 and offers a queen trade.
14…Qxd6: Black trades the queens.
15.Bxd6: The bishop recaptures. White is slightly better (eval 0.13).

Line 373: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O Be6 9.h3 Qd7 10.Kh2 d5 11.exd5 cxd5 12.d4

up to 8.O-O as line 372

8…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. 8...a6 is a little more accurate.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. 9.b3 is just as good.
9…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 behind the bishop on e6; together they eye h3. 9...c5 is just as good.
10.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
10…d5: A common mistake: the push opens the centre in your favour. 10...b5 is correct; after 11.exd5 White is clearly better (eval 1.4).
11.exd5: You take on d5 and attack c6 and e6.
11…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn and attacks c4.
12.d4: You attack e5 and open the centre. White is clearly better (eval 1.43).

Line 374: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O Nbd7 9.h3 a6 10.a4 a5 11.f4 Nc5 12.Be3 Nfd7 13.f5 b6 14.Kh2 Ra7 15.Rb1

up to 8.O-O as line 373

8…Nbd7: Inaccurate: the knight blocks the bishop on c8. 8...a6 is better; White is better (eval 0.67).
9.h3: You take g4 away from the pieces and prepare f2–f4.
9…a6: Black prepares b5. 9...Nh5 is more accurate.
10.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
10…a5: Black holds up your a-pawn.
11.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
11…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks a4, d3 and e4.
12.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the knight on c5.
12…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5.
13.f5: You gain space on the kingside and attack g6.
13…b6: Black supports c5.
14.Kh2: The king goes to h2.
14…Ra7: The rook comes to the seventh rank via a7.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. White is better (eval 0.52).

Line 375: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O Nbd7 9.h3 a5 10.Be3 Rb8 11.Ba7 Ra8 12.Be3

up to 9.h3 as line 374

9…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 9...Nh5 is more accurate.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and attacks the rook on b8.
11…Ra8: The rook steps away to a8 and attacks the bishop on a7.
12.Be3: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...Nbd7 9.h3 9...a5 10.Be3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 376: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O Na6 9.h3 Nc7 10.f4 b5 11.Be3 exf4 12.gxf4 b4 13.Na4 Nh5 14.Qd2 c5 15.a3

up to 8.O-O as line 375

8…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6, and heads for c7. 8...a6 is a little more accurate.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
9…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and supports b5 and d5.
10.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. 10.d4 is more accurate.
10…b5: Black attacks c4.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7.
11…exf4: Black takes on f4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
12.gxf4: You recapture with the g-pawn.
12…b4: Black attacks the knight on c3.
13.Na4: The knight steps away to the edge, to a4.
13…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks f4.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and attacks b4.
14…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
15.a3: You attack the pawn on b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.07).

Line 377: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 c6 8.O-O a5 9.h3 c5 10.Be3 Nc6 11.a4 Bd7 12.Nb5 Ne8 13.Kh2 b6 14.Nec3 Rb8 15.Qd2

up to 8.O-O as line 376

8…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 8...a6 is just as good.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. 9.Bg5 is just as good.
9…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
11.a4: You hold up Black's a-pawn.
11…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
12.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks d6.
12…Ne8: The knight goes to e8 and covers d6.
13.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
13…b6: Black supports c5.
14.Nec3: The knight goes to c3.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and takes up the b-file.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and connects the rooks. White is slightly better (eval 0.27).

Line 378: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Be6 8.O-O Qd7 9.f4 Bh3 10.f5 Bxg2 11.Kxg2 c6 12.h3

up to 7.Nge2 as line 377

7…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. 7...c5 is just as good.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Qd7: Black plans the bishop trade on h3. With f2–f4 you attack on the kingside.
9.f4: The break against e5 – your pieces become active on the kingside.
9…Bh3: A common mistake: after 10.f5 the bishop runs out of time. 9...Nc6 is correct; White is clearly better (eval 1.67).
10.f5: You push the f-pawn and attack g6.
10…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops on g2.
11.Kxg2: The king recaptures.
11…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 11...Kh8 is a little more accurate.
12.h3: You prepare g4. White is clearly better (eval 1.76).

Line 379: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Be6 8.O-O Qd7 9.f4 Nc6 10.Nd5 Ne8 11.Be3 Kh8 12.Bd2 exf4 13.Ndxf4 Bg4 14.Qe1 Bxe2 15.Qxe2

up to 9.f4 as line 378

9…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f6 and c7. 10.Qd2 is more accurate.
10…Ne8: The knight goes back to e8. 10...Bg4 is more accurate.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks a7. 11.Ne3 is a little more accurate.
11…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
12.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
12…exf4: Black takes on f4.
13.Ndxf4: The knight on d5 recaptures and attacks e6 and g6.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
14.Qe1: The queen goes to e1 and covers e2.
14…Bxe2: Black trades the bishop for the knight on e2.
15.Qxe2: The queen recaptures. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 380: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Be6 8.O-O Qd7 9.f4 Nc6 10.Nd5 Bg4 11.Ne3 Bxe2 12.Qxe2 exf4 13.gxf4 Nd4 14.Qf2 Ng4 15.Nxg4

up to 10.Nd5 as line 379

10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
11.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks the bishop on g4.
11…Bxe2: Black trades the bishop for the knight on e2.
12.Qxe2: The queen recaptures.
12…exf4: Black takes on f4 and attacks e3 and g3.
13.gxf4: You recapture with the g-pawn.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
14.Qf2: The queen steps away to f2.
14…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the queen on f2.
15.Nxg4: You trade the knights. The position is level.

Line 381: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Be6 8.O-O c6

up to 8.O-O as line 380

8…c6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...c6 8.O-O 8...Be6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 382: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Be6 8.O-O Qc8 9.f4 Nc6 10.Qd2 Bd7 11.b3 Nd4 12.Rb1 Nxe2 13.Nxe2 b5 14.f5 Rb8 15.Rb2

up to 8.O-O as line 381

8…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 behind the bishop on e6; together they eye h3. 8...Qd7 is a little more accurate.
9.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file. 9.Bg5 is just as good.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
10.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
10…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7.
11.b3: You support c4.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and b3.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
12…Nxe2: Black trades on e2 with check.
13.Nxe2: The knight recaptures.
13…b5: Black attacks c4.
14.f5: You gain space on the kingside and attack g6.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
15.Rb2: The rook goes to b2. White is better (eval 0.45).

Line 383: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 Nbd7 8.O-O c6

up to 7.Nge2 as line 382

7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...c5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.56).
8.O-O: You castle.
8…c6: Transposition: the same position arises after 7...c6 8.O-O 8...Nbd7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 384: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 O-O

up to 6.e4 as line 383

6…Nc6: Black develops the knight. 6...c5 is more accurate.
7.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – your set-up stands.
7…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...O-O 7.Nge2 7...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 385: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Be6 8.Bg5 h6 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O Kh7 11.h3 Qd7 12.Kh2 Ng8 13.Nd5 Rae8 14.Qa4 f5 15.Rae1

up to 7.Nge2 as line 384

7…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4. Stockfish prefers to castle.
8.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6. 8.h3 is just as good.
8…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6 and a7.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…Kh7: The king covers h6.
11.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 behind the bishop on e6; together they eye h3.
12.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
12…Ng8: The knight goes to g8 and clears the way for the f-pawn.
13.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7.
13…Rae8: The rook goes to e8.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7 and c6.
14…f5: Black attacks the pawn on e4.
15.Rae1: The rook goes to e1. White is slightly better (eval 0.25).

Line 386: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Nd7 8.O-O Nc5 9.f4 Bg4 10.Be3 Nd4 11.h3 Bxe2 12.Nxe2 a5 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Bf2 O-O 15.h4

up to 7.Nge2 as line 385

7…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and heads for c5. Stockfish prefers to castle.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks d3 and e4. 8...Nd4 is just as good.
9.f4: You attack e5 and open the f-file.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the knight on c5.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
11.h3: You attack the bishop on g4.
11…Bxe2: Black trades the bishop for the knight on e2.
12.Nxe2: The knight recaptures and attacks d4.
12…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
13.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
13…exd4: Black recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the bishop on e3.
14.Bf2: The bishop steps away to f2 and attacks d4.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34): the bishop pair.

Line 387: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O Qe8 8.c5 Nc6 9.b4 Kh8 10.Rb1 Nd4 11.b5 h6 12.cxd6 Bxd6 13.Qa4 Nxf3 14.Bxf3 Qe7 15.Qh4

up to 3.g3 as line 386

3…f5: Black attacks on the kingside at once. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop aims at the queenside.
4…Nf6: Black develops. With d3 you hold e4.
5.d3: You cover e4 – the advance e5–e4 is made harder.
5…Be7: Black develops the bishop. Your knight goes to f3.
6.Nf3: The knight attacks e5. Stockfish also mentions b4 at once.
6…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
7.O-O: Both have castled. With b4 your plan begins.
7…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for h5. 7...a5 is a little more accurate.
8.c5: You attack d6. 8.b4 is more accurate; Black is now slightly better (eval -0.1).
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
9.b4: You support c5.
9…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f3 and e2.
11.b5: You push on to b5.
11…h6: Black gives his king some air.
12.cxd6: You take on d6.
12…Bxd6: The bishop recaptures.
13.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks the knight on d4 and the pawn on a7.
13…Nxf3: Black trades on f3 with check.
14.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
15.Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and attacks h6 and the knight on f6. The position is level.

Line 388: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O c6 8.b4 Kh8 9.a4 a6 10.Ba3 Be6 11.b5 Qc7 12.Qc2 Nbd7 13.Rfb1 axb5 14.axb5 Rfe8 15.Nd2

up to 7.O-O as line 387

7…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces. 7...a5 is more accurate.
8.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
8…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
9.a4: You support b5.
9…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
10.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and supports b5.
10…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
11.b5: You attack a6 and c6.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c4.
12…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
13.Rfb1: The rook goes to b1.
13…axb5: Black takes on b5.
14.axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn and attack c6.
14…Rfe8: The rook goes to e8.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2. White is slightly better (eval 0.2).

Line 389: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O a5 8.h3 Na6 9.a3 Nc5 10.d4 exd4 11.Nxd4 a4 12.Qc2 c6 13.Nxf5 Bxf5 14.Qxf5 Nfe4 15.Qh5

up to 7.O-O as line 388

7…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. 8.e4 is a little more accurate.
8…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6, and heads for c5.
9.a3: You take b4 away from the knight.
9…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks d3.
10.d4: You strike with the d-pawn and attack the knight on c5 and e5.
10…exd4: Black takes on d4 and attacks the knight on c3.
11.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks f5.
11…a4: Black gains space on the queenside.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks a4 and f5.
12…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
13.Nxf5: The knight takes on f5.
13…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and attacks your queen.
14.Qxf5: The queen takes the bishop on f5.
14…Nfe4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3, f2 and g3.
15.Qh5: The queen goes to h5. The position is level.

Line 390: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O Kh8 8.b4 a6 9.Bb2 Qe8 10.a3 c6 11.Re1 a5 12.e4 fxe4 13.Nxe4 Nxe4 14.Rxe4 Bf5 15.Re3

up to 7.O-O as line 389

7…Kh8: The king goes to the corner. 7...a5 is more accurate.
8.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
8…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
9…Qe8: The queen goes to e8.
10.a3: You support b4.
10…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares e4.
11…a5: Black attacks the pawn on b4.
12.e4: You attack the pawn on f5.
12…fxe4: Black takes on e4.
13.Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks f6.
13…Nxe4: Black trades the knights.
14.Rxe4: The rook recaptures and attacks e5.
14…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the rook on e4.
15.Re3: The rook steps away to e3. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 391: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 g6 6.e4 Bg7

up to 5.d3 as line 390

5…g6: Black fianchettoes. With e4 you block the f-pawn.
6.e4: The pawn on e4 slows the f-pawn. Stockfish also mentions b4.
6…Bg7: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...f5 6.e4 6...Nf6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 392: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 g6 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nge2 Bg7

up to 6.e4 as line 391

6…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
7.Nge2: You develop the knight.
7…Bg7: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...Nf6 7.Nge2 7...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 393: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Nf6 5.d3 c6 6.Nf3 Be7 7.O-O O-O

up to 5.d3 as line 392

5…c6: Black prepares …d5. With e4 or b4 you stay active.
6.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
6…Be7: Black develops the bishop and gets ready to castle.
7.O-O: You castle. 7.b4 is more accurate.
7…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...O-O 7.O-O 7...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 394: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 Be6 4.Bg2 c6 5.d3 Nf6 6.Nf3 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.b3 Nbd7 9.d4 Re8 10.e4 Bg4 11.h3 Bxf3 12.Bxf3 Qa5 13.Bb2 g6 14.d5 cxd5 15.Nxd5

up to 3.g3 as line 393

3…Be6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish: the bishop attacks c4, but after Bg2 it is missing on the kingside.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2. Stockfish also mentions the knight to f3.
4…c6: Black covers d5. With d3 you build quietly.
5.d3: You cover c4 and e4 – your set-up is stable.
5…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
6.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
6…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.b3: You prepare d4 and support c4.
8…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and supports e5.
9.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
10.e4: You gain space in the centre.
10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
11.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
11…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
12.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures; you have the bishop pair.
12…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks the knight on c3.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and covers c3.
13…g6: Black supports f5.
14.d5: You push on to d5 and attack c6.
14…cxd5: Black takes on d5.
15.Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks e7 and f6. White is better (eval 0.44).

Line 395: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 Be6 4.Bg2 c6 5.d3 g6 6.Nf3 Bg7 7.Qb3 Bc8 8.Qa3 Nf6 9.O-O O-O 10.b4 h6 11.b5 Re8 12.Be3 d5 13.bxc6 bxc6 14.d4 e4 15.Ne5

up to 5.d3 as line 394

5…g6: Black prepares Bg7. 5...Nf6 is just as good.
6.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
6…Bg7: Black puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
7.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7.
7…Bc8: The bishop goes back to c8 and covers b7.
8.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks a7 and d6.
8…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
10…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
11.b5: You attack the pawn on c6.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
12.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6 and a7.
12…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
13.bxc6: You take on c6.
13…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
14.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn.
14…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
15.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6, f7 and g6. White is better (eval 0.59).

Line 396: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 Be6 4.Bg2 c6 5.d3 Be7 6.Nf3 Nf6

up to 5.d3 as line 395

5…Be7: Black develops the bishop to e7. 5...Nf6 is just as good.
6.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
6…Nf6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...Nf6 6.Nf3 6...Be7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 397: 1…e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 Be6 4.Bg2 Nc6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 396

4…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 3.g3 3...d6 4.Bg2 4...Be6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 398: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Be7 4.Nf3 d6 5.g3 Nf6 6.Nc3 c5 7.Bg2 h6 8.d3 Nc6 9.O-O Be6 10.e4 Rb8 11.a4 a6 12.Bd2 O-O 13.h3 b6 14.Kh2 Re8 15.Rb1

up to 2.Nc3 as line 397

2…Bb4: The Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack: Black wants to exchange the knight on c3.
3.Nd5: The knight steps to d5, attacks the bishop and occupies the key square.
3…Be7: The bishop retreats. With Nf3 you develop.
4.Nf3: The knight attacks e5.
4…d6: Black covers e5. With g3 and the bishop to g2 you build up.
5.g3: You prepare Bg2.
5…Nf6: Black develops the knight and attacks the knight on d5.
6.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3.
6…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
7…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Be6: Black develops the bishop and attacks c4.
10.e4: You gain space in the centre.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
11…a6: Black prepares b5 once more.
12.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and attacks h6.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
13…b6: Black supports c5.
14.Kh2: The king goes to h2.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. The position is level.

Line 399: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 4.Nf3 c6 5.Nc3 d6 6.e3 Bb4 7.Qc2 Nf6 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O Bg4 10.d3 Re8 11.h3 Bh5 12.a3 Bxc3 13.Qxc3 a5 14.b3 c5 15.Bb2

up to 3.Nd5 as line 398

3…Bc5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the bishop stands shakily on c5. Your knight goes to f3.
4.Nf3: The knight attacks e5. Stockfish also mentions e3 with b4.
4…c6: Black drives away the knight on d5. It returns to c3.
5.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3 – Black has weakened his position with …c6.
5…d6: Black supports e5. With e3 you take the diagonal away from the bishop on c5.
6.e3: The pawn on e3 stops the bishop and prepares d3–d4 via d3.
6…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and attacks the knight on c3.
7.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers the knight on c3.
7…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
8.Be2: You develop the bishop.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
11.h3: You put the question to the bishop on g4.
11…Bh5: The bishop steps away to h5.
12.a3: You attack the bishop on b4.
12…Bxc3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on c3.
13.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and attacks e5.
13…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
14.b3: You support c4 and prepare a bishop on b2.
14…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
15.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the queen. The position is level.

Line 400: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 4.Nf3 c6 5.Nc3 d6 6.e3 Qe7 7.Be2 e4 8.Nd4 Nf6 9.O-O O-O 10.a3 d5 11.cxd5 cxd5 12.Ndb5 a6 13.b4 Bb6 14.Na4 Bd8 15.Nd4

up to 6.e3 as line 399

6…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e5. 6...Bb4 is a little more accurate.
7.Be2: You develop the bishop and get ready to castle.
7…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
8.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6.
8…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.a3: You prepare b4.
10…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5.
11…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
12.Ndb5: The knight on d4 jumps to b5 and attacks a7.
12…a6: Black attacks the knight on b5.
13.b4: You attack the bishop on c5.
13…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 and aims at e3.
14.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the bishop on b6.
14…Bd8: The bishop goes back to d8.
15.Nd4: The knight returns to d4. The position is level.

Line 401: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 4.Nf3 c6 5.Nc3 Qe7 6.e3 d6

up to 5.Nc3 as line 400

5…Qe7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With e3 and d2–d3 you build quietly.
6.e3: You keep d4 under control.
6…d6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.Nc3 5...d6 6.e3 6...Qe7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 402: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Bc5 4.Nf3 e4 5.Ng5 e3 6.f4 c6 7.Nxe3 d5 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.Nc2 Be7 10.Nf3 Nf6 11.e3 O-O 12.Be2 Nc6 13.O-O Bc5 14.Bb5 Bb6 15.d3

up to 4.Nf3 as line 401

4…e4: A mistake according to Stockfish: the pawn on e4 becomes a target.
5.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks e4 and f7. White is better (eval 0.6).
5…e3: Black pushes to e3 and threatens mate on f2.
6.f4: You push the f-pawn; there is no mate on f2 any more.
6…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
7.Nxe3: The knight takes the pawn on e3.
7…d5: Black attacks c4.
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
9.Nc2: The knight goes to c2.
9…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and attacks the knight on g5.
10.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3.
10…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
11.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Be2: You develop the bishop.
12…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at e3.
14.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and attacks the knight on c6.
14…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
15.d3: You keep e4 under control. White is better (eval 0.6).

