The French Defense for Black – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.e4 e6

The French Defense arises after 1.e4 1...e6: Black prepares 2...d5 and attacks White's centre without entering a slugfest in an open game. It is a fighting defence for club players who like closed positions and clear plans: you attack White's pawn chain with the levers c5 and f6. This course is built from 59,583 games of all the player collections on this site; Stockfish checked every position. After 2.d4 2...d5 (88 % of the games) White has four main roads: against 3.Nc3 you play the Winawer Variation with 3...Bb4 – after 4.e5 4...c5 5.a3 5...Bxc3+ White gets the bishop pair, and you get targets on c3 and c2. Against the Tarrasch Variation 3.Nd2 you reply 3...c5 and often play with the isolated pawn on d5 and active pieces. Against the Advance Variation 3.e5 you put d4 under pressure with 3...c5, Nc6, Bd7 and Qb6 – including a trap in the Milner-Barry Gambit. The Exchange Variation 3.exd5 leads to symmetrical, quiet positions. The course also covers the King's Indian Attack with 2.d3.

The ideas

Attack the chain at its base: when a white pawn stands on e5, c5 is your first lever against d4. Then you attack the head e5 with f6 or f5 – if White takes on f6, the f-file opens for your rook.
In the Winawer Variation White has doubled pawns after Bxc3+. Their targets are c3 and c2: with Qa5, Qc7 or a bishop on a4 you put them under pressure; with c4 you close the queenside and drive White's bishop from d3.
Watch h7 and g7: without your dark-squared bishop White attacks with Qg4 and Qh5. Against mate on h7 you put a knight on g6 or block the diagonal with f5.
The knight often belongs on e7 rather than f6: from there it can go to f5, g6 or c6, and the f-pawn stays free for the lever f6.
With the isolated pawn on d5 in the Tarrasch Variation you need active pieces: bishops to d6 and g4, the knight via e7 to f5, and with h6 you take the square g5 away from White's bishop.
Against the Advance Variation you build up pressure on d4 with Nc6, Qb6 and cxd4. When the bishop leaves c1, b2 is often unprotected – and if White sacrifices d4, you take it and secure your queen with a6 against a knight on b5.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 2.d4

Line 1: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Qh5 Ng6 10.Nf3 Qc7 11.Be3 c4 12.Bxg6 fxg6 13.Qg4 Qf7 14.Ng5 Qe8 15.h4 h6 16.Nh3 Ne7

2.d4: The main reply (88 % of the games): White builds the big centre with e4 and d4. You attack it at once with 2...d5 – the basic idea of the French Defense.
2…d5: The pawn on e6 supports d5, and the pawn on e4 is under fire. White has to decide: cover e4 (3.Nc3, 3.Nd2), advance (3.e5) or exchange (3.exd5).
3.Nc3: The sharpest and most frequent reply (48 %): the knight covers e4 and develops. Your counter is the Winawer Variation with 3...Bb4, which pins the knight.
3…Bb4: The Winawer Variation: the bishop pins the knight on c3, which defends e4, and so renews the threat dxe4. Stockfish rates 3...Nf6 slightly more precise (loss 0.32), but the Winawer leads to clear, fighting positions.
4.e5: White closes the centre (75 %). Now you attack the chain at its base: 4...c5 hits d4.
4…c5: The typical French lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice. The bishop on b4 and the pawn on c5 put White's centre under pressure together.
5.a3: The main line (83 %): White questions the bishop. You take on c3 and give up the bishop pair, and in return White gets doubled pawns.
5…Bxc3: You trade the bishop for the knight with check. White keeps the bishop pair, but his pawns on c2 and c3 are weak – a target for your queen and your knights.
6.bxc3: Forced. Without your dark-squared bishop g7 is sensitive – White aims at it right away with 7.Qg4.
6…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 instead of f6, because the pawn on e5 controls f6. From e7 it can go to f5, g6 or c6, and the f-pawn stays free for f5 or f6.
7.Qg4: The most direct road (50 %): the queen attacks g7. You castle so that the king covers the pawn.
7…O-O: The king covers g7. Stockfish prefers 7...cxd4 (loss 0.15): there you give up g7 and h7 (8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7) and get counterplay in the centre in return – much sharper. Castling keeps the game calmer, but White can attack on the kingside.
8.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7 (81 %). Watch the b1–h7 diagonal: queen and bishop together can give mate there.
8…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack d4. Stockfish prefers 8...f5 (loss 0.50), which closes the diagonal towards your kingside at once; after 8...Nbc6 you have to parry the attack on h7 precisely.
9.Qh5: Careful: White threatens mate on h7! The square h7 is covered only by the king, and the bishop on d3 supports the queen. With 9...Ng6 you put the knight into the diagonal.
9…Ng6: A must and Stockfish's first choice: the knight interrupts the d3–h7 diagonal. The pawns on f7 and h7 cover it.
10.Nf3: White develops (96 %). With 10...Qc7 you take aim at the pawn on e5.
10…Qc7: Queen and knight on g6 now attack e5 twice. Stockfish agrees (loss 0).
11.Be3: White covers d4 with the bishop (83 %). Now you close the queenside with 11...c4 and attack the bishop on d3.
11…c4: You close the queenside and attack the bishop on d3. White usually trades on g6.
12.Bxg6: White trades (97 %). You recapture with the f-pawn – that opens the f-file for your rook.
12…fxg6: Back with the f-pawn: the rook on f8 gets the half-open f-file and aims at f3 and f2.
13.Qg4: The queen returns (99 %) and now eyes e6 and g6.
13…Qf7: The queen comes to the f-file and increases the pressure on f3 and f2.
14.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qe8: The queen steps back to e8 and from there covers g6 and e6.
15.h4: White supports the knight on g5 and has h5 in mind.
15…h6: You chase the knight away – Stockfish's first choice. Then the knight heads for f5 via Ne7.
16.Nh3: The knight retreats to h3 (100 %). It wants to come back into play via f4.
16…Ne7: The knight heads back into play via f5.

Line 2: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Qh5 Ng6 10.Nf3 Qc7 11.Be3 c4 12.Bxg6 fxg6 13.Qg4 Qf7 14.h4 Qf5 15.Qxf5 Rxf5 16.Ke2 h6

up to 13…Qf7 as line 1

14.h4: White holds back Ng5 and plays 14.h4 first (loss 0.02).
14…Qf5: You offer the queen trade. Stockfish prefers 14...h6 (loss 0.08); in the endgame White is slightly better.
15.Qxf5: White takes the queen – the endgame begins.
15…Rxf5: Stockfish would recapture with the pawn (15...exf5, loss 0.36): the chain e6–f5 then shields your king. The rook on f5 is active but a target for g4.
16.Ke2: In the endgame the king belongs in the centre: White brings it to e2 and connects the rooks.
16…h6: A useful bit of air. Stockfish considers 16...Bd7 (loss 0) equal.

Line 3: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Qh5 Ng6 10.Nf3 Qc7 11.Be3 c4 12.Bxg6 fxg6 13.Qg4 Qf7 14.h4 Qf5 15.Qxf5 Rxf5 16.Ke2 Bd7

up to 16.Ke2 as line 2

16…Bd7: You develop the bishop and connect the rooks. White is somewhat better in the endgame (eval 0.91): his bishop is free, yours stands behind your own pawns.

Line 4: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Qh5 Ng6 10.Nf3 Qc7 11.Ng5 h6 12.Nxf7 Qxf7 13.Qxg6 Qxg6 14.Bxg6 cxd4 15.cxd4 Nxd4 16.Be3 Nf5

up to 10…Qc7 as line 3

11.Ng5: A hasty sortie (loss 0.38): the knight eyes h7, but you chase it away with 11...h6.
11…h6: You question the knight. White now usually sacrifices on f7.
12.Nxf7: White takes on f7 (85 %) to regain the pawn after 12...Qxf7 with 13.Qxg6. This leads into a level endgame – 82 % of these games were drawn.
12…Qxf7: The queen recaptures along the seventh rank. The queen trade on g6 follows.
13.Qxg6: White takes the pawn on g6 and offers the queen trade.
13…Qxg6: You take the queen – after the trade it is an endgame.
14.Bxg6: White recaptures with the bishop.
14…cxd4: After the queen trade you open the centre: 14...cxd4 and 15...Nxd4 win the pawn back.
15.cxd4: White recaptures on d4, but the pawn on d4 is weak.
15…Nxd4: You have the pawn back. The endgame is level.
16.Be3: The bishop attacks your knight on d4.
16…Nf5: The knight steps aside and stands safely on f5.

Line 5: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Qh5 Ng6 10.Nf3 Qc7 11.O-O c4 12.Bxg6 fxg6 13.Qg4 Qa5 14.Bd2 Qa4 15.Ra2 b5

up to 10…Qc7 as line 4

11.O-O: White castles short (loss 0.26). You answer as against 11.Be3 with 11...c4.
11…c4: The same plan: close the queenside and drive away the bishop on d3.
12.Bxg6: White trades the bishop for your knight on g6. Stockfish wanted 12.Be2 (loss 0.07).
12…fxg6: Again back with the f-pawn to open the f-file.
13.Qg4: The queen returns to g4 and aims at the weaknesses on e6 and g6.
13…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks the weakened pawn on c3.
14.Bd2: The bishop covers c3.
14…Qa4: The queen pushes on to a4 and eyes the pawns on a3 and c2.
15.Ra2: The rook guards the second rank and with it the pawn on c2.
15…b5: You support c4 and gain space on the queenside. White is only slightly better (eval 0.32).

Line 6: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.exf6 Rxf6 11.Bg5 Rf7 12.Bxe7 Rxe7 13.Qh4 g6 14.O-O c4 15.Be2 Bd7 16.Rfe1 Qf8

up to 8…Nbc6 as line 5

9.Nf3: White develops the knight instead of 9.Qh5 (16 %). Now comes 9...f5 – the diagonal to h7 is closed.
9…f5: The pawn on f5 closes the b1–h7 diagonal and attacks the queen. Watch the pawn on e5: if White takes en passant, the f-file opens for your rook.
10.exf6: White takes en passant (82 %) – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.86); 10.Qg3 was better. After 10...Rxf6 your rook stands actively, and the pawn on e5 is gone.
10…Rxf6: The rook recaptures and stands actively on the third rank. You get free play in the centre, for example with e5.
11.Bg5: The bishop attacks the rook on f6 and indirectly pins the knight on e7 (87 %).
11…Rf7: The rook steps aside and covers e7 and the seventh rank. Stockfish shows a sharp alternative with 11...e5 (loss 0.25).
12.Bxe7: White trades bishop for knight (49 %).
12…Rxe7: The rook recaptures and covers the seventh rank.
13.Qh4: The queen comes to h4 (98 %) and aims at h7.
13…g6: The pawn on g6 blocks the d3–h7 diagonal and so protects h7.
14.O-O: White takes the king to safety.
14…c4: The typical advance: the queenside is closed, and the bishop on d3 has to move.
15.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
15…Bd7: You develop your last bishop. Stockfish names 15...Kg7 (loss 0.20) as an alternative.
16.Rfe1: The rook goes to the e-file. Stockfish names 16.Rab1 (loss 0.29), eyeing the b-file.
16…Qf8: The queen guards the kingside. Stockfish considers 16...Qa5 more active (loss 0.28) – there the queen attacks c3 and a3.

Line 7: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.exf6 Rxf6 11.Bg5 Rf7 12.Qh4 h6 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Qxe7 Rxe7 15.dxc5 e5

up to 11…Rf7 as line 6

12.Qh4: White keeps the bishop and puts the queen on h4. You chase the bishop away with 12...h6.
12…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
13.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7. Stockfish wanted to castle first (13.O-O, loss 0.17).
13…Qxe7: The queen recaptures and offers the trade – the endgame is roughly level (eval 0.16).
14.Qxe7: White takes the queen – the queens come off.
14…Rxe7: The rook recaptures. In the endgame you aim at the weak c-pawns.
15.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
15…e5: With 15...e5 you build a strong centre.

Line 8: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.exf6 Rxf6 11.Bg5 Rf7 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qh4 c4 14.Be2 Qa5 15.Bd2 Nf5 16.Qg5 Bd7

up to 11…Rf7 as line 7

12.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 (12 %). You close the diagonal with 12...g6.
12…g6: The pawn attacks the queen and protects h7.
13.Qh4: The queen drops back to h4 and keeps covering the bishop on g5.
13…c4: Again the advance c4: the bishop on d3 has to move.
14.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
14…Qa5: The queen attacks the pawn on c3 and the square a3.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the pawn on c3 against your queen.
15…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks the queen on h4.
16.Qg5: The queen steps away from the knight to g5.
16…Bd7: You develop the bishop and connect the rooks.

Line 9: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.exf6 Rxf6 11.Bg5 Rf7 12.Qh3 h6 13.Bxe7 Rxe7 14.Qg3 Qa5 15.O-O c4

up to 11…Rf7 as line 8

12.Qh3: White moves the queen to h3 (loss 0.52). With 12...h6 you chase the bishop away.
12…h6: You chase the bishop from g5.
13.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
13…Rxe7: You recapture with the rook; it guards the seventh rank.
14.Qg3: The queen goes to g3 and aims at g7.
14…Qa5: The queen attacks c3 and pins the pawn to the king on e1.
15.O-O: White castles and breaks the pin.
15…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 and close the queenside. The position is level (eval 0).

Line 10: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.exf6 Rxf6 11.Qh5 h6 12.O-O c4 13.Be2 Bd7 14.Rb1 b6 15.g4 Ng6

up to 10…Rxf6 as line 9

11.Qh5: Inaccurate (loss 0.32): Black won 69 % of these games. With 11...h6 you take the square g5 away from the bishop.
11…h6: The pawn on h6 keeps bishop and knight away from g5.
12.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 12.Ne5 (loss 0) as equal.
12…c4: The well-known advance: the queenside is closed, and the bishop on d3 has to move. The position is level.
13.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
13…Bd7: You develop the bishop and connect the rooks.
14.Rb1: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and attacks b7.
14…b6: The pawn steps forward and is protected on b6.
15.g4: White advances on the kingside and wants to drive your pieces away with g5.
15…Ng6: The knight jumps to g6 and heads for f4. The position is level (eval -0.05).

Line 11: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.Qg3 Qa5 11.Bd2 b6 12.a4 c4 13.Be2 b5 14.O-O bxa4 15.Ra2 Kh8

up to 9…f5 as line 10

10.Qg3: The queen steps aside and stays on the kingside. You reply 10...Qa5 and attack c3.
10…Qa5: The queen attacks the doubled pawn on c3 – a typical target in the Winawer Variation.
11.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers the doubled pawn on c3.
11…b6: You prepare Ba6 to trade White's good bishop. White is better (eval 1.1).
12.a4: White gains space on the queenside and takes the square b5 away from you.
12…c4: You close the queenside and attack the bishop on d3.
13.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 and attacks c4.
13…b5: You support c4 with the pawn on b5.
14.O-O: White castles.
14…bxa4: You take on a4 – an extra pawn, but a weak one.
15.Ra2: The rook goes to a2 and wants to win back the pawn on a4.
15…Kh8: The king leaves the g-file, where White's queen stands. White will soon win back a4 and is better (eval 1.06).

Line 12: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 f5 10.Qh3 Qa5 11.Bd2 Qa4 12.dxc5 Ng6 13.Qg3 b6 14.cxb6 axb6 15.O-O Ba6

up to 9…f5 as line 11

10.Qh3: The queen steps back to h3 (loss 0.65). You attack the pawn on c3 with 10...Qa5.
10…Qa5: The queen aims at c3 and a3.
11.Bd2: The bishop covers the pawn on c3 against your queen.
11…Qa4: The queen penetrates to a4 and attacks c2.
12.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
12…Ng6: The knight comes to g6 and watches e5.
13.Qg3: The queen drops back to g3 and keeps an eye on e5.
13…b6: You attack the pawn on c5 and want to open the b-file.
14.cxb6: White takes on b6.
14…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file for your rook.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…Ba6: The bishop comes to a6 and offers the trade against the bishop on d3. White is somewhat better (eval 0.52).

Line 13: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Bg5 Qa5 10.Ne2 Ng6 11.O-O Qa4 12.f4 c4 13.Bxg6 fxg6 14.Ra2 Bd7 15.h4 Rf5

up to 8…Nbc6 as line 12

9.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on e7 to the queen (9 %) – Stockfish's first choice. Beware: Black fared badly here (White won 50 %, eval 1.32).
9…Qa5: The queen breaks the pin and attacks the pawn on c3 – Stockfish's first choice. White is still better (eval 1.29).
10.Ne2: White covers c3 with the knight.
10…Ng6: The knight goes to g6, where it controls h4 and e5 and blocks the diagonal to h7.
11.O-O: White castles short.
11…Qa4: The queen penetrates to a4 and attacks c2.
12.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn and prepares f5.
12…c4: You close the queenside and drive away the bishop on d3.
13.Bxg6: White trades the bishop for your knight on g6.
13…fxg6: Back with the f-pawn; the f-file opens.
14.Ra2: The rook covers c2 against your queen. Stockfish wanted 14.f5 at once (loss 0.76) – a clear difference.
14…Bd7: Stockfish recommends 14...Qa5 (loss 0.61): the queen comes back to help defend, because after 14...Bd7 White can play against your king with Rf3 and Rh3. White is better (eval 1.23).
15.h4: White advances the h-pawn to attack the pawn on g6 with h5.
15…Rf5: The rook blockades the pawn on f4. Stockfish prefers 15...Rf7 (loss 0.30).

Line 14: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nbc6 9.Bg5 Qa5 10.Ne2 Ng6 11.O-O Qa4 12.f4 c4 13.Bxg6 fxg6 14.Ra2 Bd7 15.h4 Rf7

up to 15.h4 as line 13

15…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 and guards the seventh rank against the advance h5. White is better (eval 1.05).

Line 15: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Nbc6 13.Nf3 Qf8 14.O-O c4 15.Be2 h6 16.Bc1 Qg7

up to 8.Bd3 as line 14

8…f5: The pawn attacks the queen and keeps her away from g7 – one of the main answers to 7.Qg4.
9.exf6: White takes en passant and opens the f-file.
9…Rxf6: You recapture with the rook; it stands actively on the half-open f-file.
10.Bg5: The bishop attacks the rook on f6.
10…Rf7: The rook steps back to f7 and guards the seventh rank.
11.Qh5: The queen attacks h7 and the rook on f7.
11…g6: With g6 you defend and chase the queen away.
12.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1 – her attack is over.
12…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
13.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight.
13…Qf8: The queen goes to f8 and strengthens the f-file. Stockfish prefers 13...Qa5 (loss 0.24).
14.O-O: White castles.
14…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 and close the queenside.
15.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
15…h6: You put the question to the bishop on g5.
16.Bc1: The bishop retreats to c1.
16…Qg7: The queen goes to g7 and presses on d4. Stockfish names 16...b5 (loss 0.21); White is better (eval 1.14).

Line 16: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Nbc6 13.Nf3 Qf8 14.O-O c4 15.Be2 h6 16.Bc1 b5

up to 16.Bc1 as line 15

16…b5: You gain space on the queenside and support c4 – Stockfish's first choice. White is somewhat better (eval 0.93).

Line 17: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Nbc6 13.Nf3 Qa5 14.Bd2 Qc7 15.dxc5 e5 16.Ng5 Rf8

up to 13.Nf3 as line 16

13…Qa5: The queen attacks the pawn on c3 and pins it.
14.Bd2: The bishop covers c3.
14…Qc7: The queen returns to c7 and aims at h2. Stockfish prefers 14...c4 (loss 0.22).
15.dxc5: White takes on c5 – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.51); 15.O-O was better.
15…e5: You occupy the centre with e5; the pawns on d5 and e5 stand strongly.
16.Ng5: The knight attacks the rook on f7 and the pawn on h7.
16…Rf8: The rook steps aside. White is slightly better (eval 0.31).

Line 18: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Nbc6 13.Nf3 Qa5 14.Bd2 Qc7 15.O-O e5 16.Nxe5 Nxe5

up to 14…Qc7 as line 17

15.O-O: White castles.
15…e5: You strike in the centre and attack d4.
16.Nxe5: White takes on e5.
16…Nxe5: You recapture; after 17.dxe5 17...Qxe5 material is level, but White is better (eval 0.95).

Line 19: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Nbc6 13.Nf3 Qa5 14.Bd2 c4 15.Be2 Nf5 16.O-O Nd6

up to 14.Bd2 as line 18

14…c4: You attack the bishop on d3.
15.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
15…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
16.O-O: White castles.
16…Nd6: The knight goes to d6 and aims at e4. Stockfish names 16...Bd7 (loss 0.29); White is better (eval 1.04).

Line 20: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh5 g6 12.Qd1 Nbc6 13.Nf3 Qa5 14.Bd2 c4 15.Be2 Nf5 16.O-O Bd7

up to 16.O-O as line 19

16…Bd7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice. White is somewhat better (eval 0.76).

Line 21: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh4 h6 12.Bxe7 Rxe7 13.Nf3 e5 14.dxe5 Rxe5 15.Kd2 Qxh4 16.Nxh4 Nc6

up to 10…Rf7 as line 20

11.Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and aims at h7. Stockfish considers 11.Qh5 better (loss 0.57).
11…h6: You attack the bishop on g5.
12.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
12…Rxe7: You recapture with the rook.
13.Nf3: White develops the knight.
13…e5: With e5 you attack the centre and open the e-file for your rook.
14.dxe5: White takes on e5.
14…Rxe5: You recapture with check.
15.Kd2: The king goes to d2 and gives up castling.
15…Qxh4: You trade queens.
16.Nxh4: White recaptures.
16…Nc6: The knight comes into play; the endgame is roughly level (eval 0.18).

Line 22: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh4 h6 12.Bxe7 Rxe7 13.Qg3 cxd4 14.cxd4 Qa5 15.Kd1 e5

up to 12…Rxe7 as line 21

13.Qg3: The queen goes to g3 and attacks g7 and your knight on b8. Stockfish names 13.Nf3 (loss 0.18).
13…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the c-file.
14.cxd4: White recaptures.
14…Qa5: The queen gives check from a5.
15.Kd1: The king steps aside to d1 and loses the right to castle.
15…e5: You strike in the centre; White's king is unsafe, and the position is level (eval 0).

Line 23: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bg5 Rf7 11.Qh4 h6 12.Nf3 Nbc6

up to 11…h6 as line 22

12.Nf3: White develops the knight; Stockfish would rather trade on e7 first (12.Bxe7, loss 0.21).
12…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.29). (transposition)

Line 24: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Qh5 h6 11.g4 Nbc6 12.g5 g6 13.Qxh6 Rf7 14.Bxg6 Rg7 15.Bd3 e5

up to 9…Rxf6 as line 23

10.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks h7 and d5 – a mistake according to Stockfish (loss 0.74); 10.Bg5 was better.
10…h6: The pawn leaves h7, where queen and bishop were attacking it.
11.g4: White storms forward with the g-pawn and threatens g5.
11…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
12.g5: The pawn attacks the rook on f6 and the pawn on h6.
12…g6: With g6 you attack the queen.
13.Qxh6: The queen takes on h6.
13…Rf7: The rook goes to f7 and guards the seventh rank.
14.Bxg6: The bishop takes on g6 and attacks the rook on f7.
14…Rg7: The rook attacks the bishop on g6.
15.Bd3: The bishop retreats. White has won two pawns, but your rooks and your centre make up for it.
15…e5: You strike in the centre; the position is level (eval -0.03).

Line 25: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Qh5 h6 11.Nf3 Nbc6

up to 10…h6 as line 24

11.Nf3: White develops the knight – according to Stockfish almost as good as 11.g4.
11…Nbc6: You develop the knight; the position is level (eval 0). (transposition)

Line 26: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Nf3 Nbc6 9.Bd3

up to 7…O-O as line 25

8.Nf3: White develops the knight first (17 %). After 8...Nbc6 9.Bd3 you land in the main line.
8…Nbc6: You develop and attack d4. Here too Stockfish names 8...f5 (loss 0.23).
9.Bd3: Transposition: this is the position after 8.Bd3 8...Nbc6 9.Nf3 – it goes on there with 9...f5. (transposition)

Line 27: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Nxc3 a6 14.Rb1 Na5 15.h4 Nf5 16.Rh3 O-O-O

up to 7.Qg4 as line 26

7…cxd4: The Poisoned Pawn: you leave g7 hanging and attack the centre instead.
8.Qxg7: White takes the pawn on g7 and attacks the rook on h8.
8…Rg8: The rook steps aside to g8 and attacks the queen.
9.Qxh7: White also collects the pawn on h7.
9…Qc7: The queen attacks c3 and e5.
10.Ne2: The knight covers c3 and d4.
10…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack e5.
11.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
11…dxc3: You take on c3; the pawn stands deep in White's camp.
12.Qd3: The queen comes back and attacks c3.
12…Bd7: You develop the bishop and prepare long castling.
13.Nxc3: White recaptures with the knight – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.59); 13.Qxc3 was better.
13…a6: You take the square b5 away from the knight. Stockfish names 13...Nf5 (loss 0.12).
14.Rb1: The rook goes to the half-open b-file and attacks b7.
14…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4.
15.h4: White pushes the passed h-pawn.
15…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks h4.
16.Rh3: The rook covers the h-pawn and can swing along the third rank.
16…O-O-O: Long castling: your king is safer on the queenside. White is slightly better (eval 0.32).

Line 28: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Nxc3 a6 14.Ne2 Rc8 15.Bd2 Nf5

up to 13…a6 as line 27

14.Ne2: The knight goes back to e2. Stockfish names 14.Rb1 (loss 0.21).
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
15.Bd2: White develops the bishop – according to Stockfish as good as 15.h4.
15…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and controls d4 and g3. White is only marginally better (eval 0.12).

Line 29: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Rb1 d4 14.Nxd4 Nxd4 15.Qxd4 Nf5 16.Qf2 Bc6

up to 12…Bd7 as line 28

13.Rb1: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b7. Stockfish would rather take the pawn back (13.Qxc3, loss 0.72).
13…d4: The pawn on d4 protects your outpost on c3 and shuts in the bishop on c1.
14.Nxd4: White takes on d4. Stockfish names 14.h4 (loss 0.27).
14…Nxd4: You trade the knight and attack c2.
15.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and stands in the centre.
15…Nf5: The knight attacks the queen on d4.
16.Qf2: The queen steps aside to f2 and aims at a7.
16…Bc6: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g2. Stockfish names 16...Qc6 (loss 0.17); White is marginally better (eval 0.17).

Line 30: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Rb1 d4 14.Ng3 O-O-O 15.Be2 Nf5

up to 13…d4 as line 29

14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3. Stockfish names 14.h4 (loss 0.4).
14…O-O-O: Long castling: the king gets to safety on the queenside.
15.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
15…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks the knight on g3. You are marginally better (eval -0.09).

Line 31: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Rb1 d4 14.Rg1 O-O-O 15.Nxd4 Nxd4

up to 13…d4 as line 30

14.Rg1: The rook goes to g1 and covers g2. Stockfish names 14.h4 (loss 0.27).
14…O-O-O: Long castling.
15.Nxd4: White takes on d4.
15…Nxd4: You trade on d4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 32: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Qxc3 Nf5 14.Rb1 O-O-O 15.Rg1 d4 16.Qd3 Na5

up to 12…Bd7 as line 31

13.Qxc3: White wins back the pawn on c3 – Stockfish's first choice – and aims at c6.
13…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and controls d4.
14.Rb1: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b7.
14…O-O-O: Long castling – for Stockfish as good as 14...d4.
15.Rg1: The rook goes to g1 and covers g2.
15…d4: You attack the queen with the pawn.
16.Qd3: The queen steps back to d3.
16…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4. White is somewhat better (eval 0.54).

Line 33: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Qxc3 Nf5 14.Rb1 O-O-O 15.Bd2 d4

up to 14…O-O-O as line 32

15.Bd2: White develops the bishop. Stockfish names 15.Rg1 (loss 0.24).
15…d4: You attack the queen with the pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.23).

Line 34: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Qd3 Bd7 13.Be3 O-O-O 14.Qxc3 Nf5 15.Bd2 d4

up to 12…Bd7 as line 33

13.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and aims at a7 – a mistake according to Stockfish (loss 0.82); 13.Qxc3 was better.
13…O-O-O: Long castling; the pawn on a7 is now covered.
14.Qxc3: White takes the pawn on c3 back.
14…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks the bishop on e3.
15.Bd2: The bishop steps back to d2.
15…d4: You attack the queen with the pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 35: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.h4 Bd7 13.h5 O-O-O 14.Qd3 d4 15.h6 Rg6

up to 11…dxc3 as line 34

12.h4: White pushes the passed h-pawn. Stockfish names 12.Qd3 (loss 0.3).
12…Bd7: You develop the bishop – for Stockfish as good as 12...d4.
13.h5: The h-pawn runs on.
13…O-O-O: Long castling – for Stockfish as good as 13...d4.
14.Qd3: The queen returns to d3 and attacks c3.
14…d4: The pawn on d4 protects your outpost on c3.
15.h6: The h-pawn reaches h6.
15…Rg6: The rook goes to g6 and stops the h-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.28).

Line 36: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Ne2 Nbc6 11.f4 dxc3 12.Nxc3 Nd4 13.Bb2 Bd7 14.O-O-O Qb6 15.Qd3 Ndf5

up to 11…dxc3 as line 35

12.Nxc3: White recaptures with the knight. Stockfish names 12.Qd3 (loss 0.23).
12…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks c2.
13.Bb2: White develops the bishop to b2 and attacks your knight on d4.
13…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
14.O-O-O: White castles long and covers c2.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and aims at b2.
15.Qd3: The queen returns to d3 and attacks your knight on d4.
15…Ndf5: The knight retreats to f5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.39).

Line 37: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Kd1 Nbc6 11.Nf3 dxc3 12.Ng5 Nxe5 13.f4 f6 14.fxe5 fxg5 15.Bd3 Bd7

up to 9…Qc7 as line 36

10.Kd1: The king goes to d1 to cover c2 – a mistake according to Stockfish (loss 0.71); 10.Ne2 was better.
10…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack e5 – for Stockfish as good as 10...dxc3.
11.Nf3: White covers e5 with the knight.
11…dxc3: You take on c3.
12.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks e6 and f7.
12…Nxe5: You take the pawn on e5.
13.f4: White attacks your knight on e5 with the pawn.
13…f6: You attack the knight on g5 with the pawn.
14.fxe5: White takes your knight.
14…fxg5: You take the knight in return.
15.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at g6.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 38: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 Qc7 10.Kd1 Nbc6 11.Nf3 dxc3 12.Bf4 Qb6 13.Bd3 Bd7 14.Ke2 Nd4 15.Nxd4 Qxd4

up to 11…dxc3 as line 37

12.Bf4: The bishop covers e5 – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.35); 12.Ng5 was better.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and aims at f2.
13.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
13…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
14.Ke2: The king goes to e2 and covers f2.
14…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 with check.
15.Nxd4: White takes the knight.
15…Qxd4: You recapture with the queen; she stands strongly in the centre. You are slightly better (eval -0.27).

Line 39: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Qc7 9.Kd1 Nf5 10.Bd3 Qc3 11.Rb1 Qxd4 12.Bf4 Qxf2 13.Nf3 Qc5 14.Re1 h5 15.Qg5 g6

up to 7…cxd4 as line 38

8.cxd4: White recaptures on d4 and leaves g7 alone. Stockfish would rather take the pawn (8.Qxg7, loss 0.34).
8…Qc7: The queen attacks c2 and e5.
9.Kd1: The king covers c2.
9…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks d4 – for Stockfish as good as castling.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks your knight on f5.
10…Qc3: The queen breaks into c3 and attacks d4 and the rook on a1.
11.Rb1: The rook steps aside to the b-file and attacks b7.
11…Qxd4: You take the pawn on d4.
12.Bf4: White develops the bishop and covers e5.
12…Qxf2: You also take the pawn on f2.
13.Nf3: White brings the knight into play and takes squares from your queen.
13…Qc5: The queen retreats to c5.
14.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
14…h5: You attack the queen with the h-pawn.
15.Qg5: The queen goes to g5 and attacks g7.
15…g6: You defend with g6. White has an attack for two pawns; the position is roughly level (eval 0.11).

Line 40: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Qc7 9.Bd2 Qxc2 10.Rc1 Qe4 11.Qxe4 dxe4 12.h4 Bd7 13.Ne2 Bc6 14.Rh3 Nd7 15.h5 h6

up to 8…Qc7 as line 39

9.Bd2: The bishop comes to d2 and leaves c2 unprotected – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.48); 9.Kd1 was better.
9…Qxc2: You take the pawn on c2 and attack the bishop on d2.
10.Rc1: The rook attacks your queen.
10…Qe4: The queen offers the trade with check.
11.Qxe4: White trades queens.
11…dxe4: You recapture with the pawn.
12.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
12…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
13.Ne2: White develops the knight.
13…Bc6: The bishop stands on c6 and covers e4.
14.Rh3: The rook swings along the third rank.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
15.h5: The h-pawn runs on.
15…h6: You stop the h-pawn. With the extra pawn you are slightly better (eval -0.17).

