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

Starting position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6

The Petrov Defense (also called the Russian Game) arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6: instead of defending the pawn on e5, you attack the pawn on e4 at once. It is one of the most solid answers to 1.e4 – world-class players rely on it when they want to stand safely with Black. One rule matters: after 3.Nxe5 you do not take back on e4 at once but play 3...d6 first, and only after 4.Nf3 4...Nxe4. The main line goes on with 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3, and you develop with Nc6, Be7 and short castling. Against 5.Nc3 you trade on c3, against 5.Qe2 you trade queens. Against 3.d4 you take on e4 and build a strong centre with d5; against 3.Nc3 you play the bishop to b4.

The ideas

After 3.Nxe5 always d6 first: if Black takes on e4 at once, Qe2 attacks the knight – if it moves away, a discovered check by the knight on e5 wins the queen.
The knight on e4 is your outpost. Support it with d5 and only trade it when White harasses it with pieces.
Against c4 in the main line the knight jumps to b4 and attacks the bishop on d3 – after the trade White lacks his attacking bishop.
Against 5.Nc3 and White's long castling your position stays firm: trade on c3, develop with Be7, Nc6 and Be6, and your king is safe behind the pawns.
After the queen trade (against 5.Qe2) the endgame decides: bring your pieces out fast, the knight finds good squares via a6 and c7.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 3.Nxe5

Line 1: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.Bd3 Qd7 17.Rb1 Bxd3

3.Nxe5: White takes the pawn on e5. Do not take on e4 at once – with d6 you first drive away the knight.
3…d6: The pawn attacks the knight on e5. Only when it has moved away do you take on e4.
4.Nf3: The knight returns to f3. Now you win back the pawn with Nxe4.
4…Nxe4: Material is level. Your knight stands actively on e4.
5.d4: The main line: White occupies the centre. With d5 you support your knight on e4.
5…d5: The pawn supports the knight on e4 – a strong outpost.
6.Bd3: The bishop attacks the knight on e4. With Nc6 you develop; Stockfish also mentions Be7.
6…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 and develops. According to Stockfish Be7 is a touch more accurate.
7.O-O: White castles. With Be7 you prepare your castling.
7…Be7: The bishop goes to e7. Against c2–c4 your knight is ready to jump to b4.
8.c4: White attacks d5. With Nb4 you attack the bishop on d3.
8…Nb4: The knight attacks the bishop on d3 – White must retreat it or trade.
9.Be2: The bishop steps aside. You castle.
9…O-O: Both have castled. Your knights on b4 and e4 stand actively.
10.Nc3: White attacks your knight on e4. With Bf5 you support it.
10…Bf5: The bishop supports the knight on e4 and develops.
11.a3: White drives away your knight on b4. First you trade on c3.
11…Nxc3: You trade the knight. White recaptures with the b-pawn.
12.bxc3: The knight on b4 is attacked. With Nc6 it returns.
12…Nc6: The knight is back on c6 and presses on d4. Balanced.
13.Re1: The rook occupies the e-file. With Re8 you oppose with your rook; Stockfish also mentions dxc4.
13…Re8: The rooks face each other. White usually trades on d5.
14.cxd5: White trades. You recapture with the queen.
14…Qxd5: The queen stands centrally on d5. White's pawn on d4 is weak – a target for you.
15.Bf4: The bishop develops. With Rac8 you put the rook on the c-file.
15…Rac8: The rook aims at c3. All your pieces are in play.
16.Bd3: White offers the bishop trade. With Qd7 you keep the tension.
16…Qd7: The queen steps aside. Balanced.
17.Rb1: The rook attacks b7. With b6 you cover it.
17…Bxd3: 17...Bxd3 trades the bishop before it becomes annoying on b5 or f5; after the recapture the rook on b1 is no longer eyed by the bishop. Stockfish: level (+0.13).

Line 2: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.h3 h6

up to 15…Rac8 as line 1

16.h3: Luft for the king. With h6 you do the same.
16…h6: 16...h6 gives your king an escape square and takes g5 from the bishop on f4. Stockfish: level (+0.16).

Line 3: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.c4 Qe4 17.Be3 Bf6

up to 15…Rac8 as line 2

16.c4: With 16.c4 White attacks your queen.
16…Qe4: The queen goes to e4: from there it attacks the bishop on f4 and the bishop on e2 at once.
17.Be3: White pulls the bishop back to e3 and covers d4.
17…Bf6: 17...Bf6 aims the bishop at d4 – the white isolated pawn is a target. Stockfish: level (+0.22).