Line 403: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 a5 4.a3 Be7 5.Nf3 d6 6.b3 Nf6 7.Nxe7 Qxe7 8.e3 c5 9.Bb2 Nc6 10.d3 d5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Be2 O-O 13.O-O b6 14.Re1 Bb7 15.Qc2

up to 3.Nd5 as line 402

3…a5: Black keeps a7 open for the bishop – inaccurate according to Stockfish.
4.a3: You question the bishop.
4…Be7: The bishop retreats. You keep developing.
5.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
5…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
6.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
6…Nf6: Black develops the knight and attacks the knight on d5.
7.Nxe7: You trade the knight for the bishop on e7.
7…Qxe7: The queen recaptures.
8.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1.
8…c5: Black takes d4 away from you.
9.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks e5.
9…Nc6: Black develops the knight and covers e5.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5.
11…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks e3.
12.Be2: You develop the bishop.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c5. The position is level.

Line 404: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 a5 4.a3 Bc5 5.e3 Ba7 6.Nf3 d6 7.b4 c6 8.Nc3 Nf6 9.b5 Bf5 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.O-O O-O 12.bxc6 bxc6 13.Nh4 Be6 14.Nf3 e4 15.Nd4

up to 4.a3 as line 403

4…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2. 4...Be7 is just as good.
5.e3: You open the way for the bishop on f1 and block the bishop on c5.
5…Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and aims at e3.
6.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
6…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
7.b4: You attack the pawn on a5.
7…c6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
8.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3.
8…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
9.b5: You push on to b5 and attack c6.
9…Bf5: Black develops the bishop.
10.Be2: You develop the bishop.
10…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.bxc6: You take on c6.
12…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
13.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and attacks the bishop on f5. Black is slightly better (eval -0.2).
13…Be6: The bishop steps away to e6 and attacks c4.
14.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and attacks e5.
14…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
15.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6 and e6. The position is level.

Line 405: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Ba5 4.b4 c6 5.bxa5 cxd5 6.cxd5 Qxa5 7.e4 Nf6 8.f3 d6 9.Ne2 O-O 10.Kf2

up to 3.Nd5 as line 404

3…Ba5: A big mistake according to Stockfish: the bishop stands offside on a5. With b4 you attack it at once.
4.b4: The pawn attacks the bishop. Black usually answers with the counterattack …c6 on the knight on d5.
4…c6: Black attacks the knight. You take the bishop – then both sides trade a piece.
5.bxa5: You take the bishop; Black takes the knight next. Material stays level, but Stockfish sees you about a pawn ahead – because of your strong pawn centre and Black's weaknesses.
5…cxd5: Black takes the knight. You recapture with the c-pawn.
6.cxd5: Knight traded for bishop, material is level. Your pawn on d5 takes a lot of space away from Black – that is the gain of the trap.
6…Qxa5: Black wins back the pawn on a5. With e4 you support d5 and develop.
7.e4: The pawn supports d5. With the space advantage and the bishop pair, White stands clearly better according to Stockfish.
7…Nf6: Black attacks e4. With f3 you cover it.
8.f3: The pawn covers e4 – your centre stands firm.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. White is clearly better (eval 1.25): the bishop pair and the centre.
9.Ne2: You develop the knight. 9.Kf2 is just as good.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Kf2: The king goes to f2 and connects the rooks. White is clearly better (eval 1.23).

Line 406: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Ba5 4.b4 c6 5.bxa5 cxd5 6.cxd5 Qxa5 7.e4 Nf6 8.f3 O-O 9.Kf2

up to 8.f3 as line 405

8…O-O: Black castles. 8...d6 is just as good; White is clearly better (eval 1.31).
9.Kf2: The king goes to f2 and connects the rooks. White is clearly better (eval 1.26).

Line 407: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Ba5 4.b4 c6 5.bxa5 cxd5 6.cxd5 Qxa5 7.e4 d6 8.a4

up to 7.e4 as line 406

7…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 7...Nf6 is just as good; White is clearly better (eval 1.11).
8.a4: You gain space on the queenside. White is clearly better (eval 1.25).

Line 408: 1…e5 2.Nc3 Bb4 3.Nd5 Ba5 4.b4 c6 5.bxa5 cxd5 6.cxd5 Nf6 7.Qa4 O-O 8.e4 d6 9.Ba3

up to 6.cxd5 as line 407

6…Nf6: Black develops instead of collecting the pawn on a5. Your centre keeps giving you the advantage.
7.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks d7. 7.e4 is more accurate.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.e4: You gain space in the centre. 8.Ba3 is just as good.
8…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
9.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks d6. White is clearly better (eval 0.83).

Line 409: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nc3

up to 1…e5 as line 408

2.g3: You fianchetto the bishop – the closed English against 1...e5.
2…Nf6: Black develops the knight and attacks e4.
3.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and aims at b7.
3…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4. 3...c6 is just as good.
4.cxd5: You trade on d5.
4…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight.
5.Nc3: Transposition: the same position arises after 3...Nxd5 4.g3 4...e5 5.Bg2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 410: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 d5 6.cxd5 Qxd5 7.Nc2 Qh5 8.h3 Qg6 9.Nc3 Bd6 10.h4 h5 11.d3 exd3 12.O-O Na6 13.Qxd3 Qxd3 14.exd3 O-O 15.d4

up to 3.Bg2 as line 409

3…c6: Black prepares d5.
4.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
4…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
5.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6.
5…d5: Black attacks c4. 5...Qb6 is just as good.
6.cxd5: You trade on d5. 6.d3 is just as good.
6…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks d4 and a2.
7.Nc2: The knight steps away to c2. 7.e3 is more accurate.
7…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks e2 and h2.
8.h3: You cover g4.
8…Qg6: The queen goes to g6 and attacks g3.
9.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack e4.
9…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and attacks g3.
10.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
10…h5: Black holds up the h-pawn.
11.d3: You attack the pawn on e4.
11…exd3: Black takes on d3 and attacks c2 and e2.
12.O-O: You castle and leave the pawn on d3 for now.
12…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6.
13.Qxd3: The queen takes the pawn on d3 and offers a queen trade.
13…Qxd3: Black trades the queens.
14.exd3: You recapture with the e-pawn.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.d4: You gain space in the centre. The position is level.

Line 411: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 d5 6.cxd5 Qxd5 7.Nc2 Qh5 8.h3 Qg6 9.Nc3 Bc5 10.b4 Bb6 11.a4 O-O 12.a5 Bc7 13.Ne3 Re8 14.O-O Nh5 15.Qc2

up to 9.Nc3 as line 410

9…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2. 9...Bd6 is just as good.
10.b4: You attack the bishop on c5.
10…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
11.a4: You attack the bishop with the a-pawn.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.a5: You attack the bishop on b6.
12…Bc7: The bishop goes to c7 and attacks g3.
13.Ne3: The knight goes to e3.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e4.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g3.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks e4. The position is level.

Line 412: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 d5 6.cxd5 Qxd5 7.Nc2 Qh5 8.h3 Bc5 9.b4 Bb6 10.Nc3 Qg6

up to 8.h3 as line 411

8…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2. 8...Qg6 is just as good.
9.b4: You attack the bishop on c5.
9…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
10.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack e4.
10…Qg6: Transposition: the same position arises after 9.Nc3 9...Bc5 10.b4 10...Bb6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 413: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 d5 6.cxd5 cxd5 7.O-O Nc6 8.Nxc6 bxc6 9.Qc2 Bd7 10.Nc3 Be7 11.d3 exd3 12.Qxd3 O-O 13.e4 Be6 14.exd5 Nxd5 15.Nxd5

up to 6.cxd5 as line 412

6…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn. 6...Qb6 is more accurate.
7.O-O: You castle. 7.d3 is more accurate.
7…Nc6: Black develops the knight and attacks the knight on d4.
8.Nxc6: You trade the knights.
8…bxc6: Black recaptures with the b-pawn.
9.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c6 and e4.
9…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers c6.
10.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5 and e4.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
11.d3: You attack the pawn on e4.
11…exd3: Black takes on d3 and attacks c2 and e2.
12.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and attacks d5.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.e4: You attack the pawn on d5.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5.
14.exd5: You take on d5.
14…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
15.Nxd5: You trade the knights. The position is level.

Line 414: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 Qb6 6.Nc2 d5 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.d3 Nc6 9.O-O Be7 10.Nc3 O-O 11.dxe4 dxe4 12.Ne3 Rd8 13.Ned5 Nxd5 14.Nxd5 Qc5 15.Bxe4

up to 5.Nd4 as line 413

5…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the knight on d4 and the pawn on b2.
6.Nc2: The knight steps away to c2. 6.e3 is more accurate.
6…d5: Black attacks c4.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5.
7…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
8.d3: You attack the pawn on e4.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
10.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5 and e4.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.dxe4: You take on e4.
11…dxe4: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
12.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and heads for d5.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file and attacks your queen.
13.Ned5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the queen on b6.
13…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
14.Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks e7 and b6.
14…Qc5: The queen goes to c5 and attacks the knight on d5.
15.Bxe4: The bishop takes on e4 and covers the knight on d5. The position is level.

Line 415: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.Nf3 d6 5.O-O Be7 6.d3 O-O 7.Nc3

up to 4.Nf3 as line 414

4…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 4...e4 is more accurate.
5.O-O: You castle.
5…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
6.d3: You keep e4 under control.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.Nc3: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...O-O 6.O-O 6...c6 7.d3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 416: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 O-O 5.e3 Re8 6.Nge2 Nc6

up to 3.Bg2 as line 415

3…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2. 3...c6 is just as good.
4.Nc3: You develop the knight. 4.d3 is just as good.
4…O-O: Black castles. 4...c6 is a little more accurate.
5.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2. 5.Nf3 is more accurate.
5…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5. 5...c6 is a little more accurate.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.e3 5...O-O 6.Nge2 6...Re8 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 417: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 O-O 5.e3 Re8 6.Nge2 d6 7.h3 c6 8.O-O d5 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Nxd5 cxd5 11.Nc3 d4 12.Ne4 Be7 13.exd4 Qxd4 14.d3 Nc6 15.Be3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 416

6…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
7.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
7…c6: Black prepares d5.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
9.cxd5: You trade on d5.
9…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
10.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
10…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
11.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks d5. Black is now slightly better (eval -0.15).
11…d4: Black pushes on to d4 and attacks the knight on c3.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks the bishop on c5.
12…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7.
13.exd4: You take on d4.
13…Qxd4: The queen recaptures and attacks b2, d2 and e4.
14.d3: You cover the knight on e4 with the d-pawn.
14…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks the queen on d4. The position is level.

Line 418: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 O-O 5.e3 Nc6

up to 5.e3 as line 417

5…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 4.Bg2 4...Bc5 5.e3 5...O-O – it goes on there. 5...c6 is more accurate. (transposition)

Line 419: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 O-O 5.e3 c6 6.Nge2 d5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd5 cxd5 9.O-O d4 10.a3 Nc6 11.b4 Bb6 12.Bb2 Re8 13.Rc1 Bg4 14.h3 Bf5 15.exd4

up to 5.e3 as line 418

5…c6: Black prepares d5.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5.
7…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
8.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
8…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…d4: Black gains space with the d-pawn.
10.a3: You prepare b4.
10…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
11.b4: You attack the bishop on c5.
11…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks d4.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks the knight on c6.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
14.h3: You attack the bishop on g4.
14…Bf5: The bishop steps away to f5.
15.exd4: You take on d4. The position is level.

Line 420: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 O-O 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Re8

up to 5.e3 as line 419

5…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 5...c6 is more accurate.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…Re8: Transposition: the same position arises after 5.e3 5...Re8 6.Nge2 6...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 421: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 O-O

up to 4.Nc3 as line 420

4…c6: Black prepares d5 – the Keres system.
5.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2. 5.Nf3 is more accurate.
5…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...O-O 5.e3 5...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 422: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 d5 6.cxd5 O-O 7.Nge2

up to 5.e3 as line 421

5…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4. 5...Bb6 is just as good.
6.cxd5: You trade on d5.
6…O-O: Black castles and leaves the pawn on d5 for now.
7.Nge2: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...c6 6.Nge2 6...d5 7.cxd5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 423: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 Nc6

up to 4.Nc3 as line 422

4…Nc6: Transposition: the same position arises after 3.g3 3...Nf6 4.Bg2 4...Bc5 – it goes on there. 4...c6 is more accurate. (transposition)

Line 424: 1…e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 d6 5.e3 O-O

up to 4.Nc3 as line 423

4…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 4...c6 is more accurate.
5.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2. 5.b4 is a little more accurate.
5…O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...O-O 5.e3 5...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 425: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 a6 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Ba7 7.b3 Nge7 8.Bb2 h5 9.h4 Bg4 10.Nd5 Nxd5 11.cxd5 Nb4 12.Qb1 c6 13.Nc3 Qd7 14.O-O O-O 15.dxc6

up to 2.g3 as line 424

2…Nc6: Black develops the knight and covers e5. 2...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
3.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and aims at c6. 3.Nc3 is just as good.
3…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2. 3...g6 is a little more accurate.
4.Nc3: You develop the knight.
4…a6: Inaccurate: Black loses time on the queenside. 4...Nf6 is better; White is better (eval 0.59).
5.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2 and prepare d4.
5…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and aims at e3.
7.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2. 7.h3 is just as good.
7…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 7...h5 is just as good.
8.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. 8.h3 is more accurate.
8…h5: Black gains space on the kingside.
9.h4: You hold up Black's h-pawn.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and c7.
10…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
11.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c6.
11…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5 and a2.
12.Qb1: The queen goes to b1 and covers a2.
12…c6: Black attacks the pawn on d5.
13.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers d5.
13…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.dxc6: You take on c6. The position is level.

Line 426: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 a6 5.e3 Nge7 6.Nge2 Ba7 7.O-O d6 8.h3 O-O 9.Kh2 Bd7 10.b3 Rb8 11.d3 b5 12.Bb2 Ng6 13.Nd5 Nce7 14.Nxe7 Nxe7 15.d4

up to 5.e3 as line 425

5…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 5...Nf6 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.68).
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…Ba7: The bishop goes to a7 and aims at e3.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3.
9…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and attacks h3.
10.b3: You support c4.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…b5: Black attacks c4.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
12…Ng6: The knight goes to g6.
13.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7.
13…Nce7: The knight goes to e7 and attacks d5.
14.Nxe7: You trade on e7 with check.
14…Nxe7: The knight recaptures.
15.d4: You strike in the centre with the d-pawn. White is better (eval 0.42).

Line 427: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 d6 5.e3 a6

up to 4.Nc3 as line 426

4…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 4...Nf6 is more accurate.
5.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2.
5…a6: Transposition: the same position arises after 4...a6 5.e3 5...d6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 428: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 d6 5.e3 Nge7 6.Nge2 O-O 7.O-O a6 8.h3 Ba7

up to 5.e3 as line 427

5…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 5...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…a6: Black gives the bishop the a7 square.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
8…Ba7: Transposition: the same position arises after 7.O-O 7...d6 8.h3 8...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 429: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 Nf6

up to 4.Nc3 as line 428

4…Nf6: Transposition: the same position arises after 3.g3 3...Nf6 4.Bg2 4...Bc5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 430: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 Nge7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 d5 7.cxd5 Nb4 8.O-O Nbxd5 9.Na4 Bd6 10.e4 Nb6 11.Nxb6 axb6 12.d3 Bc5 13.Be3 Bxe3 14.fxe3 b5 15.Qb3

up to 4.Nc3 as line 429

4…Nge7: The knight goes to e7. 4...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
5.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2. 5.Nf3 is just as good.
5…O-O: Black castles.
6.Nge2: You develop the knight.
6…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
7.cxd5: You trade on d5.
7…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5 and a2.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Nbxd5: The knight takes on d5 and attacks c3 and e3.
9.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the bishop on c5.
9…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6.
10.e4: You attack the knight on d5.
10…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks the knight on a4.
11.Nxb6: You trade the knights.
11…axb6: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
12.d3: You keep the position solid. Black is now better (eval -0.76): the bishop pair and the open a-file.
12…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and offers a trade.
13…Bxe3: Black trades the bishops on e3.
14.fxe3: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file.
14…b5: Black gains space on the queenside.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b5 and f7. Black is better (eval -0.55).

Line 431: 1…e5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 Bc5 4.Nc3 Nge7 5.Nf3 d6 6.e3 O-O 7.O-O Bb6 8.a3 a5 9.b3 f6 10.d3 Qe8 11.h3 Qh5 12.Nh2 Qf7 13.Rb1 Be6 14.b4 Nd8 15.Nf3

up to 4…Nge7 as line 430

5.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
5…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn.
6.e3: You block the bishop on c5's diagonal to f2.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.b3: You support c4.
9…f6: Black supports e5 with the f-pawn.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and heads for h5.
11.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
11…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks f3 and h3.
12.Nh2: The knight steps away to h2.
12…Qf7: The queen goes to f7 and attacks c4.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and h3.
14.b4: You attack the pawn on a5.
14…Nd8: The knight goes to d8.
15.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and attacks e5. White is slightly better (eval 0.26).

Line 432: 1…e5 2.g3 c6 3.Nf3 e4 4.Nd4 d5 5.cxd5 Qxd5 6.Nc2 Nf6 7.Nc3 Qe5 8.Bg2 Na6 9.O-O Be7 10.Ne3 O-O 11.a3 Nc7 12.b4 Nfd5 13.Nexd5 Nxd5 14.Bb2 Bf5 15.Nxd5

up to 2.g3 as line 431

2…c6: Black prepares d5. 2...Nf6 is just as good.
3.Nf3: You develop the knight and attack e5.
3…e4: Black attacks the knight on f3.
4.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6.
4…d5: Black attacks c4.
5.cxd5: You trade on d5.
5…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks d4 and a2.
6.Nc2: The knight steps away to c2.
6…Nf6: Black develops the knight. 6...Qe5 is a little more accurate.
7.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack the queen on d5 and the pawn on e4.
7…Qe5: The queen goes to e5 and covers e4.
8.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks e4.
8…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6, and heads for c5 or c7.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
10.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and heads for c4 or d5.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.a3: You prepare b4.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
12.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…Nfd5: The knight goes to d5 and attacks b4, c3 and e3.
13.Nexd5: You trade the knights.
13…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks b4 and c3.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal behind the knight on c3.
14…Bf5: Black develops the bishop and covers e4.
15.Nxd5: You trade the knights. The position is level.