Line 41: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Qc7 9.Ra2 Nf5 10.Nf3 Nc6 11.Bd3 h5 12.Qg5 Ncxd4 13.Nxd4 Qc3 14.Bd2 Qxd4 15.O-O Qg4

up to 8…Qc7 as line 40

9.Ra2: The rook covers c2. Stockfish names 9.Kd1 (loss 0.1).
9…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks d4.
10.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight.
10…Nc6: You develop the second knight and attack d4 and e5.
11.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks the knight on f5.
11…h5: You attack the queen with the h-pawn.
12.Qg5: The queen goes to g5 and attacks g7.
12…Ncxd4: You take on d4.
13.Nxd4: White takes the knight.
13…Qc3: The queen gives check from c3.
14.Bd2: The bishop blocks the check and attacks your queen.
14…Qxd4: You take the knight on d4 back.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…Qg4: You offer the queen trade; the position is level (eval 0.05).

Line 42: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 cxd4 8.Bd3 Qa5 9.Ne2 Kf8 10.Bd2 dxc3 11.Bxc3 h5 12.Qg5 Qd8 13.h4 Nec6 14.Qf4 Qc7 15.Rh3 Nd7

up to 7…cxd4 as line 41

8.Bd3: The bishop attacks h7 – according to Stockfish as good as 8.Qxg7.
8…Qa5: The queen attacks the pawn on c3 – for Stockfish as good as 8...Qc7.
9.Ne2: The knight covers c3. Stockfish names 9.Rb1 (loss 0.09).
9…Kf8: The king covers g7 and f7.
10.Bd2: White develops the bishop and covers c3.
10…dxc3: You take on c3 and attack the bishop on d2.
11.Bxc3: The bishop recaptures on c3 and attacks your queen on a5.
11…h5: You attack the queen with the h-pawn.
12.Qg5: The queen goes to g5 and attacks g7 and e7.
12…Qd8: The queen returns to d8 and covers e7.
13.h4: With h4 White fixes the pawn on h5.
13…Nec6: The knight goes to c6 and attacks e5.
14.Qf4: The queen goes to f4, covers e5 and aims at f7.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
15.Rh3: The rook comes into play via h3.
15…Nd7: The knight attacks e5 once more. White is somewhat better (eval 0.34).

Line 43: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Bb5 Qc7 11.O-O O-O 12.Re1 h6 13.Qc1 f6 14.Bxh6 gxh6 15.Qxh6 Nf5

up to 6…Ne7 as line 42

7.Nf3: The quiet road (30 %): White develops and does without 7.Qg4. Stockfish prefers 7.h4 (loss 0.18) to gain space on the kingside.
7…Bd7: You develop the bishop and prepare Qa5 and Nbc6. Stockfish plays 7...Qa5 at once (loss 0.12) and attacks c3.
8.a4: White takes the square a4 away from your bishop and wants to bring the bishop to a3 (46 %).
8…Qa5: The queen attacks the doubled pawn on c3 and keeps an eye on a4.
9.Bd2: White covers c3 (74 %). You keep developing with 9...Nbc6.
9…Nbc6: The knight puts pressure on d4.
10.Bb5: White pins the knight on c6 (53 %). Stockfish considers 10.Qc1 better (loss 0.17).
10…Qc7: The queen steps out of the pin and covers c6. Stockfish prefers 10...a6 (loss 0.32), putting the question to the bishop on b5 at once.
11.O-O: White castles short.
11…O-O: You bring the king to safety. Stockfish names 11...a6 (loss 0.13) to question the bishop on b5.
12.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e5. Stockfish names 12.Bc1 (loss 0.23).
12…h6: Air for the king and control of g5.
13.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and aims at h6.
13…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
14.Bxh6: White sacrifices the bishop on h6.
14…gxh6: You accept the sacrifice.
15.Qxh6: The queen takes on h6 and attacks f6.
15…Nf5: The knight attacks the queen and drives her off. White has two pawns and attacking chances for the bishop; the position is level (eval 0.12).

Line 44: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.c4 Qc7 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.c4 Nde7 14.exf6 gxf6 15.Bc3 O-O-O

up to 9…Nbc6 as line 43

10.Be2: White places the bishop modestly on e2 (31 %). You attack the pawn on e5 at once with 10...f6.
10…f6: The second lever: f6 attacks e5, the head of White's chain. Stockfish considers 10...h6 equal (loss 0).
11.c4: White opens the queenside with 11.c4 (37 %).
11…Qc7: The queen steps aside and keeps e5 under pressure.
12.cxd5: White exchanges on d5.
12…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and stands centrally on d5.
13.c4: White chases the knight (loss 0.12) – Stockfish wanted 13.exf6 first.
13…Nde7: The knight retreats to e7 and keeps an eye on d5 and f5.
14.exf6: White takes on f6.
14…gxf6: Back with the g-pawn: you have a strong centre and the half-open g-file.
15.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and covers the pawn on d4.
15…O-O-O: Long castling: the king is safe, and the rooks aim at the g- and d-files.

Line 45: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.c4 Qc7 12.exf6 gxf6 13.cxd5 Nxd5 14.c3 O-O-O 15.O-O Rhg8 16.Re1 e5

up to 11…Qc7 as line 44

12.exf6: White first trades on f6 (30 %). Recapturing with the g-pawn opens the g-file for you.
12…gxf6: Back with the g-pawn: your centre becomes strong, and the g-file opens.
13.cxd5: White exchanges on d5. Stockfish wanted 13.dxc5 (loss 0.11).
13…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and stands ideally on d5.
14.c3: White supports the pawn on d4 with c3.
14…O-O-O: Long castling: the king leaves the centre, and the rooks come to the d- and g-files.
15.O-O: White castles short.
15…Rhg8: The rook takes the half-open g-file against White's king.
16.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file. Stockfish names 16.dxc5 (loss 0.21).
16…e5: The pawn advance gives your centre room. Stockfish names 16...Na5 (loss 0.11), with the knight on its way to c4.

Line 46: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.exf6 gxf6 12.O-O O-O-O 13.c4 Qc7 14.cxd5 Nxd5 15.c3

up to 10…f6 as line 45

11.exf6: White trades on f6 at once (25 %).
11…gxf6: Back with the g-pawn. Stockfish rates it slightly less precise (loss 0.11), but the idea remains: a strong centre with e5.
12.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 12.c4 (loss 0.05).
12…O-O-O: Long castling – Stockfish's first choice. With c4 you can close the queenside afterwards.
13.c4: White attacks d5 with c4.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and aims at h2.
14.cxd5: White takes on d5.
14…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight; it stands strongly on d5.
15.c3: White supports d4 with c3. He is slightly better (eval 0.3). (transposition)

Line 47: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.exf6 gxf6 12.c4 Qc7

up to 11…gxf6 as line 46

12.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
12…Qc7: Transposition: the position matches the line 11.c4 11...Qc7 12.exf6 12...gxf6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 48: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.O-O fxe5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 O-O 14.Bg5 Ng6 15.c4 Qc3

up to 10…f6 as line 47

11.O-O: White castles (22 %). With 11...fxe5 you open the f-file.
11…fxe5: You take on e5, and the f-file opens for your rook.
12.Nxe5: The knight takes on e5.
12…Nxe5: You trade the knights.
13.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn.
13…O-O: You castle short.
14.Bg5: The bishop attacks your knight on e7.
14…Ng6: The knight steps aside to g6 and attacks e5.
15.c4: White attacks d5.
15…Qc3: The queen breaks into c3 and attacks c4, e5 and the rook on a1. The position is level (eval 0.1).

Line 49: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.Rb1 Qc7 12.Bf4 Ng6 13.Bg3 fxe5 14.O-O O-O 15.Bb5 cxd4

up to 10…f6 as line 48

11.Rb1: White aims at b7 with the rook (16 %).
11…Qc7: The queen covers b7 and keeps e5 under pressure. Stockfish wanted 11...fxe5 (loss 0.13), giving up the pawn on b7.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers e5. Stockfish wanted 12.exf6 (loss 0.08).
12…Ng6: The knight attacks the bishop on f4.
13.Bg3: The bishop steps back to g3 and keeps covering e5.
13…fxe5: You take on e5 and open the f-file.
14.O-O: White castles short.
14…O-O: The king goes to safety, and the rook comes to the open f-file.
15.Bb5: The bishop attacks your knight on c6.
15…cxd4: You open the c-file; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 50: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.Bd3 c4 11.Be2 f6 12.O-O O-O-O 13.Re1 Kb8 14.Qc1 Ka8 15.Qa3 Nf5

up to 9…Nbc6 as line 49

10.Bd3: White puts the bishop on d3 (7 %) – you drive it away at once with 10...c4.
10…c4: With tempo: the bishop on d3 is attacked, and the queenside is closed.
11.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
11…f6: Now the lever against e5.
12.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 12.h4 (loss 0.13).
12…O-O-O: Long castling: the king is safe behind the closed pawn chain.
13.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file behind the bishop on e2. Stockfish names 13.Qc1 (loss 0) as equal, with the idea Qa3.
13…Kb8: The king goes one more step into the corner.
14.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and wants to become active via a3.
14…Ka8: The king goes to a8 for safety.
15.Qa3: The queen attacks your knight on e7.
15…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 51: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Bd3 f6 11.O-O fxe5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 O-O 14.c4 Qxd2 15.Bxd2 Bc6

up to 8…Qa5 as line 50

9.Qd2: White covers c3 with the queen (26 %). You develop with 9...Nbc6.
9…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
10.Bd3: The bishop comes to d3 (54 %). Now you attack the chain with 10...f6.
10…f6: The lever against e5 – the head of White's chain.
11.O-O: White castles short.
11…fxe5: You take on e5 and open the f-file.
12.Nxe5: The knight recaptures on e5.
12…Nxe5: You trade the knight and make room.
13.dxe5: White recaptures with the d-pawn; again there is a pawn on e5.
13…O-O: Castling: the rook stands at once on the half-open f-file.
14.c4: White attacks d5 and opens the diagonal between the queens.
14…Qxd2: You trade queens – the endgame is level.
15.Bxd2: White takes the queen back.
15…Bc6: The bishop attacks a4; the endgame is level (eval 0.19).

Line 52: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Bd3 f6 11.O-O fxe5 12.dxe5 O-O 13.Qe3 Nf5 14.Qd2 Qc7 15.Re1 h6

up to 11…fxe5 as line 51

12.dxe5: White takes with the pawn (loss 0.21). You castle and have free play.
12…O-O: Castling: the rook comes to the half-open f-file.
13.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks c5.
13…Nf5: The knight attacks the queen.
14.Qd2: The queen returns to d2.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
15.Re1: The rook covers e5.
15…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 53: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Bd3 f6 11.exf6 gxf6 12.dxc5 e5 13.Nh4 O-O-O 14.O-O Rhg8 15.Kh1 f5

up to 10…f6 as line 52

11.exf6: White trades on f6 (loss 0.24). You recapture with the g-pawn and get a strong centre.
11…gxf6: Back with the g-pawn: the pawn on e6 can advance to e5.
12.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
12…e5: Your centre rolls: 12...e5 gives your pieces room.
13.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and aims at f5.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.O-O: White castles short.
14…Rhg8: The rook goes to the open g-file and aims at g2.
15.Kh1: The king leaves the g-file.
15…f5: You gain space on the kingside; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 54: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Bd3 f6 11.exf6 gxf6 12.O-O c4 13.Be2 Nf5 14.Kh1

up to 11…gxf6 as line 53

12.O-O: A mistake (loss 0.67): after 12...c4 the bishop on d3 has to move, and you are better (eval -0.8).
12…c4: With tempo: the bishop on d3 is driven away, and your centre stands firm.
13.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
13…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and controls d4 and e3.
14.Kh1: The king goes into the corner – a passive move. You are better (eval -0.8).

Line 55: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.exf6 gxf6 12.dxc5 e5 13.c4 O-O-O 14.Qxa5 Nxa5 15.cxd5 Nxd5

up to 9…Nbc6 as line 54

10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 (33 %). Again you attack with 10...f6.
10…f6: The lever against e5.
11.exf6: White takes on f6.
11…gxf6: Back with the g-pawn: the centre becomes strong.
12.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
12…e5: The e-pawn advances and gives your pieces room.
13.c4: White attacks d5.
13…O-O-O: Long castling; your rook on d8 covers d5.
14.Qxa5: White trades queens.
14…Nxa5: You recapture with the knight and attack c4.
15.cxd5: White takes on d5.
15…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight. White is slightly better (eval 0.27).

Line 56: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Be2 f6 11.exf6 gxf6 12.Ba3 c4 13.Nh4 Ng6 14.Bh5 Rg8 15.Bxg6 hxg6

up to 11…gxf6 as line 55

12.Ba3: The bishop attacks c5 (loss 0.24). With 12...c4 the pawn steps forward and closes the queenside.
12…c4: The pawn sidesteps the bishop on a3 and closes the queenside.
13.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and aims at f5 and g6.
13…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks the knight on h4.
14.Bh5: The bishop attacks your knight on g6.
14…Rg8: The rook covers the knight on g6.
15.Bxg6: White trades on g6 with check.
15…hxg6: You recapture with the h-pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 57: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Ba3 cxd4 11.cxd4 Qxd2 12.Kxd2 Nf5 13.c3 Na5 14.Ra2 Rc8 15.Bb5 a6

up to 9…Nbc6 as line 56

10.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and increases the pressure on c5 (11 %). You open the c-file and trade queens.
10…cxd4: You open the c-file.
11.cxd4: White recaptures on d4.
11…Qxd2: Queen trade: without queens White's kingside attack is over.
12.Kxd2: The king takes back the queen – without queens it stands well on d2.
12…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks d4.
13.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish names 13.Rb1 (loss 0.09).
13…Na5: The knight aims at b3 and c4.
14.Ra2: The rook leaves a1 so that Nb3 with check is no fork. Stockfish names 14.Ke1 (loss 0.03).
14…Rc8: The rook takes the half-open c-file.
15.Bb5: The bishop aims at d7.
15…a6: You put the question to the bishop; the endgame is level (eval 0).

Line 58: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.a4 Qa5 9.Qd2 Nbc6 10.Ba3 cxd4 11.cxd4 Qxd2 12.Kxd2 Nf5 13.Bb2 Na5 14.g4 Ne7 15.Ba3 Nc8

up to 12…Nf5 as line 57

13.Bb2: The bishop covers d4 from b2.
13…Na5: The knight aims at c4 and b3.
14.g4: White attacks your knight on f5 with the g-pawn.
14…Ne7: The knight retreats to e7.
15.Ba3: The bishop attacks the knight on e7.
15…Nc8: The knight goes to c8 and wants to reach c4 via b6. The endgame is roughly level (eval 0.16).

Line 59: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.dxc5 Qc7 9.Bd3 Ba4 10.Rb1 Nd7 11.Rb4 Bc6 12.O-O Nxc5 13.Rg4 Nxd3 14.cxd3 Nf5 15.Re1 Qa5

up to 7…Bd7 as line 58

8.dxc5: White takes on c5 (18 %) and wants to keep the pawn.
8…Qc7: The queen attacks e5. Stockfish prefers 8...Qa5 (loss 0.05) and then takes on c3.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
9…Ba4: The bishop goes to a4 and attacks c2. Stockfish names 9...Nbc6 (loss 0.24), which attacks e5.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b7.
10…Nd7: The knight aims at c5 to win the pawn back.
11.Rb4: The rook goes to b4 and attacks your bishop on a4 and b7.
11…Bc6: The bishop steps back to c6.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…Nxc5: You win back the pawn on c5 and attack the bishop on d3.
13.Rg4: The rook swings to g4 and attacks g7.
13…Nxd3: You trade the knight for the bishop on d3.
14.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn.
14…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and covers g7.
15.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
15…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks a3 and c3. White is better (eval 0.85).

Line 60: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.dxc5 Qc7 9.Bd3 Ba4 10.Rb1 a6 11.Rb4 Bb5 12.O-O Nd7 13.h4 Bxd3 14.cxd3 Nxc5 15.Rg4 Nf5

up to 10.Rb1 as line 59

10…a6: You cover b5 with a6.
11.Rb4: The rook attacks your bishop on a4 and b7.
11…Bb5: The bishop steps back to b5 and offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks c5 and e5.
13.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
13…Bxd3: You trade the bishops.
14.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn.
14…Nxc5: You win back the pawn on c5.
15.Rg4: The rook swings to g4 and attacks g7.
15…Nf5: The knight goes to f5, covers g7 and attacks h4. White is somewhat better (eval 0.54).

Line 61: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.dxc5 Qc7 9.Bd3 Nbc6 10.Bf4 Ng6 11.Bg3 Na5 12.h4 h6 13.Qb1 Qxc5 14.Qb4 b6 15.h5 Ne7

up to 9.Bd3 as line 60

9…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack e5.
10.Bf4: The bishop covers e5.
10…Ng6: The knight attacks the bishop on f4 and e5.
11.Bg3: The bishop steps back to g3 and keeps covering e5.
11…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4.
12.h4: White threatens to drive your knight on g6 away with h5.
12…h6: With h6 you make a retreat square for the knight.
13.Qb1: The queen goes to b1 and attacks b7.
13…Qxc5: You win back the pawn on c5.
14.Qb4: The queen attacks your queen and the knight on a5.
14…b6: With b6 you cover queen and knight.
15.h5: White attacks the knight on g6.
15…Ne7: The knight retreats to e7. White is slightly better (eval 0.19).

Line 62: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.Bd3 c4 9.Be2 Ba4 10.O-O Nd7 11.h4 h6 12.Nh2 Qc7 13.Bg4 O-O-O 14.Rb1 Kb8 15.h5 Ka8

up to 7…Bd7 as line 61

8.Bd3: White puts the bishop on d3 at once (loss 0.31); Stockfish wanted 8.dxc5. You reply 8...c4 with tempo.
8…c4: The bishop on d3 is attacked, and the queenside is closed.
9.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
9…Ba4: The bishop comes to a4 and attacks c2. Stockfish considers 9...Qa5, which attacks c3, equally good.
10.O-O: Inaccurate (loss 0.33): Stockfish wanted 10.h4. After 10...Nd7 the position is level (eval -0.08).
10…Nd7: The knight prepares long castling.
11.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
11…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
12.Nh2: The knight goes to h2 and wants to become active via g4.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
13.Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and aims at e6.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.Rb1: The rook attacks b7.
14…Kb8: The king covers b7.
15.h5: White gains more space on the kingside.
15…Ka8: The king goes to a8 for safety; the position is level (eval -0.1).

Line 63: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.Bd3 c4 9.Bf1 Qa5 10.Bd2 Nbc6 11.h4 f6 12.h5 fxe5 13.dxe5 h6 14.g3 O-O 15.Bg2 Rad8

up to 8…c4 as line 62

9.Bf1: The bishop goes back to f1. Stockfish wanted 9.Be2 (loss 0.08).
9…Qa5: The queen attacks the pawn on c3.
10.Bd2: The bishop covers c3.
10…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack d4 and e5.
11.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
11…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
12.h5: The h-pawn runs on.
12…fxe5: You take on e5.
13.dxe5: White recaptures.
13…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
14.g3: White prepares Bg2.
14…O-O: You castle short.
15.Bg2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at d5.
15…Rad8: The rook covers d5 and supports d4. The position is level (eval 0.09).

Line 64: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.h4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.h5 h6 11.Rb1 Qc7 12.Be2 O-O-O 13.Kf1 c4 14.a4 Rdf8 15.Rh3 Qa5

up to 7…Bd7 as line 63

8.h4: White gains space on the kingside (11 %).
8…Qa5: The queen attacks c3. Stockfish names 8...Ba4 (loss 0) as an alternative.
9.Bd2: The bishop covers the pawn on c3.
9…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish names 9...Ba4 (loss 0.07).
10.h5: The h-pawn advances further (100 %). With 10...h6 you stop it.
10…h6: You stop the h-pawn and take the square g5 away from the bishop.
11.Rb1: The rook attacks b7 along the b-file. Stockfish names 11.Be2 (loss 0.03).
11…Qc7: The queen covers b7 against the rook on b1.
12.Be2: White develops the bishop.
12…O-O-O: Long castling.
13.Kf1: The king goes to f1 and protects f2.
13…c4: You close the queenside with c4.
14.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…Rdf8: The rook goes to f8 and prepares f6.
15.Rh3: The rook comes into play via h3.
15…Qa5: The queen attacks a4 and c3; the position is level (eval 0.16).

Line 65: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.h4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.h5 h6 11.Bd3 c4 12.Be2 O-O-O 13.a4 Kb8 14.Qc1 f6 15.Qa3 Qc7

up to 10…h6 as line 64

11.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3. Stockfish names 11.Be2 (loss 0.16), because now c4 comes with tempo.
11…c4: With tempo against the bishop on d3.
12.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2 from the pawn on c4.
12…O-O-O: Long castling. Stockfish prefers 12...f6 (loss 0.11) and attacks the centre at once.
13.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
13…Kb8: The king goes to b8, off the c-file.
14.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and wants to become active via a3.
14…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
15.Qa3: The queen attacks your knight on e7.
15…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5. White is somewhat better (eval 0.52).

Line 66: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.h4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.h5 h6 11.Bd3 c4 12.Be2 f6 13.a4 fxe5 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.dxe5 Bc6

up to 12.Be2 as line 65

12…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
13.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
13…fxe5: You take on e5.
14.Nxe5: The knight recaptures.
14…Nxe5: You trade the knights.
15.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn.
15…Bc6: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks a4. White is slightly better (eval 0.29).

Line 67: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.h4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.h5 h6 11.Rh4 Nf5 12.Rh3 f6 13.a4 fxe5 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.dxe5 Qc7

up to 10…h6 as line 66

11.Rh4: The rook wants to attack along the fourth rank. Stockfish names 11.Be2 (loss 0.18).
11…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 with tempo and attacks the rook on h4.
12.Rh3: The rook retreats to h3 and stays mobile along the third rank.
12…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
13.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
13…fxe5: You take on e5.
14.Nxe5: The knight recaptures.
14…Nxe5: You trade the knights.
15.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn.
15…Qc7: The queen attacks e5. White is slightly better (eval 0.18).

Line 68: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.h4 Qa5 9.Bd2 Nbc6 10.h5 h6 11.a4 f6 12.exf6 gxf6 13.Qc1 e5 14.dxe5 fxe5 15.Qa3 O-O-O

up to 10…h6 as line 67

11.a4: White secures the b5-square with a4. Stockfish names 11.Be2 (loss 0.21).
11…f6: The lever against e5.
12.exf6: White takes on f6.
12…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn and keep the centre.
13.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and wants to become active via a3.
13…e5: With e5 you attack d4.
14.dxe5: White takes on e5.
14…fxe5: You recapture; your pawns on e5 and d5 dominate the centre.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks c5.
15…O-O-O: Long castling; the rook on d8 covers d5. The position is level (eval 0.17).

Line 69: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.Rb1 Qc7 9.Bf4 h6 10.h4 a6 11.dxc5 Qxc5 12.Rxb7 Qc8 13.Qb1 Ng6 14.Bd2 Bc6 15.Rb4 Nd7

up to 7…Bd7 as line 68

8.Rb1: White aims at b7 (6 %). With 8...Qc7 you cover it.
8…Qc7: The queen covers b7 and attacks e5.
9.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers e5.
9…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop.
10.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
10…a6: You take the square b5 away from White's bishop.
11.dxc5: White takes on c5.
11…Qxc5: You recapture with the queen; she attacks c3 and a3.
12.Rxb7: The rook takes on b7 and attacks your bishop on d7.
12…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and attacks the rook on b7.
13.Qb1: The queen covers the rook on b7.
13…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks the bishop on f4 and e5.
14.Bd2: The bishop steps back to d2.
14…Bc6: The bishop attacks the rook on b7.
15.Rb4: The rook retreats to b4.
15…Nd7: The knight attacks e5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 70: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.Rb1 Qc7 9.dxc5 Bc6 10.Qd4 Nf5 11.Qf4 Nd7 12.Bd3 Nxc5 13.Nd4 O-O 14.O-O Ne7 15.Qe3 b6

up to 8…Qc7 as line 69

9.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5. Stockfish names 9.Be3 (loss 0.05).
9…Bc6: The bishop covers b7 and aims along the diagonal.
10.Qd4: The queen goes to d4 and covers c5.
10…Nf5: The knight attacks the queen.
11.Qf4: The queen steps aside to f4 and attacks the knight on f5.
11…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks c5.
12.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks the knight on f5.
12…Nxc5: You win back the pawn on c5.
13.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks f5 and c6.
13…O-O: You castle short.
14.O-O: White castles short.
14…Ne7: The knight retreats to e7.
15.Qe3: The queen goes to e3.
15…b6: You support c5 and make room for the bishop; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 71: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7 8.Be2 Ba4 9.O-O Qc7 10.Rb1 Nd7 11.h4 c4 12.Nh2 h6 13.h5 O-O-O 14.Bg4 Kb8 15.Re1 Nf8

up to 7…Bd7 as line 70

8.Be2: White puts the bishop on e2 (loss 0.29).
8…Ba4: The bishop comes to a4 and attacks c2.
9.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 9.Rb1 (loss 0.11).
9…Qc7: The queen attacks e5.
10.Rb1: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b7.
10…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
11.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
11…c4: You close the queenside with c4.
12.Nh2: The knight goes to h2 and wants to become active via g4.
12…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
13.h5: White gains more space on the kingside.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and aims at e6.
14…Kb8: The king goes to b8, off the c-file.
15.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
15…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and covers e6 and g6; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 72: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.a4 Nbc6 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Bd2 Bd7

up to 6…Ne7 as line 71

7.a4: White wants to activate the bishop via a3 (11 %). You develop with 7...Nbc6.
7…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers d4.
8…Qa5: The queen attacks c3.
9.Bd2: The bishop covers the pawn on c3.
9…Bd7: Transposition to the line 7.Nf3 7...Bd7 8.a4 8...Qa5 9.Bd2 9...Nbc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 73: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.a4 Nbc6 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Qd2 Bd7

up to 8…Qa5 as line 72

9.Qd2: The queen covers c3. Stockfish prefers 9.Bd2 (loss 0.19).
9…Bd7: Transposition to the line 7.Nf3 7...Bd7 8.a4 8...Qa5 9.Qd2 9...Nbc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 74: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Nbc6 8.h5 Qa5 9.Bd2 h6 10.Qg4 Rg8 11.Bd3 cxd4 12.cxd4 Qa4 13.Qd1 Qxd4 14.Nf3 Qc5 15.O-O f5

up to 6…Ne7 as line 73

7.h4: White wants to gain space with h5 (9 %).
7…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
8.h5: White pushes the h-pawn further and gains space on the kingside.
8…Qa5: The queen attacks c3.
9.Bd2: The bishop covers the pawn on c3.
9…h6: You stop the h-pawn. Stockfish prefers 9...Qc7 (loss 0.21).
10.Qg4: The queen attacks g7. With 10...Rg8 you cover the pawn.
10…Rg8: The rook covers g7.
11.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
11…cxd4: You take on d4.
12.cxd4: White recaptures.
12…Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks d4 and c2.
13.Qd1: The queen returns to d1 and covers c2.
13…Qxd4: You take the pawn on d4.
14.Nf3: White develops the knight and attacks your queen.
14…Qc5: The queen retreats to c5.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…f5: With f5 you keep the bishop on d3 away from h7. White has play for the pawn and is better (eval 0.7).

Line 75: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Nbc6 8.h5 Qa5 9.Bd2 h6 10.Nf3 Bd7

up to 9…h6 as line 74

10.Nf3: White develops the knight. Stockfish names 10.Qg4 (loss 0.31), which attacks g7.
10…Bd7: Transposition to the line 7.Nf3 7...Bd7 8.h4 8...Qa5 9.Bd2 9...Nbc6 10.h5 10...h6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 76: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Nbc6 8.h5 Qa5 9.Bd2 Qc7 10.Qg4 Rg8 11.Nf3 Bd7 12.Bd3 f5 13.Qf4 h6 14.Rh3 O-O-O 15.Kf1 c4

up to 9.Bd2 as line 75

9…Qc7: The queen returns to c7 and attacks e5.
10.Qg4: The queen goes to g4 and attacks g7.
10…Rg8: The rook covers g7.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers e5.
11…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
12.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7.
12…f5: You attack the queen with the f-pawn.
13.Qf4: The queen steps aside to f4.
13…h6: You take the square g5 away from White's knight and bishop.
14.Rh3: The rook comes into play via h3.
14…O-O-O: Long castling.
15.Kf1: The king goes to f1.
15…c4: You attack the bishop on d3. White is somewhat better (eval 0.53).

Line 77: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Nbc6 8.Nf3 Qa5 9.Bd2 Bd7

up to 7…Nbc6 as line 76

8.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers d4. Stockfish names 8.h5 (loss 0.19).
8…Qa5: The queen attacks c3.
9.Bd2: The bishop covers the pawn on c3.
9…Bd7: Transposition to the line 7.Nf3 7...Bd7 8.h4 8...Qa5 9.Bd2 9...Nbc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 78: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Nf3 b6 9.h5 h6 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.Bd3 Nbc6 12.O-O O-O 13.Bf4 f5 14.Be2 Na5 15.Kh2 Ba4

up to 7.h4 as line 77

7…Qc7: The queen attacks e5 – with 7.h4 White has held back Qg4.
8.Nf3: White covers e5 with the knight. Stockfish names 8.Rh3 (loss 0.12).
8…b6: You prepare Ba6 to trade the light-squared bishop.
9.h5: White gains space with the h-pawn.
9…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
10.Bb5: The bishop gives check and prevents Ba6.
10…Bd7: You block with the bishop.
11.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3.
11…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack e5 and d4. Stockfish names 11...Bc8 (loss 0.1), to try Ba6 again.
12.O-O: White castles. Stockfish names 12.Be3 (loss 0.34).
12…O-O: You castle short. Stockfish names 12...c4 (loss 0.12).
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at h6. Stockfish names 13.Be2 (loss 0.09).
13…f5: With f5 you close the kingside.
14.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2.
14…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4.
15.Kh2: The king goes to h2.
15…Ba4: The bishop attacks c2. The position is roughly level (eval 0.3).

Line 79: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Nf3 b6 9.h5 h6 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.Bd3 Nbc6 12.Kf1 c4 13.Be2 O-O-O 14.a4 Kb7 15.Bf4 a5

up to 11…Nbc6 as line 78

12.Kf1: The king goes to f1. Stockfish names 12.Be3 (loss 0.19).
12…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 and close the queenside.
13.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…Kb7: The king goes to b7.
15.Bf4: The bishop aims at h6.
15…a5: You fix the pawn on a4. White is slightly better (eval 0.27).

Line 80: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Nf3 b6 9.h5 h6 10.a4 Ba6 11.Bb5 Bxb5 12.axb5 a6 13.O-O Qb7 14.bxa6 Rxa6 15.Be3 Rxa1

up to 9…h6 as line 79

10.a4: White gains space on the queenside. Stockfish names 10.Bb5+ (loss 0.24).
10…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and offers the trade against the bishop on f1.
11.Bb5: The bishop gives check on b5.
11…Bxb5: You trade the bishops.
12.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn.
12…a6: You attack the pawn on b5.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…Qb7: The queen goes to b7 onto the long diagonal and covers the pawn on b6; the pawn on a6 keeps the pressure on b5.
14.bxa6: White takes on a6.
14…Rxa6: You recapture with the rook.
15.Be3: The bishop attacks h6.
15…Rxa1: You trade the rooks on a1; the position is level (eval 0.09).

Line 81: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Nf3 b6 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Bd3 Ba4 11.Kf1 Nd7 12.h5 h6 13.Be3 O-O-O 14.Qd2 Kb7 15.Nh4 Rdf8

up to 8…b6 as line 80

9.Bb5: The bishop gives check and prevents Ba6 – for Stockfish as good as 9.h5.
9…Bd7: You block with the bishop.
10.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and aims at h7.
10…Ba4: The bishop goes to a4 and attacks c2. Stockfish names 10...Nbc6 (loss 0.06).
11.Kf1: The king goes to f1. Stockfish names 11.Be3 (loss 0.14).
11…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5 – for Stockfish as good as 11...h6.
12.h5: White gains space with the h-pawn.
12…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
13.Be3: White develops the bishop and aims at h6.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.Qd2: The queen covers the bishop on e3 and connects the rooks.
14…Kb7: The king goes to b7.
15.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and aims at f5 and g6.
15…Rdf8: The rook goes to f8 and prepares f6. The position is level (eval 0.11).