Line 433: 1…e5 2.g3 c6 3.Nf3 e4 4.Nd4 d5 5.cxd5 Qxd5 6.Nc2 Nf6 7.Nc3 Qh5 8.Ne3 Bc5 9.Qa4 O-O 10.Nxe4 Nxe4 11.Qxe4 Be6 12.Bg2 Bxe3 13.Qxe3 Nd7 14.b3 Rfe8 15.Qc3

up to 7.Nc3 as line 432

7…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks e2 and h2. 7...Qe5 is more accurate.
8.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and eyes c4, d5 and g4.
8…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks the knight on e3.
9.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks c6 and e4.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Nxe4: You take the pawn on e4.
10…Nxe4: Black trades the knights.
11.Qxe4: The queen recaptures and attacks h7 and c6.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks a2.
12.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
12…Bxe3: Black trades on e3.
13.Qxe3: The queen recaptures and attacks a7 and the bishop on e6.
13…Nd7: Black develops the knight.
14.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
14…Rfe8: The rook goes to the e-file.
15.Qc3: The queen goes to c3 and aims at g7. You are a pawn up; the position is level.

Line 434: 1…e5 2.g3 c6 3.Nf3 e4 4.Nd4 Nf6 5.d3 Bc5 6.Nb3 Bb4 7.Nc3 d5 8.cxd5 O-O 9.dxe4 Nxe4 10.Bd2 Bxc3 11.Bxc3 cxd5 12.Bg2 Nc6 13.O-O Re8 14.Qd3 Bg4 15.Rfe1

up to 4.Nd4 as line 433

4…Nf6: Black develops the knight. 4...d5 is more accurate.
5.d3: You attack the pawn on e4.
5…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks the knight on d4.
6.Nb3: The knight steps away to b3 and attacks the bishop on c5.
6…Bb4: The bishop gives check on b4.
7.Nc3: You block the check with the knight.
7…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
8.cxd5: You take on d5.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.dxe4: You take on e4.
9…Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks c3, f2 and g3.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers c3.
10…Bxc3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on c3.
11.Bxc3: The bishop recaptures and aims at g7.
11…cxd5: Black takes the pawn on d5 and levels material.
12.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and attacks the knight on e4.
12…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and attacks d5 and e4.
14…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks e2.
15.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e2. The position is level.

Line 435: 1…e5 2.g3 c6 3.Nf3 d6 4.Nc3 Nf6

up to 3.Nf3 as line 434

3…d6: Black covers e5 with the d-pawn. 3...e4 is more accurate.
4.Nc3: You develop the knight. 4.Bg2 is just as good.
4…Nf6: Transposition: the same position arises after 3.Nf3 3...d6 4.g3 4...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Chapter 3: 1…e6

Line 436: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 Bb7 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 Qxd5 12.Ne5 Qd6 13.Rc1 Nxe5 14.Bxb7 Rab8 15.Be4

1…e6: Black prepares d5 and keeps a Queen's Gambit set-up in reserve – which you do not allow here.
2.Nf3: Flexible: against d5 you choose the Neo-Catalan with g3, without d2–d4.
2…d5: Black occupies the centre. With g3 you go into the Neo-Catalan.
3.g3: The Neo-Catalan: your bishop on g2 presses on d5 and the queenside.
3…Nf6: Black develops. Stockfish prefers taking on c4 here. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop stands on the long diagonal. If Black takes the pawn with dxc4, you usually win it back with the queen.
4…Be7: The Neo-Catalan declined: Black develops solidly. You castle.
5.O-O: You castle. With b3 you prepare a double fianchetto.
5…O-O: Both have castled. With b3 your queen's bishop comes to b2.
6.b3: The double fianchetto: both bishops aim at the centre.
6…c5: Black gains space. Your bishop goes to b2.
7.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and aims along the long diagonal at the kingside.
7…Nc6: Black develops. According to Stockfish the advance …d4 is stronger. With e3 you prepare for it.
8.e3: The pawn on e3 questions an advance …d4 at once.
8…b6: Black fianchettoes too. With Nc3 you increase the pressure on d5.
9.Nc3: The knight attacks d5.
9…Bb7: Black covers d5. With the exchange on d5 you open the diagonals.
10.cxd5: You exchange in the centre.
10…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight. You trade the knights.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights – Black has to recapture with the queen.
11…Qxd5: The queen stands on d5 opposite your bishop on g2. A balanced middlegame.
12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
12…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks the knight on e5.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
13…Nxe5: Black trades the knights on e5.
14.Bxb7: The bishop takes the bishop on b7 and attacks the rook on a8.
14…Rab8: The rook goes to b8 and attacks the bishop on b7.
15.Be4: The bishop steps away to e4 and aims at h7. The position is level.

Line 437: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 Bb7 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 exd5 12.Re1 Rc8 13.a3 d4 14.exd4 Bf6 15.Ne5

up to 11.Nxd5 as line 436

11…exd5: Black recaptures with the e-pawn. 11...Qxd5 is more accurate.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to c8.
13.a3: You take b4 away from the knight on c6.
13…d4: Black pushes the d-pawn and attacks e3.
14.exd4: You take on d4 and attack c5.
14…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and attacks d4.
15.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 438: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 Bb7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Re1 Qd7 12.Ne2 Rad8 13.Rc1 Rfe8 14.Nf4 d4 15.exd4

up to 10.cxd5 as line 437

10…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn. The pawns on c5 and d5 become targets for your pieces.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
12.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and heads for f4.
12…Rad8: The rook goes to the d-file.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
13…Rfe8: The second rook goes to e8.
14.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks d5.
14…d4: Black pushes on to d4 and attacks e3.
15.exd4: You take on d4 and attack c5. White is slightly better (eval 0.11).

Line 439: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 Ba6 10.d3 Rc8 11.Qe2 Qc7 12.Nb5 Qb8 13.Nh4 Rcd8 14.f4 Bb7 15.f5

up to 9.Nc3 as line 438

9…Ba6: The bishop attacks c4. With d2–d3 you cover it.
10.d3: You cover c4. A balanced manoeuvring game.
10…Rc8: The rook goes to c8.
11.Qe2: The queen goes to e2. 11.Re1 is just as good.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7. 11...Re8 is just as good.
12.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the queen on c7 and the pawn on a7. 12.Rad1 is just as good.
12…Qb8: The queen steps away to b8.
13.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and clears the way for f4.
13…Rcd8: The rook goes to the d-file.
14.f4: You gain space on the kingside.
14…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 on the long diagonal.
15.f5: You attack e6. The position is level.

Line 440: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 dxc4 10.bxc4 Bb7 11.Qe2 Rc8 12.Rfd1 Qc7 13.d3 Rfd8 14.h4 h6 15.Rab1

up to 9.Nc3 as line 439

9…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3. 9...Ba6 is more accurate.
10.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn.
10…Bb7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
11.Qe2: The queen covers c4 and makes room for the rooks.
11…Rc8: Black attacks c4. Your rooks go to the d-file and the b-file.
12.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1. 12.d3 is just as good.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
13.d3: You keep e4 under control.
13…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8 and aims at d3. 13...Rcd8 is just as good.
14.h4: You gain space on the kingside. 14.Rab1 is just as good.
14…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
15.Rab1: The rook goes to b1. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 441: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 dxc4 10.bxc4 Bb7 11.Qe2 Rc8 12.Rfd1 Qc7 13.d3 a6 14.Rab1 Rfd8 15.Ne1

up to 13.d3 as line 440

13…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight. 13...Rcd8 is just as good.
14.Rab1: The rook goes to b1. 14.Nd2 is just as good.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8 and aims at d3.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and covers d3. White is slightly better (eval 0.07).

Line 442: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 dxc4 10.bxc4 Bb7 11.Qe2 Qc7 12.Rfd1 a6 13.Rab1 Rab8 14.Ba1 Rfd8 15.h4

up to 11.Qe2 as line 441

11…Qc7: Black connects the rooks. Your rook goes to d1.
12.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1. 12.Nb5 is a little more accurate.
12…a6: Black prepares …b5. With Rab1 you put a rook against the b-pawn.
13.Rab1: The rook on b1 makes …b5 harder.
13…Rab8: The rook goes to b8. 13...Rfd8 is just as good.
14.Ba1: The bishop goes to a1 and stays on the long diagonal. 14.d3 is just as good.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8 and attacks d2.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 443: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 dxc4 10.bxc4 Bb7 11.Qe2 Qc7 12.Rfd1 Rac8

up to 12.Rfd1 as line 442

12…Rac8: Transposition: the same position arises when the rook goes to c8 first – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 444: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 b6 9.Nc3 dxc4 10.bxc4 Bb7 11.Qe2 Qc7 12.Rfd1 Rfd8 13.d3 a6 14.Rab1 h6 15.Ba1

up to 12.Rfd1 as line 443

12…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8 and attacks d2. 12...Rad8 is a little more accurate.
13.d3: You keep e4 under control. 13.Rac1 is just as good.
13…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight.
14.Rab1: The rook goes to b1.
14…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
15.Ba1: The bishop goes to a1. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 445: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 d4 9.exd4 cxd4 10.Re1 Ne8 11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.Rxe5 Rb8 13.Re1 Nc7 14.Na3 Bf6 15.d3

up to 8.e3 as line 444

8…d4: Black advances and gains space. You exchange on d4.
9.exd4: You exchange – Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
9…cxd4: Black has space in the centre. With Re1 you occupy the open e-file.
10.Re1: The rook occupies the e-file and aims at the bishop on e7.
10…Ne8: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight retreats passively. With d2–d3 you make room for your queen's knight.
11.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
11…Nxe5: Black trades the knights.
12.Rxe5: The rook recaptures and attacks e6.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
13.Re1: The rook goes back to e1.
13…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
14.Na3: The knight goes to the edge, to a3, and heads for b5.
14…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and covers d4.
15.d3: You blockade the pawn on d4. The position is level.

Line 446: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 d4 9.exd4 cxd4 10.Re1 Re8 11.d3 Bc5 12.Ba3 Nd7 13.Bxc5 Nxc5 14.Ne5 Nxe5 15.Rxe5

up to 10.Re1 as line 445

10…Re8: Black opposes with his rook. With d2–d3 you make room for your queen's knight.
11.d3: You blockade the pawn on d4.
11…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and covers d4.
12.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and offers a trade. 12.Ne5 is just as good.
12…Nd7: Black develops the knight and covers c5.
13.Bxc5: You trade the bishops.
13…Nxc5: The knight recaptures and attacks b3 and d3.
14.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
14…Nxe5: Black trades the knights.
15.Rxe5: The rook recaptures and attacks c5 and e6. The position is level.

Line 447: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 d4 9.exd4 cxd4 10.Re1 Bc5 11.d3 a5 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.Rxe5 Nd7 14.Re2 e5 15.Nd2

up to 10.Re1 as line 446

10…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and covers d4.
11.d3: You blockade the pawn on d4.
11…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
12…Nxe5: Black trades the knights.
13.Rxe5: The rook recaptures and attacks c5.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks the rook on e5.
14.Re2: The rook steps away to e2.
14…e5: Black supports d4.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for e4. Black is slightly better (eval -0.25).

Line 448: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 Nc6 8.e3 d4 9.exd4 cxd4 10.Re1 Qb6 11.Na3 d3 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.Rxe5 Bd7 14.c5 Bxc5 15.Nc4

up to 10.Re1 as line 447

10…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b3. 10...Bc5 is more accurate.
11.Na3: The knight goes to the edge, to a3.
11…d3: Black pushes on to d3.
12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks d3 and c6.
12…Nxe5: Black trades the knights.
13.Rxe5: The rook recaptures and attacks e6.
13…Bd7: Black develops the bishop.
14.c5: You attack the queen on b6.
14…Bxc5: The bishop takes the pawn on c5 and attacks the knight on a3 and the pawn on f2.
15.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks the queen. The position is level.

Line 449: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nc6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.Nc3 Rad8 12.Rac1 Qb8 13.cxd5 Nxd5 14.Nxd5 Rxd5 15.Ne1

up to 7.Bb2 as line 448

7…b6: Black prepares Bb7. 7...d4 is more accurate.
8.e3: You keep d4 under control. 8.cxd5 is more accurate.
8…Bb7: Black fianchettoes. Your queen goes to e2.
9.Qe2: The queen covers c4 and makes room for the rook on d1.
9…Nc6: Black develops. Your rook goes to d1.
10.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file, opposite the black queen.
10…Qc7: The queen leaves the d-file. With Nc3 you increase the pressure on d5.
11.Nc3: The knight attacks d5.
11…Rad8: Black reinforces d5. The tension in the centre remains.
12.Rac1: The rook goes to c1. 12.cxd5 is just as good.
12…Qb8: The queen goes to b8. 12...dxc4 is just as good.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5.
13…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
14.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
14…Rxd5: The rook recaptures and attacks d2.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. White is slightly better (eval 0.15).

Line 450: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nc6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.Nc3 dxc4 12.bxc4

up to 11.Nc3 as line 449

11…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3.
12.bxc4: Transposition: the same position also arises by another route – it goes on there. 12.Nb5 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 451: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nc6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.Nc3 Rfd8 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.Nxd5 Rxd5 14.h4 Rad8 15.d3

up to 11.Nc3 as line 450

11…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8. 11...dxc4 is just as good.
12.cxd5: You trade on d5. 12.Nb5 is just as good.
12…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
13.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
13…Rxd5: The rook recaptures and attacks d2.
14.h4: You gain space on the kingside.
14…Rad8: Black doubles his rooks on the d-file.
15.d3: You put the pawn on d3. Black is slightly better (eval -0.18).

Line 452: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nc6 10.Rd1 Rc8 11.d3 Qc7 12.Nc3 Rfd8 13.Rac1 Qb8 14.cxd5 Nxd5 15.Nxd5

up to 10.Rd1 as line 451

10…Rc8: Black puts the rook on the c-file. With d2–d3 you keep the position stable.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control. 11.Na3 is just as good.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7. 11...Rc7 is just as good.
12.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5.
12…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8 and covers d5.
13.Rac1: The rook goes to c1. 13.d4 is just as good.
13…Qb8: The queen goes to b8. 13...Ba6 is just as good.
14.cxd5: You trade on d5.
14…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
15.Nxd5: You trade the knights. The position is level.

Line 453: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nc6 10.Rd1 dxc4 11.bxc4 Qc7 12.Nc3

up to 10.Rd1 as line 452

10…dxc4: Black exchanges on c4. You recapture with the b-pawn.
11.bxc4: The pawn on c4 controls d5, the b-file is half-open for your rook.
11…Qc7: The queen leaves the d-file. With Nc3 you develop.
12.Nc3: Transposition: the same position also arises by another route – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 454: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Nc3 Rc8 11.Rfd1 Qc7 12.Rac1 Qb8 13.cxd5 Nxd5 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 15.h4

up to 9.Qe2 as line 453

9…Nbd7: Black develops the knight to d7. Your knight goes to c3.
10.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5. 10.d3 is just as good.
10…Rc8: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the exchange on c4 would be better. The tension remains.
11.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1. 11.d3 is more accurate.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
12.Rac1: The rook goes to c1. 12.Nh4 is a little more accurate.
12…Qb8: The queen goes to b8.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5. 13.d3 is just as good.
13…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
14.Nxd5: You trade the knights. 14.Ne1 is just as good.
14…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks b3 and f3.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. 15.e4 is just as good; the position is level.

Line 455: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Nc3 Ne4 11.cxd5 Nxc3 12.dxc3 Bxd5 13.c4 Bc6 14.Ne5 Nxe5 15.Bxe5

up to 10.Nc3 as line 454

10…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3 and d2. 10...dxc4 is more accurate.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5.
11…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
12.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file.
12…Bxd5: The bishop takes the pawn on d5.
13.c4: You attack the bishop on d5.
13…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6.
14.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6, d7 and f7.
14…Nxe5: Black trades the knights.
15.Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and aims at g7. The position is level.

Line 456: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Nc3 Qc7 11.Nb5 Qb8 12.Nc3 dxc4 13.bxc4 Ne4 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.d3

up to 10.Nc3 as line 455

10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7. 10...dxc4 is just as good.
11.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the queen on c7 and the pawn on a7. 11.Ne1 is a little more accurate.
11…Qb8: The queen steps away to b8.
12.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3.
12…dxc4: Black takes on c4.
13.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c3 and d2.
14.Nxe4: You trade the knights.
14…Bxe4: The bishop recaptures and aims at f3.
15.d3: You attack the bishop on e4. The position is level.

Line 457: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c5 7.Bb2 b6 8.e3 Bb7 9.Qe2 dxc4 10.bxc4 Nc6 11.Rd1

up to 9.Qe2 as line 456

9…dxc4: Black takes on c4. 9...Nc6 is a little more accurate.
10.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn.
10…Nc6: Black develops the knight. 10...Qc7 is just as good.
11.Rd1: Transposition: the same position arises after 9...Nc6 10.Rd1 10...dxc4 11.bxc4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 458: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 b6 7.Bb2 Bb7 8.e3 c5

up to 6.b3 as line 457

6…b6: Black fianchettoes too. Your bishop goes to b2.
7.Bb2: Both bishops stand on the long diagonals.
7…Bb7: Symmetrical. With e3 you control d4.
8.e3: The pawn on e3 controls d4 and opens the way to e2 for your queen.
8…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 7.Bb2 7...b6 8.e3 8...Bb7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 459: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 b6 7.Bb2 Bb7 8.e3 Nbd7 9.Qe2 c5

up to 8.e3 as line 458

8…Nbd7: Black develops. Your queen goes to e2.
9.Qe2: The queen makes room for the rooks.
9…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 8.e3 8...Bb7 9.Qe2 9...Nbd7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 460: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 b6 7.Bb2 Bb7 8.e3 Nbd7 9.Qe2 a5 10.Nc3 a4 11.Rab1 axb3 12.axb3 h6 13.Rfd1 Qc8 14.Rbc1 Re8 15.d3

up to 9.Qe2 as line 459

9…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 9...c5 is just as good.
10.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5.
10…a4: Black attacks b3.
11.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b3.
11…axb3: Black takes on b3.
12.axb3: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
13.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1.
13…Qc8: The queen goes to c8.
14.Rbc1: The rook goes to c1.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
15.d3: You keep e4 under control. The position is level.

Line 461: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 b6 7.Bb2 Bb7 8.e3 dxc4 9.bxc4 c5 10.Qe2

up to 8.e3 as line 460

8…dxc4: Black takes on c4. 8...c5 is just as good.
9.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn.
9…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
10.Qe2: Transposition: the same position arises after 8...Bb7 9.Qe2 9...dxc4 10.bxc4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 462: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.d3 b6 9.Nbd2 Bb7 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.Rfc1 c5 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.a3 a6 14.e4 N5f6 15.Bc3

up to 6.b3 as line 461

6…c6: Black supports d5. Your bishop goes to b2.
7.Bb2: The bishop aims along the long diagonal.
7…Nbd7: Black develops. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
8.d3: You cover e4 and keep the centre flexible.
8…b6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your queen's knight goes to c3 or d2.
9.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and prepares e4. 9.e4 is just as good.
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop. 9...a5 is just as good.
10.Qc2: The queen goes to c2. 10.e4 is more accurate.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
11.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the queen.
11…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
12.cxd5: You trade on d5.
12…Nxd5: The knight recaptures.
13.a3: You prepare b4.
13…a6: Black takes b5 away from your b-pawn.
14.e4: You attack the knight on d5.
14…N5f6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks e4.
15.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and attacks the knight on f6. The position is level.