Line 82: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Nf3 b6 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Bd3 Ba4 11.h5 cxd4 12.Rb1 Qxc3 13.Kf1 Nd7 14.Rb4 Nc5 15.Nxd4 Qxd3

up to 10…Ba4 as line 81

11.h5: White gains space with the h-pawn. Stockfish names 11.Be3 (loss 0.42).
11…cxd4: You take on d4.
12.Rb1: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b6.
12…Qxc3: You take on c3 with check.
13.Kf1: The king steps aside to f1.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
14.Rb4: The rook attacks d4 and your bishop on a4.
14…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks the bishop on d3.
15.Nxd4: White takes the pawn on d4.
15…Qxd3: You take the bishop on d3 with check; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 83: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Nf3 b6 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Bd3 Ba4 11.O-O h6 12.Bf4 c4 13.Be2 Na6 14.h5 O-O-O 15.Nh2 Qd7

up to 10…Ba4 as line 82

11.O-O: White castles. Stockfish names 11.Be3 (loss 0.42).
11…h6: You take the square g5 away from White's bishop – for Stockfish as good as 11...c4.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at h6.
12…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 and close the queenside.
13.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
13…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and aims at b4 and c7.
14.h5: White gains space with the h-pawn.
14…O-O-O: Long castling.
15.Nh2: The knight goes to h2 and wants to become active via g4.
15…Qd7: The queen goes to d7; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 84: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.h5 h6 9.Nf3 b6

up to 7…Qc7 as line 83

8.h5: White pushes the h-pawn on. Stockfish names 8.Rh3 (loss 0.12).
8…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
9.Nf3: White covers e5 with the knight.
9…b6: You prepare Ba6 to trade the light-squared bishop. White is slightly better (eval 0.32). (transposition)

Line 85: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.h4 Qc7 8.Rh3 Nbc6 9.h5 h6 10.Nf3 Bd7 11.Be2 O-O-O 12.Kf1 Rdf8 13.Kg1 c4 14.a4 Kb8 15.Ba3 Ka8

up to 7…Qc7 as line 84

8.Rh3: The rook comes into play via h3 and covers c3 along the third rank.
8…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack e5 and d4.
9.h5: White gains space with the h-pawn.
9…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
10.Nf3: White covers e5 with the knight.
10…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop.
11…O-O-O: Long castling.
12.Kf1: The king goes to f1 for safety.
12…Rdf8: The rook goes to f8 and prepares f6.
13.Kg1: The king goes to g1.
13…c4: You close the queenside with c4.
14.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…Kb8: The king goes to b8.
15.Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks the knight on e7.
15…Ka8: The king goes to a8. White is somewhat better (eval 0.45).

Line 86: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.c3 Nbc6 9.f4 cxd4 10.cxd4 Nf5 11.Nf3 a6 12.Nc3 f6 13.g4 Nfxd4 14.Nxd4 fxe5 15.Nxc6 bxc6

up to 4…c5 as line 85

5.Bd2: White supports the knight on c3 with the bishop (12 %), so that Bxc3 brings no doubled pawns. Stockfish considers 5.a3 stronger (loss 0.38).
5…Ne7: You develop the knight to e7 – f6 is off-limits because of e5.
6.Nb5: The knight sidesteps the pin and aims at d6 (42 %).
6…Bxd2: You trade bishops with check.
7.Qxd2: The queen recaptures on d2.
7…O-O: The king goes to safety. The position is level.
8.c3: White supports d4 (33 %).
8…Nbc6: The knight puts pressure on d4. Stockfish names 8...f6 (loss 0.11).
9.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
9…cxd4: You open the c-file. Stockfish names 9...f6 (loss 0.08), which attacks e5 at once.
10.cxd4: White recaptures with the c-pawn. Stockfish names 10.Nxd4 (loss 0.08).
10…Nf5: The knight comes to f5 and attacks d4.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers d4. Stockfish names 11.Bd3 (loss 0.18).
11…a6: You drive away the knight on b5.
12.Nc3: The knight retreats to c3 and attacks d5.
12…f6: The lever against e5.
13.g4: White attacks your knight on f5 with the g-pawn.
13…Nfxd4: The attacked knight does not retreat but takes on d4.
14.Nxd4: White trades the knight.
14…fxe5: You take on e5 and attack the knight on d4 and the pawn on f4.
15.Nxc6: The knight takes on c6.
15…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 87: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.c3 Nbc6 9.Nf3 a6 10.Na3 cxd4 11.cxd4 f6 12.exf6 gxf6 13.Be2 e5 14.Nc2 Bf5 15.Ne3 Qd6

up to 8…Nbc6 as line 86

9.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers d4. Stockfish names 9.f4 (loss 0.07).
9…a6: You drive away the knight on b5.
10.Na3: The knight retreats to the edge (loss 0.45) – you are better.
10…cxd4: You open the c-file.
11.cxd4: White recaptures on d4.
11…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
12.exf6: White takes on f6.
12…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn and keep the centre.
13.Be2: White develops the bishop.
13…e5: With e5 you attack d4.
14.Nc2: The knight retreats to c2 and covers d4.
14…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the knight on c2.
15.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks your bishop on f5.
15…Qd6: The queen covers the bishop and d5. You are better (eval -0.41).

Line 88: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.f4 a6 9.Nd6 cxd4 10.Nf3 Nbc6 11.Bd3 f6 12.O-O Bd7 13.Rae1 Nc8 14.Nxc8 Rxc8 15.a3 Rf7

up to 7…O-O as line 87

8.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn (31 %).
8…a6: You drive away the knight on b5.
9.Nd6: The knight jumps to d6, protected by the pawn on e5.
9…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the c-file.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight and attacks the pawn on d4.
10…Nbc6: The knight covers the pawn on d4.
11.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
11…f6: The lever against e5.
12.O-O: White castles short.
12…Bd7: You develop your last bishop.
13.Rae1: The rook goes to the e-file.
13…Nc8: The knight goes to c8 and attacks the knight on d6.
14.Nxc8: White trades the knights.
14…Rxc8: You recapture with the rook.
15.a3: White covers b4 with a3.
15…Rf7: The rook goes to f7; the position is level (eval 0.03).

Line 89: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.f4 a6 9.Nd6 cxd4 10.Nf3 Nbc6 11.Nxd4 Nxd4 12.Qxd4 Nc6 13.Qe3 Qa5 14.c3 f6 15.Bd3 fxe5

up to 10…Nbc6 as line 88

11.Nxd4: The knight takes the pawn on d4. Stockfish names 11.Bd3 (loss 0.07).
11…Nxd4: You trade on d4. Stockfish names 11...Bd7 (loss 0.07).
12.Qxd4: The queen recaptures on d4 and stands in the centre.
12…Nc6: The knight comes back into play and attacks the queen on d4.
13.Qe3: The queen goes to e3.
13…Qa5: The queen gives check from a5.
14.c3: White blocks with the c-pawn.
14…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
15.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7.
15…fxe5: You take on e5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 90: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.dxc5 Nd7 9.f4 Nxc5 10.Nd4 Ne4 11.Qe3 Qb6 12.O-O-O Nf5 13.Nxf5 exf5 14.Rd4 Be6 15.Bd3 Rac8

up to 7…O-O as line 89

8.dxc5: White takes on c5 (31 %). You win the pawn back with 8...Nd7.
8…Nd7: The knight aims at c5.
9.f4: White supports e5 (loss 0.15). You take back on c5.
9…Nxc5: The pawn is back, and the knight stands actively.
10.Nd4: The knight returns from b5 to d4 in the centre.
10…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the queen on d2.
11.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks your knight on e4.
11…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4 and b2.
12.O-O-O: White castles long.
12…Nf5: The knight attacks the knight on d4 and the queen on e3.
13.Nxf5: White trades the knights.
13…exf5: You recapture with the pawn.
14.Rd4: The rook attacks your knight on e4.
14…Be6: You develop the bishop.
15.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks the knight on e4.
15…Rac8: The rook goes to the c-file and aims at c2. You are slightly better (eval -0.16).

Line 91: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.dxc5 Nd7 9.f4 Nxc5 10.Bd3 Qb6 11.O-O-O Nc6 12.Kb1 Bd7 13.Nd6 f6 14.Nf3 fxe5 15.fxe5 Nxe5

up to 9…Nxc5 as line 90

10.Bd3: White develops the bishop – inaccurate for Stockfish (loss 0.38). 10.Nd4 was better, because after 10...Qb6 the knight on b5 hangs.
10…Qb6: The queen attacks the knight on b5.
11.O-O-O: White castles long.
11…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack e5.
12.Kb1: The king goes to b1.
12…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
13.Nd6: The knight jumps to d6 and attacks f7 and b7.
13…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
14.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers e5.
14…fxe5: You take on e5.
15.fxe5: White recaptures.
15…Nxe5: You take the pawn on e5. You are better (eval -0.61).

Line 92: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.dxc5 Nd7 9.f4 Nxc5 10.O-O-O Ne4 11.Qe1 Bd7 12.Nd4 Qb6 13.Ngf3 Nc6 14.Bd3 Nxd4 15.Bxe4 Nxf3

up to 9…Nxc5 as line 91

10.O-O-O: White castles long.
10…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the queen.
11.Qe1: The queen goes to e1 and attacks your knight on e4.
11…Bd7: You develop the bishop and attack the knight on b5.
12.Nd4: The knight retreats to d4.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4 and b2.
13.Ngf3: White covers d4 with the second knight.
13…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4 and e5.
14.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks your knight on e4.
14…Nxd4: You trade on d4.
15.Bxe4: White takes your knight on e4.
15…Nxf3: You trade the knight on f3; the position is level (eval -0.07).

Line 93: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.dxc5 Nd7 9.Qc3 a6 10.Nd6 Qc7 11.f4 Qxc5 12.Qxc5 Nxc5 13.Nf3 f6 14.Bd3 Nc6 15.O-O Bd7

up to 8…Nd7 as line 92

9.Qc3: The queen guards c5 (33 %).
9…a6: You drive the knight away. Stockfish prefers 9...f6 (loss 0.09).
10.Nd6: The knight jumps to d6, deep into your camp.
10…Qc7: The queen aims at c5. Stockfish names 10...b6 (loss 0.18).
11.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
11…Qxc5: The pawn is back.
12.Qxc5: White trades queens.
12…Nxc5: You recapture with the knight.
13.Nf3: White develops the knight.
13…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
14.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
14…Nc6: The knight goes to c6 and attacks e5.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop; the endgame is level (eval 0.1).

Line 94: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.dxc5 Nd7 9.Qc3 a6 10.Nd6 Qc7 11.Nf3 Qxc5 12.Qxc5 Nxc5 13.c4 dxc4 14.Bxc4 b5 15.Bb3 Bd7

up to 10…Qc7 as line 93

11.Nf3: White develops the knight – inaccurate for Stockfish (loss 0.33); 11.f4 was better, to support e5.
11…Qxc5: The pawn is back, and you are slightly better (eval -0.19).
12.Qxc5: White trades queens.
12…Nxc5: You recapture with the knight.
13.c4: White attacks d5 with c4.
13…dxc4: You take on c4.
14.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures.
14…b5: You attack the bishop on c4 with the b-pawn.
15.Bb3: The bishop steps back to b3.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop; the endgame is level (eval -0.11).

Line 95: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.Nb5 Bxd2 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.dxc5 Nd7 9.Nf3 Nxc5 10.Bd3 Qb6 11.O-O Bd7 12.Nbd4 Qxb2 13.Qe3 Nxd3 14.Qxd3 Qb6 15.Rab1 Qa6

up to 8…Nd7 as line 94

9.Nf3: White develops the knight (loss 0.24). You take on c5.
9…Nxc5: The pawn is back.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
10…Qb6: The queen attacks the knight on b5.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…Bd7: You develop the bishop and attack the knight on b5.
12.Nbd4: The knight retreats to d4.
12…Qxb2: You take the pawn on b2.
13.Qe3: The queen goes to e3.
13…Nxd3: You trade the knight for the bishop on d3.
14.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
14…Qb6: The queen retreats to b6 and attacks d4.
15.Rab1: The rook attacks your queen.
15…Qa6: The queen offers the trade; with the extra pawn you are slightly better (eval -0.2).

Line 96: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.a3 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 b6 8.b4 Qc7 9.Nf3 cxb4 10.Bxb4 Ba6 11.Bd3 Bxd3 12.Qxd3 Nbc6 13.h4 h6 14.c3 Nxb4 15.axb4 a5

up to 5…Ne7 as line 95

6.a3: White forces the trade on c3 (24 %) and recaptures with the bishop – no doubled pawns.
6…Bxc3: You trade the bishop for the knight.
7.Bxc3: White recaptures with the bishop and so avoids doubled pawns.
7…b6: You prepare Ba6 to trade your bad bishop for White's good one. Stockfish names 7...Nbc6 (loss 0.10).
8.b4: White gains space on the queenside (loss 0.31).
8…Qc7: The queen attacks e5.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers e5. Stockfish names 9.Bb2 (loss 0.07).
9…cxb4: You open the c-file.
10.Bxb4: The bishop recaptures on b4.
10…Ba6: The bishop comes to a6 and wants to trade White's bishop.
11.Bd3: White develops the bishop and offers the trade.
11…Bxd3: You trade the light-squared bishops.
12.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
12…Nbc6: You develop the knight and attack d4 and b4.
13.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
13…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop.
14.c3: White supports d4 with the c-pawn.
14…Nxb4: You take the bishop on b4.
15.axb4: White recaptures with the a-pawn.
15…a5: You attack the pawn on b4 and open the a-file; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 97: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.a3 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 b6 8.Bb5 Bd7 9.Bd3 Nbc6 10.f4 c4 11.Be2 Nf5 12.g3 b5 13.Qd2 a5 14.Nf3 O-O 15.O-O Qb6

up to 7…b6 as line 96

8.Bb5: White gives check (20 %). You block with the bishop.
8…Bd7: You block with the bishop.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
9…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
10.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn – for Stockfish as good as 10.Qg4.
10…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 and close the queenside.
11.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
11…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
12.g3: With g3 White reinforces the kingside and takes squares from your knight.
12…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
13.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks.
13…a5: You prepare b4.
14.Nf3: White develops the knight.
14…O-O: You castle short.
15.O-O: White castles short.
15…Qb6: The queen presses on d4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 98: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.a3 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 b6 8.Bb5 Bd7 9.Bd3 Nbc6 10.Nf3 Qb8 11.dxc5 bxc5 12.O-O a5 13.Rb1 h6 14.Re1 a4 15.Bd2 c4

up to 9…Nbc6 as line 97

10.Nf3: White develops the knight – for Stockfish as good as 10.Qg4.
10…Qb8: The queen goes to b8 and attacks e5.
11.dxc5: White takes on c5.
11…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn; your pawns on c5 and d5 stand in the centre.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…a5: You gain space on the queenside.
13.Rb1: The rook goes to the half-open b-file.
13…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop.
14.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
14…a4: The a-pawn advances further.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and aims at h6.
15…c4: You attack the bishop on d3; the position is level (eval 0.05).

Line 99: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.a3 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 b6 8.Qg4 O-O 9.Nf3 Ba6 10.Bxa6 Nxa6 11.h4 Qc7 12.h5 h6 13.Bd2 Nf5 14.c3 cxd4 15.cxd4 Qc2

up to 7…b6 as line 98

8.Qg4: The queen attacks g7 (20 %, loss 0.31). You castle.
8…O-O: The king covers g7. Stockfish considers 8...cxd4 equally good.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight.
9…Ba6: The bishop offers the trade against the bishop on f1.
10.Bxa6: White trades the bishops.
10…Nxa6: You recapture with the knight; it wants to come into play via c7 or b4.
11.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
12.h5: The h-pawn runs on.
12…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and aims at h6.
13…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
14.c3: White supports d4 with the c-pawn.
14…cxd4: You take on d4.
15.cxd4: White recaptures.
15…Qc2: The queen breaks into c2 and attacks b2 and d2; the position is level (eval -0.09).

Line 100: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.a3 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 b6 8.Nf3 Ba6 9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.Bd2 cxd4 11.Qe2 Nc5 12.Nxd4 O-O 13.Bg5 Qc7 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.O-O a6

up to 7…b6 as line 99

8.Nf3: White develops the knight. Stockfish names 8.h4 (loss 0.24).
8…Ba6: The bishop comes to a6 and wants to trade White's bishop.
9.Bxa6: White trades the bishops.
9…Nxa6: You recapture with the knight.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.Qe2: The queen attacks your knight on a6.
11…Nc5: The knight goes to c5, where it is protected.
12.Nxd4: White wins back the pawn on d4.
12…O-O: You castle short.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks your knight on e7.
13…Qc7: The queen covers e7 and attacks e5.
14.Bxe7: White trades on e7.
14…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…a6: You prepare b5; the position is level (eval 0.13).

Line 101: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Qc7 8.Bd3 Bd7 9.Qg4 c4 10.Be2 Nf5 11.Qf4 Qb6 12.Rc1 Na6 13.Bg4 h6 14.h4 Qb2 15.Bxf5 exf5

up to 6…Bxc3 as line 100

7.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and gets doubled pawns. Stockfish names 7.Bxc3 (loss 0.03).
7…Qc7: The queen attacks e5.
8.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7.
8…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
9.Qg4: The queen goes to g4 and attacks g7.
9…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 and close the queenside.
10.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
10…Nf5: The knight goes to f5, covers g7 and attacks d4.
11.Qf4: The queen attacks the knight on f5.
11…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and aims at b4.
13.Bg4: The bishop attacks your knight on f5.
13…h6: You cover g5 and give your king air.
14.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
14…Qb2: The queen breaks into b2 and attacks c3 and a3.
15.Bxf5: White trades the bishop for your knight.
15…exf5: You recapture with the pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 102: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.dxc5 Nbc6 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Nf3 f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.O-O-O e5 11.Qh5 Bf5 12.Bg5 Qa5 13.Bxf6 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Bg6 15.Qh3 Qxc3

up to 5…Ne7 as line 101

6.dxc5: White takes on c5 (loss 0.28). You develop with 6...Nbc6 and win the pawn back later.
6…Nbc6: The knight attacks e5.
7.Qg4: The queen attacks g7 (73 %). You castle.
7…O-O: The king covers g7.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight.
8…f5: The pawn attacks the queen and closes the kingside.
9.exf6: White takes the pawn on f5 en passant.
9…Rxf6: The rook recaptures and stands actively.
10.O-O-O: White castles long.
10…e5: Your centre rolls.
11.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks e5 and h7.
11…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks c2.
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks your rook on f6.
12…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and aims at c3 and a2 – you give up the exchange for an attack.
13.Bxf6: White takes your rook on f6.
13…Bxc3: You take the knight on c3 and tear open the position in front of White's king.
14.bxc3: White recaptures.
14…Bg6: The bishop attacks the queen on h5 and keeps the diagonal towards c2.
15.Qh3: The queen steps aside to h3.
15…Qxc3: You take the pawn on c3 and threaten mate on c2 – the position is level (eval 0).

Line 103: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.dxc5 Nbc6 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Nf3 f5 9.Qg3 Ng6 10.Bd3 Bxc5 11.Ne2 Qc7 12.Bc3 Rd8 13.O-O-O d4 14.Bd2 Ngxe5 15.Bf4 Bd6

up to 8…f5 as line 102

9.Qg3: The queen steps away to g3.
9…Ng6: The knight covers the squares on the kingside.
10.Bd3: The bishop attacks the pawn on f5.
10…Bxc5: You win back the pawn on c5 and aim at f2.
11.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
12.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and covers e5.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 and supports d4.
13.O-O-O: White castles long.
13…d4: You attack the bishop on c3 with d4.
14.Bd2: The bishop steps back to d2.
14…Ngxe5: You take the pawn on e5.
15.Bf4: The bishop attacks your knight on e5.
15…Bd6: The bishop covers e5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 104: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.dxc5 Nbc6 7.Qg4 O-O 8.O-O-O f5 9.exf6 Rxf6 10.Bd3 h6 11.Qh5 Bd7 12.g4 Qe8 13.Qxe8 Rxe8 14.f4 Bxc5 15.Nf3 Ng6

up to 7…O-O as line 103

8.O-O-O: White castles long (40 %).
8…f5: The pawn attacks the queen.
9.exf6: White takes the pawn on f5 en passant.
9…Rxf6: The rook recaptures and stands actively.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish names 10.Nf3 (loss 0.31).
10…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop.
11.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks d5 and h6.
11…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
12.g4: White storms forward with the g-pawn.
12…Qe8: You offer the queen trade.
13.Qxe8: White trades with check.
13…Rxe8: You recapture with the rook.
14.f4: White supports the kingside with f4.
14…Bxc5: You win back the pawn on c5.
15.Nf3: White develops the knight.
15…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks f4. You are slightly better (eval -0.18).

Line 105: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.dxc5 Nbc6 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 Bxc5 9.Nf3 Ng6 10.Qg3 Bd7 11.Ne2 Qc7 12.Bc3 b5 13.b3 d4 14.Nexd4 Nxd4 15.Nxd4 b4

up to 7…O-O as line 104

8.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
8…Bxc5: The pawn is back.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight.
9…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks e5.
10.Qg3: The queen goes to g3 and covers e5.
10…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
11.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
12.Bc3: The bishop goes to c3 and covers e5.
12…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
13.b3: White stops b4.
13…d4: You attack the bishop on c3 with d4.
14.Nexd4: White takes on d4.
14…Nxd4: You trade on d4.
15.Nxd4: White recaptures.
15…b4: You attack the bishop on c3 with b4; the position is level (eval -0.13).

Line 106: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.dxc5 Nbc6 7.f4 Bxc5 8.Nf3 a6 9.Bd3 Bd7 10.Qe2 h5 11.O-O-O Nd4 12.Nxd4 Bxd4 13.Be1 Qb6 14.Rf1 O-O-O 15.Bf2 Bxf2

up to 6…Nbc6 as line 105

7.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
7…Bxc5: The pawn is back.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight. Stockfish rates 8.Na4 (loss 0), which attacks the bishop on c5, as equal.
8…a6: You take the square b5 away from the knight.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
9…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
10.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
10…h5: You gain space on the kingside.
11.O-O-O: White castles long.
11…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the queen on e2.
12.Nxd4: White trades the knight.
12…Bxd4: You recapture with the bishop; it stands strongly on d4.
13.Be1: The bishop goes to e1.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and aims at b2.
14.Rf1: The rook goes to f1.
14…O-O-O: Long castling.
15.Bf2: The bishop attacks your bishop on d4.
15…Bxf2: You trade the bishops; the position is level (eval -0.09).

Line 107: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Bd2 Ne7 6.f4 Nf5 7.Nf3 cxd4 8.Nb5 Bc5 9.b4 Be7 10.Bd3 Nc6 11.Rb1 O-O 12.Bxf5 exf5 13.Nbxd4 Nxd4 14.Nxd4 Qb6 15.c3 a5

up to 5…Ne7 as line 106

6.f4: White supports e5 (13 %, loss 0.31).
6…Nf5: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish prefers 6...cxd4 (loss 0.12).
7.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers d4. Stockfish names 7.Nce2 (loss 0.3).
7…cxd4: You open the c-file. Stockfish names 7...Nxd4 (loss 0.22).
8.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the pawn on d4.
8…Bc5: The bishop steps aside and covers d4.
9.b4: White attacks the bishop on c5 with the b-pawn.
9…Be7: The bishop retreats.
10.Bd3: The bishop attacks your knight on f5.
10…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack e5 and b4.
11.Rb1: The rook covers b4.
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.Bxf5: White trades the bishop for your knight.
12…exf5: You recapture with the pawn.
13.Nbxd4: White wins back the pawn on d4.
13…Nxd4: You trade the knight on d4.
14.Nxd4: White recaptures and attacks f5.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b4 and d4.
15.c3: White supports d4 and b4 with c3.
15…a5: You attack the pawn on b4; the position is level (eval -0.09).

Line 108: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qh5 Be6 9.Rb1 b6 10.Nf3 Qd7 11.Ng5 O-O-O 12.Nxe6 Qxe6 13.Be3 g6 14.Qf3 Nf5 15.O-O Nxe3 16.Rfe1 Qg4

up to 3…Bb4 as line 107

4.exd5: White exchanges in the centre (9 %) and avoids the sharp positions after 4.e5. Stockfish considers it harmless (loss 0.27). You recapture with the e-pawn, and your bishop on c8 is freed.
4…exd5: Back with the e-pawn: the pawn structure is symmetrical, and your bishop on c8 has open lines.
5.Bd3: The bishop comes to its best diagonal (88 %). You develop with 5...Nc6 and attack d4.
5…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 and can later jump to b4 to attack the bishop on d3. Stockfish names 5...Nf6 (loss 0.19) as an alternative.
6.a3: White questions the bishop on b4 (72 %). You trade on c3.
6…Bxc3: With check on c3: White gets doubled pawns on the c-file.
7.bxc3: White recaptures and now has doubled pawns on the c-file.
7…Nge7: The knight goes to e7 so that the f-pawn stays free and the knight can reach f5 or g6. Stockfish considers 7...Be6 equally good.
8.Qh5: The queen attacks the pawn on d5 along the fifth rank and, together with the bishop on d3, aims at h7 (48 %). With 8...Be6 you cover d5.
8…Be6: The bishop covers d5 and develops. Stockfish agrees.
9.Rb1: The rook attacks b7 along the open b-file (55 %).
9…b6: You cover b7 with the pawn. Stockfish considers 9...Qc8 equal (loss 0), covering b7 with the queen.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight.
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and covers e6; after that you can castle long.
11.Ng5: The knight attacks the bishop on e6 and the pawn on h7.
11…O-O-O: Long castling – the king leaves the kingside, where White is aiming. Stockfish names 11...g6 (loss 0).
12.Nxe6: White takes the bishop (83 %). You recapture with the queen.
12…Qxe6: The queen recaptures and stands centrally on e6.
13.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3.
13…g6: The pawn attacks the queen on h5.
14.Qf3: The queen steps away to f3.
14…Nf5: The knight attacks the bishop on e3.
15.O-O: White castles short.
15…Nxe3: You trade the knight for the bishop.
16.Rfe1: The rook attacks your knight on e3.
16…Qg4: The queen offers the queen trade.

Line 109: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qh5 Be6 9.Rb1 b6 10.Ne2 Qd7 11.O-O Bg4 12.Qg5 O-O 13.h3 Bf5 14.Re1 f6 15.Qh5 Rae8

up to 9…b6 as line 108

10.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2. Stockfish names 10.Nf3 (loss 0.16).
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and prepares long castling.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…Bg4: The bishop attacks the queen on h5 and the knight on e2.
12.Qg5: The queen steps aside to g5 and attacks g7.
12…O-O: You castle and cover g7.
13.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4 with the h-pawn.
13…Bf5: The bishop steps back to f5 and offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
14.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
14…f6: You attack the queen with the f-pawn.
15.Qh5: The queen steps back to h5.
15…Rae8: The rook goes to the e-file opposite the rook on e1; the position is level (eval 0.16).

Line 110: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qh5 Be6 9.Nf3 Qd7 10.Ng5 O-O-O 11.O-O g6 12.Qd1 Nf5 13.Bf4 Nd6 14.Re1 Bg4 15.f3 Bf5

up to 8…Be6 as line 109

9.Nf3: White develops the knight first (loss 0.26).
9…Qd7: The queen covers e6 and prepares long castling.
10.Ng5: The knight attacks your bishop on e6.
10…O-O-O: Long castling. Stockfish names 10...g6 (loss 0.11) to chase the queen away first.
11.O-O: White castles short.
11…g6: The pawn attacks the queen.
12.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1.
12…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at c7.
13…Nd6: The knight goes to d6, where it aims at c4 and e4.
14.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and attacks your bishop on e6.
14…Bg4: The bishop attacks the queen on d1.
15.f3: White attacks your bishop on g4 with the f-pawn.
15…Bf5: The bishop steps back to f5 and offers the trade; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 111: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qf3 Be6 9.Ne2 Qd7 10.O-O O-O-O 11.Re1 h5 12.h3 Bf5 13.Ng3 Bxd3 14.cxd3 h4 15.Nf1 Qf5

up to 7…Nge7 as line 110

8.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 (38 %) and eyes d5 and f7.
8…Be6: The bishop covers d5 and develops.
9.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and prepares long castling.
10.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 10.h3 (loss 0.09).
10…O-O-O: Long castling: the king stands behind the pawns on a7, b7 and c7.
11.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
11…h5: You gain space with the h-pawn.
12.h3: White stops your h-pawn with h3.
12…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
13.Ng3: The knight attacks your bishop on f5 and the pawn on h5.
13…Bxd3: You trade the bishops.
14.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn.
14…h4: You attack the knight on g3 with the h-pawn.
15.Nf1: The knight retreats to f1.
15…Qf5: The queen goes to f5 and offers the queen trade; the position is level (eval 0.14).

Line 112: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qf3 Be6 9.Rb1 b6 10.Ne2 Qd7 11.Ng3 O-O 12.O-O Bg4 13.Qe3 Na5 14.h3 Be6 15.Nh5 Ng6

up to 8…Be6 as line 111

9.Rb1: The rook attacks b7 (33 %).
9…b6: The pawn moves to b6, where a7 and c7 cover it.
10.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2.
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
11.Ng3: The knight goes to g3. Stockfish names 11.O-O (loss 0.15).
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.O-O: White castles short.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the queen on f3.
13.Qe3: The queen steps aside to e3 and attacks your knight on e7.
13…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4.
14.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4 with the h-pawn.
14…Be6: The bishop retreats to e6.
15.Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g7.
15…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and guards the kingside; the position is level (eval 0.03).

Line 113: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qf3 Be6 9.Rb1 b6 10.Nh3 Qd7 11.Nf4 Bf5 12.O-O Bxd3 13.cxd3 O-O-O 14.Nh5 Nf5 15.h3 Kb7

up to 9…b6 as line 112

10.Nh3: The knight goes to the edge on h3 – Stockfish wanted 10.Ne2 (loss 0.23).
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
11.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks your bishop on e6 and d5.
11…Bf5: The bishop steps back to f5 and offers the trade.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…Bxd3: You trade the bishops.
13.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g7.
14…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
15.h3: White gives his king air.
15…Kb7: The king goes to b7; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 114: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Qf3 Be6 9.Nh3 Qd7 10.Nf4 Bf5 11.h3 O-O-O 12.O-O Ng6 13.Nh5 Nh4 14.Qf4 Bxd3 15.cxd3 Nf5

up to 8…Be6 as line 113

9.Nh3: The knight goes to h3 and wants to join the game via f4. Stockfish names 9.Qg3 (loss 0.15).
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and prepares long castling.
10.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks your bishop on e6 and d5.
10…Bf5: The bishop steps back to f5 and offers the trade.
11.h3: White gives his king air.
11…O-O-O: Long castling.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks the knight on f4.
13.Nh5: The knight steps aside to h5 and attacks g7.
13…Nh4: The knight jumps to h4 and attacks the queen on f3 and g2.
14.Qf4: The queen steps aside to f4 and attacks the knight on h4.
14…Bxd3: You trade the bishops.
15.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn.
15…Nf5: The knight returns to f5 and attacks d4; the position is level (eval 0.03).

Line 115: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Rb1 b6 9.Qf3 Be6

up to 7…Nge7 as line 114

8.Rb1: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b7.
8…b6: You take the pawn on b7 out of the rook's attack.
9.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks d5.
9…Be6: The bishop covers d5. White is slightly better (eval 0.23). (transposition)

Line 116: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Nge7 8.Ne2 Bf5 9.Ng3 Bxd3 10.cxd3 Qd7 11.Ra2 O-O-O 12.Qf3 Rdf8 13.Nh5 Ng6 14.O-O f5 15.h3 f4

up to 7…Nge7 as line 115

8.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2. Stockfish names 8.Rb1 (loss 0.18).
8…Bf5: The bishop comes to f5 and offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
9.Ng3: The knight attacks your bishop on f5.
9…Bxd3: You trade the bishops.
10.cxd3: White recaptures with the pawn.
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
11.Ra2: The rook goes to a2 and can reach e2 along the second rank.
11…O-O-O: Long castling.
12.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks d5 and f7.
12…Rdf8: The rook goes to f8 and covers f7.
13.Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks g7.
13…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and prepares f5.
14.O-O: White castles.
14…f5: You gain space with the f-pawn.
15.h3: White gives his king air.
15…f4: You push on with the f-pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 117: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Ne2 Nge7 7.O-O Bf5 8.Ng3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Qd7 10.Nce2 h5 11.c3 Bd6 12.Re1 h4 13.Nf1 h3 14.g3 O-O-O 15.Qf3 Nf5

up to 5…Nc6 as line 116

6.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2 so that Bxc3 would not bring doubled pawns (24 %).
6…Nge7: The knight goes to e7 – symmetrical to White.
7.O-O: White castles short.
7…Bf5: The bishop offers the trade against the bishop on d3. Stockfish prefers 7...O-O (loss 0.03).
8.Ng3: Slightly inaccurate (loss 0.19): the knight attacks the bishop on f5, but after 8...Bxd3 you have already equalised (eval -0.09).
8…Bxd3: You trade the light-squared bishops.
9.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
10.Nce2: The knight goes to e2.
10…h5: You gain space with the h-pawn.
11.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
11…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and attacks the knight on g3.
12.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
12…h4: You attack the knight on g3 with the h-pawn.
13.Nf1: The knight retreats to f1.
13…h3: The h-pawn advances further and attacks g2.
14.g3: White keeps the kingside closed with g3.
14…O-O-O: Long castling.
15.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks d5 and f7.
15…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4 and g3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 118: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Ne2 Nge7 7.O-O Bf5 8.Bxf5 Nxf5 9.Qd3 Qd7 10.Nd1 O-O 11.c3 Bd6 12.Qh3 Rad8 13.Bf4 Nce7 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.Ne3 Nxe3

up to 7…Bf5 as line 117

8.Bxf5: White trades at once (loss 0.17). You recapture with the knight.
8…Nxf5: The knight stands actively on f5 and aims at d4.
9.Qd3: The queen goes to d3. Stockfish names 9.Nf4 (loss 0.09).
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
10.Nd1: The knight goes to d1 and wants to come into play via e3.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
11…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2.
12.Qh3: The queen goes to h3 and aims at h7 and the knight on f5.
12…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 and covers d5.
13.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade on d6.
13…Nce7: The knight goes to e7.
14.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
14…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen.
15.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks d5 and f5.
15…Nxe3: You trade the knights; the position is level (eval -0.04).