Line 463: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.d3 b5 9.Nbd2 Rb8 10.e3 Re8 11.Rc1 Bb7 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.Bxe5 Rc8 14.Rc2 Bf8 15.Qe2

up to 8.d3 as line 462

8…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
9.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers c4. 9.Qc2 is more accurate.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and supports b5.
10.e3: You keep d4 under control.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and supports c4.
11…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6, d7 and f7.
12…Nxe5: Black trades the knights.
13.Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and attacks the rook on b8 and the knight on f6.
13…Rc8: The rook steps away to c8.
14.Rc2: The rook goes to c2.
14…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2. The position is level.

Line 464: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.d3 a5 9.Nc3 b6 10.Rc1 Bb7 11.Re1 Qb8 12.e3 dxc4 13.dxc4 Qc7 14.Qc2 Rad8 15.Na4

up to 8.d3 as line 463

8…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 8...b5 is just as good.
9.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5. 9.Nbd2 is just as good.
9…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
10.Rc1: The rook goes to c1.
10…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…Qb8: The queen goes to b8.
12.e3: You keep d4 under control.
12…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks b3 and d3.
13.dxc4: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
14.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
14…Rad8: The rook goes to the d-file.
15.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks b6. White is slightly better (eval 0.19).

Line 465: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.d3 Re8 9.Nbd2 Bf8 10.e4 dxe4 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.dxe4 b6 13.e5 Bb7 14.Qe2 Qc7 15.h4

up to 8.d3 as line 464

8…Re8: The rook goes to e8. 8...b5 is just as good.
9.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and prepares e4.
9…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8. 9...a5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.48).
10.e4: You strike in the centre and attack d5.
10…dxe4: Black takes on e4.
11.Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks f6.
11…Nxe4: Black trades the knights.
12.dxe4: You recapture with the d-pawn.
12…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
13.e5: You gain space in the centre.
13…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
15.h4: You gain space on the kingside. White is slightly better (eval 0.3).

Line 466: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 b6 8.d3 Bb7 9.Nbd2 c5 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Ne5 Nbd7 12.d4 Rc8 13.Rc1 Re8 14.Re1 h6 15.Bh3

up to 7.Bb2 as line 465

7…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.Nc3 is more accurate.
8…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
9.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2. 9.e3 is just as good.
9…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
10.cxd5: You trade on d5.
10…exd5: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
11.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks f7.
11…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and attacks e5.
12.d4: You support e5 and attack c5.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to c8.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…h6: Black gives his king some air.
15.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and attacks the knight on d7. The position is level.

Line 467: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 a5 8.Nc3 b6 9.Re1 Ba6 10.d3 Nbd7 11.e4 dxe4 12.Nxe4 Nxe4 13.dxe4 Re8 14.e5 Bb7 15.Nd4

up to 7.Bb2 as line 466

7…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 7...b6 is a little more accurate.
8.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5.
8…b6: Black prepares Ba6.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares e4.
9…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and attacks c4.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control and make the position solid.
10…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
11.e4: You strike in the centre and attack d5.
11…dxe4: Black takes on e4.
12.Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks f6.
12…Nxe4: Black trades the knights.
13.dxe4: You recapture with the d-pawn.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
14.e5: You gain space in the centre.
14…Bb7: The bishop goes back to b7.
15.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6 and e6. White is slightly better (eval 0.16).

Line 468: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 c6 7.Bb2 b5 8.Qc2 bxc4 9.bxc4 Nbd7 10.d3 Rb8 11.Nbd2 c5 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.Ne5 Qc7 14.Nxd7 Bxd7 15.Nc4

up to 7.Bb2 as line 467

7…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4. 7...b6 is just as good.
8.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c4.
8…bxc4: Black takes on c4.
9.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn and attack d5.
9…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to the open b-file and attacks the bishop on b2.
11.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
12.cxd5: You trade on d5.
12…Nxd5: The knight recaptures.
13.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks d7 and f7.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks the knight on e5.
14.Nxd7: You trade the knights.
14…Bxd7: The bishop recaptures.
15.Nc4: The knight goes to c4. White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 469: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.b3 a5 7.Nc3 c6 8.d3 Re8 9.d4 b6 10.Bf4 Ba6 11.Ne5 Ra7 12.Qc2 Nfd7 13.cxd5 cxd5 14.Nxd5 exd5 15.Nxf7

up to 6.b3 as line 468

6…a5: Black plans …a4. With Nc3 you develop.
7.Nc3: The knight attacks d5.
7…c6: Black takes b5 and d5 away from your pieces.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.Bb2 is just as good.
8…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
9.d4: You push on to d4 and gain space in the centre.
9…b6: Black prepares Ba6.
10.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks the knight on b8.
10…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and attacks c4.
11.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
11…Ra7: The rook goes to a7 and guards the seventh rank.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
12…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks the knight on e5.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5.
13…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
14.Nxd5: The knight takes on d5 and sacrifices itself: after 14...exd5 comes 15.Nxf7.
14…exd5: Black takes the knight.
15.Nxf7: The knight takes on f7 and attacks the queen on d8. For the piece you have pawns and an attack; the position is level.

Line 470: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.O-O b6 8.Nd4 Ne5 9.Nc6 Nxc4 10.Nxd8 Nd5 11.Nc3 Kxd8 12.Nxd5 Bb7 13.b3 Na5 14.Nf4 Bxg2 15.Kxg2

up to 4.Bg2 as line 469

4…dxc4: Black takes the pawn. He will not keep it long; your pieces become active instead.
5.Qa4: With check you win back the pawn on c4.
5…Nbd7: Black blocks with the knight. You take back the pawn on c4.
6.Qxc4: The pawn is won back – your bishop on g2 works on the long diagonal.
6…c5: Black gains space. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions d2–d3.
7…b6: Black fianchettoes. With Nc3 you develop.
8.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and eyes e6. 8.Nc3 is more accurate.
8…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks your queen.
9.Nc6: The knight jumps to c6 and attacks the queen on d8. 9.Qb3 is more accurate.
9…Nxc4: The knight takes your queen; in return you take the queen on d8 at once.
10.Nxd8: The knight takes the queen on d8. Material is level.
10…Nd5: The knight goes to d5.
11.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks the knight on d5.
11…Kxd8: The king takes the knight on d8.
12.Nxd5: You trade on d5.
12…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 and attacks the knight on d5.
13.b3: You attack the knight on c4.
13…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and attacks b3.
14.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks e6.
14…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops on g2.
15.Kxg2: The king recaptures. The endgame is level.

Line 471: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.O-O a6 8.Qc2 b5 9.a4 Bb7 10.d3 Be7 11.Nc3 Qb6 12.Qb3 O-O 13.axb5 h6 14.Nd2 Bxg2 15.Kxg2

up to 7.O-O as line 470

7…a6: Black plans …b5. Your queen steps aside.
8.Qc2: The queen steps aside before …b5. Stockfish prefers Qb3.
8…b5: Black gains space on the queenside. With a2–a4 you attack the pawn.
9.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control. 10.Nc3 is just as good.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
11.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack b5.
11…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and covers b5. 11...Bc6 is a little more accurate.
12.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b5 and e6.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.axb5: You take on b5.
13…h6: Black gives his king some air.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
14…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops.
15.Kxg2: The king recaptures. The position is level.

Line 472: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.O-O a6 8.Qc2 b6 9.b3 Bb7 10.Bb2 Be7 11.d3 O-O 12.e3 Nd5 13.Rd1 b5 14.Qe2 Qb6 15.Nbd2

up to 8.Qc2 as line 471

8…b6: Black fianchettoes. Your knight goes to c3.
9.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2. 9.Ne5 is more accurate.
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop and aims at f3.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.e3: You keep d4 under control.
12…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and attacks e3.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1.
13…b5: Black gains space on the queenside.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6.
15.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2. Black is slightly better (eval -0.1).

Line 473: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.O-O Rb8 8.Nc3 a6 9.a4 b6 10.Rd1 Bb7 11.e4 e5 12.Ng5 Qe7 13.d3 h6 14.Nf3 Qd6 15.Be3

up to 7.O-O as line 472

7…Rb8: Inaccurate: the rook goes to b8. 7...b6 is better; White is better (eval 0.46).
8.Nc3: You develop the knight.
8…a6: Black prepares b5.
9.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
9…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
10.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and prepares d4.
10…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
11.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
11…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
12.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks f7.
12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers f7.
13.d3: You keep the pawn on d3.
13…h6: Black attacks the knight on g5.
14.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3 and attacks e5.
14…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks d3.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5 and h6. White is somewhat better (eval 0.39).

Line 474: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qc2 c5 8.O-O

up to 6.Qxc4 as line 473

6…a6: Black plans …b5. Your queen steps aside to c2.
7.Qc2: The queen stands safely and controls e4.
7…c5: Black gains space. With Nc3 and castling you build up.
8.O-O: Transposition: the same position arises after 6...c5 7.O-O 7...a6 8.Qc2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 475: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qc2 Rb8 8.O-O b6 9.Nc3 Bb7 10.e4 b5 11.Re1 c5 12.d3 Be7 13.a4 Qb6 14.h3 O-O 15.Be3

up to 7.Qc2 as line 474

7…Rb8: Inaccurate: the rook goes to b8. 7...c5 is better; White is better (eval 0.43).
8.O-O: You castle.
8…b6: Black prepares Bb7.
9.Nc3: You develop the knight.
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
10.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
10…b5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4.
11…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
12.d3: You keep e4 and c4 under control.
12…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
13.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and covers b5.
14.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5. The position is level.

Line 476: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 c6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O Nbd7 9.b3 Be7 10.Bb2 O-O 11.d3 c5 12.Nbd2 Qb6 13.Rfc1 a6 14.Qd1 h6 15.Rc2

up to 5.Qa4 as line 475

5…c6: Black blocks with the pawn. You take back the pawn on c4.
6.Qxc4: The pawn is back. Black attacks the queen at once with …b5.
6…b5: Black drives the queen away and gains space. It goes to c2.
7.Qc2: The queen stands safely on c2. Stockfish also mentions Qb3.
7…Bb7: The bishop aims at the long diagonal. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle. With a2–a4 you later attack the b-pawn.
8…Nbd7: Black develops. With b3 and the bishop to b2 you bring the queenside into play.
9.b3: Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish – a2–a4 attacks the pawn on b5 directly.
9…Be7: Black develops. Your bishop goes to b2.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6. 10.d3 is just as good.
10…O-O: Black castles.
11.d3: You keep e4 and c4 under control. 11.a4 is just as good.
11…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
12.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2. 12.a4 is just as good.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6.
13.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the queen.
13…a6: Black supports b5.
14.Qd1: The queen goes back to d1.
14…h6: Black gives his king some air.
15.Rc2: The rook goes to c2 and attacks c5. Black is slightly better (eval -0.11).

Line 477: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 c6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O Nbd7 9.b3 c5 10.Bb2 Be7 11.a4 a6 12.Nc3 Qb6 13.axb5 axb5 14.Rxa8 Bxa8 15.Qd3

up to 9.b3 as line 476

9…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 9...Be7 is just as good.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6. 10.a4 is just as good.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop. 10...a6 is just as good.
11.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
11…a6: Black supports b5.
12.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack b5.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and covers b5.
13.axb5: You take on b5.
13…axb5: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
14.Rxa8: You trade the rooks on a8 with check.
14…Bxa8: The bishop recaptures.
15.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and attacks b5 and d7. The position is level.

Line 478: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 c6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O Be7 9.Nc3 O-O 10.Ne4 Nxe4 11.Qxe4 Nd7 12.d3 Nf6 13.Qd4 Qb6 14.Qxb6 axb6 15.a3

up to 8.O-O as line 477

8…Be7: Black develops the bishop. 8...Nbd7 is just as good.
9.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack b5.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers a trade.
10…Nxe4: Black trades the knights.
11.Qxe4: The queen recaptures and attacks c6 and h7.
11…Nd7: Black develops the knight.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…Nf6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks your queen.
13.Qd4: The queen goes to d4 and attacks a7 and the knight on f6.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and offers a queen trade.
14.Qxb6: You trade the queens.
14…axb6: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
15.a3: You hold up Black's b-pawn. Black is slightly better (eval -0.09).

Line 479: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 c6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O c5 9.a4 b4 10.a5 Be7 11.a6 Bxf3 12.Bxf3 Nd5 13.e3 Nc6 14.d3 Rc8 15.Nd2

up to 8.O-O as line 478

8…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 8...Nbd7 is a little more accurate.
9.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
9…b4: Black pushes the b-pawn.
10.a5: You gain space on the queenside.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
11.a6: You attack the bishop on b7.
11…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
12.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks the rook on a8.
12…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and blocks the long diagonal.
13.e3: You keep d4 under control.
13…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
14.d3: You keep e4 under control.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for b3 or c4. White is slightly better (eval 0.22).

Line 480: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Bd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.Ne5 Qc8 8.Qd3 Nc6 9.Nxd7 Nxd7 10.b3 Be7 11.Bb2 O-O 12.Nc3 Nde5 13.Qe3 Qd7 14.O-O Ng4 15.Qf4

up to 5.Qa4 as line 479

5…Bd7: The bishop blocks against the queen. You take back the pawn on c4.
6.Qxc4: The pawn is back.
6…c5: Black gains space. With Ne5 you attack the bishop on d7.
7.Ne5: The knight attacks the bishop on d7 and opens the diagonal of your bishop on g2.
7…Qc8: Black covers the bishop. With Nxd7 you trade it off.
8.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and attacks d7 and h7. 8.O-O is just as good.
8…Nc6: Black develops the knight and attacks e5.
9.Nxd7: You take the bishop on d7.
9…Nxd7: The knight recaptures.
10.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g7.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Nc3: You develop the knight.
12…Nde5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks your queen.
13.Qe3: The queen steps away to e3 and attacks c5 and e5.
13…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and aims at d2.
14.O-O: You castle.
14…Ng4: The knight goes to g4 and attacks your queen.
15.Qf4: The queen steps away to f4 and attacks g4 and f7. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 481: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Bd7 6.Qxc4 Bc6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.Qc2 Bd6 9.d3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 c6 11.Nd2 O-O 12.b3 Re8 13.Rd1 Qe7 14.Nc4 e5 15.Nxd6

up to 6.Qxc4 as line 480

6…Bc6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the bishop places itself in front of your bishop on g2. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. The fight for the long diagonal begins.
7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...Be7 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.61).
8.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c6 and h7.
8…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at g3.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
10.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7.
10…c6: Black puts the pawn on c6 and keeps d5 under control.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for c4.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
12…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5.
13.Rd1: The rook goes to d1.
13…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
14.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks the bishop on d6.
14…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
15.Nxd6: You take the bishop on d6 and have the bishop pair. White is better (eval 0.58).

Line 482: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4 Bd7 6.Qxc4 Bc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nc3 Nbd7 10.Rd1 b5 11.d3 Rc8 12.a4 a6 13.e4 b4 14.Nb1 Ba8 15.Nbd2

up to 7.O-O as line 481

7…Be7: Black develops the bishop. White is somewhat better (eval 0.45).
8.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c6 and h7.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.Nc3: You develop the knight.
9…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
10.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and prepares d4.
10…b5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
12.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
12…a6: Black supports b5.
13.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
13…b4: Black pushes on and attacks the knight on c3.
14.Nb1: The knight steps away to b1 and heads for c4 via d2.
14…Ba8: The bishop goes to a8 and aims at e4.
15.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers e4. White is somewhat better (eval 0.48).

Line 483: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O Nc6 6.cxd5 exd5 7.b3 Be7 8.Bb2 d4 9.Na3 O-O 10.Nc4 Be6 11.e3 Rc8 12.exd4 cxd4 13.Re1 Bc5 14.Nce5 Bb6 15.Nxc6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 482

4…c5: Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
5.O-O: You castle. With the exchange on d5 you open the diagonal.
5…Nc6: Black develops. You exchange on d5.
6.cxd5: You exchange – Black must decide how to recapture.
6…exd5: Black recaptures with the pawn. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
7.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
7…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
8.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
8…d4: Black gains space with the d-pawn.
9.Na3: The knight goes to the edge, to a3, and heads for c4.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Nc4: The knight goes to c4.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on c4.
11.e3: You attack the pawn on d4.
11…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
12.exd4: You take on d4 and attack c5.
12…cxd4: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and attacks the bishop on e6.
13…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and covers d4.
14.Nce5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6 and f7.
14…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6.
15.Nxc6: You take the knight on c6. The position is level.

Line 484: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O Nc6 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3

up to 6.cxd5 as line 483

6…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight. Your bishop on g2 presses along the long diagonal.
7.Nc3: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...Nxd5 6.Bg2 6...Nc6 7.O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 485: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O Be7 6.cxd5 exd5 7.b3 d4 8.Na3 O-O 9.Nc4 Be6 10.e3 Nc6 11.Bb2

up to 5.O-O as line 484

5…Be7: Black develops. You exchange on d5.
6.cxd5: You exchange in the centre.
6…exd5: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
7.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
7…d4: Black gains space with the d-pawn.
8.Na3: The knight goes to the edge, to a3, and heads for c4.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.Nc4: The knight goes to c4.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks the knight on c4.
10.e3: You attack the pawn on d4.
10…Nc6: Black develops the knight and covers d4.
11.Bb2: Transposition: the same position arises after 9...O-O 10.Nc4 10...Be6 11.e3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 486: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O Be7 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Nc3

up to 6.cxd5 as line 485

6…Nxd5: The knight recaptures. 6...exd5 is a little more accurate.
7.Nc3: Transposition: the same position arises after 5...Nxd5 6.Bg2 6...Be7 7.O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 487: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 a6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O Ngf6 9.b3 c5 10.Bb2 Be7 11.d3 O-O 12.Nbd2 Rc8 13.Rac1 Qb6 14.Qb1 Rfd8 15.Qa1 Bf8 16.Rc2

up to 3.g3 as line 486

3…dxc4: Black takes the pawn. With Qa4 you win it back with check.
4.Qa4: Check – the queen wins the pawn back.
4…Nd7: Black blocks with the knight. Your bishop goes to g2.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 – you take back the pawn on c4 next.
5…a6: Black prepares …b5. You take the pawn on c4.
6.Qxc4: The pawn is back. Black attacks the queen with …b5.
6…b5: Black drives the queen away. It goes to c2.
7.Qc2: The queen stands safely.
7…Bb7: The bishop opposes your bishop on g2. You castle.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…Ngf6: Black develops. Stockfish prefers the knight to c3.
9.b3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight to c3 would be more active. Your bishop goes to b2.
9…c5: Black gains space. Your bishop goes to b2.
10.Bb2: Both bishops aim at the long diagonal.
10…Be7: Black develops. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
11.d3: You cover e4 and make room for the knight on d2.
11…O-O: Black castles. Your knight goes to d2.
12.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 – your pieces are developed. The rooks follow to the c-file.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file. 12...Nd5 is just as good.
13.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 behind the queen.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6. 13...Re8 is just as good.
14.Qb1: The queen leaves the c-file, where the black rook stands.
14…Rfd8: Black puts the rook on the d-file. A quiet manoeuvring game.
15.Qa1: The queen goes to a1 behind the bishop on b2; together they aim along the long diagonal. 15.Rc2 is a little more accurate.
15…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8.
16.Rc2: The rook goes to c2 and attacks c5. Black is slightly better (eval -0.11).