Line 119: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Ne2 Nge7 7.Bg5 f6 8.Bf4 Bf5 9.O-O Bxc3 10.Nxc3 Bxd3 11.Qxd3 Qd7 12.Rae1 O-O 13.Ne2 Rae8 14.Ng3 a6 15.Bd2 Nc8

up to 6…Nge7 as line 118

7.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on e7 (loss 0.08).
7…f6: The pawn chases the bishop away – Stockfish's first choice; then your bishop joins in with Bf5.
8.Bf4: The bishop steps back to f4.
8…Bf5: The bishop offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
9.O-O: White castles.
9…Bxc3: You take the knight on c3.
10.Nxc3: White recaptures with the knight.
10…Bxd3: You trade the light-squared bishops.
11.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
11…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
12.Rae1: The rook goes to the e-file and aims at e7.
12…O-O: You castle short.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
13…Rae8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3.
14…a6: You make a waiting move on the queenside.
15.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
15…Nc8: The knight goes to c8 and wants to reach c4 or e4 via d6; the position is level (eval 0.11).

Line 120: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.N2g3 O-O 8.c3 Nbd7 9.Bd3 c5 10.Nxf6 Nxf6 11.dxc5 Qd5 12.O-O Rd8 13.Bc2 Qxc5 14.Qf3 Bd7 15.Ne4 Qc4

up to 3…Bb4 as line 119

4.Ne2: A gambit try (8 %): White no longer covers e4 and wants to chase your bishop after 4...dxe4 5.a3. Stockfish considers it harmless (loss 0.29).
4…dxe4: You take the pawn on e4.
5.a3: White attacks the bishop (100 %).
5…Be7: The bishop retreats, and White wins the pawn back. Stockfish names 5...Bxc3 (loss 0.15), keeping the extra pawn.
6.Nxe4: White wins the pawn back (97 %).
6…Nf6: You develop the knight and offer the trade on e4.
7.N2g3: White avoids the trade (loss 0.28).
7…O-O: You castle and bring the king to safety.
8.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish names 8.Bc4 (loss 0.1).
8…Nbd7: The knight supports f6 and keeps the levers c5 and e5 ready – Stockfish has e5 in mind.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
9…c5: The lever against d4. Stockfish names 9...Nxe4 (loss 0).
10.Nxf6: White trades on f6 with check.
10…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight.
11.dxc5: White takes on c5.
11…Qd5: The queen goes to d5 and attacks c5 and g2.
12.O-O: White castles and covers g2.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file against the bishop on d3.
13.Bc2: The bishop retreats to c2.
13…Qxc5: You win back the pawn on c5.
14.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks b7 and f6.
14…Bd7: You develop the bishop and cover b7.
15.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks your queen and f6.
15…Qc4: The queen steps aside to c4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 121: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.N2g3 O-O 8.Be2 Nc6 9.c3 Nxe4 10.Nxe4 f5 11.Nd2 e5 12.d5 Nb8 13.Nc4 Nd7 14.O-O h6 15.b4 Kh7

up to 7…O-O as line 120

8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2. Stockfish names 8.Bc4 (loss 0.11).
8…Nc6: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish prefers 8...Nxe4 (loss 0.12).
9.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish rates 9.Nxf6 (loss 0) as equal.
9…Nxe4: You trade the knight on e4.
10.Nxe4: White recaptures with the knight.
10…f5: You attack the knight on e4 with the f-pawn.
11.Nd2: The knight retreats to d2.
11…e5: With e5 you attack d4.
12.d5: White advances the d-pawn and attacks your knight on c6.
12…Nb8: The knight retreats to b8.
13.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and attacks e5.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers e5.
14.O-O: White castles.
14…h6: You give your king air.
15.b4: White gains space on the queenside.
15…Kh7: The king goes to h7; the position is level (eval 0.06).

Line 122: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.N2g3 O-O 8.Bc4 Nbd7 9.O-O b6 10.Qf3 Nxe4 11.Qxe4 Rb8 12.Bd3 Nf6 13.Qh4 Re8 14.c3 Bb7 15.Rd1 h6

up to 7…O-O as line 121

8.Bc4: White develops the bishop to c4.
8…Nbd7: The knight prepares c5 or Nxe4.
9.O-O: White castles.
9…b6: You prepare Bb7.
10.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and aims at a8 and f6.
10…Nxe4: You trade the knights.
11.Qxe4: The queen recaptures and attacks the rook on a8.
11…Rb8: The rook steps aside to b8.
12.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and aims at h7.
12…Nf6: The knight attacks the queen and covers h7.
13.Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and aims at h7.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and gives the king a flight square.
14.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
14…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g2.
15.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and covers d4.
15…h6: You give your king air; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 123: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.Qd3 Nbd7 8.Bf4 Nxe4 9.Qxe4 Nf6 10.Qf3 O-O 11.O-O-O Qd5 12.Bxc7 Qxf3 13.gxf3 Bd7 14.Rg1 Rac8 15.Ba5 Bd6

up to 6…Nf6 as line 122

7.Qd3: The queen supports the knight on e4 (41 %).
7…Nbd7: The knight prepares c5 and Nxe4.
8.Bf4: The bishop comes to f4 (loss 0.18). You trade on e4.
8…Nxe4: You trade the central knight.
9.Qxe4: The queen recaptures on e4 and stands in the centre.
9…Nf6: The knight attacks the queen on e4.
10.Qf3: The queen steps away to f3.
10…O-O: You castle. Stockfish prefers 10...Bd7 (loss 0.32), with the idea Bc6.
11.O-O-O: White castles long. Stockfish names 11.Be5 (loss 0.16).
11…Qd5: The queen offers the queen trade.
12.Bxc7: The bishop takes the pawn on c7.
12…Qxf3: You trade queens.
13.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn.
13…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
14.Rg1: The rook goes to the half-open g-file and attacks g7.
14…Rac8: The rook goes to the c-file and attacks the bishop on c7.
15.Ba5: The bishop steps aside to a5.
15…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and attacks h2 and a3; the position is level (eval 0.12).

Line 124: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.Qd3 Nbd7 8.N2c3 O-O 9.h4 c5 10.Be3 b6 11.O-O-O Bb7 12.dxc5 Nxc5 13.Qxd8 Rfxd8 14.Rxd8 Rxd8 15.Nxc5 bxc5

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 123

8.N2c3: The second knight goes to c3 and covers the knight on e4.
8…O-O: You castle.
9.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
9…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
10.Be3: The bishop covers d4.
10…b6: You prepare Bb7.
11.O-O-O: White castles long.
11…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks the knight on e4.
12.dxc5: White takes on c5.
12…Nxc5: You recapture with the knight and attack the queen and the knight on e4.
13.Qxd8: White trades queens.
13…Rfxd8: You recapture with the rook.
14.Rxd8: White trades the rooks with check.
14…Rxd8: You recapture.
15.Nxc5: White trades the knights.
15…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn; the endgame is level (eval 0.07).

Line 125: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.N2c3 O-O 8.Be3 Nxe4 9.Nxe4 f5 10.Nc5 f4 11.Bd2 Qxd4 12.Nd3 Nc6 13.Bc3 Qd6 14.Qh5 g6 15.Qe2 Nd4

up to 6…Nf6 as line 124

7.N2c3: Inaccurate (loss 0.58): Black won 46 % of these games.
7…O-O: You castle.
8.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 – a mistake according to Stockfish (loss 0.65); 8.Ng3 was better.
8…Nxe4: You trade the knights.
9.Nxe4: White recaptures.
9…f5: You attack the knight on e4 with the f-pawn.
10.Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks e6 and b7.
10…f4: You attack the bishop on e3 with the f-pawn.
11.Bd2: The bishop steps back to d2.
11…Qxd4: You take the pawn on d4.
12.Nd3: The knight retreats to d3 and attacks f4.
12…Nc6: You develop the knight.
13.Bc3: The bishop attacks your queen on d4.
13…Qd6: The queen steps back to d6.
14.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks h7.
14…g6: You attack the queen with g6.
15.Qe2: The queen retreats to e2 and attacks e6.
15…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the queen. You are better (eval -0.51).

Line 126: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 dxe4 5.a3 Be7 6.Nxe4 Nf6 7.Nxf6 Bxf6 8.Be3 O-O 9.Qd2 c5 10.O-O-O cxd4 11.Nxd4 b6 12.Qb4 a5 13.Qd2 Ba6 14.Bxa6 Nxa6 15.g4 Qd5

up to 6…Nf6 as line 125

7.Nxf6: White trades knights (7 %).
7…Bxf6: The bishop recaptures and aims at d4.
8.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4.
8…O-O: You castle. Stockfish prefers 8...Nc6 (loss 0.12), which attacks d4 at once.
9.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks.
9…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
10.O-O-O: White castles long.
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
11…b6: You prepare Bb7 or Ba6.
12.Qb4: The queen goes to b4 and attacks b6 and f8.
12…a5: You attack the queen with the a-pawn.
13.Qd2: The queen retreats to d2.
13…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and offers the trade against the bishop on f1.
14.Bxa6: White trades the bishops.
14…Nxa6: You recapture with the knight.
15.g4: White storms forward with the g-pawn.
15…Qd5: The queen goes to d5 and attacks d4 and h1. White is somewhat better (eval 0.42).

Line 127: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Nc3 Bf6 9.Qd2 c5 10.d5 O-O 11.O-O-O Bg7 12.Kb1 Qf6 13.Bc4 e5 14.Qe3 Nd7 15.Nd2 Qh6

up to 3.Nc3 as line 126

3…Nf6: The Classical Variation: the knight develops and attacks e4.
4.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6. Stockfish names 4.e5 (loss 0.11).
4…dxe4: The Burn Variation: you take on e4 and release the tension in the centre.
5.Nxe4: White recaptures with the knight.
5…Be7: You develop the bishop and break the pin.
6.Bxf6: White trades the bishop for your knight on f6.
6…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn: the g-file opens for your rook, and you keep the bishop pair.
7.Nf3: White develops the knight.
7…f5: You drive away the knight on e4 with the f-pawn – for Stockfish almost as good as 7...a6.
8.Nc3: The knight retreats to c3.
8…Bf6: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and presses on d4. Stockfish names 8...a6 (loss 0.39).
9.Qd2: The queen prepares long castling.
9…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn. Stockfish names 9...Nd7 (loss 0.18).
10.d5: White advances the d-pawn and attacks e6.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.O-O-O: White castles long.
11…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and aims at c3.
12.Kb1: The king goes to b1.
12…Qf6: The queen goes to f6 and attacks c3.
13.Bc4: White develops the bishop.
13…e5: You gain space in the centre with e5.
14.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks e5 and c5.
14…Nd7: You develop the knight and cover e5 and c5.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and wants to become active via e4.
15…Qh6: You offer the queen trade. White is somewhat better (eval 0.54).

Line 128: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Nc3 Bf6 9.Qd2 c5 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.dxc5 Qa5 12.Nd4 Nc6 13.Bxc6 Bxc6 14.Nxc6 bxc6 15.O-O-O Rb8

up to 9…c5 as line 127

10.Bb5: The bishop gives check – a mistake according to Stockfish (loss 0.8); 10.d5 was better.
10…Bd7: You block with the bishop.
11.dxc5: White takes on c5.
11…Qa5: The queen attacks the bishop on b5 and c3.
12.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks e6 and f5.
12…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
13.Bxc6: White trades on c6.
13…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop.
14.Nxc6: White trades the knight for your bishop.
14…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn.
15.O-O-O: White castles long.
15…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks b2; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 129: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Nc3 Bf6 9.Qd2 c5 10.O-O-O cxd4 11.Nxd4 O-O 12.g3 Qb6 13.Na4 Qd6 14.Bg2 Rd8 15.Nb5 Qxd2

up to 9…c5 as line 128

10.O-O-O: White castles long – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.6); 10.d5 was better.
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight. Stockfish names 11.Bb5+ (loss 0.17).
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.g3: White prepares Bg2.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4 and b2.
13.Na4: The knight attacks your queen.
13…Qd6: The queen steps aside to d6.
14.Bg2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at b7.
14…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file.
15.Nb5: The knight attacks your queen.
15…Qxd2: You trade queens with check; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 130: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Nc3 Bf6 9.Qd2 c5 10.dxc5 Qxd2 11.Nxd2 Ke7 12.g3 Bd7 13.Bg2 Bc6 14.Bxc6 Nxc6 15.Na4 Nb4

up to 9…c5 as line 129

10.dxc5: A mistake (loss 0.94): White takes on c5 and allows the queen trade – 10.d5 was better.
10…Qxd2: You trade queens with check.
11.Nxd2: White recaptures with the knight.
11…Ke7: The king goes to e7 and covers the centre – without queens it stands well there.
12.g3: White prepares Bg2.
12…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
13.Bg2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at b7.
13…Bc6: You put your bishop opposite it.
14.Bxc6: White trades the bishops.
14…Nxc6: You recapture with the knight.
15.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and covers c5.
15…Nb4: The knight attacks c2 and a2. The position is level (eval -0.09).

Line 131: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Nc3 Bf6 9.Qd2 Nd7 10.Qe3 Nb6 11.Bd3 Nd5 12.Nxd5 Qxd5 13.O-O b5 14.a4 b4 15.c4 bxc3

up to 9.Qd2 as line 130

9…Nd7: You develop the knight and prepare Nb6.
10.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 and attacks e6.
10…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and aims at d5.
11.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks f5.
11…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the queen and the knight on c3.
12.Nxd5: White trades the knights.
12…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen; she stands in the centre.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
14.a4: White attacks the pawn on b5.
14…b4: The pawn advances and eyes c3.
15.c4: White pushes c4 and attacks your queen on d5.
15…bxc3: You take en passant on c3; the position is roughly level (eval 0.23).

Line 132: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Ng3 c5 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Bxd7 Qxd7 11.d5 exd5 12.O-O Nc6 13.Re1 Rg8 14.Ne5 Nxe5 15.Rxe5 O-O-O

up to 7…f5 as line 131

8.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and attacks f5. Stockfish names 8.Nc3 (loss 0.35).
8…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn. Stockfish names 8...h5 (loss 0.19).
9.Bb5: The bishop gives check on b5.
9…Bd7: You block with the bishop. Stockfish names 9...Kf8 (loss 0.19).
10.Bxd7: White trades the bishops with check.
10…Qxd7: You recapture with the queen and attack d4.
11.d5: White advances the d-pawn and attacks e6.
11…exd5: You take on d5.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…Nc6: You develop the knight.
13.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and aims at e7.
13…Rg8: The rook goes to the open g-file and attacks the knight on g3.
14.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the queen and the knight on c6.
14…Nxe5: You trade the knights.
15.Rxe5: The rook recaptures and attacks d5 and f5.
15…O-O-O: Long castling; the rook on d8 covers d5. The position is level (eval 0).

Line 133: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.Nf3 f5 8.Ng3 c5 9.dxc5 Qa5 10.c3 Qxc5 11.Bd3 h5 12.Qe2 h4 13.Nf1 Bd7 14.O-O-O Nc6 15.Ne3 O-O-O

up to 8…c5 as line 132

9.dxc5: White takes on c5. Stockfish names 9.Bb5+ (loss 0.25).
9…Qa5: The queen gives check from a5.
10.c3: White blocks with the c-pawn.
10…Qxc5: You win back the pawn on c5.
11.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks f5.
11…h5: You gain space with the h-pawn.
12.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and attacks e6.
12…h4: You attack the knight on g3 with the h-pawn.
13.Nf1: The knight retreats to f1.
13…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
14.O-O-O: White castles long.
14…Nc6: You develop the knight.
15.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks f5.
15…O-O-O: Long castling. You are slightly better (eval -0.12).

Line 134: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6 7.g3 f5 8.Nc3 Bf6 9.Nge2 Nc6 10.d5 exd5 11.Qxd5 Qxd5 12.Nxd5 Bxb2 13.Nxc7 Kd8 14.Rb1 Kxc7 15.Rxb2 Re8

up to 6…gxf6 as line 133

7.g3: White prepares Bg2. Stockfish names 7.Nf3 (loss 0.17).
7…f5: You drive away the knight on e4 with the f-pawn.
8.Nc3: The knight retreats to c3.
8…Bf6: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and presses on d4.
9.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 and covers d4. Stockfish names 9.Nf3 (loss 0.22).
9…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
10.d5: White advances the d-pawn and attacks your knight on c6.
10…exd5: You take on d5. Stockfish names 10...Ne5 (loss 0.22).
11.Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks f5, c6 and f7.
11…Qxd5: You trade queens.
12.Nxd5: White recaptures with the knight and attacks c7.
12…Bxb2: You take the pawn on b2 and attack the rook on a1.
13.Nxc7: White takes on c7 with check.
13…Kd8: The king steps aside to d8 and attacks the knight on c7.
14.Rb1: The rook attacks your bishop on b2.
14…Kxc7: The king takes the knight on c7.
15.Rxb2: White takes your bishop.
15…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and attacks the knight on e2; the endgame is level (eval -0.09).

Line 135: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Bd3 c5 10.O-O cxd4 11.Nxd4 Rd8 12.Nf3 Na6 13.Qe2 Nc5 14.Rad1 b6 15.Bb5 Bb7

up to 5…Be7 as line 134

6.Nxf6: White trades on f6 with check. Stockfish names 6.Bxf6 (loss 0.08).
6…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop and attack the bishop on g5.
7.Bxf6: White trades the bishops.
7…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen; she presses on d4 and f2.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight and covers d4.
8…O-O: You castle short.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7. Stockfish names 9.Qd3 (loss 0.16).
9…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
10.O-O: White castles. Stockfish names 10.Qe2 (loss 0.06).
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
11…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file and attacks the knight on d4.
12.Nf3: The knight retreats to f3.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and wants to reach c5.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
13…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks the bishop on d3.
14.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and covers the bishop on d3.
14…b6: You prepare Bb7.
15.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5.
15…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f3; the position is level (eval -0.07).

Line 136: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Bd3 c5 10.c3 cxd4 11.Nxd4 e5 12.Nb3 Bf5 13.Bxf5 Qxf5 14.Qe2 Nc6 15.O-O Rad8

up to 9…c5 as line 135

10.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish names 10.Qe2 (loss 0.06).
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
11…e5: With e5 you attack the knight on d4.
12.Nb3: The knight retreats to b3.
12…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
13.Bxf5: White trades the bishops.
13…Qxf5: You recapture with the queen.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and attacks e5.
14…Nc6: You develop the knight and cover e5.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…Rad8: The rook goes to the d-file; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 137: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.c3 Nd7 10.Bd3 e5 11.O-O exd4 12.Nxd4 Ne5 13.Be4 h6 14.b3 Re8 15.Qc2 c6

up to 8…O-O as line 136

9.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish names 9.Qd3 (loss 0.13).
9…Nd7: You develop the knight – for Stockfish as good as 9...b6.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop – for Stockfish as good as 10.Be2.
10…e5: With e5 you attack d4.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…exd4: You take on d4.
12.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
12…Ne5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks the bishop on d3.
13.Be4: The bishop steps aside to e4 and aims at h7 and b7.
13…h6: You give your king air.
14.b3: White supports c4 with b3.
14…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
15…c6: With c6 you control d5; the position is level (eval -0.01).

Line 138: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.c3 Nd7 10.Bd3 e5 11.dxe5 Nxe5 12.Nxe5 Qxe5 13.Qe2 Qf6 14.O-O g6 15.Qe4 c6

up to 10…e5 as line 137

11.dxe5: White takes on e5 – for Stockfish almost as good as 11.O-O.
11…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight and attack f3 and d3.
12.Nxe5: White trades the knights.
12…Qxe5: You recapture with the queen and give check.
13.Qe2: The queen blocks the check and offers the trade.
13…Qf6: The queen steps aside to f6.
14.O-O: White castles.
14…g6: You protect the kingside with g6.
15.Qe4: The queen goes to e4 and attacks b7.
15…c6: With c6 you close the long diagonal; the position is level (eval -0.04).

Line 139: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.c3 Nd7 10.Be2 e5 11.O-O exd4 12.Qxd4 a5 13.Rfd1 Re8 14.Re1 Qxd4 15.Nxd4 c6

up to 9…Nd7 as line 138

10.Be2: White develops the bishop.
10…e5: With e5 you attack d4.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…exd4: You take on d4.
12.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and offers the trade.
12…a5: You gain space on the queenside.
13.Rfd1: The rook goes to the d-file and presses along it.
13…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the bishop on e2.
14.Re1: The rook covers the bishop on e2.
14…Qxd4: You trade queens.
15.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
15…c6: With c6 you control b5 and d5; the endgame is level (eval 0).

Line 140: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Qd2 Rd8 10.Qc3 Qf4 11.Be2 Nd7 12.Qe3 Qxe3 13.fxe3 b6 14.a4 c5 15.a5 Bb7

up to 8…O-O as line 139

9.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks – for Stockfish as good as 9.Qd3.
9…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file and presses on d4.
10.Qc3: The queen goes to c3 and attacks c7.
10…Qf4: The queen goes to f4 and attacks d4 and h2.
11.Be2: White develops the bishop.
11…Nd7: You develop the knight.
12.Qe3: The queen offers the trade.
12…Qxe3: You trade queens.
13.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
13…b6: You prepare Bb7.
14.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
15.a5: White attacks b6 with the a-pawn.
15…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f3; the endgame is level (eval 0.11).

Line 141: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Nxf6 Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.c3 O-O 9.Qf3 Nd7 10.Bd3 Rb8 11.Qxf6 Nxf6 12.Nf3 b6 13.Ne5 Bb7 14.f3 Rfd8 15.O-O-O Nd7

up to 7…Qxf6 as line 140

8.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish names 8.Nf3 (loss 0.21).
8…O-O: You castle short. Stockfish names 8...Nd7 (loss 0.06).
9.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and offers the trade.
9…Nd7: You develop the knight.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7.
10…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b6.
11.Qxf6: White trades queens.
11…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight.
12.Nf3: White develops the knight.
12…b6: You prepare Bb7.
13.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks f7.
13…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at g2.
14.f3: White supports the knight on e5 and blocks the diagonal with f3.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to the d-file and presses on d4.
15.O-O-O: White castles long.
15…Nd7: The knight attacks the knight on e5; the endgame is level (eval 0.11).

Line 142: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.h4 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Rh3 b4 14.Na4 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 a5 16.Bb5 Rb8

up to 3…Nf6 as line 141

4.e5: The Steinitz Variation: White drives your knight away with 4.e5 and gains space.
4…Nfd7: The knight retreats to d7 and attacks e5.
5.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn and builds a big pawn chain.
5…c5: You attack the base of the chain with c5.
6.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight.
6…Nc6: You develop the knight and increase the pressure on d4 – for Stockfish almost as good as 6...cxd4.
7.Be3: The bishop covers d4.
7…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the c-file.
8.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight; it stands strongly on d4.
8…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks the knight on d4 – for Stockfish as good as 8...Qb6.
9.Qd2: The queen covers the bishop on e3 and prepares long castling.
9…O-O: You castle short. Stockfish names 9...Bxd4 (loss 0.18).
10.O-O-O: White castles long: the kings are on opposite sides, and both sides attack.
10…a6: You prepare b5 – for Stockfish almost as good as 10...Nxd4.
11.h4: White storms forward with the h-pawn. Stockfish names 11.Nb3 (loss 0.28).
11…Nxd4: You trade the knight on d4.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop.
12…b5: Your pawn storm begins: b5 and b4 against White's king.
13.Rh3: The rook swings via h3. Stockfish names 13.h5 (loss 0.38).
13…b4: You attack the knight on c3 with the b-pawn.
14.Na4: The knight goes to the edge and attacks your bishop on c5.
14…Bxd4: You trade the bishops.
15.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and attacks b4.
15…a5: You cover b4 with the a-pawn.
16.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and attacks your knight on d7 – for Stockfish as good as 16.h5.
16…Rb8: The rook attacks the bishop on b5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 143: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.h4 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.h5 b4 14.Na4 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 Qa5

up to 12…b5 as line 142

13.h5: White storms on with the h-pawn.
13…b4: You attack the knight on c3 with the b-pawn.
14.Na4: The knight goes to the edge and attacks your bishop on c5.
14…Bxd4: You trade the bishops.
15.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and attacks b4.
15…Qa5: The queen attacks the knight on a4. White is slightly better (eval 0.44).

Line 144: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.h4 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.h5 b4 14.Ne2 a5 15.f5 h6

up to 13…b4 as line 143

14.Ne2: The knight retreats to e2 – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.57); 14.Na4 was better.
14…a5: You support b4 and prepare a4.
15.f5: White attacks e6 with the f-pawn.
15…h6: You stop the h-pawn; you are slightly better (eval -0.12).

Line 145: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.h4 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Bxc5 Nxc5 14.Qd4 Qc7 15.h5 h6

up to 12…b5 as line 144

13.Bxc5: White trades the bishops. Stockfish names 13.h5 (loss 0.1).
13…Nxc5: You recapture with the knight.
14.Qd4: The queen goes to d4 and attacks d5 and c5.
14…Qc7: The queen covers c5 and attacks e5.
15.h5: White storms on with the h-pawn.
15…h6: You stop the h-pawn. White is slightly better (eval 0.22).

Line 146: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.Kb1 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Qe3 Qc7 14.Bd3 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 Bb7

up to 10…a6 as line 145

11.Kb1: The king goes to b1. Stockfish names 11.Nb3 (loss 0.42).
11…Nxd4: You trade the knight on d4.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop.
12…b5: Your pawn storm begins with b5.
13.Qe3: The queen goes to e3. Stockfish names 13.h4 (loss 0.07).
13…Qc7: The queen attacks e5. Stockfish names 13...Qb6 (loss 0.28).
14.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks b5.
14…Bxd4: You trade the bishops.
15.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and attacks d5.
15…Bb7: You cover d5 with the bishop. Stockfish names 15...Qc5 (loss 0.23); White is better (eval 0.67).

Line 147: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.Kb1 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Qe3 Qc7 14.Bd3 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 Qc5 16.Ne2 b4

up to 15.Qxd4 as line 146

15…Qc5: The queen offers the trade – Stockfish's first choice.
16.Ne2: The knight avoids the trade and goes to e2, covering d4.
16…b4: You gain space on the queenside. White is slightly better (eval 0.5).

Line 148: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.Kb1 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Qe3 Qb6 14.h4 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 Rb8

up to 13.Qe3 as line 147

13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and offers the trade.
14.h4: White storms forward with the h-pawn.
14…Bxd4: You trade the bishops.
15.Qxd4: The queen recaptures.
15…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file; the position is level (eval 0.14).

Line 149: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.Qf2 Bxd4 12.Bxd4 Nxd4 13.Qxd4 b5 14.Bd3 Qb6 15.Qxb6 Nxb6

up to 10…a6 as line 148

11.Qf2: The queen goes to f2. Stockfish names 11.Nb3 (loss 0.23).
11…Bxd4: You trade the bishop for the knight on d4.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop.
12…Nxd4: You trade the knight for the bishop.
13.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and attacks d5.
13…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
14.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks b5.
14…Qb6: The queen offers the trade.
15.Qxb6: White trades queens.
15…Nxb6: You recapture with the knight. White is slightly better (eval 0.34).

Line 150: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.Nb3 Bb4 12.Bd3 b5 13.Rhf1 Bb7 14.Rf3 f5 15.Rh3 d4

up to 10…a6 as line 149

11.Nb3: The knight retreats to b3 and attacks your bishop on c5 – Stockfish's choice.
11…Bb4: The bishop steps aside to b4 and pins the knight on c3.
12.Bd3: White develops the bishop and aims at h7.
12…b5: You gain space on the queenside. Stockfish names 12...f6 (loss 0.24).
13.Rhf1: The rook goes to f1 and supports f5.
13…Bb7: You develop the bishop.
14.Rf3: The rook goes to f3 and wants to attack via h3.
14…f5: You play f5 yourself and block White's f-pawn.
15.Rh3: The rook swings to h3 and attacks h7.
15…d4: With d4 you attack the knight on c3 and the bishop on e3. White is better (eval 0.93).

Line 151: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O a6 11.Nb3 Bb4 12.Bd3 f6 13.exf6 Nxf6 14.Rhf1 b5 15.h3 Bd7

up to 12.Bd3 as line 150

12…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn – Stockfish's choice.
13.exf6: White takes on f6.
13…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight.
14.Rhf1: The rook goes to f1.
14…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
15.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop. White is somewhat better (eval 0.52).

Line 152: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O Nxd4 11.Bxd4 a6 12.h4

up to 10.O-O-O as line 151

10…Nxd4: You trade the knight on d4.
11.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop.
11…a6: You prepare b5.
12.h4: White storms forward with the h-pawn. Stockfish names 12.Qe3 (loss 0.31); the position is roughly level (eval 0.28). (transposition)

Line 153: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.O-O-O Nxd4 11.Bxd4 a6 12.Kb1

up to 11…a6 as line 152

12.Kb1: The king goes to b1. Stockfish names 12.Qe3 (loss 0.39); the position is level (eval 0.2). (transposition)

Line 154: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Qd2 O-O 10.g3 a6 11.Bg2 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.Ne2 a5 14.a3 Qb6 15.O-O Nb8

up to 9…O-O as line 153

10.g3: White prepares Bg2. Stockfish names 10.O-O-O (loss 0.33).
10…a6: You prepare b5.
11.Bg2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks d5.
11…Nxd4: You trade the knight on d4 – for Stockfish as good as 11...Qc7.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop.
12…b5: You gain space on the queenside – for Stockfish as good as 12...Bxd4.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
13…a5: You gain more space with the a-pawn.
14.a3: White stops b4.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and presses on d4.
15.O-O: White castles.
15…Nb8: The knight goes to b8 and wants to become active via c6; the position is level (eval 0.13).

Line 155: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.a3 Be7 10.b4 cxd4 11.cxd4 O-O 12.h4 Qc7 13.Qc2 b5 14.h5 Qb6 15.h6 g6

up to 4…Nfd7 as line 154

5.Nce2: The knight goes to e2 to support d4 with c3 and f4. Stockfish names 5.f4 (loss 0.27).
5…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
6.c3: White supports d4 with c3 – for Stockfish as good as 6.Nf3.
6…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4 and e5.
7.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
7…Qb6: The queen goes to b6, attacks b2 and adds to the pressure on d4. Stockfish names 7...Be7 (loss 0.09).
8.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight.
8…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
9.a3: White prepares b4 – for Stockfish as good as 9.a4.
9…Be7: You develop the bishop.
10.b4: White attacks c5 with the b-pawn.
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.cxd4: White recaptures.
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks c6 and h7.
13…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
14.h5: White storms forward with the h-pawn.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4.
15.h6: White attacks g7 with the h-pawn.
15…g6: You keep the kingside closed with g6; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 156: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.a3 Be7 10.h4 O-O 11.Rh3 a5 12.Qc2 a4 13.Be3 Na5 14.Ng3 Qb3 15.Qb1 f5

up to 9…Be7 as line 155

10.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn. Stockfish names 10.b4 (loss 0.07).
10…O-O: You castle short – for Stockfish as good as 10...a5.
11.Rh3: The rook comes into play via h3.
11…a5: You prevent b4 with a5.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
12…a4: You gain space with the a-pawn and keep an eye on b3.
13.Be3: White develops the bishop.
13…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4 and b3.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and aims at h5.
14…Qb3: The queen breaks into b3 and offers the trade.
15.Qb1: The queen steps back to b1 and aims at h7.
15…f5: With f5 you close the diagonal towards h7; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 157: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.a3 Be7 10.g3 cxd4 11.cxd4 O-O 12.Bg2 a5 13.exf6 Nxf6 14.O-O Bd6 15.Nc3 Ne7

up to 9…Be7 as line 156

10.g3: White prepares Bg2. Stockfish names 10.b4 (loss 0.07).
10…cxd4: You take on d4. Stockfish names 10...O-O (loss 0.12).
11.cxd4: White recaptures.
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.Bg2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims at d5.
12…a5: You prevent b4 with a5.
13.exf6: White takes on f6.
13…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight.
14.O-O: White castles.
14…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at f4 and a3.
15.Nc3: The knight comes to c3 and attacks d5.
15…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and wants to reach f5; the position is level (eval 0.09).

Line 158: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.g3 cxd4 10.cxd4 Bb4 11.Nc3 fxe5 12.fxe5 O-O 13.Bf4 Ndxe5 14.dxe5 d4 15.a3 dxc3

up to 8…f6 as line 157

9.g3: White wants to bring the bishop to g2 or h3 – for Stockfish as good as 9.a4.
9…cxd4: You take on d4.
10.cxd4: White recaptures with the pawn. Stockfish names 10.Nexd4 (loss 0.05).
10…Bb4: The bishop gives check from b4.
11.Nc3: The knight blocks on c3.
11…fxe5: You take on e5.
12.fxe5: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
12…O-O: You castle; your rook stands on the open f-file.
13.Bf4: The bishop covers e5.
13…Ndxe5: You take on e5 with the knight.
14.dxe5: White takes your knight.
14…d4: You attack the knight on c3 with d4.
15.a3: White attacks your bishop on b4.
15…dxc3: You take the knight on c3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 159: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.g3 cxd4 10.cxd4 Bb4 11.Bd2 fxe5 12.dxe5 Nc5 13.Bxb4 Qxb4 14.Nc3 d4 15.a3 Qxb2

up to 10…Bb4 as line 158

11.Bd2: The bishop blocks the check – inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.56); 11.Nc3 was better.
11…fxe5: You take on e5 and attack d4 and f4.
12.dxe5: White recaptures with the d-pawn.
12…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and aims at d3 and e4.
13.Bxb4: White trades the bishops.
13…Qxb4: You recapture with the queen and give check.
14.Nc3: The knight blocks on c3.
14…d4: You attack the knight on c3 with d4.
15.a3: White attacks your queen.
15…Qxb2: You take the pawn on b2. You are better (eval -0.73).

Line 160: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.g3 cxd4 10.Nexd4 fxe5 11.fxe5 Nc5 12.Be3 Ne4 13.Bd3 Bc5 14.O-O O-O 15.Qe2 Bd7

up to 9…cxd4 as line 159

10.Nexd4: White recaptures with the knight.
10…fxe5: You take on e5.
11.fxe5: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
11…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and wants to reach e4.
12.Be3: The bishop covers d4.
12…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks g3 and c3.
13.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks the knight on e4.
13…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and attacks d4.
14.O-O: White castles.
14…O-O: You castle short.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 161: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Nf3 f6 9.exf6 Nxf6 10.g3 Bd7 11.a4 cxd4 12.Nexd4 Nxd4 13.Nxd4 a5 14.Qb3 Qxb3 15.Nxb3 h5

up to 8…f6 as line 160

9.exf6: White takes on f6. Stockfish names 9.a4 (loss 0.22).
9…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight.
10.g3: White prepares Bg2.
10…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
11.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
11…cxd4: You take on d4.
12.Nexd4: White recaptures with the knight.
12…Nxd4: You trade the knights.
13.Nxd4: White recaptures.
13…a5: You stop the pawn on a4.
14.Qb3: The queen offers the trade and attacks d5.
14…Qxb3: You trade queens.
15.Nxb3: White recaptures with the knight and attacks a5.
15…h5: You gain space with the h-pawn; the endgame is level (eval 0).

Line 162: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.Nf3 cxd4 8.cxd4 f6 9.Nf4 Bb4 10.Bd2 Qe7 11.Nd3 Bxd2 12.Qxd2 fxe5 13.dxe5 O-O 14.Be2 Nc5 15.Nxc5 Qxc5

up to 6…Nc6 as line 161

7.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight. Stockfish names 7.f4 (loss 0.04).
7…cxd4: You take on d4. Stockfish names 7...Be7 (loss 0.06).
8.cxd4: White recaptures with the pawn.
8…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
9.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks e6 and d5. Stockfish names 9.exf6 (loss 0.02).
9…Bb4: The bishop gives check from b4. Stockfish names 9...fxe5 (loss 0.19).
10.Bd2: The bishop blocks the check.
10…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers e6 – for Stockfish as good as 10...fxe5.
11.Nd3: The knight goes to d3 and attacks your bishop on b4.
11…Bxd2: You trade the bishops with check.
12.Qxd2: The queen recaptures.
12…fxe5: You take on e5.
13.dxe5: White recaptures.
13…O-O: You castle short.
14.Be2: White develops the bishop.
14…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks the knight on d3.
15.Nxc5: White trades the knights.
15…Qxc5: You recapture with the queen and aim at f2. White is slightly better (eval 0.18).

Line 163: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.f4 Nc6 7.c3

up to 5…c5 as line 162

6.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn – for Stockfish as good as 6.Nf3.
6…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4 – for Stockfish as good as 6...Be7.
7.c3: White supports d4 with c3. The position is level (eval 0.12). (transposition)

Line 164: 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.f4 Nc6 7.Nf3 Qb6 8.c3

up to 6…Nc6 as line 163

7.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight. Stockfish names 7.c3 (loss 0.08).
7…Qb6: The queen goes to b6, attacks b2 and adds to the pressure on d4. Stockfish names 7...Be7 (loss 0.12).
8.c3: White supports d4 with c3. The position is level (eval 0.16). (transposition)

Line 165: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.Be2 h6 13.Bh4 Re8 14.c3 Qb6 15.Nfd4 Bxe2 16.Rxe2 Nxd4

up to 2…d5 as line 164

3.Nd2: The Tarrasch Variation (34 %): the knight covers e4 from d2 and cannot be pinned. In return it blocks the bishop on c1. You reply 3...c5.
3…c5: The direct attack on d4. White has to decide whether to exchange in the centre (4.exd5) or to develop with 4.Ngf3.
4.exd5: White exchanges in the centre (60 %). You recapture with the e-pawn and get a typical isolated-pawn position.
4…exd5: Back with the e-pawn: your bishop on c8 is freed. After a trade on c5 you have an isolated pawn on d5 – but free piece play.
5.Ngf3: White develops (64 %). You reply 5...Nc6.
5…Nc6: The knight puts pressure on d4. Stockfish names 5...Nf6 (loss 0.07).
6.Bb5: White pins the knight on c6 (92 %) and so reduces the pressure on d4.
6…Bd6: The bishop develops actively. After 7.dxc5 you recapture with the bishop. Stockfish names 6...Qe7 (loss 0.04).
7.dxc5: White takes on c5 (72 %) and leaves you with the isolated pawn on d5.
7…Bxc5: The bishop recaptures and stands actively on c5, eyeing f2.
8.O-O: White castles short.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 so that the f-pawn stays free and the pin on c6 does not matter. From e7 it can go to f5.
9.Nb3: The knight attacks the bishop on c5 and wants to go to d4, in front of your isolated pawn (96 %).
9…Bd6: The bishop retreats to d6 and aims at h2.
10.Re1: The rook takes the e-file (38 %).
10…O-O: You castle. The king is safe and your pieces are active.
11.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on e7 (61 %).
11…Bg4: You also put your bishop actively and pin the knight on f3.
12.Be2: White supports the knight (49 %).
12…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
13.Bh4: The bishop drops back to h4 and keeps the knight on e7 pinned.
13…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.c3: With c3 White controls the d4-square.
14…Qb6: The queen aims at f2.
15.Nfd4: The knight occupies the strong d4-square.
15…Bxe2: You trade bishops.
16.Rxe2: The rook recaptures on e2.
16…Nxd4: You trade the strong knight on d4. The position is level.

Line 166: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.Be2 h6 13.Bh4 Re8 14.c3 Qb6 15.Bxe7 Rxe7

up to 14…Qb6 as line 165

15.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7. Stockfish rates 15.Nfd4 (loss 0) as equal.
15…Rxe7: The rook recaptures and controls the e-file.

Line 167: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.Be2 h6 13.Bh4 Re8 14.Nfd4 Bxe2 15.Rxe2 Qb6

up to 13…Re8 as line 166

14.Nfd4: The knight occupies the strong d4-square.
14…Bxe2: You trade bishops.
15.Rxe2: The rook recaptures on e2.
15…Qb6: The queen attacks the knight on d4. Stockfish names 15...Nxd4 (loss 0.04).

Line 168: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.Be2 h6 13.Bxe7 Bxe7 14.h3 Bh5 15.c3 a5

up to 12…h6 as line 167

13.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
13…Bxe7: The bishop recaptures. The position is level (eval 0).
14.h3: White questions the bishop on g4.
14…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal and keeps the pin.
15.c3: White supports d4 and prevents Nb4.
15…a5: You gain space on the queenside; the position is level (eval 0.01).

Line 169: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.Bh4 Re8 13.Bg3 Bxg3 14.hxg3 Qb6 15.a4 a6

up to 11…Bg4 as line 168

12.Bh4: The bishop steps aside and keeps an eye on e7 (29 %).
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 12...Qc7 (loss 0.02).
13.Bg3: The bishop drops back to g3 and offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
13…Bxg3: You trade bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
14.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn.
14…Qb6: The queen aims at f2. Stockfish names 14...Qd6 (loss 0.03).
15.a4: White secures the bishop on b5 with a4.
15…a6: You question the bishop on b5.

Line 170: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.Bh4 Re8 13.Bg3 Bxg3 14.hxg3 Qb6 15.Bd3 a5 16.Bxh7 Kf8

up to 14…Qb6 as line 169

15.Bd3: The bishop drops back to d3 and aims at h7. Stockfish names 15.a4 (loss 0.05).
15…a5: Careful: Stockfish prefers 15...Nf5 (loss 0.08), because after 15...a5 White can take the pawn on h7 with 16.Bxh7+.
16.Bxh7: The bishop takes on h7 with check.
16…Kf8: The king steps aside. White has won a pawn; Stockfish sees him only slightly ahead (eval 0.11).

Line 171: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.h3 Bh5 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.Nbd4 Rc8 15.c4 h6

up to 11…Bg4 as line 170

12.h3: White questions your bishop (15 %).
12…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal and keeps the pin.
13.Bxc6: White trades on c6 (loss 0.08).
13…bxc6: Back with the b-pawn: the pawn on c6 supports d5.
14.Nbd4: The knight comes to d4 and attacks the pawn on c6.
14…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file and supports c5.
15.c4: White attacks the centre with c4.
15…h6: You question the bishop on g5.

Line 172: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.h3 Bh5 13.Be2 h6 14.Bxe7 Bxe7

up to 12…Bh5 as line 171

13.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and breaks the pin on the knight on f3.
13…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
14.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
14…Bxe7: You recapture with the bishop; the position is level (eval 0). (transposition)

Line 173: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bg5 Bg4 12.c3 Re8 13.h3 Bh5 14.Nbd4 Qc7 15.Qc2 h6

up to 11…Bg4 as line 172

12.c3: With c3 White controls the squares d4 and b4.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 12...h6 (loss 0).
13.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
13…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
14.Nbd4: The knight jumps to d4 and blockades your isolated pawn.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and aims at h2.
15.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
15…h6: You attack the bishop on g5; the position is roughly level (eval 0.13).

Line 174: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bd3 h6 12.h3 Nf5 13.c3 Qf6 14.Bc2 Rd8 15.Qd3 g6 16.Qd2 Bf8

up to 10…O-O as line 173

11.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7 (27 %).
11…h6: You take the square g5 away from bishop and knight. A typical move in isolated-pawn positions.
12.h3: White takes the g4-square from your bishop.
12…Nf5: The knight stands actively on f5 and aims at d4. Stockfish names 12...Bc7 (loss 0.09), putting the bishop on the diagonal towards h2.
13.c3: With c3 White controls the d4-square against your knight.
13…Qf6: The queen becomes active. Next, 14...Rd8 takes the d-file.
14.Bc2: The bishop drops back to c2.
14…Rd8: The rook stands behind the pawn on d5 and supports d4.
15.Qd3: The queen attacks your knight on f5.
15…g6: Air for the king and protection for f5.
16.Qd2: Slightly inaccurate (loss 0.15). You pull the bishop back to f8, where it covers g7.
16…Bf8: The bishop guards the weakened kingside.

Line 175: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.Bd3 h6 12.h3 Nf5 13.c3 Qf6 14.Bc2 Rd8 15.Qd3 g6 16.Bd2 Bf8

up to 15…g6 as line 174

16.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
16…Bf8: The bishop guards the kingside.

Line 176: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.h3 Bf5 12.Nbd4 Bg6 13.Bg5 Nxd4 14.Nxd4 a6 15.Bd3 Qd7

up to 10…O-O as line 175

11.h3: White takes the g4-square from your bishop.
11…Bf5: The bishop comes actively to f5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nbd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks your bishop on f5.
12…Bg6: The bishop steps back to g6 and aims at c2.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks your knight on e7.
13…Nxd4: You trade on d4.
14.Nxd4: White recaptures.
14…a6: You attack the bishop on b5.
15.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3.
15…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and aims at h3. White is slightly better (eval 0.22).

Line 177: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Re1 O-O 11.c3 Bg4 12.Be2 Re8 13.h3 Bh5 14.Be3 Qd7 15.Qd2 h6

up to 10…O-O as line 176

11.c3: White supports the square d4 (5 %). You pin with 11...Bg4.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3.
12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and breaks the pin on the knight on f3.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
13…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
14.Be3: White develops the bishop and aims at a7.
14…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and aims at h3.
15.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and attacks d5.
15…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop; the position is level (eval 0.15).

Line 178: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bg5 O-O 11.Re1

up to 9…Bd6 as line 177

10.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on e7 (30 %).
10…O-O: You castle and are not bothered by the pin.
11.Re1: Transposition to the line 10.Re1 10...O-O 11.Bg5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 179: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bg5 O-O 11.Bh4 Bg4 12.Be2 Re8 13.Re1 Qb6 14.h3 Bxf3 15.Bxf3 Nf5

up to 10…O-O as line 178

11.Bh4: The bishop drops back to h4 (40 %).
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3. Stockfish names 11...Qb6 (loss 0.21).
12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and breaks the pin. Stockfish names 12.Re1 (loss 0.28).
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
13…Qb6: The queen aims at f2 and watches the queenside.
14.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
14…Bxf3: You trade the bishop for the knight on f3.
15.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop and attacks d5.
15…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks the bishop on h4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 180: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bg5 O-O 11.Bh4 Bg4 12.Bg3 Bxg3 13.hxg3 Qb6 14.Bd3 Ne5 15.Re1 N7c6

up to 11…Bg4 as line 179

12.Bg3: The bishop drops back to g3 and offers the trade for your bishop on d6. Stockfish names 12.Re1 (loss 0.13).
12…Bxg3: You trade bishops. Stockfish considers 12...Be5 equally good.
13.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn.
13…Qb6: The queen aims at f2. Stockfish names 13...Qd6 (loss 0.05).
14.Bd3: The bishop drops back to d3.
14…Ne5: The knight jumps into the centre.
15.Re1: The rook attacks your knight on e5.
15…N7c6: The knight supports e5; the position is level (eval 0.11).

Line 181: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bg5 O-O 11.Bh4 Bg4 12.Re1

up to 11…Bg4 as line 180

12.Re1: Transposition to the line 10.Re1 10...O-O 11.Bg5 11...Bg4 12.Bh4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 182: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bg5 O-O 11.c3 Bg4 12.Be2 h6 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Nfd4 Bc8 15.Bf3 Rd8

up to 10…O-O as line 181

11.c3: With c3 White controls the d4-square.
11…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3.
12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and breaks the pin on the knight on f3. Stockfish names 12.Re1 (loss 0.15).
12…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
13.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
13…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen and attack the bishop on e2.
14.Nfd4: The knight jumps to d4 and blockades your isolated pawn.
14…Bc8: The bishop retreats to c8.
15.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and attacks d5.
15…Rd8: The rook covers d5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 183: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.Be3 Bg4 12.Qd2 Qc7 13.h3 Bh5 14.Rfe1 a6 15.Bd3 Na5

up to 9…Bd6 as line 182

10.Nbd4: The knight blockades the square in front of your isolated pawn (10 %).
10…O-O: You castle.
11.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3 and covers the knight on d4. Stockfish names 11.c3 (loss 0.11).
11…Bg4: The bishop comes actively to g4. Stockfish names 11...Qc7 (loss 0.08).
12.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks.
12…Qc7: The queen connects the rooks.
13.h3: White questions the bishop on g4.
13…Bh5: You keep the pin. Stockfish prefers 13...Bxf3 (loss 0.06).
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
14…a6: You attack the bishop on b5.
15.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and aims at h7.
15…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4; the position is roughly level (eval 0.18).

Line 184: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.Be3 Bg4 12.h3 Bh5 13.Qd2 a6 14.Bd3 Bc7 15.Bf4 Bxf4

up to 11…Bg4 as line 183

12.h3: White questions the bishop on g4. Stockfish names 12.Qd2 (loss 0.19).
12…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal. Stockfish prefers 12...Nxd4 (loss 0.24).
13.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
13…a6: You attack the bishop on b5.
14.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and aims at h7.
14…Bc7: The bishop goes to c7 and aims at h2.
15.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade on f4.
15…Bxf4: You trade the bishops; the position is roughly level (eval 0.21).

Line 185: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.c3 Bg4 12.Qa4 Bh5 13.Be3 Re8 14.Bd3 Qd7 15.Rfe1 h6

up to 10…O-O as line 184

11.c3: White supports the knight on d4 (26 %).
11…Bg4: The bishop comes actively to g4.
12.Qa4: The queen lines up behind the bishop on b5 and adds to the pressure on c6. Stockfish names 12.Qc2 (loss 0.2).
12…Bh5: The bishop steps aside. Stockfish names 12...Qd7 (loss 0.13).
13.Be3: White develops the bishop.
13…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7.
14…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
15.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
15…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop; the position is level (eval 0.12).

Line 186: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.c3 Bg4 12.Be2 a6 13.h3 Bh5 14.Re1 Re8 15.Be3 Bc7

up to 11…Bg4 as line 185

12.Be2: The bishop drops back to e2 and breaks the pin. Stockfish names 12.Qc2 (loss 0.13).
12…a6: You question the bishop on b5. Stockfish names 12...Re8 (loss 0.11).
13.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
13…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
15.Be3: White develops the bishop.
15…Bc7: The bishop goes to c7 and aims at h2; the position is level (eval 0.19).

Line 187: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.Bg5 Qc7 12.h3 h6 13.Bc1 Nf5 14.c3 Rd8 15.Re1 Bd7

up to 10…O-O as line 186

11.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on e7 (loss 0.22).
11…Qc7: The queen covers c6 and e7. Stockfish names 11...Qb6 (loss 0.03).
12.h3: White takes the g4-square from your bishop.
12…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
13.Bc1: The bishop retreats to c1.
13…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks the knight on d4.
14.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
14…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 and covers d5.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop; the position is level (eval 0.01).

Line 188: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.Bg5 Qc7 12.Re1 h6 13.Bxe7 Bxe7 14.Bxc6 bxc6 15.Nxc6 Qxc6

up to 11…Qc7 as line 187

12.Re1: The rook takes the e-file and adds to the pressure on e7.
12…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
13.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
13…Bxe7: You recapture with the bishop.
14.Bxc6: White also trades on c6.
14…bxc6: You recapture with the pawn.
15.Nxc6: The knight takes on c6 and attacks the bishop on e7.
15…Qxc6: You take the knight; after 16.Rxe7 material is level (eval 0).

Line 189: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.h3 Bc7 12.Bg5 Nxd4 13.Qxd4 Be6 14.Rfe1 Qd6 15.c3 Nf5

up to 10…O-O as line 188

11.h3: White takes the g4-square from your bishop. Stockfish names 11.c3 (loss 0.22).
11…Bc7: The bishop aims at h2. Stockfish prefers 11...Nxd4 (loss 0.21).
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks your knight on e7.
12…Nxd4: You trade on d4.
13.Qxd4: The queen recaptures and aims at g7.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop.
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to the e-file and attacks the bishop on e6.
14…Qd6: The queen connects the rooks.
15.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
15…Nf5: The knight attacks the queen; the position is level (eval 0.14).

Line 190: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.b3 Bg4 12.Bb2 Qb6 13.Be2 Rfe8 14.h3 Bh5 15.Qd2 Nxd4

up to 10…O-O as line 189

11.b3: White prepares Bb2. Stockfish names 11.c3 (loss 0.22).
11…Bg4: The bishop comes actively to g4.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes onto the long diagonal.
12…Qb6: The queen attacks the knight on d4.
13.Be2: White develops the bishop.
13…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
14…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
15.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks.
15…Nxd4: You trade on d4; the position is level (eval 0.05).

Line 191: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Nbd4 O-O 11.Bd3 h6 12.Be3 Re8 13.c3 Nxd4 14.Nxd4 Nc6 15.h3 Qh4

up to 10…O-O as line 190

11.Bd3: The bishop drops back to d3. Stockfish names 11.c3 (loss 0.17).
11…h6: You take the square g5 away from bishop and knight. Stockfish considers 11...Nxd4 equally good.
12.Be3: White develops the bishop.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
13…Nxd4: You trade on d4.
14.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
14…Nc6: The knight goes to c6 and attacks d4.
15.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your bishop.
15…Qh4: The queen goes to h4 and attacks d4 and h3; the position is level (eval 0.12).

Line 192: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.c3 O-O 11.Bd3 h6 12.h3 Nf5 13.Bc2 Re8 14.Qd3 a5 15.a4 Ne5

up to 9…Bd6 as line 191

10.c3: White supports d4 with the pawn (6 %).
10…O-O: You castle.
11.Bd3: The bishop drops back to d3.
11…h6: You take the square g5 away from bishop and knight.
12.h3: White takes the g4-square from your bishop.
12…Nf5: The knight comes actively to f5. Stockfish names 12...Re8 (loss 0.13).
13.Bc2: The bishop retreats to c2. Stockfish names 13.Re1 (loss 0.1).
13…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and attacks d5 and f5.
14…a5: You gain space on the queenside.
15.a4: White stops the pawn on a5.
15…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the queen and the knight on f3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 193: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.c3 O-O 11.Nbd4

up to 10…O-O as line 192

11.Nbd4: Transposition to the line 10.Nbd4 10...O-O 11.c3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 194: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.c3 O-O 11.Bg5

up to 10…O-O as line 193

11.Bg5: Transposition to the line 10.Bg5 10...O-O 11.c3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 195: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Qd4 O-O 12.Bf4 Nf5 13.Qa4 c5 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.Qa3 Ba6

up to 9…Bd6 as line 194

10.Bxc6: White gives up the bishop pair (6 %, loss 0.23).
10…bxc6: Back with the b-pawn: the pawn on c6 supports d5, and you have the bishop pair.
11.Qd4: The queen attacks g7 and a7 at the same time (91 %). With 11...O-O you cover g7; the rook covers a7.
11…O-O: Castling covers g7.
12.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
12…Nf5: The knight attacks the queen on d4.
13.Qa4: Slightly inaccurate (loss 0.05). You advance with 13...c5 and have a mobile pawn centre.
13…c5: The pawns on c5 and d5 form a strong centre.
14.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
14…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen and aim at h2.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks c5 and a7.
15…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and attacks the rook on f1; the position is level (eval -0.07).

Line 196: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.O-O Ne7 9.Nb3 Bd6 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Qd4 O-O 12.Bf4 Nf5 13.Qd2 Qb6 14.Rfe1 Be6 15.Bxd6 Nxd6

up to 12…Nf5 as line 195

13.Qd2: The queen steps away to d2.
13…Qb6: The queen aims at f2. Stockfish names 13...Be7 (loss 0.03).
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Be6: You develop the bishop.
15.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
15…Nxd6: You recapture with the knight; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 197: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Nb3 Bd6 9.O-O Ne7

up to 7…Bxc5 as line 196

8.Nb3: White attacks the bishop on c5 at once (20 %).
8…Bd6: The bishop retreats.
9.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 9.Bd2 (loss 0.13).
9…Ne7: Transposition to the main line 8.O-O 8...Ne7 9.Nb3 9...Bd6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 198: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Nb3 Bd6 9.Qd4 Nf6 10.O-O O-O 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.Bf4 Bxf4 13.Qxf4 Qb6 14.Qd4 Bf5 15.Ne5 Qc7

up to 8…Bd6 as line 197

9.Qd4: The queen occupies d4 and attacks g7 (loss 0.35). With 9...Nf6 you shield g7.
9…Nf6: The knight blocks the d4–g7 diagonal.
10.O-O: White castles short.
10…O-O: You castle.
11.Bxc6: White trades the bishop for your knight on c6.
11…bxc6: Back with the b-pawn.
12.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
12…Bxf4: You trade bishops.
13.Qxf4: The queen recaptures and attacks f6.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b3 and f2.
14.Qd4: The queen offers the trade.
14…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks c2.
15.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c6.
15…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks the knight on e5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 199: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Nb3 Bd6 9.Bg5 Ne7 10.O-O

up to 8…Bd6 as line 198

9.Bg5: The bishop attacks your queen on d8 (8 %).
9…Ne7: The knight interrupts the g5–d8 diagonal.
10.O-O: Transposition to the line 9.O-O 9...Ne7 10.Bg5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 200: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.O-O Ne7 8.dxc5 Bxc5

up to 6…Bd6 as line 199

7.O-O: White castles first (28 %).
7…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. Stockfish names 7...cxd4 (loss 0.06).
8.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
8…Bxc5: Transposition to the main line 7.dxc5 7...Bxc5 8.O-O 8...Ne7 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 201: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.O-O Ne7 8.c4 O-O 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.Nb3 Bd6 11.c5 Bc7 12.Bg5 f6 13.Bh4 Bg4 14.Be2 Nf5 15.Bg3 Nxg3

up to 7…Ne7 as line 200

8.c4: White attacks d5 (7 %).
8…O-O: You castle.
9.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
9…Bxc5: The bishop recaptures.
10.Nb3: The knight attacks the bishop on c5.
10…Bd6: The bishop retreats. Stockfish names 10...Bb6 (loss 0.07).
11.c5: With c5 White attacks the bishop on d6.
11…Bc7: The bishop aims at h2.
12.Bg5: The bishop pins your knight on e7 to the queen.
12…f6: You chase away the bishop on g5.
13.Bh4: The bishop drops back to h4.
13…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3.
14.Be2: White develops the bishop.
14…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks the bishop on h4.
15.Bg3: The bishop steps back to g3 and attacks your bishop on c7.
15…Nxg3: You trade the knight for the bishop on g3; the position is level (eval 0.05).

Line 202: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Ngf3

up to 4…exd5 as line 201

5.Bb5: White gives check at once (35 %).
5…Nc6: You block with the knight. Stockfish names 5...Bd7 (loss 0.16).
6.Ngf3: Transposition to the main line 5.Ngf3 5...Nc6 6.Bb5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 203: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Qe2 Be7 7.dxc5 Nf6 8.Nb3 O-O 9.Be3 Re8 10.O-O-O a6 11.Ba4 Ne4 12.Qf1 Bg5 13.Nf3 Bxe3 14.fxe3 Bf5 15.Qe1 Bg6

up to 5…Nc6 as line 202

6.Qe2: Check on the e-file (29 %). You block with 6...Be7.
6…Be7: The bishop blocks the check.
7.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
7…Nf6: You develop the knight and give up the pawn on c5 for now.
8.Nb3: The knight covers the pawn on c5.
8…O-O: You castle – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Be3: The bishop covers the pawn on c5.
9…Re8: The rook comes to the e-file, opposite White's queen. Stockfish names 9...a6 (loss 0.07).
10.O-O-O: White castles long.
10…a6: You question the bishop on b5.
11.Ba4: The bishop retreats to a4.
11…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks c5 and f2.
12.Qf1: The queen goes to f1.
12…Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and pins the bishop on e3 to the king on c1.
13.Nf3: White develops the knight and attacks your bishop on g5.
13…Bxe3: You trade on e3 with check.
14.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
14…Bf5: You develop the bishop.
15.Qe1: The queen goes to e1.
15…Bg6: The bishop goes to g6; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 204: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Qe2 Be7 7.dxc5 Nf6 8.Nb3 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.Be3 a6 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.O-O a5 13.Qd1 a4 14.Nbd2 Qa5 15.c3 Bg4

up to 8…O-O as line 203

9.Nf3: White develops the knight.
9…Re8: The rook comes to the e-file, opposite White's queen.
10.Be3: The bishop covers the pawn on c5.
10…a6: You question the bishop on b5.
11.Bxc6: White trades the bishop for your knight on c6.
11…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…a5: You gain space with the a-pawn.
13.Qd1: The queen goes to d1 and attacks d5.
13…a4: You attack the knight on b3 with the a-pawn.
14.Nbd2: The knight retreats to d2.
14…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks c5 and d2.
15.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
15…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 205: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Qe2 Be7 7.dxc5 Nf6 8.Ngf3 O-O 9.Nb3

up to 7…Nf6 as line 204

8.Ngf3: White develops the knight. Stockfish names 8.Nb3 (loss 0.05), which covers c5.
8…O-O: You castle.
9.Nb3: Transposition to the line 8.Nb3 8...O-O, in which White then brings the other knight to f3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 206: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Qe2 Be7 7.dxc5 Nf6 8.Ngf3 O-O 9.O-O Bxc5 10.Nb3 Bb6 11.Qd1 Qd6 12.Be3 Bxe3 13.fxe3 Re8 14.Qd2 Bg4 15.Nbd4 Bxf3

up to 8…O-O as line 205

9.O-O: A mistake (loss 0.67): you win the pawn back with 9...Bxc5 and are better (eval -0.52) – Black won 83 % of these games.
9…Bxc5: The pawn is back, and the bishop stands actively.
10.Nb3: The knight attacks the bishop on c5.
10…Bb6: The bishop retreats to the a7–g1 diagonal and aims at f2.
11.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1 – a passive move.
11…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and aims at h2.
12.Be3: The bishop offers the trade on e3.
12…Bxe3: You trade the bishops.
13.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
13…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks e3.
14.Qd2: The queen covers e3.
14…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3.
15.Nbd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks your knight on c6.
15…Bxf3: You trade the bishop on f3. You are better (eval -0.75).

Line 207: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Qe2 Be7 7.Ngf3 Nf6 8.dxc5

up to 6…Be7 as line 206

7.Ngf3: White develops the knight.
7…Nf6: You develop the knight.
8.dxc5: White takes on c5; the position is level (eval 0.04). (transposition)

Line 208: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Ne2 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Nb3 Bb6 9.a4 a6 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.O-O c5 12.c4 Nf6 13.Nf4 O-O 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Qxd5 Qxd5

up to 5…Nc6 as line 207

6.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2 (17 %, loss 0.20).
6…Bd6: The bishop develops. Stockfish names 6...Nf6 (loss 0.11).
7.dxc5: White takes the pawn on c5.
7…Bxc5: The bishop recaptures and aims at f2.
8.Nb3: The knight attacks the bishop on c5.
8…Bb6: The bishop stays on the a7–g1 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
9.a4: White secures the bishop on b5 with a4.
9…a6: You question the bishop on b5.
10.Bxc6: White trades on c6 with check.
10…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…c5: With c5 you form hanging pawns on c5 and d5.
12.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
12…Nf6: You cover d5 with the knight.
13.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks d5.
13…O-O: You castle short.
14.Nxd5: White takes on d5.
14…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
15.Qxd5: The queen recaptures.
15…Qxd5: You trade queens; the endgame is level (eval 0.12).

Line 209: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5 Nc6 6.Ne2 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Nb3 Bb6 9.O-O Ne7 10.Bf4 O-O 11.Qd2 Bf5 12.Rfe1 a6 13.Bxc6 Nxc6 14.c3 h6 15.Be3 Bxe3

up to 8…Bb6 as line 208

9.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 9.a4 (loss 0.12).
9…Ne7: The knight goes to e7. Stockfish names 9...Nf6 (loss 0.03).
10.Bf4: White develops the bishop.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks.
11…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks c2.
12.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
12…a6: You attack the bishop on b5.
13.Bxc6: White trades on c6.
13…Nxc6: You recapture with the knight.
14.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
14…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop.
15.Be3: The bishop offers the trade on e3.
15…Bxe3: You trade the bishops; the position is level (eval 0.07).