Line 488: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 a6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O Ngf6 9.b3 c5 10.Bb2 Be7 11.d3 O-O 12.Nbd2 Qb6 13.Rac1 Rac8

up to 12.Nbd2 as line 487

12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6. 12...Nd5 is just as good.
13.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 behind the queen. 13.Qc3 is just as good.
13…Rac8: Transposition: the same position arises when the rook goes to c8 first and the queen to b6 afterwards – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 489: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 a6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O Ngf6 9.b3 Be7 10.Bb2 O-O 11.d3 c5

up to 9.b3 as line 488

9…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6. 10.a4 is a little more accurate.
10…O-O: Black castles. 10...c5 is just as good.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control. 11.a4 is just as good.
11…c5: Transposition: the same position arises after 10.Bb2 10...Be7 11.d3 11...O-O – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 490: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 a6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qc2 Bb7 8.O-O c5 9.b3 Be7 10.Bb2 Bf6 11.a4 b4 12.d3 Bxb2 13.Qxb2 Ngf6 14.Nbd2 O-O 15.Rfc1

up to 8.O-O as line 489

8…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
9.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2. 9.a4 is a little more accurate.
9…Be7: Black develops the bishop. 9...Ngf6 is just as good.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g7.
10…Bf6: Inaccurate: the bishop goes to f6 and offers a trade. 10...Ngf6 is better; White is slightly better (eval 0.24).
11.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
11…b4: Black pushes the b-pawn.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…Bxb2: Black trades the bishops.
13.Qxb2: The queen recaptures and aims at g7.
13…Ngf6: Black develops the knight.
14.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for c4.
14…O-O: Black castles.
15.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5. The position is level.

Line 491: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 a6 6.Qxc4 c5 7.Qc2 Ngf6

up to 6.Qxc4 as line 490

6…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 6...b5 is a little more accurate.
7.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c5 and h7. 7.Qb3 is a little more accurate.
7…Ngf6: Transposition: the same position arises after 6.Qxc4 6...a6 7.Qc2 7...c5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 492: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qxc4 Ngf6

up to 5.Bg2 as line 491

5…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 5...a6 is a little more accurate.
6.Qxc4: The queen takes the pawn on c4 and attacks c5.
6…Ngf6: Transposition: the same position arises when White first gives check with the queen on a4 and Black blocks with the knight from b8 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 493: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qxc4 b6 7.Nd4 Ne5 8.Nc6 Nxc4 9.Nxd8 Rb8 10.Nc6 Bb7 11.O-O Ra8 12.d3 Nd6 13.d4 cxd4 14.Nxd4 Bxg2 15.Kxg2

up to 6.Qxc4 as line 492

6…b6: Black covers c5 and prepares Bb7.
7.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and eyes c6 and e6.
7…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks your queen.
8.Nc6: The knight jumps to c6 and attacks the queen on d8 and the knight on e5.
8…Nxc4: The knight takes your queen; in return you take the queen on d8 at once.
9.Nxd8: The knight takes the queen on d8. Material is level.
9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and makes room for 10...Bb7.
10.Nc6: The knight goes to c6 and attacks a7 and the rook on b8.
10…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 and attacks the knight on c6.
11.O-O: You castle; the bishop on g2 covers the knight.
11…Ra8: The rook goes to a8 and covers a7.
12.d3: You attack the knight on c4.
12…Nd6: The knight steps away to d6.
13.d4: You attack c5.
13…cxd4: Black takes on d4.
14.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks e6.
14…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops.
15.Kxg2: The king recaptures. The endgame is level.

Line 494: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qxc4 a6

up to 6.Qxc4 as line 493

6…a6: Transposition: the same position arises when Black plays a6 first and c5 afterwards – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 495: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Nd7 5.Bg2 Nf6

up to 5.Bg2 as line 494

5…Nf6: Transposition: the same position arises when White puts the bishop on g2 before the check on a4 – it goes on there. 5...a6 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 496: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 Bd7 5.Qxc4 c5 6.Bg2 Bc6 7.O-O Nf6 8.Nc3 a6 9.e4 b5 10.Qe2 Be7 11.a4 O-O 12.d3 Nbd7 13.Bf4 h6 14.Rfc1 Rc8 15.Ne1

up to 4.Qa4 as line 495

4…Bd7: The bishop blocks the check. 4...Nd7 is a little more accurate.
5.Qxc4: The queen takes the pawn on c4 and attacks c7.
5…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn.
6.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
6…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and aims at f3.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
8.Nc3: You develop the knight.
8…a6: Black prepares b5.
9.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
9…b5: Black attacks your queen.
10.Qe2: The queen steps away to e2 and attacks b5.
10…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
11.a4: You attack the pawn on b5.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.d3: You support e4.
12…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4.
13…h6: Black gives his king some air.
14.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. The position is level.

Line 497: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 c6 5.Qxc4 b5 6.Qc2 Bb7 7.Bg2 Nf6

up to 4.Qa4 as line 496

4…c6: Black blocks the check with the c-pawn. 4...Nd7 is a little more accurate.
5.Qxc4: The queen takes the pawn on c4.
5…b5: Black attacks your queen.
6.Qc2: The queen steps away to c2 and attacks c6 and h7.
6…Bb7: Black develops the bishop and covers c6.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
7…Nf6: Transposition: the same position arises when White puts the bishop on g2 earlier – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 498: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 dxc4 4.Qa4 c6 5.Qxc4 b5 6.Qc2 Bb7 7.Bg2 Nd7 8.O-O Ngf6

up to 7.Bg2 as line 497

7…Nd7: Black develops the knight. 7...Nf6 is a little more accurate.
8.O-O: You castle. 8.a4 is a little more accurate.
8…Ngf6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 499: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.d3 e5 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.a4 Re8 11.e4 dxe4 12.dxe4 Nc5 13.Nbd2 Nd3 14.Nc4 Nxb2 15.Qxd6

up to 3.g3 as line 498

3…c6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With b3 you build the double fianchetto.
4.b3: The pawn prepares the fianchetto of the queen's bishop.
4…Nf6: Black develops. Your bishop goes to g2.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…Nbd7: Black develops. Your bishop goes to b2.
6.Bb2: Both bishops stand on the long diagonals. Stockfish also mentions castling.
6…Bd6: The bishop aims at your kingside. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…O-O: Black castles. 7...e5 is more accurate.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.Qc2 is just as good.
8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
9.cxd5: You trade on d5.
9…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
10.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
11.e4: You strike in the centre and attack d5.
11…dxe4: Black takes on e4.
12.dxe4: You recapture with the d-pawn.
12…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks a4, b3 and e4.
13.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers e4.
13…Nd3: The knight jumps to d3 and attacks b2 and f2.
14.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks d6 and e5.
14…Nxb2: The knight takes the bishop on b2.
15.Qxd6: The queen takes the bishop on d6. The position is level.

Line 500: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 Nbd7 6.Bb2 Be7 7.O-O O-O

up to 6.Bb2 as line 499

6…Be7: Black develops the bishop. 6...Bd6 is just as good.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…O-O: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 501: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 Nbd7 6.Bb2 b5 7.O-O Be7 8.Qc2 bxc4 9.bxc4 O-O

up to 6.Bb2 as line 500

6…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
8.Qc2: The queen goes to c2, covers c4 and aims at h7.
8…bxc4: Black takes on c4.
9.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn and attack d5.
9…O-O: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 502: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O

up to 5.Bg2 as line 501

5…Be7: Black develops. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle – your king is safe.
6…O-O: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 503: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 a5 6.O-O a4 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.d3 axb3 9.axb3 Rxa1 10.Bxa1 Bb4 11.Nbd2 O-O 12.Qc2 b5 13.e4 bxc4 14.bxc4 dxe4 15.Nxe4

up to 5.Bg2 as line 502

5…a5: Black plans …a4. With castling and the bishop to b2 you keep building.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…a4: Black attacks the pawn on b3.
7.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...Be7 is just as good.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control.
8…axb3: Black takes on b3.
9.axb3: You recapture with the a-pawn; the a-file is open.
9…Rxa1: Black trades the rooks.
10.Bxa1: The bishop recaptures and attacks f6.
10…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4.
11.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
12…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
13.e4: You strike in the centre and attack d5.
13…bxc4: Black takes on c4.
14.bxc4: You recapture with the b-pawn and attack d5.
14…dxe4: Black takes on e4.
15.Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks f6. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 504: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 Bd6 6.Bb2 Nbd7

up to 5.Bg2 as line 503

5…Bd6: Black develops the bishop. You castle.
6.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
6…Nbd7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 505: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 Nf6 5.Bg2 Bd6 6.Bb2 O-O 7.O-O Nbd7

up to 6.Bb2 as line 504

6…O-O: Black castles. 6...Nbd7 is a little more accurate.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…Nbd7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 506: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 a5 5.Bb2 a4 6.Bg2 a3 7.Bc1 Nd7 8.O-O e5 9.d3 Ngf6 10.cxd5 cxd5 11.Ne1 h5 12.h4 Ng4 13.Bxd5 Bc5 14.Nc2 Ndf6 15.Bf3

up to 4.b3 as line 505

4…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 4...Nd7 is just as good.
5.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g7. 5.Bg2 is a little more accurate.
5…a4: Black attacks the pawn on b3.
6.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
6…a3: Black pushes on to a3 and attacks the bishop on b2.
7.Bc1: The bishop steps away to c1 and attacks a3.
7…Nd7: Black develops the knight.
8.O-O: You castle.
8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…Ngf6: Black develops the second knight.
10.cxd5: You trade on d5.
10…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
11.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the bishop's view from g2 to d5.
11…h5: Black attacks with the h-pawn.
12.h4: You hold up the h-pawn.
12…Ng4: The knight goes to g4 and attacks f2.
13.Bxd5: The bishop takes the pawn on d5 and attacks b7 and f7.
13…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks f2.
14.Nc2: The knight goes to c2 and attacks a3.
14…Ndf6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks the bishop on d5.
15.Bf3: The bishop steps away to f3 and attacks g4 and b7. The position is level.

Line 507: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 f5 5.Bg2 Nf6 6.O-O Bd6 7.Bb2 O-O 8.d3 Re8 9.Ne5 Nbd7 10.Nxd7 Qxd7 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.e3 Kh8 13.d4 Rg8 14.Nc3 Qe7 15.Ne2

up to 4.b3 as line 506

4…f5: Black sets up a stonewall with the f-pawn. 4...Nd7 is a little more accurate.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
6.O-O: You castle. White is somewhat better (eval 0.39).
6…Bd6: The Stonewall set-up. With Bb2 and the knight to e5 you control the dark squares.
7.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control. 8.Qc2 is a little more accurate.
8…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
9.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6.
9…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and attacks e5.
10.Nxd7: You trade the knights.
10…Qxd7: The queen recaptures.
11.Bxf6: The bishop takes the knight on f6 and doubles Black's pawns.
11…gxf6: Black recaptures with the g-pawn; the g-file is open.
12.e3: You keep d4 under control.
12…Kh8: The king goes to h8 and makes room for a rook on g8.
13.d4: You gain space in the centre.
13…Rg8: The rook goes to the open g-file and aims at g3.
14.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5.
14…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
15.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and heads for f4. White is slightly better (eval 0.28).

Line 508: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c6 4.b3 f5 5.Bg2 Nf6 6.O-O Bd6 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.Nc3 a6 10.d3 e5 11.a4 O-O 12.Ng5 d4 13.Nd5 Nc5 14.Rc1 Ne6 15.Rxc8

up to 7.Bb2 as line 507

7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...O-O is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.48).
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
9.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack d5.
9…a6: Black takes b5 away from your knight.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
11.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and eyes e6 and h7.
12…d4: Black pushes on and attacks the knight on c3.
13.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks f6.
13…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks a4, b3 and d3.
14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks the knight on c5.
14…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks g5.
15.Rxc8: The rook takes the bishop on c8. White is somewhat better (eval 0.32).

Line 509: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.O-O Nf6

up to 3.g3 as line 508

3…c5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2. Stockfish also mentions the exchange on d5.
4…Nc6: Black develops. You castle.
5.O-O: You castle. With the exchange on d5 you later open the diagonal.
5…Nf6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. 5...d4 is more accurate. (transposition)

Line 510: 1…e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nf6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 509

4…Nf6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. 4...d4 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 511: 1…e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O Be7 6.Nc3

up to 2.Nf3 as line 510

2…Nf6: Black keeps all options open. With g3 you fianchetto.
3.g3: The fianchetto – your bishop goes to g2.
3…b6: Black fianchettoes his queen's bishop. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishops fight for the long diagonal.
4…Bb7: A Queen's Indian set-up: the bishops on g2 and b7 fight for the long diagonal.
5.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions the knight to c3 first.
5…Be7: Black develops. With Nc3 you keep building.
6.Nc3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 512: 1…e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O c5 6.Nc3

up to 5.O-O as line 511

5…c5: Black gains space. With Nc3 you develop.
6.Nc3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 513: 1…e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 a6 4.Bg2 b5 5.b3 Bb7 6.O-O c5 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.e3 Be7 9.Re1 d5 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Bb2 O-O 13.Rc1 Rd8 14.Qe2 Nd7 15.e4

up to 3.g3 as line 512

3…a6: Black plans …b5. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
4…b5: Black attacks c4. With b3 you cover it.
5.b3: You cover c4 – after an exchange the b-pawn recaptures.
5…Bb7: The bishop opposes your bishop on g2. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…c5: Black strikes with the c-pawn. 6...d6 is a little more accurate; White is better (eval 0.53).
7.Nc3: You develop the knight and attack b5.
7…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and covers b5.
8.e3: You keep d4 under control.
8…Be7: Black develops the bishop.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
9…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
10.cxd5: You trade on d5.
10…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
11…Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks b3 and f3.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g7.
12…O-O: Black castles.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks c5.
13…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and attacks b5.
14…Nd7: Black develops the knight and covers c5.
15.e4: You attack the bishop on d5. The position is level.

Line 514: 1…e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 a6 4.Bg2 b5 5.b3 c5 6.O-O Bb7

up to 5.b3 as line 513

5…c5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions the knight to c3 at once.
6…Bb7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Chapter 4: 1…c5

Line 515: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6 4.e3 Bg7 5.Be2 Nf6 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 d5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Qb3 Ndb4 10.Qc4 b6 11.Qh4 e5 12.a3 Bf6 13.Qg3 Nd3 14.Ne1 Nxe1 15.Rxe1

1…c5: The Symmetrical Variation: Black mirrors c4 and wants to control d4.
2.Nf3: A flexible move: Nc3 and g3 can follow, depending on what Black does.
2…Nc6: Black develops the knight and controls d4. Your knight goes to c3.
3.Nc3: Both sides develop their knights. Your plan stays g3 and Bg2 – pressure on d5 and b7.
3…g6: Black fianchettoes. With e3 you prepare a centre.
4.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4 and opens the way for your bishop on f1.
4…Bg7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black does without the knight to f6. You stand slightly better.
5.Be2: The bishop goes to e2. 5.h3 is just as good.
5…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
7…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
9.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7 and the knight on d5.
9…Ndb4: The knight steps away to b4 and attacks a2.
10.Qc4: Inaccurate: the queen goes to c4. 10.d4 is better; Black is better (eval -0.59).
10…b6: Black covers c5.
11.Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and attacks the knight on b4 and the pawn on e7.
11…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
12.a3: You attack the knight on b4.
12…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and attacks your queen.
13.Qg3: The queen steps away to g3 and attacks e5.
13…Nd3: The knight jumps to d3 and attacks b2, c1 and f2.
14.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and attacks the knight on d3.
14…Nxe1: Black trades the knights.
15.Rxe1: The rook recaptures. Black is somewhat better (eval -0.38).

Line 516: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6 4.e3 Nf6 5.h3 Bg7 6.Be2 O-O 7.O-O

up to 4.e3 as line 515

4…Nf6: Black develops. With Be2 and castling you keep building.
5.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
5…Bg7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
6.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.O-O: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 517: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6 4.e3 d6 5.Be2 Nf6 6.O-O Bg7 7.h3 O-O 8.d3 e5 9.Rb1 d5 10.e4 dxc4 11.dxc4 Be6 12.Bd3 Nb4 13.Be2 Nc6

up to 4.e3 as line 516

4…d6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Be2 and castling you develop.
5.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
5…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
6.O-O: You castle.
6…Bg7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
7.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control.
8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
9…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
10.e4: You attack d5.
10…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks d3.
11.dxc4: You recapture with the d-pawn.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and h3.
12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and covers c4 and e4.
12…Nb4: The knight goes to b4 and attacks the bishop on d3 and the pawn on a2.
13.Be2: The bishop goes back to e2.
13…Nc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 518: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 O-O 8.Ne1 d6 9.Nc2 Be6 10.Ne3 Qd7 11.Ned5 Bh3 12.Bxh3 Qxh3 13.Rb1 Qd7 14.Qa4 f5 15.f3

up to 3.Nc3 as line 517

3…e5: Black builds the Botvinnik set-up with c5 and e5. With g3 you fianchetto.
4.g3: The fianchetto – your bishop goes to g2 and aims at d5.
4…g6: Black fianchettoes too. Your bishop goes to g2.
5.Bg2: The bishop controls d5.
5…Bg7: Both fianchetto. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Your plan: d2–d3, a2–a3, Rb1 and b4.
6…Nge7: The knight goes to e7 and keeps f5 free. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
7.d3: You cover e4. Stockfish also mentions a2–a3 first.
7…O-O: Black castles. Your knight on f3 regroups via e1 and c2.
8.Ne1: The knight heads via c2 to e3 – from there it aims at d5.
8…d6: Black supports e5. Your knight goes to c2.
9.Nc2: The knight on c2 supports b4 and continues to e3.
9…Be6: Black controls d5. With Ne3 you reinforce the fight for the square.
10.Ne3: Two knights and the bishop on g2 aim at d5.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7. 10...Rb8 is a little more accurate.
11.Ned5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
11…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers a trade.
12.Bxh3: You trade the bishops.
12…Qxh3: The queen recaptures.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
13…Qd7: The queen goes back to d7.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7.
14…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn.
15.f3: You keep e4 and g4 under control. The position is level.

Line 519: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 O-O 8.Ne1 d6 9.Nc2 Be6 10.Ne3 Rb8 11.Ned5 a6 12.a4 Nb4 13.a5 Nexd5 14.cxd5 Bd7 15.Ne4

up to 10.Ne3 as line 518

10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.Ned5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
11…a6: Black prepares b5.
12.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
12…Nb4: The knight goes to b4 and attacks d3 and d5.
13.a5: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Nexd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
14.cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the bishop on e6.
14…Bd7: The bishop steps away to d7.
15.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks c5 and d6. The position is level.

Line 520: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 O-O 8.Ne1 d6 9.Nc2 Rb8 10.a3 Nd4 11.b4 b6 12.Ne3 f5 13.Ned5 Nxd5 14.Bxd5 Kh8 15.Rb1

up to 9.Nc2 as line 519

9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5. 9...Be6 is a little more accurate.
10.a3: You prepare b4. 10.Rb1 is a little more accurate.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c2 and e2.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside and attack c5.
11…b6: Black covers c5.
12.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and heads for d5.
12…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn.
13.Ned5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks b6 and e7.
13…Nxd5: Black trades the knights.
14.Bxd5: The bishop recaptures with check.
14…Kh8: The king goes to the corner.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4. White is slightly better (eval 0.25).

Line 521: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 d6 8.a3 O-O 9.Rb1 a5 10.Ne1 Be6 11.Nc2 d5 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.Ne3 Nde7 14.Nc4 Rb8 15.Bg5

up to 7.d3 as line 520

7…d6: Black supports e5. With a2–a3 you prepare b4.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…O-O: Black castles. With Rb1 you support the b-pawn.
9.Rb1: The rook supports b4 – the classic plan.
9…a5: Black slows your b-pawn. Your knight regroups via e1.
10.Ne1: The knight goes via c2 – there it supports b4.
10…Be6: Black controls d5. With the knight to c2 you continue the plan; Stockfish also mentions Bg5.
11.Nc2: The knight supports b4. According to Stockfish Bg5 is more accurate – Black can now play …d5.
11…d5: Black opens the centre. You exchange on d5.
12.cxd5: You exchange and open the diagonal of your bishop on g2.
12…Nxd5: Black recaptures with the knight. With Ne3 or Ne4 you challenge it.
13.Ne3: The knight attacks d5. Stockfish prefers Be3 – Black is slightly more active here.
13…Nde7: The knight goes back to e7. Black is somewhat better (eval -0.34).
14.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks a5 and e5.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
15.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the knight on e7. Black is somewhat better (eval -0.3).

Line 522: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 d6 8.a3 O-O 9.Rb1 f5 10.Bd2 Rb8 11.b4 h6 12.Nd5 Kh7 13.Bc3 Nd4 14.bxc5 dxc5 15.Nd2

up to 9.Rb1 as line 521

9…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn. 9...a5 is more accurate.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
11.b4: You gain space on the queenside and attack c5.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your bishop.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
12…Kh7: The king goes to h7.
13.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and attacks e5.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and f3.
14.bxc5: You take on c5.
14…dxc5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 523: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 d6 8.a3 a5 9.Ne1 Be6 10.Nc2 d5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Ne3 Nde7 13.Nc4 O-O 14.Bg5 f6 15.Be3

up to 8.a3 as line 522

8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.Ne1: The knight goes via c2. Stockfish also mentions Bg5.
9…Be6: Black controls d5. Your knight goes to c2.
10.Nc2: The knight goes to c2 and heads for e3. 10.Bg5 is a little more accurate.
10…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5.
11…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
12.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks the knight on d5.
12…Nde7: The knight goes back to e7. 12...Nb6 is a little more accurate.
13.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks a5 and e5.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the knight on e7.
14…f6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
15.Be3: The bishop steps away to e3 and attacks c5. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).

Line 524: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 d6 8.a3 a5 9.Ne1 O-O 10.Nc2 Be6 11.Ne3 Rb8 12.Ned5 Nd4 13.Bg5 f6 14.Be3 Nxd5 15.Bxd5

up to 9.Ne1 as line 523

9…O-O: Black castles. 9...Be6 is just as good.
10.Nc2: The knight goes to c2 and heads for e3.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
11.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and covers c4.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 11...Nd4 is more accurate.
12.Ned5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the knight on e7.
13…f6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
14.Be3: The bishop steps away to e3 and attacks d4.
14…Nxd5: Black trades the knights on d5.
15.Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks b7 and e6. White is somewhat better (eval 0.3).

Line 525: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 d6 8.a3 a5 9.Ne1 O-O 10.Nc2 Rb8 11.Bg5 Be6 12.Rb1 f6 13.Be3 b6 14.b4 axb4 15.axb4

up to 10.Nc2 as line 524

10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 10...Be6 is a little more accurate.
11.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the knight on e7. 11.Rb1 is just as good.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
12…f6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
13.Be3: The bishop steps away to e3 and attacks c5.
13…b6: Black covers c5.
14.b4: You attack a5 and c5.
14…axb4: Black takes on b4.
15.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn and attack c5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.36).

Line 526: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.O-O d6 7.d3 Nge7

up to 6.O-O as line 525

6…d6: Black supports e5. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
7.d3: You cover e4. Stockfish also mentions a2–a3 first.
7…Nge7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 527: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 d6 5.Bg2 g6 6.O-O Bg7

up to 4.g3 as line 526

4…d6: Black supports e5. 4...g6 is a little more accurate.
5.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
5…g6: Black prepares Bg7.
6.O-O: You castle. 6.a3 is a little more accurate.
6…Bg7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 528: 1…c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nd4 4.e3 Nxf3 5.Qxf3 g6 6.Be2 d6 7.h3 Bg7 8.Rb1 Nh6 9.O-O O-O 10.b4 Rb8 11.bxc5 dxc5 12.Qg3 Bd7 13.e4 Bc6 14.Rb3 f5 15.d3

up to 3.Nc3 as line 527

3…Nd4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight jumps to d4 too early. With e3 you question it.
4.e3: The pawn attacks the knight.
4…Nxf3: Black trades. You recapture with the queen.
5.Qxf3: The queen stands actively on f3. You have a lead in development – Stockfish sees you ahead.
5…g6: Black fianchettoes. With Be2 and castling you continue developing.
6.Be2: The bishop goes to e2. White is better (eval 0.61).
6…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8.
7.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
7…Bg7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal and aims at c3.
8.Rb1: Inaccurate: the rook goes to b1. 8.d4 is better; White is now only slightly better (eval 0.12).
8…Nh6: The knight goes to the edge, to h6, and heads for f5.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.b4: You gain space on the queenside and attack c5.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
11.bxc5: You take on c5 and open the b-file.
11…dxc5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
12.Qg3: The queen goes to g3 and attacks the rook on b8.
12…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and aims at h3.
13.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
13…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and attacks e4.
14.Rb3: The rook goes to b3 and attacks b7.
14…f5: Black attacks e4.
15.d3: You cover e4. The position is level.

Line 529: 1…c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.e4 Bg7 4.Nc3 Nc6 5.d3 d6 6.Be2 e6 7.Be3 Nd4 8.Qd2 Ne7 9.O-O O-O 10.Bh6 Nec6 11.Nxd4 Bxh6 12.Qxh6 Nxd4 13.Rae1 a6 14.Bd1 b5 15.Qe3

up to 2.Nf3 as line 528

2…g6: Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish – White gets a small edge.
3.e4: You occupy the centre with c4 and e4 – Black does not get …d5.
3…Bg7: Black develops the bishop. With Nc3 you develop.
4.Nc3: You develop the knight.
4…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
5.d3: You support e4. 5.Be2 is just as good.
5…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8.
6.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
6…e6: Black keeps d5 under control.
7.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
7…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and f3.
8.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6.
8…Ne7: Black develops the knight.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers a trade for the bishop on g7.
10…Nec6: The knight goes to c6 and covers d4.
11.Nxd4: You trade on d4.
11…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops on h6.
12.Qxh6: The queen recaptures.
12…Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks e2.
13.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e2.
13…a6: Black prepares b5.
14.Bd1: The bishop goes to d1.
14…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
15.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks d4. The position is level.

Line 530: 1…c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.e4 Nc6 4.Nc3 Bg7

up to 3.e4 as line 529

3…Nc6: Black develops the knight.
4.Nc3: You develop the knight. Black is slightly better (eval -0.26).
4…Bg7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Chapter 5: 1…g6

Line 531: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 d6

1…g6: Black fianchettoes at once and keeps many set-ups open.
2.Nc3: You control d5 and e4 and wait to see which set-up Black chooses.
2…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 at once. Stockfish prefers …c5 first. With g3 you fianchetto too.
3.g3: You fianchetto too – a symmetrical fight for the long diagonals arises.
3…e5: Black occupies e5 – a Closed Sicilian with colours reversed. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop aims at b7 and the queenside.
4…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 532: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Nc6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 531

4…Nc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 533: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 d6 7.O-O c6 8.b3 c5 9.a3 Nbc6 10.d3 Be6 11.b4 cxb4 12.axb4 Nxb4 13.Rb1 a5 14.Ba3 d5 15.Bxb4

up to 4.Bg2 as line 532

4…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and keeps f5 free. With e3 and the knight to e2 you build up.
5.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4. Stockfish also mentions d2–d3 with b4.
5…O-O: Black castles. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – your set-up is almost complete.
6…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8. 6...c6 is a little more accurate.
7.O-O: You castle. With a2–a3 and b4 your queenside plan begins.
7…c6: Black prepares d5. 7...c5 is more accurate.
8.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2 or a3.
8…c5: Black pushes on to c5.
9.a3: You prepare b4.
9…Nbc6: Black develops the knight.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
11.b4: You attack c5.
11…cxb4: Black takes on b4.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…Nxb4: The knight takes the pawn on b4 and attacks d3.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and attacks the knight on b4.
13…a5: Black covers the knight on b4.
14.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks the knight on b4 once more.
14…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
15.Bxb4: The bishop takes the knight on b4. The position is level.

Line 534: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 d6 7.O-O Nbc6

up to 7.O-O as line 533

7…Nbc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 535: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nge2 Nbc6

up to 6.Nge2 as line 534

6…Nbc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. 6...c6 is more accurate. (transposition)

Line 536: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 Nbc6

up to 5.e3 as line 535

5…Nbc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. 5...c6 is more accurate. (transposition)

Line 537: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c5 6.Nge2 Nbc6 7.O-O O-O 8.a3 d6 9.Rb1 a5 10.d3 Rb8 11.Bd2 Be6 12.Nd5 b5 13.cxb5 Rxb5 14.Nec3 Rb8 15.Qa4

up to 5.e3 as line 536

5…c5: Black takes d4 away from you with the c-pawn. 5...c6 is more accurate.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2.
6…Nbc6: Black develops the knight.
7.O-O: You castle. With a2–a3 and b4 you attack the pawn on c5.
7…O-O: Black castles. With a2–a3 you prepare b4.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…d6: Black supports e5. With Rb1 you support the b-pawn.
9.Rb1: The rook supports b4. Stockfish plays the advance at once.
9…a5: Black slows down your b-pawn. With d2–d3 you cover e4.
10.d3: You cover e4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on c1.
10…Rb8: Black also puts his rook on b8. With Nd5 you occupy the key square.
11.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2. Stockfish prefers Nd5 at once.
11…Be6: The bishop attacks c4. With Nd5 you occupy the square in front of it.
12.Nd5: The knight occupies d5 – Black must trade it or tolerate it.
12…b5: Black opens the queenside. You take on b5.
13.cxb5: You take on b5.
13…Rxb5: The rook recaptures and attacks b2.
14.Nec3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks the rook on b5.
14…Rb8: The rook goes back to b8.
15.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a5 and c6. The position is level.

Line 538: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c5 6.Nge2 Nbc6 7.O-O O-O 8.a3 d6 9.Rb1 a5 10.d3 Rb8 11.Bd2 Bf5 12.e4 Be6 13.Qc1 f5 14.Nd5 b5 15.cxb5

up to 11.Bd2 as line 537

11…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and aims at d3. 11...b6 is just as good.
12.e4: You attack the bishop on f5. 12.Qc2 is just as good.
12…Be6: The bishop steps away to e6 and attacks c4.
13.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and prepares Bh6.
13…f5: Black attacks e4 with the f-pawn.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
14…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
15.cxb5: You take on b5 and attack c6. The position is level.

Line 539: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c5 6.Nge2 Nbc6 7.O-O O-O 8.a3 d6 9.Rb1 a5 10.d3 Be6 11.Nd5 Rb8 12.Nec3 f5 13.b4

up to 10.d3 as line 538

10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4. 10...Rb8 is just as good.
11.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 11...Bd7 is a little more accurate.
12.Nec3: The knight goes to c3 and supports d5.
12…f5: A mistake: Black pushes the f-pawn. 12...Bd7 is better; White is clearly better (eval 0.9).
13.b4: You attack a5 and c5. White is clearly better (eval 0.85).

Line 540: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c5 6.Nge2 Nbc6 7.O-O O-O 8.a3 d6 9.Rb1 Be6 10.Nd5 Rb8 11.Nec3 a6 12.d3 b5 13.b4 cxb4 14.axb4 Qd7 15.Qd2

up to 9.Rb1 as line 539

9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8. 10...b5 is more accurate.
11.Nec3: The knight goes to c3 and supports d5.
11…a6: Black prepares b5.
12.d3: You keep e4 under control.
12…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
13.b4: You attack c5.
13…cxb4: Black takes on b4.
14.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2. White is slightly better (eval 0.14).

Line 541: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c5 6.Nge2 Nbc6 7.O-O O-O 8.a3 a5 9.d3 d6 10.Rb1

up to 8.a3 as line 540

8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8. 9...Rb8 is just as good.
10.Rb1: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 542: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c5 6.Nge2 Nbc6 7.O-O d6 8.a3 O-O

up to 7.O-O as line 541

7…d6: Black supports e5. With a2–a3 you prepare b4.
8.a3: You prepare b4. Stockfish also mentions d2–d3.
8…O-O: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 543: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 O-O

up to 5.e3 as line 542

5…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8. 5...c6 is a little more accurate.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 – you castle next.
6…O-O: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 544: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 c6 7.O-O d5 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.b4 O-O 10.b5 a6 11.a4 axb5 12.Ba3 bxa4 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Nxd5 Qd8 15.Rxa4

up to 6.Nge2 as line 543

6…c6: Black prepares d5. 6...Nbc6 is a little more accurate.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.b5: You push on to b5.
10…a6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
11.a4: You support b5.
11…axb5: Black takes on b5 and attacks a4.
12.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks the knight on e7.
12…bxa4: Black takes on a4.
13.Bxe7: The bishop takes the knight on e7.
13…Qxe7: The queen recaptures.
14.Nxd5: The knight takes the pawn on d5 and attacks the queen on e7.
14…Qd8: The queen goes to d8 and attacks the knight on d5.
15.Rxa4: The rook takes the pawn on a4 and attacks the rook on a8. The position is level.

Line 545: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 d6 6.Nge2 Nbc6

up to 6.Nge2 as line 544

6…Nbc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 546: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 Ne7 5.e3 c6 6.e4 d6 7.Nge2 c5 8.a3 Nbc6 9.d3 a6 10.Rb1 Rb8 11.b4 cxb4 12.axb4 b5 13.O-O O-O 14.cxb5 axb5 15.h3

up to 5.e3 as line 545

5…c6: Black prepares d5.
6.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn and take d5 away from Black.
6…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8.
7.Nge2: The knight goes to e2.
7…c5: Black pushes the c-pawn on to c5.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…Nbc6: Black develops the knight.
9.d3: You keep e4 supported.
9…a6: Black prepares b5.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.b4: You attack c5.
11…cxb4: Black takes on b4.
12.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
12…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
13.O-O: You castle.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.cxb5: You take on b5.
14…axb5: Black recaptures with the a-pawn.
15.h3: You give your king some air. The position is level.

Line 547: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 f5 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 O-O 7.Nge2 d6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 546

4…f5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black attacks early. With d2–d3 you hold e4.
5.d3: You cover e4. Stockfish also mentions b4 with immediate queenside play.
5…Nf6: Black develops. With e4 you block the f-pawn.
6.e4: The pawn on e4 slows the f-pawn – the Botvinnik centre.
6…O-O: Black castles. 6...fxe4 is just as good.
7.Nge2: The knight goes to e2. 7.exf5 is just as good.
7…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 548: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 f5 5.d3 Nf6 6.e4 d6

up to 6.e4 as line 547

6…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 549: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 e5 4.Bg2 f5 5.d3 d6

up to 5.d3 as line 548

5…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 550: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Ne8 9.Be3 Nd4 10.Rb1 Nc7 11.b4 Nce6 12.f4 Nc7 13.bxc5 dxc5 14.e5 Rb8 15.Bf2

up to 3.g3 as line 549

3…Nf6: Black develops the knight. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 – both sides fianchetto.
4…O-O: Black castles. With e4 you build the Botvinnik centre.
5.e4: The Botvinnik set-up: c4 and e4 control d5. Your knight goes to e2.
5…d6: Black supports e5. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight on e2 holds d4 and f4 and leaves room for the f-pawn.
6…c5: Black gains space on the queenside. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 you complete the set-up.
7…Nc6: Black develops. With d2–d3 you cover e4.
8.d3: You cover e4. Your bishop soon goes to e3.
8…Ne8: The knight heads via c7 to e6 or opens the bishop on g7. With Be3 you cover d4.
9.Be3: The bishop controls d4 and c5.
9…Nd4: The knight occupies d4. With Rb1 you prepare b4.
10.Rb1: The rook supports b4. Stockfish also mentions the queen to d2.
10…Nc7: The knight goes via c7. With b4 you open the queenside.
11.b4: The advance – you attack c5 and open the b-file.
11…Nce6: A mistake: the knight goes to e6. 11...b6 is better; White is better (eval 0.72).
12.f4: You attack with the f-pawn.
12…Nc7: The knight goes back to c7.
13.bxc5: You take on c5.
13…dxc5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
14.e5: You gain space in the centre.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the open b-file.
15.Bf2: The bishop goes to f2 and attacks the knight on d4. White is clearly better (eval 0.81).