Line 210: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.exd5 exd5

up to 3…c5 as line 209

4.Ngf3: White develops first (38 %). You increase the pressure on d4 with 4...Nc6.
4…Nc6: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish names 4...cxd4 (loss 0.06).
5.exd5: White exchanges in the centre.
5…exd5: Transposition to the main line 4.exd5 4...exd5 5.Ngf3 5...Nc6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 211: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Bd7 7.Nxc6 Bxc6 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.c4 Bc5 10.Qa4 Ne7 11.exd5 exd5 12.Nb3 Bb6 13.c5 Bc7 14.O-O Qd7 15.Bf4 Bxf4

up to 4…Nc6 as line 210

5.Bb5: White pins the knight on c6 (21 %).
5…cxd4: You open the c-file. Stockfish names 5...a6 (loss 0.16).
6.Nxd4: The knight recaptures on d4 and adds to the pressure on the pinned knight on c6.
6…Bd7: The bishop covers the knight on c6.
7.Nxc6: White trades the knights on c6.
7…Bxc6: The bishop recaptures – Stockfish's first choice.
8.Bxc6: White trades the bishop for your bishop on c6.
8…bxc6: Back with the b-pawn.
9.c4: White attacks the centre (90 %).
9…Bc5: The bishop comes actively to c5 and aims at f2. Stockfish names 9...Nf6 (loss 0.08).
10.Qa4: The queen attacks c6.
10…Ne7: The knight develops. Stockfish names 10...Qd7 (loss 0.09).
11.exd5: White takes on d5.
11…exd5: Back with the e-pawn. Stockfish names 11...Qc7 (loss 0.10).
12.Nb3: The knight attacks the bishop on c5.
12…Bb6: The bishop steps aside.
13.c5: White attacks your bishop on b6 with the c-pawn.
13…Bc7: The bishop steps back to c7 and aims at h2.
14.O-O: White castles. Stockfish names 14.Bd2 (loss 0.2).
14…Qd7: The queen offers the trade.
15.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade on f4.
15…Bxf4: You trade the bishops. White is slightly better (eval 0.26).

Line 212: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Bd7 7.Nxc6 Bxc6 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.c4 Bc5 10.cxd5 cxd5 11.exd5 Qxd5 12.Qa4 Qd7 13.Qxd7 Kxd7 14.Ne4 Bb4 15.Ke2 Ne7

up to 9…Bc5 as line 211

10.cxd5: White exchanges on d5.
10…cxd5: Back with the c-pawn: your centre is strong.
11.exd5: White takes on d5.
11…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen and attack d2 and g2.
12.Qa4: The queen gives check from a4.
12…Qd7: You block with the queen and offer the trade.
13.Qxd7: White trades queens with check.
13…Kxd7: The king recaptures and stands centrally in the endgame.
14.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks your bishop on c5.
14…Bb4: The bishop gives check from b4.
15.Ke2: The king goes to e2.
15…Ne7: You develop the knight; the endgame is level (eval 0.07).

Line 213: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Bd7 7.Nxc6 Bxc6 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.O-O Nf6 10.exd5 cxd5 11.c4 Be7 12.b3 a5 13.Bb2 O-O 14.Qf3 a4 15.Rad1 axb3

up to 8…bxc6 as line 212

9.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 9.c4 (loss 0.19).
9…Nf6: You develop the knight.
10.exd5: White takes on d5.
10…cxd5: You recapture with the pawn.
11.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
11…Be7: You develop the bishop.
12.b3: White prepares Bb2.
12…a5: You gain space with the a-pawn.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
13…O-O: You castle short.
14.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks d5 and f6.
14…a4: You attack b3 with the a-pawn.
15.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and presses on d5.
15…axb3: You take on b3 and open the a-file; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 214: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Bd7 7.Nxc6 Bxc6 8.Qe2 Nf6 9.O-O Be7 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.b3 Qb6 12.Bb2 O-O 13.exd5 cxd5 14.c4 a5 15.cxd5 Nxd5

up to 7…Bxc6 as line 213

8.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers e4. Stockfish names 8.Bxc6 (loss 0.12).
8…Nf6: You develop the knight.
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…Be7: The bishop develops; you castle soon.
10.Bxc6: White trades on c6 with check.
10…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn.
11.b3: White prepares Bb2.
11…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and aims at f2.
12.Bb2: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and attacks f6.
12…O-O: You castle short.
13.exd5: White takes on d5.
13…cxd5: You recapture with the pawn.
14.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
14…a5: You gain space with the a-pawn.
15.cxd5: White takes on d5.
15…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight; it stands strongly on d5. The position is level (eval 0).

Line 215: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Bd7 7.Bxc6 bxc6 8.O-O Bd6 9.c4 Ne7 10.cxd5 cxd5 11.exd5 Nxd5 12.Ne4 Be5 13.Nf3 Bc7 14.Bg5 f6 15.Bd2 O-O

up to 6…Bd7 as line 214

7.Bxc6: White gives up the bishop (loss 0.12).
7…bxc6: Back with the b-pawn: you have the bishop pair.
8.O-O: White castles. Stockfish names 8.c4 (loss 0.1).
8…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2.
9.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
9…Ne7: You develop the knight.
10.cxd5: White takes on d5.
10…cxd5: You recapture with the pawn and attack e4.
11.exd5: White takes on d5.
11…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks your bishop on d6.
12…Be5: The bishop steps aside to e5 and attacks d4 and h2.
13.Nf3: The knight retreats to f3 and attacks the bishop on e5.
13…Bc7: The bishop goes to c7 and aims at h2.
14.Bg5: The bishop attacks your queen on d8.
14…f6: You attack the bishop on g5 with the f-pawn.
15.Bd2: The bishop retreats to d2.
15…O-O: You castle short; the position is level (eval -0.1).

Line 216: 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 cxd4 6.O-O a6 7.Bxc6 bxc6 8.Nxd4 Qc7 9.exd5 cxd5 10.c4 Nf6 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Ne4 Bd6 13.Nxd6 Qxd6 14.Bd2 O-O 15.Rc1 Bb7

up to 5…cxd4 as line 215

6.O-O: White castles (loss 0.16). With 6...a6 you question the bishop.
6…a6: You question the bishop on b5.
7.Bxc6: White trades on c6 with check.
7…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn.
8.Nxd4: White wins back the pawn on d4.
8…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and aims at h2.
9.exd5: White takes on d5.
9…cxd5: You recapture with the pawn.
10.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
10…Nf6: You develop the knight and cover d5.
11.cxd5: White takes on d5.
11…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
12.Ne4: The knight goes to e4.
12…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2.
13.Nxd6: White trades the knight for your bishop with check.
13…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen.
14.Bd2: White develops the bishop.
14…O-O: You castle short.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file.
15…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal; the position is level (eval -0.04).

Line 217: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.Na3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 9.Nc2 Qb6 10.O-O a5 11.g4 Nfe7 12.Nh4 Ng6 13.Ng2 Be7 14.Be3 f6 15.exf6 Bxf6

up to 2…d5 as line 216

3.e5: The Advance Variation (11 %): White gains space and keeps your knight off f6. You attack the pawn chain at its base at once.
3…c5: The lever against d4 – the key motif against the Advance Variation.
4.c3: White supports d4 with the pawn (91 %).
4…Nc6: The knight increases the pressure on d4. Next come Qb6 and Bd7.
5.Nf3: White covers d4 a third time (95 %). You develop with 5...Bd7 and keep Qb6 and Nge7 in reserve.
5…Bd7: The Euwe Variation: the bishop leaves c8 and supports the knight on c6. Against 6.Bd3 you are ready for cxd4 and Qb6.
6.Be2: The solid set-up (58 %): White prepares to castle.
6…Nge7: The knight wants to go to f5 or g6 to put pressure on d4 and e5.
7.Na3: The knight wants to support d4 via c2 (63 %). You open the c-file at once with 7...cxd4.
7…cxd4: You trade on d4 and open the c-file for your rook.
8.cxd4: White recaptures on d4.
8…Nf5: The knight attacks d4 – now the pawn is attacked three times.
9.Nc2: The knight covers d4 (98 %).
9…Qb6: The queen increases the pressure on d4 and b2. Stockfish prefers 9...Be7 (loss 0.07) and castles first.
10.O-O: White castles short.
10…a5: You take the advance b4 away from White and think of a4. Stockfish names 10...Rc8 (loss 0.06).
11.g4: White chases away the knight on f5 (loss 0.4).
11…Nfe7: The knight retreats to e7 and wants to come back via g6.
12.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and controls f5 and g6.
12…Ng6: The knight attacks the knight on h4. Stockfish names 12...f6 (loss 0).
13.Ng2: The knight drops back to g2.
13…Be7: You develop the bishop. Stockfish prefers the lever 13...f6 (loss 0.18).
14.Be3: White develops the bishop.
14…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
15.exf6: White takes on f6.
15…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop and attack d4. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).

Line 218: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.Na3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 9.Nc2 Qb6 10.O-O a5 11.Kh1 Rc8 12.a4 Qb3 13.Bd3 Qb6 14.h4 Nfxd4 15.Ncxd4 Nxd4

up to 10…a5 as line 217

11.Kh1: The king steps to h1 as a precaution, off the a7–g1 diagonal.
11…Rc8: The rook takes the c-file.
12.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
12…Qb3: The queen breaks into b3 and attacks a4, b2 and c2.
13.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks your knight on f5.
13…Qb6: The queen retreats to b6 and attacks d4.
14.h4: White gains space with the h-pawn – and lets d4 go.
14…Nfxd4: You take the pawn on d4.
15.Ncxd4: White trades on d4.
15…Nxd4: You recapture; the position is level (eval 0.09).

Line 219: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.Na3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 9.Nc2 Qb6 10.h4 Nb4 11.Nxb4 Bxb4 12.Kf1 h5 13.a4 a5 14.g3 O-O-O 15.Bg5 Rdf8

up to 9…Qb6 as line 218

10.h4: White wants to chase the knight on f5 with g4 (loss 0.06).
10…Nb4: The knight attacks the knight on c2, which covers d4.
11.Nxb4: The knight exchanges on b4.
11…Bxb4: Back with check – you have traded off a defender of d4.
12.Kf1: The king goes to f1.
12…h5: You gain space with the h-pawn.
13.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
13…a5: You stop the pawn on a4.
14.g3: White prepares Kg2.
14…O-O-O: Long castling.
15.Bg5: The bishop attacks your rook on d8.
15…Rdf8: The rook steps aside to f8 and prepares f6; the position is level (eval 0.15).

Line 220: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.O-O Ng6 8.g3 Be7 9.h4 cxd4 10.cxd4 O-O 11.h5 Nh8 12.Na3 f6 13.Nc2 h6 14.Bf4 Nf7 15.Kg2 Be8

up to 6…Nge7 as line 219

7.O-O: White castles first (32 %).
7…Ng6: From g6 the knight attacks e5.
8.g3: White takes the squares f4 and h4 from your knight. Stockfish names 8.Be3 (loss 0.09).
8…Be7: You develop the bishop and castle soon. Stockfish names the lever 8...f6 (loss 0.14).
9.h4: White attacks with the h-pawn: h5 is meant to drive away the knight on g6.
9…cxd4: You open the c-file.
10.cxd4: White recaptures on d4.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.h5: White attacks your knight on g6 with the h-pawn – for Stockfish as good as 11.Na3.
11…Nh8: The knight retreats to h8 and wants to come back into play via f7.
12.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and wants to reach e3 via c2.
12…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
13.Nc2: The knight goes to c2.
13…h6: You stop the h-pawn and take g5 away from the bishop.
14.Bf4: The bishop covers e5 and aims at h6.
14…Nf7: The knight returns to f7 and attacks e5.
15.Kg2: The king goes to g2.
15…Be8: The bishop goes to e8 and wants to reach h5; White is slightly better (eval 0.29).

Line 221: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.O-O Ng6 8.Be3 Be7 9.Nbd2 O-O 10.a3 Be8 11.Re1 a5 12.Rc1 Qb6 13.dxc5 Bxc5 14.Bxc5 Qxc5 15.Bf1 a4

up to 7…Ng6 as line 220

8.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4.
8…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare to castle.
9.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
9…O-O: You castle short.
10.a3: White prepares b4.
10…Be8: The bishop goes to e8 and wants to become active along the e8–h5 diagonal.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e5.
11…a5: You prevent b4 with a5.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b2.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 and attacks your queen.
13…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop.
14.Bxc5: White trades the bishops.
14…Qxc5: You recapture with the queen.
15.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1.
15…a4: You gain space on the queenside; the position is level (eval 0.11).

Line 222: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.O-O Ng6 8.Re1 Be7 9.Na3 cxd4 10.cxd4 O-O 11.Nc2 f6 12.Bd3 Rc8 13.h3 Qe8 14.exf6 Bxf6 15.Bg5 Bxg5

up to 7…Ng6 as line 221

8.Re1: The rook goes to e1. Stockfish names 8.Be3 (loss 0.06), which covers d4.
8…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare to castle.
9.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and wants to become active via c2.
9…cxd4: You take on d4.
10.cxd4: White recaptures.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.Nc2: The knight goes to c2.
11…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
12.Bd3: White develops the bishop and attacks your knight on g6.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
13.h3: White gives his king air.
13…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and wants to reach h5 along the diagonal.
14.exf6: White takes on f6.
14…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop and attack d4.
15.Bg5: The bishop offers the trade on g5.
15…Bxg5: You trade the bishops; the position is level (eval 0.08).

Line 223: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Be2 Nge7 7.O-O Ng6 8.a3 Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.Nbd2

up to 7…Ng6 as line 222

8.a3: White prepares b4 – inaccurate for Stockfish (loss 0.28); 8.Be3 was better.
8…Be7: You develop the bishop. Stockfish names 8...cxd4 (loss 0.24).
9.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4.
9…O-O: You castle short.
10.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2. White is slightly better (eval 0.35). (transposition)

Line 224: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 7.Nbd2 Na5 8.g3 Bc6 9.Bg2 Qd7 10.Nf1 Ba4 11.Qe2 Nb3 12.Rb1 Nxc1 13.Rxc1 O-O-O 14.Ne3 Kb8 15.Rb1 Rc8

up to 5…Bd7 as line 223

6.a3: White wants to gain space on the queenside with b4 (28 %). Stockfish considers it inaccurate (loss 0.23).
6…c4: You close the queenside before White plays b4. The square b3 becomes weak – your knight can head there via a5.
7.Nbd2: White eyes c4 and develops the knight (30 %).
7…Na5: The knight aims at b3. Stockfish prefers the lever 7...f6 (loss 0.2).
8.g3: White prepares Bg2. Stockfish names 8.Be2 (loss 0.13).
8…Bc6: The bishop stands well on c6, eyeing b5 and a4. Stockfish names 8...Qc7 (loss 0.01).
9.Bg2: White develops the bishop to g2.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and prepares long castling.
10.Nf1: The knight goes to f1 and wants to become active via e3.
10…Ba4: The bishop goes to a4 and attacks the queen on d1.
11.Qe2: The queen steps aside to e2 and attacks c4.
11…Nb3: The knight jumps to b3 and attacks the rook on a1 and the bishop on c1.
12.Rb1: The rook steps aside to b1.
12…Nxc1: You take the bishop on c1.
13.Rxc1: White recaptures with the rook.
13…O-O-O: Long castling.
14.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks c4 and d5.
14…Kb8: The king goes to b8.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1.
15…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and covers c4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 225: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 7.Nbd2 Na5 8.Be2 Bc6 9.O-O Qd7 10.Qe1 Ba4 11.Bd1 O-O-O 12.Bxa4 Qxa4 13.Qe2 h6 14.Ne1 Ne7 15.Ndf3 Nb3

up to 7…Na5 as line 224

8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
8…Bc6: The bishop eyes b5 and a4. Stockfish names 8...Ne7 (loss 0.25).
9.O-O: White castles short – inaccurate for Stockfish (loss 0.34); 9.Qc2 was better.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
10.Qe1: The queen goes to e1.
10…Ba4: The bishop goes to a4.
11.Bd1: The bishop stands opposite it.
11…O-O-O: Long castling.
12.Bxa4: White trades the bishops.
12…Qxa4: You recapture with the queen and attack a3.
13.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and attacks c4.
13…h6: You take the square g5 away from the bishop.
14.Ne1: The knight goes to e1.
14…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and wants to reach f5 or c6.
15.Ndf3: The knight goes to f3.
15…Nb3: The knight jumps to b3 and attacks the rook on a1 and the bishop on c1; the position is level (eval 0.09).

Line 226: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 7.g3 Na5 8.Nbd2

up to 6…c4 as line 225

7.g3: White prepares to develop the bishop via g2 or h3.
7…Na5: The knight aims at b3.
8.Nbd2: Transposition to the line 7.Nbd2 7...Na5 8.g3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 227: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 7.Be2 Na5 8.Nbd2

up to 6…c4 as line 226

7.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
7…Na5: The knight aims at b3. Stockfish names 7...f6 (loss 0.1).
8.Nbd2: Transposition to the line 7.Nbd2 7...Na5 8.Be2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 228: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 7.Bf4 Qb6 8.Qc2 f6 9.exf6 gxf6 10.Be2 Nge7 11.O-O Ng6 12.Bg3 f5 13.Nbd2 f4 14.Bh4 Nxh4 15.Nxh4 O-O-O

up to 6…c4 as line 227

7.Bf4: The bishop leaves c1 (13 %) – now b2 is unprotected.
7…Qb6: The queen attacks the pawn on b2, which the bishop no longer covers.
8.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
8…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
9.exf6: White takes on f6.
9…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn and keep the centre.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop and attacks c4.
10…Nge7: You develop the knight.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks the bishop on f4.
12.Bg3: The bishop steps back to g3.
12…f5: You gain space with the f-pawn.
13.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks c4.
13…f4: You attack the bishop on g3 with the f-pawn.
14.Bh4: The bishop steps aside to h4.
14…Nxh4: You take the bishop.
15.Nxh4: White recaptures with the knight.
15…O-O-O: Long castling; with the bishop pair you are slightly better (eval -0.16).

Line 229: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 c4 7.h4 f6 8.Bf4 Qb6 9.Qc2 Nh6 10.Be2 Nf7 11.Nbd2 fxe5 12.dxe5 Qc7 13.O-O Be7 14.b3 b5 15.a4 cxb3

up to 6…c4 as line 228

7.h4: White gains space on the kingside (loss 0.31). You attack e5 with 7...f6.
7…f6: The lever against e5 – you are already slightly better (eval -0.23).
8.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers e5.
8…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4 and b2.
9.Qc2: The queen covers b2 and aims at h7.
9…Nh6: The knight goes to h6 and wants to press on e5 via f7.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop and attacks c4.
10…Nf7: The knight goes to f7 and attacks e5.
11.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks c4.
11…fxe5: You take on e5.
12.dxe5: White recaptures.
12…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks e5.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…Be7: You develop the bishop.
14.b3: White attacks c4 with the b-pawn.
14…b5: You support c4 with b5.
15.a4: White attacks b5 with the a-pawn.
15…cxb3: You take on b3; you are slightly better (eval -0.14).

Line 230: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3 a6 11.Qe2 Ne7 12.Kh1 Nc6 13.f4 Nb4 14.Rd1 Bc5 15.Bxa6 Qf2 16.Qxf2 Bxf2

up to 5…Bd7 as line 229

6.Bd3: The Milner-Barry Gambit (6 %): White is ready to sacrifice d4. Stockfish considers it inaccurate (loss 0.29), and Black won half of these games.
6…cxd4: You trade on d4. After 7.cxd4 you attack the pawn with 7...Qb6.
7.cxd4: White recaptures on d4.
7…Qb6: The queen attacks d4 and b2. The pawn on d4 is now attacked by queen and knight, but covered only by the knight on f3.
8.O-O: White sacrifices the pawn on d4 (71 %). You take it – with an extra pawn and a good position.
8…Nxd4: You take the pawn. White gets a lead in development, but you have the extra pawn.
9.Nxd4: Inaccurate (loss 0.42); Stockfish wanted 9.Nbd2. After 9...Qxd4 you are a pawn up.
9…Qxd4: The queen recaptures and stands centrally. Watch out for attacks on her, for example when a white knight comes to b5 via c3.
10.Nc3: White develops with an eye on b5 (86 %, loss 0.14) – from there the knight would attack your queen and c7. That is why 10...a6 follows.
10…a6: Important: 10...a6 takes the square b5 away from the knight. You are a pawn up (eval -0.55).
11.Qe2: The queen covers e5 (75 %). You keep developing with 11...Ne7.
11…Ne7: The knight comes via e7 to c6 and supports your queen.
12.Kh1: White prepares f4 to support e5.
12…Nc6: The knight attacks e5 and can go to b4.
13.f4: White supports e5 with the pawn (100 %).
13…Nb4: The knight attacks the bishop on d3.
14.Rd1: White puts the rook on the d-file behind the bishop (79 %): if the bishop moves away, your queen on d4 is attacked.
14…Bc5: The bishop develops and prepares Qf2.
15.Bxa6: A discovered attack: the bishop takes on a6, and the rook on d1 attacks your queen.
15…Qf2: The queen steps aside to f2 and offers the queen trade.
16.Qxf2: White trades queens on f2.
16…Bxf2: After the queen trade you are still better (eval -0.72).

Line 231: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3 a6 11.Qe2 Ne7 12.Kh1 Nc6 13.f4 Nb4 14.Bb1 Qc4

up to 13…Nb4 as line 230

14.Bb1: Inaccurate (loss 0.89). With 14...Qc4 you force the queen trade and are clearly better (eval -1.53).
14…Qc4: The queen offers the trade. Without queens your extra pawn counts – Black won all six games.

Line 232: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3 a6 11.Re1 Ne7 12.g3 Qb6 13.a3 Rc8 14.Na4 Qd4 15.Nc3 Qb6

up to 10…a6 as line 231

11.Re1: The rook covers e5 (15 %).
11…Ne7: You develop the knight. Stockfish considers 11...Rc8 equally good.
12.g3: White prepares Bf4 – he has development for the pawn.
12…Qb6: The queen retreats to b6 and attacks b2 and f2.
13.a3: White takes the square b4 away from your queen.
13…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and attacks the knight on c3.
14.Na4: The knight attacks your queen.
14…Qd4: The queen returns to d4 and attacks a4, e5 and f2.
15.Nc3: The knight returns to c3.
15…Qb6: The queen retreats to b6; with the extra pawn you are better (eval -0.55). (transposition)

Line 233: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3 a6 11.Kh1 Qxe5

up to 10…a6 as line 232

11.Kh1: A trap for White! The king goes into the corner, but now e5 is unprotected. With 11...Qxe5 you take a second pawn – Stockfish: 12.Re1 12...Qd6 13.Qf3 13...Be7 14.Bf4 14...Qb6, and you are two pawns up (eval -2.95).
11…Qxe5: A second pawn! The pawn on e5 was unprotected. You are two pawns up (eval -2.97).

Line 234: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Qe2 Ne7 11.Nc3 Nc6

up to 9…Qxd4 as line 233

10.Qe2: White first covers e5 with the queen (13 %). You stay a pawn up.
10…Ne7: The knight comes via e7 to c6.
11.Nc3: A mistake (loss 0.88): after 11...Nc6 queen and knight attack the pawn on e5 (eval -1.27).
11…Nc6: The knight attacks e5 – you are clearly better.

Line 235: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Nbd2 Bc5 10.Nxd4 Bxd4 11.Qh5 Ne7 12.Nf3 Ng6 13.Bd2 Rc8 14.h4 Bc5 15.Qg5 Bb5

up to 8…Nxd4 as line 234

9.Nbd2: Stockfish's choice (13 %): White develops instead of trading knights.
9…Bc5: The bishop supports the knight on d4 – you keep the extra pawn.
10.Nxd4: White trades the knight.
10…Bxd4: You recapture with the bishop and attack e5, f2 and b2.
11.Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks f7 and h7.
11…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and guards the king's position.
12.Nf3: The knight attacks your bishop on d4.
12…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks e5.
13.Bd2: White develops the bishop.
13…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
14.h4: White storms forward with the h-pawn.
14…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2.
15.Qg5: The queen goes to g5 and attacks the knight on g6.
15…Bb5: The bishop offers the trade against the bishop on d3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 236: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.O-O Nxd4 9.Ng5 Nc6

up to 8…Nxd4 as line 235

9.Ng5: A mistake (loss 0.98): White aims at f7 and h7, but after 9...Nc6 you are a pawn up and attack e5 (eval -1).
9…Nc6: The knight comes back and attacks e5.

Line 237: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.Nc3 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.O-O

up to 7…Qb6 as line 236

8.Nc3: A mistake (loss 0.65): White gives up d4 without castling. You simply take with 8...Nxd4.
8…Nxd4: You take the pawn and are better (eval -0.67).
9.Nxd4: White recaptures on d4.
9…Qxd4: The queen recaptures – you are a pawn up.
10.O-O: Transposition to the line 8.O-O 8...Nxd4 9.Nxd4 9...Qxd4 10.Nc3 – it goes on there with 10...a6. (transposition)

Line 238: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.Nc3 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Qe2 Ne7

up to 9…Qxd4 as line 237

10.Qe2: Inaccurate (loss 0.29). You develop with 10...Ne7 and stay a pawn up.
10…Ne7: The knight comes into play via e7.

Line 239: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.Bc2 Nb4 9.O-O Nxc2 10.Qxc2 Ne7 11.Rd1 Rc8 12.Nc3 Nf5 13.a4 Bb4 14.Qd3 a5 15.Ne2 O-O

up to 7…Qb6 as line 238

8.Bc2: The bishop moves to c2 (loss 0.18). With 8...Nb4 you go for the bishop pair.
8…Nb4: The knight attacks the bishop on c2.
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…Nxc2: You trade the knight for the bishop and have the bishop pair.
10.Qxc2: The queen recaptures on c2.
10…Ne7: The knight comes into play via e7.
11.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and covers d4.
11…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and attacks the queen on c2.
12.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and blocks the c-file.
12…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
13.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
13…Bb4: The bishop pins the knight on c3.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and attacks the knight on f5.
14…a5: You support the bishop on b4 with a5.
15.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
15…O-O: You castle short; the position is level (eval -0.07).

Line 240: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Qb6 8.Be2 Nge7 9.Na3 Nf5 10.Nc2 Nb4 11.Ne3 Nxe3 12.fxe3 Rc8 13.O-O Nc2 14.Rb1 Na3 15.Ra1 Nc2

up to 7…Qb6 as line 239

8.Be2: White plays solidly (5 %).
8…Nge7: The knight wants to go to f5. Stockfish names 8...Nh6 (loss 0) on the way to f5.
9.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and wants to become active via c2.
9…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
10.Nc2: The knight goes to c2 and covers d4.
10…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks c2 and a2.
11.Ne3: The knight goes to e3 and attacks f5 and d5.
11…Nxe3: You trade the knights.
12.fxe3: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…Nc2: The knight jumps to c2 and attacks the rook on a1.
14.Rb1: The rook steps aside to b1.
14…Na3: The knight jumps to a3 and attacks the rook on b1.
15.Ra1: The rook returns to a1.
15…Nc2: The knight jumps back to c2 – this leads to a repetition; the position is level (eval 0). (transposition)

Line 241: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.Bd3 Nge7 8.b4 Bb6 9.b5 Na5 10.O-O Rc8 11.a4 Ng6 12.Ra2 Qe7 13.Re1 O-O 14.h3 Rfd8 15.Qe2 Nc4

up to 5…Bd7 as line 240

6.dxc5: White gives up the centre (6 %, loss 0.29). You recapture with the bishop.
6…Bxc5: The bishop stands actively and aims at f2.
7.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish names 7.b4 (loss 0.15), which attacks the bishop on c5.
7…Nge7: The knight wants to go to g6 or f5. Stockfish names the lever 7...f6 (loss 0.15).
8.b4: White attacks the bishop on c5 with the b-pawn.
8…Bb6: The bishop steps aside and stays on the diagonal to f2.
9.b5: White attacks the knight on c6.
9…Na5: The knight steps to the edge and aims at c4.
10.O-O: White castles short.
10…Rc8: The rook takes the c-file.
11.a4: White supports the pawn on b5 with a4.
11…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks e5.
12.Ra2: The rook goes to a2 and can reach e2 along the second rank.
12…Qe7: The queen connects the rooks.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e5.
13…O-O: You castle short.
14.h3: White gives his king air.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to d8.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
15…Nc4: The knight jumps to c4 and attacks e5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 242: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.Bd3 Nge7 8.Bf4 Ng6 9.Bg3 f6 10.exf6 gxf6 11.O-O O-O 12.Nbd2 Bb6 13.c4 f5 14.Bd6 Rf6 15.Re1 Be8

up to 7…Nge7 as line 241

8.Bf4: The bishop covers e5. Stockfish names 8.b4 (loss 0.15).
8…Ng6: The knight attacks the bishop on f4. Stockfish names 8...h6 (loss 0.15).
9.Bg3: The bishop drops back to g3 and keeps covering e5.
9…f6: The lever against e5.
10.exf6: White takes on f6.
10…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
12…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 and aims at f2.
13.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
13…f5: You gain space with the f-pawn.
14.Bd6: The bishop attacks your rook on f8.
14…Rf6: The rook steps aside to f6 and guards the sixth rank; the bishop on d6 remains a thorn in your camp.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and attacks e6.
15…Be8: The bishop goes to e8 and wants to become active via h5; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 243: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.b4 Bb6 8.b5 Na5 9.Bd3 Ne7

up to 6…Bxc5 as line 242

7.b4: White attacks the bishop on c5 (38 %).
7…Bb6: The bishop steps aside and stays on the diagonal to f2.
8.b5: White attacks the knight on c6.
8…Na5: The knight steps aside and aims at c4.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
9…Ne7: Transposition to the line in which White plays 7.Bd3 first and then 8.b4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 244: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7 6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.b4 Bb6 8.Bd3 Bc7 9.Qe2 a6 10.O-O Nge7 11.a4 Ng6 12.Bxg6 hxg6 13.Bf4 f6 14.Bg3 g5 15.exf6 gxf6

up to 7…Bb6 as line 243

8.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish names 8.b5 (loss 0.26).
8…Bc7: The bishop steps aside and aims at e5.
9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
9…a6: You take the square b5 away from the bishop.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Nge7: You develop the knight.
11.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
11…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks e5.
12.Bxg6: White trades the bishop for your knight.
12…hxg6: You recapture with the h-pawn and open the h-file.
13.Bf4: The bishop covers e5.
13…f6: You attack e5 with the f-pawn.
14.Bg3: The bishop steps back to g3.
14…g5: You gain space on the kingside.
15.exf6: White takes on f6.
15…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn; you are slightly better (eval -0.13).

Line 245: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bd3 cxd4 6.O-O Nge7 7.Bf4 Ng6 8.Bg3 Be7 9.Nbd2 O-O 10.Nb3 Bd7 11.Qd2 Nb4 12.Bxg6 fxg6 13.Nfxd4 g5 14.f3 Nc6 15.Nxc6 Bxc6

up to 3…c5 as line 244

4.Nf3: The Nimzowitsch System (6 %): White does without c3 and is ready to give up d4. Stockfish considers it inaccurate (loss 0.36).
4…Nc6: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish names 4...cxd4 (loss 0.30).
5.Bd3: White gives up d4 (75 %, loss 0.40). You take with 5...cxd4 and are a pawn up.
5…cxd4: You take the pawn on d4 and are a pawn up.
6.O-O: White castles short and gives up the pawn on d4 for now.
6…Nge7: The knight wants to go to g6 and then attack e5. Stockfish considers 6...Bc5 equally good.
7.Bf4: White covers e5 (86 %), inaccurate according to Stockfish (loss 0.31).
7…Ng6: The knight attacks the bishop on f4. Stockfish considers 7...f5 equally good.
8.Bg3: The bishop drops back to g3 and keeps covering e5.
8…Be7: You develop the bishop and prepare to castle. Stockfish names 8...f5 (loss 0.50).
9.Nbd2: White develops the knight to d2.
9…O-O: You castle and stay a pawn up. Stockfish names 9...f5 (loss 0.15).
10.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and attacks d4.
10…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
11.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks.
11…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks the bishop on d3.
12.Bxg6: White trades the bishop for your knight on g6.
12…fxg6: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file.
13.Nfxd4: White wins back the pawn on d4.
13…g5: You gain space on the kingside.
14.f3: With f3 White takes the square e4 away from your pieces.
14…Nc6: The knight returns to c6 and attacks d4 and e5.
15.Nxc6: White trades the knights.
15…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop; the position is level (eval -0.01).