Line 551: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Ne8 9.Be3 Nd4 10.Rb1 Nc7 11.b4 b6 12.Qd2 Rb8 13.b5 Bb7 14.Bh6 Bxh6 15.Qxh6

up to 11.b4 as line 550

11…b6: Black covers c5.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6. 12.f4 is just as good.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
13.b5: You gain space on the queenside.
13…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 and attacks e4.
14.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers a trade for the bishop on g7.
14…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops.
15.Qxh6: The queen recaptures. The position is level.

Line 552: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Ne8 9.Be3 Nd4 10.Rb1 a5 11.Qd2 Nc7 12.Bh6 f6 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.f4 e5 15.b3

up to 10.Rb1 as line 551

10…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn. 10...b6 is a little more accurate.
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6. 11.a4 is a little more accurate.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
12.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers a trade for the bishop on g7.
12…f6: Black frees f7 for the king.
13.Bxg7: You trade the bishops.
13…Kxg7: The king recaptures.
14.f4: You gain space with the f-pawn.
14…e5: Black attacks f4.
15.b3: You cover c4. The position is level.

Line 553: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Ne8 9.Be3 Nc7 10.d4 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Ne6 12.Nde2 a6 13.Rc1 Rb8 14.f4 Nc5 15.Rb1

up to 9.Be3 as line 552

9…Nc7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With d3–d4 you open the centre – the pawn comes from d3.
10.d4: The central break, well prepared by bishop and knight.
10…cxd4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the knight.
11.Nxd4: The knight stands centrally on d4 – Stockfish sees you slightly ahead.
11…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks d4. 11...Rb8 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.62).
12.Nde2: The knight steps away to e2.
12…a6: Black prepares b5.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
14.f4: You gain space with the f-pawn.
14…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks e4.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1. White is better (eval 0.63).

Line 554: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Ne8 9.Be3 Nc7 10.d4 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Bd7 12.b3 Qc8 13.Rc1 Bh3 14.Nd5 Bxg2 15.Nxc6

up to 11.Nxd4 as line 553

11…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 11...Rb8 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.66).
12.b3: You cover c4.
12…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and prepares Bh3.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1.
13…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers a trade.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c7 and e7.
14…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops on g2.
15.Nxc6: The knight first takes the knight on c6. White is better (eval 0.62).

Line 555: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Ne8 9.Be3 Nc7 10.d4 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Ne5 12.b3 Ng4

up to 11.Nxd4 as line 554

11…Ne5: Inaccurate: the knight goes to e5 and attacks c4. 11...Rb8 is better; White is better (eval 0.79).
12.b3: You cover c4.
12…Ng4: The knight goes to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3. White is clearly better (eval 0.82).

Line 556: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Ne8 11.Be3 Nc7 12.d4 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Ne6 14.Nde2 Nc5 15.Rb1 Nb4 16.Nd4

up to 8.d3 as line 555

8…a6: Black plans …b5. With h3 you take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
9.h3: A prophylactic move: the bishop on c8 cannot go to g4.
9…Rb8: Black prepares …b5. With a2–a4 you hold against it.
10.a4: The pawn slows down …b5.
10…Ne8: The knight regroups. With Be3 you cover d4.
11.Be3: The bishop covers d4 and prepares d3–d4.
11…Nc7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With d3–d4 you open the centre.
12.d4: The central break – the pawn comes from d3.
12…cxd4: Black exchanges. You recapture with the knight.
13.Nxd4: The knight stands centrally – your pieces are more active.
13…Ne6: Black opposes with the knight. After the trade on d4 your bishop stays strong.
14.Nde2: The knight steps away to e2.
14…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks a4 and e4. 14...Na5 is just as good.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
15…Nb4: The knight goes to b4. 15...b6 is more accurate.
16.Nd4: The knight goes to d4. White is somewhat better (eval 0.53).

Line 557: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Ne8 11.Be3 Nc7 12.d4 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Nxd4 14.Bxd4 Bxd4 15.Qxd4

up to 13.Nxd4 as line 556

13…Nxd4: Black trades the knights. 13...Bd7 is just as good.
14.Bxd4: The bishop recaptures and attacks the bishop on g7.
14…Bxd4: Black trades the bishops. 14...Ne6 is more accurate.
15.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and attacks d6. White is somewhat better (eval 0.39).

Line 558: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Ne8 11.Be3 Nc7 12.d4 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Bd7 14.Kh2 Nxd4 15.Bxd4

up to 13.Nxd4 as line 557

13…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and aims at h3.
14.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and covers h3. 14.f4 is just as good.
14…Nxd4: Black trades the knights.
15.Bxd4: The bishop recaptures and attacks the bishop on g7. White is slightly better (eval 0.17).

Line 559: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Ne8 11.Be3 Nd4 12.Rb1 Nc7 13.b4 Nce6 14.f4 cxb4 15.Rxb4

up to 11.Be3 as line 558

11…Nd4: The knight occupies d4. With Rb1 you support the b-pawn.
12.Rb1: The rook supports b4.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and prepares b5.
13.b4: You attack c5.
13…Nce6: Inaccurate: the knight goes to e6. 13...b5 is better; White is somewhat better (eval 0.46).
14.f4: You gain space with the f-pawn.
14…cxb4: Black takes on b4 and attacks c3.
15.Rxb4: The rook recaptures and attacks b7. White is somewhat better (eval 0.38).

Line 560: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Ne8 11.Be3 Nd4 12.Rb1 Bd7 13.b4 b6 14.b5 Nc7 15.Qc1

up to 12.Rb1 as line 559

12…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 12...Nc7 is more accurate.
13.b4: You attack c5.
13…b6: Black covers c5.
14.b5: You push on to b5 and attack a6.
14…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and attacks b5.
15.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and prepares Bh6. White is slightly better (eval 0.26).

Line 561: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Bd7 11.Be3 Ne8 12.d4 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Nc7

up to 10.a4 as line 560

10…Bd7: Black develops the bishop and aims at h3. 10...Nd7 is just as good.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
11…Ne8: The knight goes to e8. 11...e5 is just as good.
12.d4: You strike in the centre and attack c5. 12.Rb1 is just as good.
12…cxd4: Black takes on d4. 12...Qc8 is a little more accurate.
13.Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks c6.
13…Nc7: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 562: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Rb8 10.a4 Nd4 11.Nxd4 cxd4 12.Nd5 Nd7 13.Bg5 Re8 14.a5 h6 15.Bd2

up to 10.a4 as line 561

10…Nd4: A mistake: the knight jumps to d4. 10...Nd7 is better; White is better (eval 0.52).
11.Nxd4: You trade the knights.
11…cxd4: Black recaptures with the c-pawn and attacks c3.
12.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7 and f6.
12…Nd7: The knight steps away to d7.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks e7.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e7.
14.a5: You gain space on the queenside.
14…h6: Black attacks the bishop on g5.
15.Bd2: The bishop steps away to d2. White is better (eval 0.54).

Line 563: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 a6 9.h3 Ne8 10.Be3 Nd4 11.a4 Rb8

up to 9.h3 as line 562

9…Ne8: The knight goes to e8. 9...Nd7 is a little more accurate.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
11.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
11…Rb8: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 564: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Rb8 9.h3 a6

up to 8.d3 as line 563

8…Rb8: Black prepares …b5. With h3 you take g4 away from the bishop on c8.
9.h3: A prophylactic move. Stockfish also mentions Rb1 at once.
9…a6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 565: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Rb8 9.h3 Ne8 10.Be3 Nc7 11.d4 b5 12.dxc5 dxc5 13.cxb5 Nxb5 14.Bxc5 Nxc3 15.Nxc3

up to 9.h3 as line 564

9…Ne8: The knight goes to e8. 9...a6 is just as good.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and prepares b5.
11.d4: You strike in the centre and attack c5.
11…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
12.dxc5: You take on c5.
12…dxc5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
13.cxb5: You take on b5.
13…Nxb5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
14.Bxc5: The bishop takes the pawn on c5 and attacks a7 and e7.
14…Nxc3: Black trades the knights on c3.
15.Nxc3: The knight recaptures. The position is level.

Line 566: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Bd7 9.h3 Ne8 10.Be3 Nd4 11.Rb1 a5 12.a4 Nc7 13.b3 Bc6 14.Bd2 Na6 15.h4

up to 8.d3 as line 565

8…Bd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With h3 you prepare f2–f4.
9.h3: You take g4 away from the pieces. Stockfish also mentions Rb1.
9…Ne8: The knight regroups. With Be3 you cover d4.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5. 10.Rb1 is a little more accurate.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
11.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 11.a4 is just as good.
11…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
12.a4: You take b5 away from the knight.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
13.b3: You prepare b4.
13…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and attacks a4 and e4.
14.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
14…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and heads for b4.
15.h4: You attack with the h-pawn. The position is level.

Line 567: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Bd7 9.h3 a6 10.Be3 Rb8 11.a4

up to 9.h3 as line 566

9…a6: Black plans …b5. With Be3 and Rb1 you stay flexible.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.a4: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 568: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3 Bd7 9.h3 Rb8 10.Be3 a6

up to 9.h3 as line 567

9…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5. 9...Ne8 is just as good.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5. 10.Rb1 is just as good.
10…a6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 569: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d3

up to 6.Nge2 as line 568

6…e5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the centre gets closed. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 and f2–f4 you prepare play on the kingside.
7…Nc6: Black develops. With d2–d3 you keep building.
8.d3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 570: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O c6 8.d3

up to 7.O-O as line 569

7…c6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black weakens d6. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
8.d3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 571: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Be6 8.d3

up to 7.O-O as line 570

7…Be6: The bishop attacks c4. With d2–d3 you cover it.
8.d3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 572: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nbd7 8.d3

up to 7.O-O as line 571

7…Nbd7: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight stands passively on d7.
8.d3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. White is better (eval 0.6). (transposition)

Line 573: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c6 7.O-O e5

up to 6.Nge2 as line 572

6…c6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 you complete the set-up.
7…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 574: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c6 7.O-O a6 8.a4 a5 9.d3 Na6 10.h3 e5 11.Be3 Nh5 12.g4 Nf6 13.f4 Bxg4 14.hxg4 Nxg4 15.Qd2

up to 7.O-O as line 573

7…a6: Black prepares b5. 7...c5 is just as good.
8.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn. 8.b3 is just as good.
8…a5: Black takes b4 away from your knight. 8...c5 is just as good.
9.d3: You keep e4 supported. 9.h3 is a little more accurate.
9…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6, and heads for c5 or b4.
10.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
10…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
11…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and prepares f5.
12.g4: You attack the knight on h5.
12…Nf6: The knight goes back to f6 and attacks e4 and g4.
13.f4: You attack e5.
13…Bxg4: Black sacrifices the bishop on g4.
14.hxg4: You take the bishop.
14…Nxg4: The knight takes the pawn on g4 and attacks the bishop on e3.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and covers e3. Black has two pawns for the piece; the position is level.

Line 575: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.d3 a5 9.h3 e5

up to 7.O-O as line 574

7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...c5 is more accurate; White is better (eval 0.62).
8.d3: You keep e4 supported.
8…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
9.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
9…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. White is better (eval 0.56). (transposition)

Line 576: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Nge2 Nc6 7.O-O e5

up to 6.Nge2 as line 575

6…Nc6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 you cover e4.
7…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 577: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 c5 6.Nge2 Nc6 7.O-O d6

up to 5.e4 as line 576

5…c5: Black gains space. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2.
6…Nc6: Black develops. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 you complete the set-up.
7…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 578: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 c5 6.Nge2 Nc6 7.O-O Ne8 8.d3 Nc7 9.Be3 Ne6 10.Qd2 Ned4 11.Bh6 Bxh6 12.Qxh6 d6 13.b3 Rb8 14.Qd2 Qa5 15.Qb2

up to 7.O-O as line 577

7…Ne8: The knight regroups via c7. With d2–d3 you cover e4.
8.d3: You cover e4. Your bishop goes to e3.
8…Nc7: The knight aims at e6 and d4. With Be3 you cover d4.
9.Be3: The bishop covers d4.
9…Ne6: The knight controls d4. With Rb1 you prepare b4.
10.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and prepares Bh6. 10.Rb1 is a little more accurate.
10…Ned4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2.
11.Bh6: The bishop goes to h6 and offers a trade. 11.Rab1 is more accurate.
11…Bxh6: Black trades the bishops.
12.Qxh6: The queen recaptures.
12…d6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on c8.
13.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
14.Qd2: The queen goes back to d2.
14…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks a2.
15.Qb2: The queen goes to b2 and covers a2. Black is slightly better (eval -0.14).

Line 579: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 c5 6.Nge2 Nc6 7.O-O a6 8.d3 Rb8 9.a4 d6 10.h3

up to 7.O-O as line 578

7…a6: Black prepares b5.
8.d3: You keep e4 supported. 8.a3 is a little more accurate.
8…Rb8: Black prepares …b5. With a2–a4 you slow it down.
9.a4: The pawn slows down …b5.
9…d6: Black supports c5. With h3 or Rb1 you continue.
10.h3: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 580: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 e5 6.Nge2 d6

up to 5.e4 as line 579

5…e5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Black closes the centre early. Your knight goes to e2.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2. Stockfish also mentions Rb1.
6…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 581: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 O-O 5.e4 e5 6.Nge2 Nc6 7.O-O d6

up to 6.Nge2 as line 580

6…Nc6: Black develops. You castle.
7.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 you complete the set-up.
7…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 582: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O e5

up to 4.Bg2 as line 581

4…d6: Black supports e5. Your knight goes to f3.
5.Nf3: The knight goes to f3. You castle next.
5…O-O: Black castles. You castle as well.
6.O-O: Both have castled. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
6…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 583: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O Nc6 7.d3 e5

up to 6.O-O as line 582

6…Nc6: Black develops. With d2–d3 you cover e4.
7.d3: You cover e4. With Rb1 and b4 your plan begins.
7…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 584: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O Nc6 7.d3 Nh5 8.Rb1 f5 9.Bd2 f4 10.b4 Bg4 11.c5 e6 12.b5 Ne7 13.Ne1 Nf5 14.h3 Nhxg3 15.hxg4

up to 7.d3 as line 583

7…Nh5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the knight stands on the rim.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4. 8.d4 is a little more accurate.
8…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn.
9.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2. 9.Qd2 is a little more accurate.
9…f4: Inaccurate: Black pushes on to f4 and attacks g3. 9...a5 is better; White is better (eval 0.71).
10.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
10…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and aims at f3.
11.c5: You attack d6.
11…e6: Black covers d5.
12.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
12…Ne7: The knight steps away to e7.
13.Ne1: The knight steps away to e1.
13…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks g3.
14.h3: You attack the bishop on g4.
14…Nhxg3: The knight takes the pawn on g3 and attacks e2 and f1.
15.hxg4: You take the bishop on g4. White is better (eval 0.62).

Line 585: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O Nc6 7.d3 a6 8.Rb1 a5 9.a3 h6 10.b4 axb4 11.axb4 e5 12.b5 Ne7 13.e4 Be6 14.h3 c6 15.Be3

up to 7.d3 as line 584

7…a6: Black prepares b5. 7...e5 is a little more accurate.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
8…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
9.a3: You support b4.
9…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
10.b4: You attack a5.
10…axb4: Black takes on b4.
11.axb4: You recapture with the a-pawn.
11…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
12.b5: You attack the knight on c6.
12…Ne7: The knight steps away to e7.
13.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
14.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
14…c6: Black attacks the pawn on b5.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6. White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 586: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 e5

up to 6.O-O as line 585

6…c6: Black prepares …d5. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
7.d3: You cover e4. Stockfish also mentions h3.
7…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 587: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 a6 8.Rb1 b5 9.Be3 bxc4 10.dxc4 a5 11.Nd4 Qc7 12.Ndb5 Qd8 13.Nd4

up to 7.d3 as line 586

7…a6: Black prepares b5. 7...d5 is just as good.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1. 8.Bd2 is just as good.
8…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3. 9.b4 is just as good.
9…bxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks d3.
10.dxc4: You recapture with the d-pawn.
10…a5: Black gains space on the queenside.
11.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c6.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and covers c6.
12.Ndb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the queen on c7 and the pawn on d6.
12…Qd8: The queen goes back to d8.
13.Nd4: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 588: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 Nbd7 8.Rb1 d5 9.Qc2 Re8 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.a3 e5 12.Ne4 Qe7 13.Nfd2 N7f6 14.Nxf6 Nxf6 15.b4

up to 7.d3 as line 587

7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight. 7...d5 is a little more accurate.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1. 8.h3 is a little more accurate.
8…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4.
9.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c4.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5.
10.cxd5: You trade on d5.
10…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
11.a3: You prepare b4.
11…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4.
12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and aims at a3.
13.Nfd2: The knight goes to d2 and supports e4.
13…N7f6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks e4.
14.Nxf6: You trade the knights with check.
14…Nxf6: The knight recaptures.
15.b4: You gain space on the queenside. The position is level.

Line 589: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 a5 8.d4 a4 9.Nxa4 b5 10.cxb5 cxb5 11.Nc3 b4 12.Ne1 d5 13.Na4 Nc6 14.Nc5 Bf5 15.h3

up to 7.d3 as line 588

7…a5: Black gains space on the queenside. 7...d5 is a little more accurate.
8.d4: You gain space in the centre.
8…a4: Black pushes on to a4 and offers the pawn.
9.Nxa4: The knight takes the pawn on a4.
9…b5: Black attacks a4 and c4.
10.cxb5: You take on b5.
10…cxb5: Black recaptures and attacks the knight on a4.
11.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3 and attacks b5.
11…b4: Black pushes on and attacks the knight on c3.
12.Ne1: The knight steps away to e1.
12…d5: Black firms up the centre with the d-pawn.
13.Na4: The knight goes to the edge, to a4, and heads for c5.
13…Nc6: Black develops the knight and attacks d4.
14.Nc5: The knight goes to c5.
14…Bf5: Black develops the bishop.
15.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces. You are a pawn up; White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 590: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.d3 Re8 8.e4 e5 9.b4 Na6 10.Rb1 Nc7 11.Re1 Ne6 12.a4 b6 13.b5 c5 14.h4 h6 15.Bh3

up to 7.d3 as line 589

7…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5. 7...d5 is more accurate.
8.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
9.b4: You gain space on the queenside.
9…Na6: The knight goes to the edge, to a6, and attacks b4.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers b4.
10…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and heads for d4.
12.a4: You gain space on the queenside.
12…b6: Black covers c5.
13.b5: You attack c6.
13…c5: Black firms up the queenside with the c-pawn.
14.h4: You attack with the h-pawn.
14…h6: Black holds up the h-pawn.
15.Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and attacks the knight on e6. White is somewhat better (eval 0.35).