Line 246: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Bd3 f6 7.Qe2 fxe5 8.Nxe5 Nxe5 9.Qxe5 Nf6 10.O-O Bd6 11.Qd4 e5 12.Qa4 Bd7 13.Qb3 e4 14.Be2 O-O 15.Nc3 Bc6

up to 4…Nc6 as line 245

5.dxc5: White takes on c5 (13 %, loss 0.65). You recapture with the bishop and are better.
5…Bxc5: The bishop stands actively and aims at f2 (eval -0.32).
6.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish names 6.Nbd2 (loss 0.05).
6…f6: The lever against e5 – the pawn is no longer supported by d4.
7.Qe2: The queen covers e5.
7…fxe5: You take on e5.
8.Nxe5: The knight recaptures on e5.
8…Nxe5: You trade and have the freer game.
9.Qxe5: The queen takes on e5 and attacks d5, e6 and g7.
9…Nf6: The knight covers g7 and d5.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Bd6: The bishop attacks the queen on e5.
11.Qd4: The queen steps aside to d4.
11…e5: You attack the queen with the e-pawn.
12.Qa4: The queen gives check from a4.
12…Bd7: You block with the bishop.
13.Qb3: The queen attacks b7 and d5.
13…e4: You attack the bishop on d3 with the e-pawn.
14.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2.
14…O-O: You castle short.
15.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks d5 and e4.
15…Bc6: The bishop covers d5 and e4; you are slightly better (eval -0.17).

Line 247: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.c3

up to 4…Nc6 as line 246

5.c3: Transposition to the main line 4.c3 4...Nc6 5.Nf3 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 248: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.Rfe1 Rfe8 12.Bh4 Bh5 13.Bg3 Bxg3 14.hxg3 Bg6 15.Bxg6 hxg6

up to 2…d5 as line 247

3.exd5: The Exchange Variation (7 %): the pawn structure becomes symmetrical, and your bishop on c8 is free. White gives up any advantage (loss 0.14) – here you play for equality and good piece placement.
3…exd5: Back with the e-pawn – the bishop on c8 has open lines.
4.Nf3: White develops (51 %).
4…Nf6: You develop symmetrically.
5.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7 (69 %).
5…Bd6: You also put your bishop on its best diagonal, eyeing h2. Stockfish considers 5...c5 equally good.
6.O-O: White castles short.
6…O-O: You castle.
7.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6 (58 %).
7…Bg4: You answer symmetrically and pin the knight on f3.
8.Nbd2: White develops the knight to d2.
8…Nbd7: The knight supports f6. Stockfish names 8...c5 (loss 0.04).
9.c3: White supports d4 with c3. Stockfish names 9.c4 (loss 0.06).
9…c6: You support d5 – the position stays fully symmetrical (eval 0).
10.Qc2: Queen and bishop form a battery against h7 (91 %). The knight on f6 covers h7.
10…Qc7: You build the same battery against h2. Stockfish names 10...h6 (loss 0.18).
11.Rfe1: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 11.h3 (loss 0.17).
11…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 11...h6 (loss 0.1).
12.Bh4: The bishop drops back to h4. Stockfish names 12.h3 (loss 0.15).
12…Bh5: The bishop steps aside and keeps the pin.
13.Bg3: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
13…Bxg3: You trade the dark-squared bishops.
14.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn.
14…Bg6: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops. Stockfish names 14...Nf8 (loss 0).
15.Bxg6: White trades the light-squared bishops.
15…hxg6: You recapture with the h-pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 249: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.Rfe1 Rfe8 12.h3 Bh5 13.Rxe8 Rxe8 14.Re1 Rxe1 15.Nxe1 Bg6

up to 11…Rfe8 as line 248

12.h3: White questions the bishop on g4.
12…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal and keeps the pin.
13.Rxe8: White takes on e8 with check and trades the rooks. Stockfish names 13.Nh4 (loss 0.11).
13…Rxe8: You recapture and hold the e-file.
14.Re1: The second rook comes to the e-file.
14…Rxe1: You trade the rooks. The position is completely level.
15.Nxe1: The knight recaptures on e1.
15…Bg6: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops.

Line 250: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.Rae1 Rae8 12.h3 Bh5 13.Nh4 Bh2 14.Kh1 Bd6 15.Ndf3 Bf4

up to 10…Qc7 as line 249

11.Rae1: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 11.h3 (loss 0.17).
11…Rae8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 11...h6 (loss 0.13).
12.h3: White questions the bishop on g4.
12…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal.
13.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and aims at f5.
13…Bh2: The bishop gives check from h2.
14.Kh1: The king steps aside to h1.
14…Bd6: The bishop returns to d6.
15.Ndf3: The knight goes to f3.
15…Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and offers the trade; the position is level (eval 0.17).

Line 251: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.h3 Bh5 12.Nh4 Rfe8 13.Rfe1 a6 14.a3 c5 15.dxc5 Bxc5

up to 10…Qc7 as line 250

11.h3: White questions the bishop on g4.
11…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal and keeps the pin.
12.Nh4: The knight leaves the pin and aims at f5.
12…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to the e-file against your rook.
13…a6: You prepare c5.
14.a3: White prevents Bb4.
14…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
15.dxc5: White takes on c5.
15…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop and aim at f2; the position is level (eval 0.06).

Line 252: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.Bh4 Bh5 12.Bg3 Bxg3 13.hxg3 Rfe8 14.Rfe1

up to 10…Qc7 as line 251

11.Bh4: The bishop goes to h4. Stockfish names 11.h3 (loss 0.17).
11…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal. Stockfish names 11...Rfe8 (loss 0).
12.Bg3: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
12…Bxg3: You trade the dark-squared bishops.
13.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn.
13…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.Rfe1: The rook stands opposite; the position is level (eval 0). (transposition)

Line 253: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c4 dxc4 10.Nxc4 Re8 11.h3 Bh5 12.g4 Bg6 13.Bxg6 hxg6 14.Qb3 Nf8 15.Rad1 Qc8

up to 8…Nbd7 as line 252

9.c4: White attacks d5 (15 %).
9…dxc4: You take on c4. Stockfish names 9...h6 (loss 0).
10.Nxc4: The knight recaptures on c4.
10…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
11.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
11…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
12.g4: White attacks the bishop with the g-pawn.
12…Bg6: The bishop goes to g6 and offers the trade.
13.Bxg6: White trades the bishops.
13…hxg6: You recapture with the h-pawn.
14.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7.
14…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and wants to reach e6.
15.Rad1: The rook goes to d1.
15…Qc8: The queen covers b7 and aims at g4; the position is level (eval 0.07).

Line 254: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 Bg4 8.c3 c6 9.Nbd2 Nbd7

up to 7…Bg4 as line 253

8.c3: White supports d4 (8 %, loss 0.05).
8…c6: You support d5. Stockfish names 8...Nbd7 (loss 0.02).
9.Nbd2: White develops the knight to d2.
9…Nbd7: Transposition to the line 8.Nbd2 8...Nbd7 9.c3 9...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 255: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 h6 8.Re1 Re8 9.Rxe8 Qxe8 10.Nc3 a6 11.Ne2 c5 12.dxc5 Bxc5 13.Ned4 Nc6 14.c3 Bd7 15.Bf4 a5

up to 6…O-O as line 254

7.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your bishop (16 %).
7…h6: You answer symmetrically and take the square g5 away from the bishop on c1.
8.Re1: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 8.Nc3 (loss 0.1).
8…Re8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 8...Nc6 (loss 0.05).
9.Rxe8: White trades the rooks with check.
9…Qxe8: You recapture with the queen.
10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks d5.
10…a6: You take the square b5 away from the knight.
11.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
11…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
12.dxc5: White takes on c5.
12…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop.
13.Ned4: The knight jumps to d4 and blockades your isolated pawn.
13…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
14.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
14…Bd7: You develop the bishop.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at h6.
15…a5: You gain space with the a-pawn; the position is roughly level (eval 0.23).

Line 256: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 h6 8.Nc3 Re8 9.Nb5 Nc6 10.c3 Ne4 11.Be3 Bf5 12.Re1 Be7 13.Bf4 Rc8 14.c4 Bf8 15.cxd5 Nb4

up to 7…h6 as line 255

8.Nc3: White develops the knight and attacks d5.
8…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
9.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks your bishop on d6.
9…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
10.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
10…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4.
11.Be3: White develops the bishop.
11…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and covers the knight on e4.
12.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file.
12…Be7: The bishop retreats to e7.
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at c7.
13…Rc8: The rook covers c7.
14.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
14…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8.
15.cxd5: White takes on d5.
15…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks d5 and d3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 257: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 h6 8.c4 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Nc6 10.Nc3 a6 11.a3 Bf5 12.Re1 Re8 13.Rxe8 Qxe8 14.Be3 b5 15.Ba2 Qd7

up to 7…h6 as line 256

8.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn. Stockfish names 8.Nc3 (loss 0.25).
8…dxc4: You take on c4.
9.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures.
9…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight.
10…a6: You prepare b5.
11.a3: White prevents Nb4.
11…Bf5: You develop the bishop.
12.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
12…Re8: The rook stands opposite.
13.Rxe8: White trades the rooks with check.
13…Qxe8: You recapture with the queen.
14.Be3: White develops the bishop.
14…b5: You attack the bishop on c4 with the b-pawn.
15.Ba2: The bishop retreats to a2 and aims at f7.
15…Qd7: The queen goes to d7; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 258: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 c6 8.Ne2 Bg4 9.Ng3 Nbd7 10.h3 Be6 11.a4 Re8 12.a5 a6 13.Bd2 Qc7 14.Ng5 Nf8 15.Nh5 Nxh5

up to 6…O-O as line 257

7.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 (14 %); from b5 it could later attack your bishop on d6.
7…c6: The pawn takes the square b5 away from the knight and supports d5. Stockfish prefers 7...Bg4 (loss 0.23).
8.Ne2: The knight goes to e2, on its way to g3. Stockfish names 8.h3 (loss 0.13).
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3. Stockfish names 8...Re8 (loss 0.1).
9.Ng3: The knight comes to g3 and controls f5 and h5. Stockfish names 9.Ne5 (loss 0.05).
9…Nbd7: The knight supports f6 and prepares Re8.
10.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
10…Be6: The bishop retreats to e6.
11.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
11…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
12.a5: The a-pawn advances further.
12…a6: You stop the pawn on a5.
13.Bd2: White develops the bishop.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks a5.
14.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks your bishop on e6.
14…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and covers e6 and h7.
15.Nh5: The knight jumps to h5 and attacks f6.
15…Nxh5: You trade the knight; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 259: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 c6 8.Bg5 Bg4 9.h3 Bh5 10.g4 Bg6 11.Ne5 Re8 12.f4 Qb6 13.Kg2 Ne4 14.Bh4 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Bxd3

up to 7…c6 as line 258

8.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6 (41 %, loss 0.30).
8…Bg4: You answer symmetrically and pin the knight on f3.
9.h3: White questions the bishop on g4.
9…Bh5: The bishop stays on the diagonal and keeps the pin.
10.g4: White drives the bishop away with g4 and breaks the pin.
10…Bg6: The bishop steps aside and offers the trade against the bishop on d3.
11.Ne5: The knight jumps into the centre on e5.
11…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and aims at the knight on e5. You are slightly better (eval -0.21).
12.f4: White supports the knight on e5 with the f-pawn.
12…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks d4 and b2.
13.Kg2: The king goes to g2.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the bishop on g5.
14.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4.
14…Nxc3: You trade the knight on c3.
15.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
15…Bxd3: You trade the bishops; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 260: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 c6 8.Bg5 Bg4 9.Ne2 h6 10.Bh4 Re8 11.Ne1 c5 12.dxc5 Bxc5 13.h3 Bxe2 14.Bxe2 Nbd7 15.Bf3 Bb6

up to 8…Bg4 as line 259

9.Ne2: The knight goes to e2. Stockfish names 9.h3 (loss 0.15).
9…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
10.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 and keeps the pin.
10…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the knight on e2.
11.Ne1: The knight goes to e1.
11…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
12.dxc5: White takes on c5.
12…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop and aim at f2.
13.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
13…Bxe2: You take the knight on e2.
14.Bxe2: White recaptures with the bishop.
14…Nbd7: You develop the knight.
15.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and attacks d5.
15…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 and aims at f2; you are slightly better (eval -0.18).

Line 261: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 c6 8.Bg5 Bg4 9.Qd2 Bxf3 10.gxf3 Nbd7 11.Ne2 Re8 12.Kh1 Nf8 13.Rg1 Ne6 14.Bh4 g6 15.c3 Ng7

up to 8…Bg4 as line 260

9.Qd2: Slightly inaccurate (loss 0.16). With 9...Bxf3 you damage White's pawn structure on the kingside.
9…Bxf3: White has to recapture with the g-pawn, and his king becomes more exposed (eval -0.37).
10.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn; his king's position is weakened.
10…Nbd7: You develop the knight.
11.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
11…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the knight on e2.
12.Kh1: The king goes to h1 and clears the g-file for the rook.
12…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and wants to reach e6.
13.Rg1: The rook goes to the half-open g-file.
13…Ne6: The knight jumps to e6 and attacks g5 and d4.
14.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4.
14…g6: With g6 you shield your king.
15.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
15…Ng7: The knight goes to g7 and guards the kingside; you are slightly better (eval -0.28).

Line 262: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.O-O O-O 7.c3 c6 8.Bg5 Bg4

up to 6…O-O as line 261

7.c3: White supports d4 (6 %).
7…c6: You support d5. Stockfish considers 7...Bg4 equally good.
8.Bg5: The bishop pins your knight on f6 to the queen.
8…Bg4: Transposition to the line 7.Bg5 7...Bg4 8.c3 8...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 263: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bd3 Bd6 6.Qe2 Qe7 7.Qxe7 Bxe7 8.O-O O-O 9.Bf4 c6 10.Re1 Re8 11.a4 a5 12.Bc7 Nbd7 13.Nbd2 b6 14.Ne5 Nxe5 15.Bxe5 Be6

up to 5…Bd6 as line 262

6.Qe2: The queen gives check along the e-file.
6…Qe7: You block with the queen and offer the trade.
7.Qxe7: White trades queens with check.
7…Bxe7: You recapture with the bishop – for Stockfish as good as 7...Kxe7.
8.O-O: White castles.
8…O-O: You castle short.
9.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks c7.
9…c6: With c6 you support d5.
10.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and attacks your bishop on e7.
10…Re8: The rook covers the bishop on e7.
11.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
11…a5: You stop the pawn on a4.
12.Bc7: The bishop breaks into c7 and attacks a5 and the knight on b8.
12…Nbd7: The knight leaves b8.
13.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
13…b6: With b6 you shut in the bishop on c7.
14.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5.
14…Nxe5: You trade the knights.
15.Bxe5: The bishop recaptures and attacks f6.
15…Be6: You develop the bishop; the endgame is level (eval 0.18).

Line 264: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Be7 6.Bd3 O-O 7.O-O Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Qc2 h6 11.Bf4 Nh5 12.Be5 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Nf6 14.Rfe1 c5 15.Nxg4 Nxg4

up to 4…Nf6 as line 263

5.Bg5: White pins the knight on f6 at once (13 %).
5…Be7: The bishop breaks the pin. Stockfish names 5...Bd6 (loss 0.05).
6.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
6…O-O: You castle. Stockfish names 6...h6 (loss 0.07).
7.O-O: White castles short.
7…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 – the position stays symmetrical.
8.Nbd2: White develops the knight to d2. Stockfish names 8.Re1 (loss 0.06).
8…Nbd7: The knight supports f6. Stockfish considers 8...c5 equally good.
9.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
9…c6: You support d5.
10.Qc2: The queen lines up behind the bishop on d3 – a battery against h7.
10…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
11.Bf4: The bishop retreats to f4.
11…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on f4.
12.Be5: The bishop goes to e5 and attacks g7.
12…Nxe5: You trade the knight for the bishop on e5.
13.Nxe5: White recaptures with the knight.
13…Nf6: The knight returns to f6.
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
14…c5: You attack d4 with the c-pawn.
15.Nxg4: White trades the knight for your bishop on g4.
15…Nxg4: You recapture with the knight and attack f2 and h2; the position is level (eval 0.15).

Line 265: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Be7 6.Bd3 O-O 7.O-O Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.c3 c6 10.Re1 Re8 11.Qc2 h6 12.Bf4 Nh5 13.Be5 Bf8 14.h3 Nxe5 15.Rxe5 Bxf3

up to 9…c6 as line 264

10.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
10…Re8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 10...Bd6 (loss 0.04).
11.Qc2: The queen lines up behind the bishop on d3 – a battery against h7.
11…h6: You question the bishop on g5.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4.
12…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on f4.
13.Be5: The bishop steps aside to e5.
13…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8.
14.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
14…Nxe5: You trade the knight for the bishop on e5.
15.Rxe5: The rook recaptures.
15…Bxf3: You trade the bishop on f3; the position is level (eval 0.17).

Line 266: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Be7 6.Bd3 O-O 7.O-O Bg4 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.Re1 Re8 10.c3 c6

up to 8…Nbd7 as line 265

9.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
9…Re8: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 9...c6 (loss 0.01).
10.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
10…c6: Transposition to the line 9.c3 9...c6 10.Re1 10...Re8 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 267: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Be7 6.Bd3 O-O 7.O-O Bg4 8.Re1 Nbd7 9.Nbd2

up to 7…Bg4 as line 266

8.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
8…Nbd7: The knight supports f6. Stockfish names 8...c6 (loss 0.08).
9.Nbd2: Transposition to the line 8.Nbd2 8...Nbd7 9.Re1 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 268: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.c4 Bb4 6.Nc3 O-O 7.Be2 dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bg4 9.O-O Nc6 10.Be3 Qd6 11.Rc1 Rae8 12.h3 Bh5 13.Bg5 Ne4 14.Nxe4 Rxe4 15.Be3 Nxd4

up to 4…Nf6 as line 267

5.c4: White attacks d5 and accepts an isolated pawn (11 %, loss 0.24).
5…Bb4: Check! The bishop comes out with tempo and then pins the knight on c3.
6.Nc3: The knight blocks the check and attacks d5.
6…O-O: You castle. Stockfish considers 6...Nc6 equally good.
7.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
7…dxc4: You take on c4. After 8.Bxc4 White has an isolated pawn on d4.
8.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures on c4.
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…Nc6: The knight attacks the isolated pawn on d4.
10.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4.
10…Qd6: The queen connects the rooks; a rook on the d-file then increases the pressure on d4.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file.
11…Rae8: The rook goes to the e-file against the bishop on e3.
12.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
12…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks your knight on f6.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the bishop on g5 and the knight on c3.
14.Nxe4: White trades the knights.
14…Rxe4: You recapture with the rook and attack d4.
15.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3 and covers d4.
15…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4; the position is level (eval -0.05).

Line 269: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.c4 Bb4 6.Nc3 O-O 7.Be2 dxc4 8.O-O Bxc3 9.bxc3 Be6 10.Ne5 Nd5 11.Qe1 Nb6 12.a4 a5 13.Bh5 N8d7 14.f4 Nf6 15.Bf3 c6

up to 7…dxc4 as line 268

8.O-O: White castles without recapturing on c4 (loss 0.11). You trade on c3.
8…Bxc3: You trade on c3 and weaken White's pawns (eval -0.24).
9.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
9…Be6: The bishop covers the pawn on c4.
10.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks c4 and f7.
10…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3.
11.Qe1: The queen goes to e1.
11…Nb6: The knight retreats to b6 and covers c4.
12.a4: White threatens to drive the knight on b6 away with a5.
12…a5: You stop the pawn on a4.
13.Bh5: The bishop goes to h5 and attacks f7.
13…N8d7: The knight goes to d7 and attacks e5.
14.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn.
14…Nf6: The knight goes to f6 and attacks the bishop on h5.
15.Bf3: The bishop steps back to f3.
15…c6: With c6 you close the diagonal of the bishop on f3; the position is level (eval -0.09).

Line 270: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.c4 Bb4 6.Nc3 O-O 7.Bd3 Re8 8.Be3 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Be6 10.Bd3 c5 11.O-O c4 12.Be2 Bxc3 13.bxc3 Nbd7 14.a4 Bd5 15.Re1 Qc7

up to 6…O-O as line 269

7.Bd3: White puts the bishop on d3 (37 %). With 7...Re8+ you give check along the e-file.
7…Re8: Check along the e-file: White has to block. Stockfish names 7...dxc4 (loss 0.15).
8.Be3: The bishop blocks the check and covers d4.
8…dxc4: You take on c4. Stockfish names 8...Bg4 (loss 0.10).
9.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures on c4.
9…Be6: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops.
10.Bd3: Inaccurate (loss 0.23). With 10...c5 you attack d4 and are slightly better (eval -0.23).
10…c5: The lever against d4.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…c4: You attack the bishop on d3 with the c-pawn.
12.Be2: The bishop steps back to e2.
12…Bxc3: You take the knight on c3.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
13…Nbd7: You develop the knight.
14.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…Bd5: The bishop goes to d5 and attacks the knight on f3.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
15…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and aims at h2; you are slightly better (eval -0.21).

Line 271: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.c4 Bb4 6.Bd2 Nc6 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Be2 Nde7 10.Be3 Nd5 11.Bd2

up to 5…Bb4 as line 270

6.Bd2: The bishop blocks the check. Stockfish names 6.Nc3 (loss 0.03).
6…Nc6: The knight attacks d4.
7.cxd5: White takes on d5.
7…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
8.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks d5.
8…O-O: You castle short.
9.Be2: White develops the bishop.
9…Nde7: The knight retreats to e7.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3.
10…Nd5: The knight jumps back to d5 and attacks e3 and c3.
11.Bd2: The bishop retreats to d2; the position is level (eval -0.08). (transposition)

Line 272: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.c3 c6 9.Bxd6 Qxd6 10.Bxf5 Nxf5 11.Nd2 Nd7 12.Qc2 Qf6 13.Nf3 Rfe8 14.Rae1 Nd6 15.Nc1 Re4

up to 3…exd5 as line 271

4.Bd3: White puts the bishop on d3 at once (34 %). You answer symmetrically with 4...Bd6.
4…Bd6: The bishop comes to its best diagonal. Stockfish names 4...c5 (loss 0.07).
5.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2 to keep f3 free (37 %).
5…Ne7: You answer symmetrically. Stockfish names 5...Nf6 (loss 0.05).
6.O-O: White castles short.
6…O-O: You castle.
7.Bf4: White offers the trade of the dark-squared bishops (77 %).
7…Bf5: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops. The position is completely level – 97 % of the games ended in a draw.
8.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
8…c6: You support d5. Stockfish names 8...Re8 (loss 0).
9.Bxd6: White trades the dark-squared bishops. Stockfish names 9.Re1 (loss 0.12).
9…Qxd6: The queen recaptures.
10.Bxf5: White trades the light-squared bishops.
10…Nxf5: The knight recaptures and stands actively.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…Nd7: You develop the knight.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and attacks the knight on f5.
12…Qf6: The queen covers the knight on f5 and attacks d4.
13.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight.
13…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file.
14.Rae1: The rook stands opposite.
14…Nd6: The knight goes to d6 and aims at e4 and c4.
15.Nc1: The knight goes to c1 and wants to reach d3.
15…Re4: The rook goes to e4 and attacks d4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 273: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.c3 c6 9.Bxd6 Qxd6 10.Ng3 Bxd3 11.Qxd3 Nd7 12.Nd2 Rae8 13.Nf3 Nf6 14.Rae1 Ng6 15.Qf5 Ne7

up to 9…Qxd6 as line 272

10.Ng3: The knight attacks your bishop on f5.
10…Bxd3: You trade bishops.
11.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3.
11…Nd7: The knight heads for f6 via d7.
12.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
12…Rae8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.Nf3: The knight goes to f3.
13…Nf6: You develop the knight.
14.Rae1: The rook stands opposite.
14…Ng6: The knight goes to g6.
15.Qf5: The queen goes to f5.
15…Ne7: The knight attacks the queen; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 274: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.c3 c6 9.Bxf5 Nxf5 10.Nd2 Nd7 11.Bxd6 Nxd6 12.Qc2 Re8 13.Nf4 Qf6 14.Nd3 Qf5 15.Rfe1 h5

up to 8…c6 as line 273

9.Bxf5: White trades the light-squared bishops.
9…Nxf5: The knight recaptures and stands actively.
10.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
10…Nd7: You develop the knight.
11.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
11…Nxd6: You recapture with the knight.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the knight on e2.
13.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks d5.
13…Qf6: The queen goes to f6 and attacks the knight on f4 and d4.
14.Nd3: The knight goes to d3.
14…Qf5: The queen goes to f5 and attacks the knight on d3.
15.Rfe1: The rook takes the e-file.
15…h5: You gain space with the h-pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 275: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.Bxd6 Qxd6 9.Ng3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nd7 11.Nd2 Nf6 12.Nf3 Rae8 13.Rae1 Ng6 14.Qc3 Qb6 15.a4 a5

up to 7…Bf5 as line 274

8.Bxd6: White trades the dark-squared bishops.
8…Qxd6: The queen recaptures.
9.Ng3: The knight attacks your bishop on f5.
9…Bxd3: You trade bishops.
10.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
10…Nd7: You develop the knight.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…Nf6: The knight goes to f6.
12.Nf3: The knight goes to f3.
12…Rae8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.Rae1: The rook stands opposite.
13…Ng6: The knight goes to g6.
14.Qc3: The queen goes to c3 and attacks c7.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b2 and d4.
15.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
15…a5: You stop the pawn on a4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 276: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.Bxf5 Nxf5 9.Qd3 Qf6 10.Bxd6 Nxd6 11.Nd2 Nd7 12.Rae1 c6 13.Nf3 Rfe8 14.Ng3 g6 15.Qa3 Nb5

up to 7…Bf5 as line 275

8.Bxf5: White trades the light-squared bishops.
8…Nxf5: The knight recaptures and stands actively on f5; your bishop on d6 faces the bishop on f4.
9.Qd3: The queen attacks your knight on f5. Stockfish rates 9.Bxd6 as equal.
9…Qf6: The queen stands actively on f6.
10.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
10…Nxd6: You recapture with the knight.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…Nd7: You develop the knight.
12.Rae1: The rook takes the e-file.
12…c6: You support d5 with c6.
13.Nf3: The knight goes to f3.
13…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the knight on e2.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3.
14…g6: With g6 you cover f5 and h5.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks a7 and d6.
15…Nb5: The knight attacks the queen; the position is level (eval -0.08).

Line 277: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.Nbc3 c6 9.Re1 Re8 10.Nb1 Bg6 11.c3 a5 12.a4 Nf5 13.Bxf5 Bxf5 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.Ng3 Rxe1

up to 7…Bf5 as line 276

8.Nbc3: White develops the knight to c3. Stockfish names 8.Re1 (loss 0.08).
8…c6: You support d5.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
9…Re8: The rook stands opposite.
10.Nb1: The knight retreats to b1 and wants to regroup via d2.
10…Bg6: The bishop goes to g6 and stays on the diagonal.
11.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
11…a5: You gain space on the queenside.
12.a4: White stops the pawn on a5.
12…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks d4.
13.Bxf5: White trades the bishop for your knight.
13…Bxf5: You recapture with the bishop.
14.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
14…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen.
15.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and attacks your bishop on f5.
15…Rxe1: You trade the rooks with check; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 278: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.c3 c6 8.Bf4 Bf5

up to 6…O-O as line 277

7.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
7…c6: You support d5. Stockfish names 7...Nd7 (loss 0.07), with the knight on its way to f6.
8.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6. Stockfish names 8.Qc2 (loss 0.09).
8…Bf5: Transposition to the line 7.Bf4 7...Bf5 8.c3 8...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 279: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Ne2 Ne7 6.Bf4 Bf5 7.O-O O-O

up to 5…Ne7 as line 278

6.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6. Stockfish names 6.Ng3 (loss 0.09).
6…Bf5: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops. Stockfish names 6...O-O (loss 0).
7.O-O: White castles short.
7…O-O: Transposition to the line 6.O-O 6...O-O 7.Bf4 7...Bf5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 280: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Bg5 f6 8.Bh4 Bf5 9.Bg3 Nbc6 10.Re1 Re8 11.c3 Bxd3 12.Qxd3 Qd7 13.Nbd2 Nd8 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.Re2 Nf7

up to 4…Bd6 as line 279

5.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 (29 %).
5…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 so that the f-pawn stays free.
6.O-O: White castles short.
6…O-O: You castle.
7.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on e7 (43 %).
7…f6: The pawn chases the bishop away. Stockfish names 7...Nbc6 (loss 0.07).
8.Bh4: The bishop drops back to h4.
8…Bf5: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bg3: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
9…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
10.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and aims at e7.
10…Re8: The rook stands opposite.
11.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
11…Bxd3: You trade the light-squared bishops.
12.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
12…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
13.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
13…Nd8: The knight goes to d8 and wants to reach f7.
14.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
14…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen.
15.Re2: The rook goes to e2.
15…Nf7: The knight reaches f7; the position is level (eval 0.04).

Line 281: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 Nbc6 8.Bg5 f6 9.Bh4 Nb4 10.Bb5 Bg4 11.Be2 Nf5 12.Bg3 Re8 13.c3 Bxf3 14.gxf3 Nc6 15.Nd2 Nce7

up to 6…O-O as line 280

7.Re1: The rook takes the e-file. Stockfish names 7.Nc3 (loss 0.1).
7…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
8.Bg5: The bishop attacks your knight on e7.
8…f6: You attack the bishop on g5 with the f-pawn.
9.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4.
9…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks the bishop on d3.
10.Bb5: The bishop steps aside to b5.
10…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3.
11.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2.
11…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks the bishop on h4 and d4.
12.Bg3: The bishop steps back to g3 and offers the trade.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the bishop on e2.
13.c3: White attacks your knight on b4.
13…Bxf3: You take the knight on f3.
14.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn.
14…Nc6: The knight returns to c6 and attacks d4.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
15…Nce7: The knight goes to e7; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 282: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3 Ne7 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 c6 8.Ne2 Ng6 9.Ng3 Nf4 10.Re1 Nxd3 11.Qxd3 Na6 12.Bd2 Nc7 13.h3 Re8 14.a4 f6 15.Qb3 b6

up to 6…O-O as line 281

7.Nc3: White develops the knight and attacks d5.
7…c6: You support d5.
8.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and wants to reach g3.
8…Ng6: The knight goes to g6.
9.Ng3: The knight goes to g3.
9…Nf4: The knight jumps to f4 and attacks the bishop on d3.
10.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
10…Nxd3: You trade the knight for the bishop on d3.
11.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
11…Na6: The knight goes to the edge on a6 and wants to reach e6 via c7.
12.Bd2: White develops the bishop.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7.
13.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
13…Re8: The rook stands opposite.
14.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…f6: With f6 you keep the white knights away from e5 and g5.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7.
15…b6: You cover with b6; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 283: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nf3 Ne7 6.Bg5 Nbc6 7.O-O Bg4 8.Bxe7 Nxe7 9.Re1 c6 10.Nbd2 Qc7 11.h3 Bh5 12.c3 O-O-O 13.b4 Kb8 14.Nb3 Ng8 15.Nbd2 g5

up to 5…Ne7 as line 282

6.Bg5: The bishop pins your knight on e7 to the queen. Stockfish names 6.Nc3 (loss 0.12).
6…Nbc6: The knight attacks d4.
7.O-O: White castles.
7…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3.
8.Bxe7: White trades the bishop for your knight on e7.
8…Nxe7: You recapture with the knight.
9.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and pins the knight on e7.
9…c6: You support d5 with c6.
10.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and aims at h2.
11.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
11…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
12.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
12…O-O-O: You castle long and want to attack on the kingside.
13.b4: White storms with the b-pawn against your king.
13…Kb8: The king goes to safety on b8.
14.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and wants to reach c5.
14…Ng8: The knight goes to g8 and wants to regroup via f6.
15.Nbd2: The knight returns to d2.
15…g5: You storm forward with the g-pawn; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 284: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Qf3 Nc6 6.c3 Be6 7.Ne2 Qd7 8.Bf4 Be7 9.Qg3 Nf6 10.Qxg7 O-O-O 11.Qh6 Rdg8 12.Bg3 Ne4 13.Qe3 h5 14.Nd2 h4 15.Bf4 Nxd2

up to 4…Bd6 as line 283

5.Qf3: The queen comes out early to f3 and attacks d5 (11 %).
5…Nc6: The knight attacks d4.
6.c3: White supports d4 with c3.
6…Be6: The bishop covers d5. Stockfish names 6...Nf6 (loss 0).
7.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2. Stockfish names 7.Bf4 (loss 0.11).
7…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks. After that long castling is possible.
8.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
8…Be7: The bishop avoids the trade.
9.Qg3: The queen goes to g3 and attacks g7.
9…Nf6: You develop the knight and give up the pawn on g7 for play.
10.Qxg7: White takes on g7.
10…O-O-O: You castle long and have the g-file for your rooks.
11.Qh6: The queen retreats to h6 and attacks f6 and h7.
11…Rdg8: The rook goes to the open g-file and attacks g2.
12.Bg3: The bishop goes to g3 and covers g2.
12…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the bishop on g3.
13.Qe3: The queen returns to e3 and attacks the knight on e4.
13…h5: You storm with the h-pawn against the bishop on g3.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks the knight on e4.
14…h4: The h-pawn attacks the bishop on g3.
15.Bf4: The bishop steps aside to f4.
15…Nxd2: You trade the knights; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 285: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Qf3 Nc6 6.c3 Be6 7.Ne2 Qd7 8.h3 O-O-O 9.Na3 Re8 10.O-O Nf6 11.Nb5 Be7 12.Nf4 a6 13.Nxe6 fxe6 14.Na3 Rhf8 15.Qd1 Bxa3

up to 7…Qd7 as line 284

8.h3: Slightly inaccurate (loss 0.15). After 8...O-O-O you are slightly better (eval -0.29).
8…O-O-O: Long castling – the rook on d8 stands behind the centre at once.
9.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and wants to reach b5.
9…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Nf6: You develop the knight.
11.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks a7 and your bishop on d6.
11…Be7: The bishop retreats to e7.
12.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks the bishop on e6.
12…a6: You attack the knight on b5 with the a-pawn.
13.Nxe6: White trades the knight for your bishop on e6.
13…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file.
14.Na3: The knight retreats to a3.
14…Rhf8: The rook goes to the half-open f-file.
15.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1.
15…Bxa3: You take the knight on a3 and damage White's pawn structure; the position is level (eval -0.06).

Line 286: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Qf3 Nc6 6.c3 Be6 7.Bf4 Nf6 8.Ne2 Ne7 9.Nd2 Bg4 10.Qg3 Bxe2 11.Bxe2 Bxf4 12.Qxf4 O-O 13.O-O c6 14.Rfe1 Qb6 15.Nb3 a5

up to 6…Be6 as line 285

7.Bf4: White offers the trade of the dark-squared bishops.
7…Nf6: You develop the knight.
8.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and wants to reach g6.
9.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
9…Bg4: The bishop attacks the queen on f3.
10.Qg3: The queen steps aside to g3 and attacks the bishop on g4.
10…Bxe2: You take the knight on e2.
11.Bxe2: White recaptures with the bishop.
11…Bxf4: You trade the dark-squared bishops.
12.Qxf4: The queen recaptures and attacks c7.
12…O-O: You castle short.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…c6: You support d5 with c6.
14.Rfe1: The rook takes the e-file.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks b2 and d4.
15.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and covers d4.
15…a5: You advance the a-pawn against the knight on b3; the position is level (eval 0.1).

Line 287: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nc3 c6 6.Nge2 Ne7 7.O-O O-O 8.Bf4 Bf5

up to 4…Bd6 as line 286

5.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3 (10 %).
5…c6: You support d5 and take the square b5 away from the knight.
6.Nge2: White develops the knight to e2. Stockfish names 6.Nf3 (loss 0.28).
6…Ne7: You develop symmetrically.
7.O-O: White castles short.
7…O-O: You castle.
8.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and offers the trade.
8…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and offers a trade of its own; the position is level (eval -0.03). (transposition)

Line 288: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nc3 c6 6.Nf3 Ne7 7.Ne2 O-O 8.O-O

up to 5…c6 as line 287

6.Nf3: White develops the knight.
6…Ne7: You develop the knight.
7.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and wants to reach g3.
7…O-O: You castle short.
8.O-O: White castles; the position is level (eval 0.07). (transposition)

Line 289: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.Nc3 c6 6.Qf3 Nd7 7.Bf4 Nf8 8.Bxd6 Qxd6 9.O-O-O Ne6 10.Re1 Nf6 11.Nge2 O-O 12.g4 Ng5 13.Qe3 h6 14.f4 Re8 15.Qg3 Nge4

up to 5…c6 as line 288

6.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 early and aims at d5. Stockfish names 6.Nf3 (loss 0.08).
6…Nd7: The knight comes into play via d7.
7.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and offers the trade.
7…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and wants to reach e6.
8.Bxd6: White trades the bishops.
8…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen.
9.O-O-O: White castles long.
9…Ne6: The knight jumps to e6 and attacks d4.
10.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file against the knight on e6.
10…Nf6: You develop the other knight.
11.Nge2: The knight goes to e2.
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.g4: White storms with the g-pawn against your king.
12…Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks the queen on f3.
13.Qe3: The queen steps aside to e3 and attacks the knight on g5.
13…h6: You cover the knight on g5 with h6.
14.f4: White attacks the knight on g5 with the f-pawn.
14…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and attacks the queen on e3.
15.Qg3: The queen steps aside to g3.
15…Nge4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the queen on g3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 290: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.Bd3 Bd6 5.c3 c6 6.Ne2 Ne7 7.Bf4 Bf5 8.O-O O-O

up to 4…Bd6 as line 289

5.c3: White supports d4 (9 %).
5…c6: You support d5 – complete symmetry. Stockfish names 5...Nf6 (loss 0.18).
6.Ne2: White develops the knight to e2. Stockfish names 6.Nf3 (loss 0.1).
6…Ne7: You develop symmetrically.
7.Bf4: The bishop offers the trade for your bishop on d6.
7…Bf5: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishops.
8.O-O: White castles short.
8…O-O: Transposition to the line 5.Ne2 5...Ne7 6.O-O 6...O-O 7.Bf4 7...Bf5 8.c3 8...c6 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 291: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.Be2 dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bg4 9.Be3 Nc6 10.O-O Qd7 11.Re1 Bd6 12.h3 Bh5 13.Be2 Rfe8 14.Qb3 Na5 15.Qc2 Nc6

up to 3…exd5 as line 290

4.c4: The Monte Carlo Variation (9 %): White attacks d5 and wants an open position with an isolated pawn. Stockfish considers it inaccurate (loss 0.23), and Black won more games here than White.
4…Nf6: You develop the knight and cover d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
5.Nc3: White develops the knight and attacks d5.
5…Be7: You develop the bishop and castle soon. Stockfish names 5...Bb4 (loss 0.21).
6.Nf3: White develops the knight.
6…O-O: You castle.
7.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2. Stockfish rates 7.Bd3 as equal.
7…dxc4: You take on c4 – White gets an isolated pawn on d4.
8.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures on c4.
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers d4.
9.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4.
9…Nc6: The knight attacks d4.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Qd7: The queen goes to d7 and attacks d4.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2.
12.h3: White attacks your bishop on g4.
12…Bh5: The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin.
13.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2.
13…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file against the bishop on e3.
14.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7.
14…Na5: The knight attacks the queen on b3.
15.Qc2: The queen steps aside to c2.
15…Nc6: The knight returns to c6 – this leads to a repetition; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 292: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.Be2 dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bg4 9.O-O Bxf3 10.Qxf3 Qxd4 11.Qxb7 Qxc4 12.Qxa8 Bd6 13.Qxa7 Bxh2 14.Kxh2 Qxf1 15.f3 Qe1

up to 8…Bg4 as line 291

9.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish rates 9.Be3 as equal.
9…Bxf3: You trade off a defender of d4.
10.Qxf3: The queen recaptures and attacks b7.
10…Qxd4: You take the pawn on d4 and attack the bishop on c4.
11.Qxb7: White takes on b7.
11…Qxc4: You take the bishop on c4.
12.Qxa8: The queen takes your rook on a8.
12…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and aims at h2.
13.Qxa7: The queen also takes on a7.
13…Bxh2: The bishop sacrifices itself on h2 with check.
14.Kxh2: The king takes the bishop.
14…Qxf1: The queen takes the rook on f1.
15.f3: White shields his king with f3.
15…Qe1: The queen goes to e1 and attacks c1 and c3; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 293: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.O-O Be6 10.Re1 Re8 11.h3 Qd7 12.Bc2 Rad8 13.Ba4 Bd6 14.Bg5 Rb8 15.Bb3 Nxc3

up to 6…O-O as line 292

7.cxd5: White exchanges on d5. Stockfish rates 7.Bd3 as equal.
7…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and stands ideally on d5 in front of the isolated pawn.
8.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish rates 8.Bc4 as equal.
8…Nc6: The knight attacks d4. Stockfish considers 8...c5 equally good.
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…Be6: The bishop supports the knight on d5.
10.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file against your bishop on e6.
10…Re8: The rook stands opposite.
11.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
11…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
12.Bc2: The bishop goes to c2 and aims at h7.
12…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 and presses on d4.
13.Ba4: The bishop goes to a4 and pins the knight on c6.
13…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6.
14.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks the rook on d8.
14…Rb8: The rook steps aside to b8 and breaks the pin.
15.Bb3: The bishop goes to b3 and attacks d5.
15…Nxc3: You trade the knight on c3; the position is level (eval 0.11).

Line 294: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.Bd3 dxc4 8.Bxc4

up to 6…O-O as line 293

7.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
7…dxc4: You take on c4.
8.Bxc4: Transposition to the line 7.Be2 7...dxc4 8.Bxc4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 295: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Nf3 O-O 7.Be3 Be6 8.c5 b6 9.cxb6 axb6 10.h3 Bf5 11.Bd3 Bxd3 12.Qxd3 Re8 13.O-O c6 14.Rfb1 Bf8 15.Bf4 h6

up to 6…O-O as line 294

7.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4. Stockfish rates 7.Bd3 as equal.
7…Be6: The bishop covers d5.
8.c5: With c5 White gains space on the queenside.
8…b6: You attack the pawn on c5 with b6.
9.cxb6: White takes on b6.
9…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn and open the a-file.
10.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
10…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5.
11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and offers the trade.
11…Bxd3: You trade the light-squared bishops.
12.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and aims at h7.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
13.O-O: White castles.
13…c6: You support d5 with c6.
14.Rfb1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares b4.
14…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and aims at b8.
15…h6: You give your king air with h6; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 296: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 O-O 8.Nge2 Nbd7 9.O-O Nb6 10.Bb3 c6 11.Re1 Re8 12.Ng3 Nbd5 13.Bg5 Be6 14.Qd3 Nb4 15.Qd1 Nbd5

up to 5…Be7 as line 295

6.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish names 6.Nf3 (loss 0.18).
6…dxc4: You take on c4 – afterwards White has an isolated pawn on d4.
7.Bxc4: The bishop recaptures on c4.
7…O-O: You castle.
8.Nge2: White develops the knight to e2. Stockfish names 8.Nf3 (loss 0.12).
8…Nbd7: The knight wants to go to b6, where it attacks the bishop on c4 and controls d5. Stockfish names 8...a6 (loss 0).
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c4 and controls d5, the square in front of the isolated pawn.
10.Bb3: The bishop steps back to b3.
10…c6: You control the square d5 even more firmly. Stockfish names 10...Re8 (loss 0.07).
11.Re1: The rook takes the e-file.
11…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
12.Ng3: The knight goes to g3.
12…Nbd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks c3.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks your knight on f6.
13…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and aims at h7.
14…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks the queen on d3.
15.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1.
15…Nbd5: The knight returns to d5 – this leads to a repetition; the position is level (eval 0). (transposition)

Line 297: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Bc4 Nb6 8.Bb3 O-O 9.Nf3 Bg4 10.O-O Nc6 11.Be3 a5 12.a3 Bf6 13.Ba2 Nxd4 14.Bxd4 Bxf3 15.Bxf6 Qxd1

up to 5…Be7 as line 296

6.cxd5: White exchanges on d5. Stockfish names 6.Nf3 (loss 0.14).
6…Nxd5: The knight recaptures and stands centrally on d5.
7.Bc4: The bishop attacks your knight on d5.
7…Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c4. Stockfish names 7...c6 (loss 0.03).
8.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3 and aims at f7.
8…O-O: You castle short.
9.Nf3: White develops the knight.
9…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4.
11…a5: You threaten to drive the bishop on b3 away with the a-pawn.
12.a3: White stops your a-pawn.
12…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and presses on d4.
13.Ba2: The bishop retreats to a2.
13…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4.
14.Bxd4: The bishop recaptures.
14…Bxf3: You take the knight on f3.
15.Bxf6: White takes your bishop on f6.
15…Qxd1: You trade queens; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 298: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Bd3 c5 8.Nf3 Nc6 9.dxc5 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bxc5 11.O-O O-O 12.Bg5 Qd6 13.Qc2 h6 14.Rad1 Qc7 15.Bh4 Be6

up to 6…Nxd5 as line 297

7.Bd3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish rates 7.Bc4 as equal.
7…c5: The lever against the isolated pawn on d4.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight.
8…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4.
9.dxc5: White takes on c5.
9…Nxc3: You trade the knights on c3.
10.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn.
10…Bxc5: You win back the pawn with the bishop.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…O-O: You castle short.
12.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and attacks your queen.
12…Qd6: The queen goes to d6 and aims at h2.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and aims at h7.
13…h6: You attack the bishop on g5 with h6.
14.Rad1: The rook takes the d-file.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
15.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4.
15…Be6: You develop the bishop; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 299: 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nf3

up to 4…Nf6 as line 298

5.Nf3: Transposition to the line 4.Nf3 4...Nf6 5.c4 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Chapter 2: 2.d3

Line 300: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.c3 e5 6.b4 Bd6 7.a3 O-O 8.Bb2 Re8 9.Be2 Ne7 10.exd5 Nfxd5 11.g3 b6 12.O-O Ng6 13.Ne4 a5 14.Re1 Bb7 15.Nfd2 Bf8

2.d3: The King's Indian Attack (7 %): White modestly supports e4 with the d-pawn and plans Nd2, Ngf3, g3 and Bg2. You occupy the centre with 2...d5 all the same.
2…d5: You take the centre. Without a white pawn on d4 you have a free hand.
3.Nd2: White supports e4 with the knight (80 %).
3…Nf6: You develop the knight and attack e4 a second time – Stockfish's first choice.
4.Ngf3: White develops (85 %).
4…Nc6: The knight prepares e5 – you build a big centre. Stockfish names 4...c5 (loss 0).
5.c3: White prepares d4 or b4 (57 %).
5…e5: You occupy the centre with two pawns. Stockfish names 5...Bd6 (loss 0.01).
6.b4: White gains space on the queenside (loss 0.04).
6…Bd6: The bishop supports e5 and develops.
7.a3: White supports the pawn on b4 with a3.
7…O-O: You castle short.
8.Bb2: White develops the bishop onto the long diagonal.
8…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
9.Be2: White develops the bishop.
9…Ne7: The knight goes to e7.
10.exd5: White takes on d5.
10…Nfxd5: You recapture with the knight from f6.
11.g3: With g3 White takes the square f4 away from the knight.
11…b6: You prepare Bb7.
12.O-O: White castles.
12…Ng6: The knight goes to g6.
13.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks your bishop on d6.
13…a5: You attack b4 with the a-pawn.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
14…Bb7: You develop the bishop onto the long diagonal.
15.Nfd2: The knight goes to d2.
15…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8 and attacks b4; the position is level (eval 0.01).

Line 301: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.c3 e5 6.Be2 a5 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 O-O 9.Bf1 d4 10.cxd4 exd4 11.Qa4 Ra6 12.a3 Ng4 13.Qc2 a4 14.b4 axb3 15.Nxb3 Nge5

up to 5…e5 as line 300

6.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
6…a5: You stop the advance b4. Stockfish prefers 6...Bd6 (loss 0.08).
7.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish rates 7.exd5 as equal.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop and castle next. Stockfish would rather put it on d6 (7...Bd6, loss 0.16).
8.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file behind the bishop on e2. Stockfish names 8.exd5 (loss 0.24).
8…O-O: You castle. Stockfish prefers 8...d4 (loss 0.3).
9.Bf1: Inaccurate (loss 0.69): now comes 9...d4 with a gain of space, and you are better (eval -0.4).
9…d4: The pawn advances, attacks c3 and takes the square e3 away from White's pieces.
10.cxd4: White takes on d4.
10…exd4: You recapture with the e-pawn.
11.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks a5 and d4.
11…Ra6: The rook goes to a6 and covers the knight on c6.
12.a3: White stops your a-pawn.
12…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks f2 and h2.
13.Qc2: The queen retreats to c2.
13…a4: You gain space with the a-pawn.
14.b4: White moves the b-pawn two squares forward.
14…axb3: You take en passant.
15.Nxb3: The knight recaptures.
15…Nge5: The knight goes to e5 and attacks f3 and d3; you are slightly better (eval -0.36).

Line 302: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.c3 e5 6.Be2 a5 7.O-O Be7 8.b3 O-O 9.Re1 Bc5 10.Qc2 Re8 11.a3 Ba7 12.exd5 Nxd5 13.Ne4 h6 14.Ng3 Bg4 15.Bd2 Qd7

up to 7…Be7 as line 301

8.b3: White prepares Bb2. Stockfish names 8.exd5 (loss 0.29).
8…O-O: You castle short.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
9…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2.
10.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5.
11.a3: White prepares b4.
11…Ba7: The bishop retreats to a7 and stays on the diagonal.
12.exd5: White takes on d5.
12…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
13.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4.
13…h6: You take the square g5 away from the knight and the bishop.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3.
14…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3.
15.Bd2: White develops the bishop.
15…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks; the position is level (eval 0.08).

Line 303: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 dxe4 6.dxe4 Bc5 7.Bg2 e5 8.O-O O-O 9.c3 a5 10.Qc2 b6 11.Nc4 Ba6 12.Rd1 Qe7 13.Ne3 Rfd8 14.Ne1 Bxe3 15.Bxe3 Ng4

up to 4…Nc6 as line 302

5.g3: White prepares Bg2 (25 %).
5…dxe4: You trade on e4 and open the d-file.
6.dxe4: White recaptures with the d-pawn.
6…Bc5: The bishop stands actively on c5 and aims at f2.
7.Bg2: White develops the bishop (83 %). With 7...e5 you expand your centre.
7…e5: You occupy the centre. The d-file is open, and your bishop on c5 aims at f2.
8.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish rates 8.c3 as equal.
8…O-O: You castle. Stockfish names 8...a5 (loss 0.14).
9.c3: With c3 White controls the d4-square.
9…a5: You stop the advance b4 and gain space on the queenside.
10.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers e4.
10…b6: You prepare Ba6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nc4: The knight attacks e5 (71 %).
11…Ba6: The bishop attacks the knight on c4. Stockfish names 11...Ng4 (loss 0.27).
12.Rd1: The rook takes the d-file.
12…Qe7: The queen covers e5. Stockfish names 12...Qe8 (loss 0).
13.Ne3: The knight drops back to e3.
13…Rfd8: The rook challenges White's rook on the d-file.
14.Ne1: The knight retreats to e1.
14…Bxe3: You trade the bishop for the knight on e3.
15.Bxe3: White recaptures with the bishop and attacks b6.
15…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3; the position is level (eval -0.01).

Line 304: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 dxe4 6.dxe4 Bc5 7.Bg2 e5 8.O-O O-O 9.c3 a5 10.Qc2 b6 11.Nb3 Bd6 12.Rd1 h6 13.Nbd2 Be6 14.b3 Qe7 15.Nf1 Rfd8

up to 10…b6 as line 303

11.Nb3: The knight attacks the bishop on c5.
11…Bd6: The bishop steps aside and covers e5.
12.Rd1: The rook goes to the d-file against your bishop on d6.
12…h6: You give your king air with h6.
13.Nbd2: The knight returns to d2.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop.
14.b3: White wants to bring the bishop from c1 to b2.
14…Qe7: The queen connects the rooks.
15.Nf1: The knight goes to f1.
15…Rfd8: The rook takes the d-file; the position is level (eval -0.1).

Line 305: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 dxe4 6.dxe4 Bc5 7.Bg2 e5 8.O-O O-O 9.c3 a5 10.a4 h6 11.Re1 Ng4 12.Rf1 Nf6

up to 9…a5 as line 304

10.a4: White gains space (loss 0.26) – you are better (eval -0.46).
10…h6: Air for the king, and Ng5 is prevented.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks f2.
12.Rf1: The rook returns to f1 and covers f2.
12…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and attacks e4; you are somewhat better (eval -0.35). (transposition)

Line 306: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 dxe4 6.dxe4 Bc5 7.Bg2 e5 8.O-O O-O 9.c3 a5 10.Qe2 b6 11.Nc4 Ba6 12.b3 Qe7 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Rfd1 Rfe8

up to 9…a5 as line 305

10.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 – inaccurate for Stockfish (loss 0.37); 10.Qc2 was better.
10…b6: You prepare Ba6.
11.Nc4: The knight comes to c4 and attacks e5.
11…Ba6: The bishop attacks the knight on c4.
12.b3: White wants to bring the bishop from c1 to b2.
12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and covers the bishop on c5.
13.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and pins the knight on f6.
13…h6: You attack the bishop on g5 with h6.
14.Bxf6: White trades the bishop for your knight on f6.
14…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen.
15.Rfd1: The rook takes the d-file.
15…Rfe8: The rook goes to e8 and covers e5; you are somewhat better (eval -0.38).

Line 307: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 dxe4 6.dxe4 Bc5 7.Bg2 e5 8.O-O O-O 9.Qe2 a5 10.Nc4 Qe7 11.Be3 b6 12.Rfe1 Ba6 13.Bf1 Rad8 14.Rad1 Nxe4 15.Rxd8 Rxd8

up to 8…O-O as line 306

9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 (32 %). You gain space with 9...a5.
9…a5: You gain space on the queenside. Stockfish names 9...b6 (loss 0).
10.Nc4: The knight comes to c4 and attacks e5. Stockfish rates 10.Nb3 as equal.
10…Qe7: The queen covers e5.
11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks your bishop on c5.
11…b6: You prepare Ba6.
12.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1.
12…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and pins the knight on c4.
13.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and covers c4.
13…Rad8: The rook takes the d-file.
14.Rad1: The rook stands opposite.
14…Nxe4: You take the pawn on e4.
15.Rxd8: White trades the rooks.
15…Rxd8: You recapture with the rook; you are slightly better (eval -0.14).

Line 308: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.g3 dxe4 6.dxe4 Bc5 7.Bg2 e5 8.O-O O-O 9.h3 Qe7 10.c3 a5 11.Re1 Rd8 12.Qc2 Be6 13.Bf1 Nh5 14.Nb3 Bb6 15.Be3 a4

up to 8…O-O as line 307

9.h3: Inaccurate (loss 0.26). You are slightly better (eval -0.38).
9…Qe7: The queen covers e5. Stockfish names 9...a5 (loss 0.20).
10.c3: With c3 White controls the d4-square.
10…a5: You gain space on the queenside.
11.Re1: The rook goes to e1.
11…Rd8: The rook takes the d-file.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
12…Be6: You develop the bishop.
13.Bf1: The bishop retreats to f1.
13…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and wants to reach f4.
14.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and attacks your bishop on c5.
14…Bb6: The bishop steps back to b6.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and offers the trade.
15…a4: You attack the knight on b3 with the a-pawn; you are slightly better (eval -0.18).

Line 309: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Be2 e5 6.O-O Bd6 7.exd5 Nxd5 8.Ne4 Bf5 9.Nxd6 Qxd6 10.d4 O-O 11.dxe5 Nxe5 12.Nd4 Be6 13.Nxe6 Qxe6 14.c3 Rfe8 15.Qb3 b6

up to 4…Nc6 as line 308

5.Be2: White develops the bishop modestly (12 %).
5…e5: You occupy the centre. Stockfish names 5...Bd6 (loss 0.08).
6.O-O: White castles short.
6…Bd6: The bishop supports e5.
7.exd5: White takes on d5.
7…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
8.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks your bishop on d6.
8…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks the knight on e4.
9.Nxd6: White trades the knight for your bishop on d6 with check.
9…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen.
10.d4: White attacks e5 with the d-pawn.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.dxe5: White takes on e5.
11…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight.
12.Nd4: The knight goes to d4 and attacks your bishop on f5.
12…Be6: The bishop retreats to e6.
13.Nxe6: White trades the knight for your bishop.
13…Qxe6: You recapture with the queen.
14.c3: White takes the square d4 away from your knight.
14…Rfe8: The rook takes the e-file.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks b7 and d5.
15…b6: You cover b7 with b6; the position is level (eval 0.05).

Line 310: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Be2 e5 6.c3

up to 5…e5 as line 309

6.c3: Transposition to the line 5.c3 5...e5 6.Be2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 311: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.e5 Nd7 6.d4 f6 7.exf6 Qxf6 8.Nb3 e5 9.dxe5 Ndxe5 10.Be2 Bd6 11.O-O Bg4 12.Nxe5 Bxe2 13.Qxe2 Qxe5 14.Re1 O-O 15.Qxe5 Nxe5

up to 4…Nc6 as line 310

5.e5: White attacks your knight (6 %).
5…Nd7: The knight steps aside and aims at e5.
6.d4: White supports e5 – now it looks like a French position (88 %).
6…f6: The lever against e5.
7.exf6: White trades (loss 0.1). After 7...Qxf6 you stand well.
7…Qxf6: The queen recaptures and attacks d4.
8.Nb3: The knight covers d4.
8…e5: You take the centre with 8...e5.
9.dxe5: White takes on e5 and attacks your queen.
9…Ndxe5: You recapture with the knight from d7.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop.
10…Bd6: You develop the bishop.
11.O-O: White castles.
11…Bg4: You pin the knight on f3.
12.Nxe5: White takes your knight on e5.
12…Bxe2: You trade the light-squared bishops.
13.Qxe2: The queen recaptures.
13…Qxe5: You win back the piece with the queen and offer the queen trade.
14.Re1: The rook goes to the e-file and pins your queen.
14…O-O: You castle short.
15.Qxe5: White trades queens.
15…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight; the endgame is level (eval -0.02).

Line 312: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.e5 Nd7 6.d4 f6 7.Bb5 fxe5 8.dxe5 Be7 9.O-O O-O 10.Re1 Qe8 11.c3 Qh5 12.Ba4 b5 13.Bc2 Bc5 14.a4 Ncxe5 15.h3 bxa4

up to 6…f6 as line 311

7.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and aims at the knight on c6.
7…fxe5: You take on e5.
8.dxe5: White recaptures with the d-pawn.
8…Be7: You develop the bishop.
9.O-O: White castles.
9…O-O: You castle short.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e5.
10…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and wants to reach h5.
11.c3: White prepares Ba4.
11…Qh5: The queen goes to h5 and attacks the knight on f3.
12.Ba4: The bishop retreats to a4.
12…b5: You attack the bishop on a4 with the b-pawn.
13.Bc2: The bishop steps aside to c2 and aims at h7.
13…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and aims at f2.
14.a4: White attacks b5 with the a-pawn.
14…Ncxe5: You take the pawn on e5.
15.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
15…bxa4: You take on a4; the position is level (eval 0).

Line 313: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.g3 dxe4 5.dxe4 e5 6.Ngf3 Bc5 7.Bg2 Nc6

up to 3…Nf6 as line 312

4.g3: White fianchettoes first (13 %). You trade on e4.
4…dxe4: You trade on e4 and open the d-file.
5.dxe4: White recaptures with the d-pawn.
5…e5: You occupy the centre. Stockfish names 5...Nc6 (loss 0.19).
6.Ngf3: The knight attacks e5 (54 %).
6…Bc5: The bishop aims at f2. If White takes the pawn with 7.Nxe5, you win it back with 7...Bxf2+ 8.Kxf2 8...Qd4+: the queen gives check and attacks the knight on e5 at the same time.
7.Bg2: White develops the bishop (loss 0.24). You cover e5 with 7...Nc6.
7…Nc6: Transposition to the line 4.Ngf3 4...Nc6 5.g3 5...dxe4 6.dxe4 6...Bc5 7.Bg2 7...e5 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 314: 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.g3 dxe4 5.dxe4 e5 6.Bg2 Bc5 7.Ngf3

up to 5…e5 as line 313

6.Bg2: White develops the bishop (loss 0.24).
6…Bc5: The bishop aims at f2.
7.Ngf3: Transposition to the line 6.Ngf3 6...Bc5 7.Bg2 – it goes on there. (transposition)

Line 315: 2.d3 d5 3.Qe2 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.g3 c5 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.O-O O-O 8.e5 Nd7 9.c4 Nb6 10.Nc3 Nd4 11.Nxd4 cxd4 12.Nb1 dxc4 13.dxc4 d3 14.Qe4 Na4 15.Nd2 Rb8

up to 2…d5 as line 314

3.Qe2: White puts the queen on e2 (19 %) to support e4 and prepare e5.
3…Nf6: You develop the knight and attack e4.
4.Nf3: White develops the knight.
4…Be7: You develop the bishop and castle soon.
5.g3: White fianchettoes (90 %).
5…c5: You gain space on the queenside. Stockfish prefers 5...b5 (loss 0.02) – beware: with 5...c5 Black fared badly here (White won 59 %).
6.Bg2: White develops the bishop to g2. Stockfish names 6.a4 (loss 0.06).
6…Nc6: The knight controls d4 and e5. Stockfish names 6...b5 (loss 0.15).
7.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 7.a4 (loss 0.09).
7…O-O: You castle. Stockfish names 7...b5 (loss 0.09).
8.e5: White attacks your knight on f6 and gains space (88 %). Watch out for White's kingside attack.
8…Nd7: The knight steps aside and attacks e5.
9.c4: White attacks d5 (81 %).
9…Nb6: The knight supports d5. Stockfish prefers 9...a6 (loss 0.31); in practice White often won here.
10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and attacks d5.
10…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the queen on e2.
11.Nxd4: White trades the knights.
11…cxd4: You recapture with the c-pawn and attack the knight on c3.
12.Nb1: The knight retreats to b1.
12…dxc4: You take on c4.
13.dxc4: White recaptures with the d-pawn.
13…d3: The pawn advances to d3 and attacks the queen on e2.
14.Qe4: The queen steps aside to e4 and attacks d3, b7 and h7.
14…Na4: The knight jumps to a4 and attacks b2.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
15…Rb8: The rook covers b7; White is slightly better (eval 0.24).

Line 316: 2.d3 d5 3.Qe2 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.g3 c5 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.O-O O-O 8.e5 Nd7 9.Re1 b5 10.h4 Qb6 11.a4 b4 12.Bf4 Bb7 13.Nbd2 Rab8 14.Nf1 Rfc8 15.Ne3 Nf8

up to 8…Nd7 as line 315

9.Re1: Inaccurate (loss 0.23). With 9...b5 you gain space.
9…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
10.h4: White gains space on the kingside.
10…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and presses on d4 and b2.
11.a4: White attacks b5 with the a-pawn.
11…b4: You push the b-pawn further.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and covers e5.
12…Bb7: You develop the bishop onto the long diagonal.
13.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
13…Rab8: The rook goes to b8.
14.Nf1: The knight goes to f1 and wants to reach e3.
14…Rfc8: The rook goes to the c-file.
15.Ne3: The knight reaches e3 and attacks d5.
15…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and guards the kingside; the position is level (eval -0.07).

Line 317: 2.d3 d5 3.Qe2 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.g3 c5 6.e5 Nfd7 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.O-O b5 9.Re1 Bb7 10.h4 h6 11.c3 b4 12.Nbd2 bxc3 13.bxc3 Rb8 14.c4 Nb6 15.Nb3 Na4

up to 5…c5 as line 316

6.e5: White attacks the knight at once (loss 0.05).
6…Nfd7: The knight retreats to d7.
7.Bg2: White develops the bishop to g2. Stockfish names 7.c4 (loss 0.19).
7…Nc6: The knight attacks e5. Stockfish names 7...b5 (loss 0.18).
8.O-O: White castles short. Stockfish names 8.c4 (loss 0.14).
8…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
9.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e5.
9…Bb7: You develop the bishop onto the long diagonal.
10.h4: White gains space on the kingside.
10…h6: You stop the h-pawn with h6.
11.c3: White prepares d4 with c3.
11…b4: You attack c3 with the b-pawn.
12.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
12…bxc3: You take on c3.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file.
14.c4: White attacks d5 with the c-pawn.
14…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and attacks c4.
15.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and attacks c5.
15…Na4: The knight jumps to a4 and aims at c3; the position is level (eval -0.05).

Line 318: 2.d3 d5 3.Qe2 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.g3 c5 6.e5 Nfd7 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.h4 b5 9.O-O Bb7 10.Re1

up to 7…Nc6 as line 317

8.h4: White gains space on the kingside with the h-pawn. Stockfish names 8.c4 (loss 0.17).
8…b5: You gain space on the queenside.
9.O-O: White castles.
9…Bb7: You develop the bishop onto the long diagonal.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e5; you are slightly better (eval -0.23). (transposition)

Line 319: 2.d3 d5 3.Qe2 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.g3 c5

up to 4…Be7 as line 318

5.e5: White attacks the knight (loss 0.18).
5…Nfd7: The knight retreats to d7.
6.g3: White prepares Bg2.
6…c5: You gain space. Stockfish names 6...b5 (loss 0.11). (transposition)

Line 320: 2.d3 d5 3.Qe2 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 c5 6.Nf3

up to 3…Nf6 as line 319

4.g3: White fianchettoes at once (5 %).
4…Be7: You develop the bishop. Stockfish names 4...e5 (loss 0.1).
5.Bg2: White develops the bishop to g2.
5…c5: You gain space. Stockfish would rather castle first (5...O-O, loss 0.07).
6.Nf3: Transposition to the line 4.Nf3 4...Be7 5.g3 5...c5 6.Bg2 – it goes on there. (transposition)