Line 591: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O c5 7.d3 Nc6

up to 6.O-O as line 590

6…c5: Black gains space. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
7.d3: You keep e4 under control. 7.Rb1 is just as good.
7…Nc6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 592: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 e5

up to 3.g3 as line 591

3…d6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2.
4…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 593: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 Nf6

up to 4.Bg2 as line 592

4…Nf6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 594: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3 e5

up to 4.Bg2 as line 593

4…Nc6: Black develops. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
5.d3: You cover e4. Stockfish also mentions e3.
5…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 595: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3 Bd7 6.Qd2 Nf6 7.b3 O-O 8.e3 e5 9.Nge2 Be6 10.O-O Qd7 11.Bb2 Bh3 12.e4 Bxg2 13.Kxg2 Nd4 14.f3 a6 15.Rae1

up to 5.d3 as line 594

5…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 5...e5 is a little more accurate.
6.Qd2: The queen goes to d2. 6.e4 is just as good.
6…Nf6: Black develops the knight.
7.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.e3: You keep d4 under control.
8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
9.Nge2: The knight goes to e2.
9…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
10.O-O: You castle.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and prepares Bh3.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
11…Bh3: The bishop goes to h3 and offers a trade.
12.e4: You occupy the centre with the e-pawn.
12…Bxg2: Black trades the bishops.
13.Kxg2: The king recaptures.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks b3 and e2.
14.f3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
14…a6: Black prepares b5.
15.Rae1: The rook goes to e1. White is slightly better (eval 0.27).

Line 596: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3 f5 6.Nf3 e5 7.O-O a5 8.a3 h6 9.e4 Nge7 10.exf5 Bxf5 11.Nh4 Be6 12.Be4 Bf7 13.Be3 O-O 14.Qd2 g5 15.Ng2

up to 5.d3 as line 595

5…f5: Black gains space with the f-pawn. 5...e5 is a little more accurate.
6.Nf3: You develop the knight.
6…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
7.O-O: You castle.
7…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
8.a3: You prepare b4.
8…h6: Black prepares g5.
9.e4: You attack f5.
9…Nge7: Black develops the knight.
10.exf5: You take on f5.
10…Bxf5: The bishop recaptures and aims at d3.
11.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and attacks the bishop on f5.
11…Be6: The bishop steps away to e6 and attacks c4.
12.Be4: The bishop goes to e4 and attacks c6 and g6.
12…Bf7: The bishop goes to f7 and covers g6.
13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks h6.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 behind the bishop on e3; together they aim at h6.
14…g5: Black attacks the knight on h4.
15.Ng2: The knight steps away to g2. The position is level.

Line 597: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O e5

up to 4.Bg2 as line 596

4…c5: Black gains space. Your knight goes to f3.
5.Nf3: The knight goes to f3. Stockfish also mentions e3 with the knight to e2.
5…Nc6: Black develops. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. With e3 or d2–d3 you keep building.
6…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 598: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O e6 7.e3 Nge7 8.b3 O-O 9.Rb1 e5 10.d3 Rb8 11.Bb2 h6 12.Qd2 Be6 13.d4 exd4 14.exd4 Bg4 15.dxc5

up to 6.O-O as line 597

6…e6: Black controls d5. With e3 you build symmetrically.
7.e3: The pawn on e3 holds d4.
7…Nge7: Black develops. With Re1 or d2–d3 you keep building.
8.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
9…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
10.d3: You keep e4 under control.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
12…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
13.d4: You strike in the centre and attack c5 and e5.
13…exd4: Black takes on d4.
14.exd4: You recapture with the e-pawn and attack c5.
14…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks the knight on f3.
15.dxc5: You take on c5 and attack d6. The position is level.

Line 599: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nf6

up to 6.O-O as line 598

6…Nf6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 600: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Nh6 7.a3 O-O 8.Rb1 Nf5 9.d3 Qd7 10.e3 Rb8 11.Qc2 b6 12.b4 Bb7 13.Ne2 Rbc8 14.Bb2 cxb4 15.Bxg7

up to 6.O-O as line 599

6…Nh6: The knight aims at f5. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
7.a3: You prepare b4. 7.b3 is just as good.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
8…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and eyes d4 and g3.
9.d3: You keep e4 under control.
9…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
10.e3: You take d4 away from the knight on f5.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
11…b6: Black covers c5.
12.b4: You attack c5.
12…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
13…Rbc8: The rook goes to c8.
14.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks the bishop on g7.
14…cxb4: Black takes on b4 and attacks a3.
15.Bxg7: You trade the bishops on g7. The position is level.

Line 601: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Bf5 7.h3 e5 8.d3 Nge7 9.Rb1 O-O 10.a3 a5 11.b3 h6 12.Nd2 Rb8 13.Bb2 b6 14.Ba1 Be6 15.Nd5

up to 6.O-O as line 600

6…Bf5: The bishop controls d3. With b3 and the bishop to b2 you build up.
7.h3: You prepare g4.
7…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
8.d3: You keep e4 under control.
8…Nge7: Black develops the knight.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.a3: You support b4.
10…a5: Black holds up your b-pawn.
11.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
12.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
13…b6: Black prepares b5.
14.Ba1: The bishop goes to a1.
14…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4 and h3.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks b6 and e7. The position is level.

Line 602: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 d6 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.O-O Bd7 7.d3 Rb8 8.Qd2 h6 9.b3 e5 10.Rb1 Nge7 11.Ne1 O-O 12.Bb2 a6 13.f4 b5 14.Rf2 b4 15.Nd5

up to 6.O-O as line 601

6…Bd7: Black develops the bishop. 6...Nh6 is just as good.
7.d3: You keep e4 under control.
7…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
8.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
8…h6: Black takes h6 away from your bishop.
9.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2.
9…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
10…Nge7: Black develops the knight.
11.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
12…a6: Black prepares b5.
13.f4: You attack e5.
13…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
14.Rf2: The rook goes to f2.
14…b4: Black pushes on and attacks the knight on c3.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks b4 and e7. The position is level.

Line 603: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 O-O 8.Bd2 b6 9.a3 Bb7 10.Rb1 d5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Nxd5 Qxd5 13.Bc3 Nd4 14.Bxd4 Bxd4 15.Ne1

up to 3.g3 as line 602

3…c5: The Symmetrical English. Your bishop goes to g2.
4.Bg2: The completely symmetrical position. You use your extra tempo for space on the queenside, for example with a3 and b4.
4…Nc6: Both sides build symmetrically. Your knight goes to f3.
5.Nf3: The knight goes to f3. You castle next.
5…e6: Black controls d5. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
6…Nge7: Black develops. With d2–d3 you make room for your queen's bishop.
7.d3: You cover e4 and open the bishop on c1. Stockfish also mentions e3.
7…O-O: Black castles. Your bishop goes to d2 or f4.
8.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and connects the rooks. Stockfish also mentions Bf4.
8…b6: Black fianchettoes. With a2–a3 and Rb1 you prepare b4.
9.a3: You prepare b4. Black is slightly better (eval -0.18).
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop. 9...d5 is more accurate.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
10…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4. 10...d6 is a little more accurate.
11.cxd5: You trade on d5. 11.b4 is just as good.
11…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3.
12.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
12…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks d3.
13.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and offers a trade for the bishop on g7.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and f3.
14.Bxd4: You take the knight on d4.
14…Bxd4: The bishop recaptures and attacks b2 and f2.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on g2. The position is level.

Line 604: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 O-O 8.Bd2 d5 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Bg5 Nde7 11.Be3 Nd4 12.Ne4 Nd5 13.Bg5 Qb6 14.Qd2 Qxb2 15.Qxb2

up to 8.Bd2 as line 603

8…d5: Black occupies the centre. With a2–a3 and Rb1 you play on the queenside.
9.cxd5: You trade on d5. 9.Rb1 is just as good.
9…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3. 9...exd5 is a little more accurate.
10.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8.
10…Nde7: The knight goes back to e7.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e2 and f3.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks c5.
12…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and attacks the bishop on e3.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the queen on d8.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b2.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
14…Qxb2: The queen takes the pawn on b2 and offers a queen trade.
15.Qxb2: You trade the queens. The position is level.

Line 605: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.O-O Nge7 7.d3 d5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.e4 O-O 10.Bf4 d4 11.Nb5 b6 12.Nc7 Rb8 13.Nb5 Ra8

up to 7.d3 as line 604

7…d5: Black strikes in the centre and attacks c4. 7...O-O is just as good.
8.cxd5: You trade on d5.
8…exd5: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
9.e4: You attack d5.
9…O-O: Black castles.
10.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4.
10…d4: Black pushes on and attacks the knight on c3.
11.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks a7 and d4.
11…b6: Black covers c5.
12.Nc7: The knight jumps to c7 and attacks the rook on a8.
12…Rb8: The rook steps away to b8.
13.Nb5: The knight goes back to b5 and attacks a7 and d4.
13…Ra8: The rook goes back to a8. The position repeats itself – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 606: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 e5

up to 5.Nf3 as line 605

5…e5: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 607: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 d6

up to 5.Nf3 as line 606

5…d6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. 5...e6 is a little more accurate. (transposition)

Line 608: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 Nf6

up to 5.Nf3 as line 607

5…Nf6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. 5...e6 is more accurate. (transposition)

Line 609: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 Nh6 6.O-O Nf5 7.d3 O-O 8.a3 Rb8 9.Rb1 a6 10.Nd5 e6 11.Ne3 Nfe7 12.Nc2 b5 13.b4 bxc4 14.dxc4 d5 15.Bf4

up to 5.Nf3 as line 608

5…Nh6: The knight aims at f5. You castle.
6.O-O: You castle. Stockfish also mentions h4 against the knight.
6…Nf5: The knight stands on f5 and controls d4. With d2–d3 you build quietly.
7.d3: You keep e4 under control. 7.a3 is just as good.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.a3: You prepare b4. 8.Rb1 is just as good.
8…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5.
9.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
9…a6: Black prepares b5.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks e7.
10…e6: Black attacks the knight on d5.
11.Ne3: The knight steps away to e3 and attacks f5.
11…Nfe7: The knight goes to e7.
12.Nc2: The knight goes to c2.
12…b5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
13.b4: You attack c5.
13…bxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks d3.
14.dxc4: You recapture with the d-pawn.
14…d5: Black attacks the pawn on c4.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks the rook on b8. The position is level.

Line 610: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 Nh6 6.O-O Nf5 7.d3 b6 8.Rb1 O-O 9.a3 Bb7 10.e3 Rc8 11.Bd2 d6 12.b4 Qd7 13.Ne2 Nh6 14.Qa4 Rfd8 15.Nc3

up to 7.d3 as line 609

7…b6: Black prepares Bb7. 7...O-O is just as good.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
8…O-O: Black castles.
9.a3: You support b4.
9…Bb7: Black develops the bishop.
10.e3: You take d4 away from the knight on f5.
10…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
11.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
11…d6: Black supports c5 and e5.
12.b4: You attack c5.
12…Qd7: The queen goes to d7.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
13…Nh6: The knight goes back to h6.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a7 and c6.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8.
15.Nc3: The knight goes back to c3. The position is level.

Line 611: 1…g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.g3 c5 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 Nh6 6.O-O O-O 7.a3 Nf5 8.Rb1 Rb8 9.b4 d6 10.e3 Bxc3 11.dxc3 Be6 12.e4 Ng7 13.Qe2 Ne5 14.Nxe5 dxe5 15.Be3

up to 6.O-O as line 610

6…O-O: Black castles.
7.a3: You prepare b4. 7.b3 is a little more accurate.
7…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and eyes d4 and g3.
8.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and supports b4.
8…Rb8: The rook goes to b8.
9.b4: You attack c5.
9…d6: Black supports c5.
10.e3: You take d4 away from the knight on f5.
10…Bxc3: The bishop takes the knight on c3.
11.dxc3: You recapture with the d-pawn; the d-file is open.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and attacks c4.
12.e4: You attack the knight on f5.
12…Ng7: The knight steps away to g7.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers c4.
13…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks c4 and f3.
14.Nxe5: You trade the knights.
14…dxe5: Black recaptures with the d-pawn.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks c5. The position is level.

Chapter 6: 1…c6

Line 612: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6

1…c6: Black plans d5 with a Caro-Kann structure.
2.Nf3: Quiet development. Against d5 you build with e3, without d2–d4 – the Anglo-Slav system.
2…d5: Black occupies the centre. With e3 you build quietly.
3.e3: The pawn on e3 supports c4 and keeps an eye on d4. The bishop on f1 stays flexible.
3…Nf6: Black develops. Your knight goes to c3.
4.Nc3: The knight increases the pressure on d5.
4…e6: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 613: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.b3 Bg4 6.Be2 e6 7.Bb2 Nbd7 8.h3 Bh5 9.Nh4 Bxe2 10.Nxe2 Bd6 11.O-O Qe7 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.f4 O-O 14.Nf3 Rfc8 15.Rc1

up to 4.Nc3 as line 612

4…a6: Black plans …b5. With b3 you cover c4; Stockfish also mentions a2–a4.
5.b3: You cover c4 – after an exchange the b-pawn recaptures.
5…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3. With Bb2 and Be2 you develop.
6.Be2: The bishop goes to e2. 6.h3 is more accurate.
6…e6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on f8.
7.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. 7.h3 is just as good.
7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
8.h3: You attack the bishop on g4.
8…Bh5: The bishop steps away to h5 and keeps aiming at f3.
9.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and offers a trade of bishops.
9…Bxe2: Black trades the bishops.
10.Nxe2: The knight recaptures.
10…Bd6: Black develops the bishop.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…Qe7: The queen goes to e7.
12.cxd5: You trade on d5.
12…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
13.f4: You keep e5 under control.
13…O-O: Black castles.
14.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3.
14…Rfc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and opposes the rook on c8. The position is level.

Line 614: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.b3 Bf5 6.Bb2 h6 7.Nh4 Bh7 8.Nf3 e6 9.Rc1 Bb4 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.O-O O-O 12.Nb1 Bd6 13.cxd5 exd5 14.Ne1 Qa5 15.a4

up to 5.b3 as line 613

5…Bf5: Black develops the bishop.
6.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. 6.Nh4 is a little more accurate.
6…h6: Black frees h7 for the bishop.
7.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and attacks the bishop on f5.
7…Bh7: The bishop steps away to h7.
8.Nf3: The knight goes back to f3.
8…e6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on f8.
9.Rc1: The rook goes to c1.
9…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and attacks the knight on c3. Black is slightly better (eval -0.16).
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
10…Nbd7: Black develops the knight.
11.O-O: You castle.
11…O-O: Black castles.
12.Nb1: The knight goes back to b1 and wants to regroup via d2.
12…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2.
13.cxd5: You trade on d5.
13…exd5: Black recaptures with the e-pawn.
14.Ne1: The knight goes to e1.
14…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks a2 and d2.
15.a4: You put the pawn on a4. Black is somewhat better (eval -0.38).

Line 615: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 g6 5.b3 Bg7 6.Bb2 O-O 7.Be2 Bg4 8.Rc1 Bxf3 9.Bxf3 e5 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 cxd5 12.Rc5 e4 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Be2 Qd6 15.Qc2

up to 4.Nc3 as line 614

4…g6: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With the exchange on d5 or Qb3 you increase the pressure.
5.b3: You prepare a bishop on b2. 5.Be2 is a little more accurate.
5…Bg7: Black develops the bishop on the long diagonal.
6.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
6…O-O: Black castles.
7.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
7…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and aims at f3. 7...c5 is a little more accurate.
8.Rc1: The rook goes to c1. 8.O-O is a little more accurate.
8…Bxf3: Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3.
9.Bxf3: The bishop recaptures and attacks d5.
9…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
10.cxd5: You trade on d5.
10…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and attacks c3 and e3.
11.Nxd5: You trade the knights.
11…cxd5: Black recaptures with the c-pawn.
12.Rc5: The rook goes to c5 and attacks d5.
12…e4: Black attacks the bishop on f3.
13.Bxg7: You trade the bishops on g7.
13…Kxg7: The king recaptures.
14.Be2: The bishop steps away to e2.
14…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and attacks the rook on c5 and the pawn on h2.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2, covers the rook on c5 and attacks e4. The position is level.

Line 616: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Qc2 e6 6.b3 Bd6 7.Bb2

up to 4.Nc3 as line 615

4…Nbd7: Black develops. With Qc2 and b3 you build up.
5.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7. 5.cxd5 is just as good.
5…e6: Black opens the diagonal for the bishop on f8. 5...e5 is a little more accurate.
6.b3: The pawn covers c4, your bishop goes to b2.
6…Bd6: Black develops. With Be2 and Bb2 you keep building.
7.Bb2: Transposition: the same position also arises in another move order – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 617: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Qc2 e6 6.b3 Be7 7.Bb2 O-O 8.Be2 e5 9.O-O a6 10.a4 Re8 11.d3 h6 12.h3 Bd6 13.Rfc1 Nf8 14.a5 Bb4 15.cxd5

up to 6.b3 as line 616

6…Be7: Black develops the bishop. 6...Bd6 is a little more accurate.
7.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
7…O-O: Black castles.
8.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
8…e5: Black gains space with the e-pawn.
9.O-O: You castle.
9…a6: Black prepares b5.
10.a4: You hold up Black's b-pawn.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
11.d3: You keep e4 under control.
11…h6: Black takes g5 away from your pieces.
12.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
12…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and supports e5.
13.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 behind the queen.
13…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and heads for g6.
14.a5: You gain space on the queenside.
14…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and attacks a5 and the knight on c3.
15.cxd5: You trade on d5. The position is level.

Line 618: 1…c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bg4 5.Qb3 Qb6 6.Ne5 Be6 7.f4 Nbd7 8.h3 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Bxc4 10.Nxc4 Qxb3 11.axb3 Nc5 12.Ke2 Nxb3 13.Ra3 Nxc1 14.Rxc1 b5 15.Ne5

up to 4.Nc3 as line 617

4…Bg4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With h3 you question the bishop.
5.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7.
5…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and offers a queen trade.
6.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the bishop on g4.
6…Be6: The bishop steps away to e6.
7.f4: You support the knight on e5.
7…Nbd7: Black develops the knight and attacks e5.
8.h3: You take g4 away from Black's pieces.
8…dxc4: Black takes on c4 and attacks your queen.
9.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures and attacks the bishop on e6.
9…Bxc4: Black trades the bishops and attacks your queen.
10.Nxc4: The knight recaptures and attacks the queen on b6.
10…Qxb3: Black trades the queens.
11.axb3: You recapture with the a-pawn.
11…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks b3.
12.Ke2: The king goes to e2 and connects the rooks.
12…Nxb3: The knight takes the pawn on b3 and attacks a1, c1 and d2.
13.Ra3: The rook goes to a3 and attacks the knight on b3 and the pawn on a7.
13…Nxc1: The knight takes the bishop on c1 with check.
14.Rxc1: The rook recaptures.
14…b5: Black attacks the knight on c4.
15.Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks c6 and f7. The position is level.