Line 4: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.Qc1 Bf6

up to 15…Rac8 as line 3

16.Qc1: With 16.Qc1 White connects the rooks and keeps the bishop on f4 covered.
16…Bf6: Here too the bishop aims at d4 with 16...Bf6. Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 5: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.Nd2 Na5

up to 15…Rac8 as line 4

16.Nd2: White moves the knight to d2 – it wants to regroup via f1 or b3.
16…Na5: 16...Na5 eyes c4, the square in front of White's c-pawns. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 6: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.Bf4 dxc4 15.Bxc4 Bd6 16.Rxe8 Qxe8 17.Ng5 Bg6

up to 13…Re8 as line 5

14.Bf4: The bishop develops. With dxc4 you take the pawn.
14…dxc4: You take on c4. White wins it back with the bishop.
15.Bxc4: The pawn is back. With Bd6 you put your bishop against the bishop on f4.
15…Bd6: The bishop offers a trade. If White takes on e8, you recapture with the queen.
16.Rxe8: White trades the rooks. You recapture with the queen.
16…Qxe8: The queen occupies the e-file. Balanced.
17.Ng5: White jumps to g5 and eyes h7 and f7.
17…Bg6: 17...Bg6 covers h7 and f7 – the bishop stands safely. Stockfish: level (+0.10).

Line 7: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.Bf4 dxc4 15.Bxc4 Bd6 16.Rxe8 Qxe8 17.Bxd6 cxd6

up to 16…Qxe8 as line 6

17.Bxd6: White trades bishops on d6.
17…cxd6: After 17...cxd6 the pawn on d6 controls e5 and c5; the position is quiet. Stockfish: level (+0.14).

Line 8: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.Ra2 Bf8 15.cxd5 Qxd5

up to 13…Re8 as line 7

14.Ra2: 14.Ra2 brings the rook into play along the second rank.
14…Bf8: 14...Bf8 clears the e-file for your rook and covers g7. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15.cxd5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White releases the tension in the centre.
15…Qxd5: 15...Qxd5 – your queen stands in the centre, the bishop on f5 and the knight on c6 are active. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 9: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.cxd5 Qxd5 14.Re1 Rfe8

up to 12…Nc6 as line 8

13.cxd5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You recapture with the queen.
13…Qxd5: The queen stands centrally. The pawn on d4 is your target.
14.Re1: The rook occupies the e-file. With Rfe8 you oppose it.
14…Rfe8: 14...Rfe8 puts the rook on the open e-file against White's rook. Stockfish: level (+0.14). (transposition)

Line 10: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.cxd5 Qxd5 14.Bf4 Na5 15.Bxc7 Rac8 16.Bxa5 Qxa5 17.c4 Bf6

up to 13…Qxd5 as line 9

14.Bf4: The bishop develops. With Rfe8 and Rac8 you bring the rooks into play.
14…Na5: 14...Na5 heads for c4 and gives up the pawn on c7 on purpose.
15.Bxc7: White takes the pawn on c7.
15…Rac8: 15...Rac8 attacks the bishop on c7 – it has to decide.
16.Bxa5: White gives the bishop for the knight on a5.
16…Qxa5: You recapture with the queen; the pawn is won back.
17.c4: White plays 17.c4 and pushes the pawn forward.
17…Bf6: 17...Bf6 aims at d4 again. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 11: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.cxd5 Qxd5 14.c4 Qd6 15.d5 Ne5 16.Nd4 Bd7 17.a4 Rae8

up to 13…Qxd5 as line 10

14.c4: The pawn attacks your queen. With Qd6 it steps aside.
14…Qd6: The queen stands safely. White's pawns on c4 and d4 are targets for your pieces.
15.d5: White advances with 15.d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
15…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and offers a trade against the knight on f3.
16.Nd4: White steps aside to d4 and attacks your bishop on f5.
16…Bd7: The bishop retreats to d7.
17.a4: With 17.a4 White gains space on the queenside.
17…Rae8: 17...Rae8 puts the rook on the e-file; the knight on e5 stands firmly. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 12: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Bf4 dxc4 14.Bxc4 Bd6 15.Bg3 Qd7

up to 12…Nc6 as line 11

13.Bf4: White develops the bishop to f4.
13…dxc4: You take on c4 and open the position.
14.Bxc4: White recaptures on c4.
14…Bd6: 14...Bd6 offers a trade against the bishop on f4. Stockfish: level (+0.13).
15.Bg3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White drops the bishop back and avoids the trade against your bishop on d6.
15…Qd7: 15...Qd7 connects the rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 13: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.a3 Nc6 11.cxd5 Qxd5 12.Nc3 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Bf5

up to 9…O-O as line 12

10.a3: White drives away the knight on b4. With Nc6 it returns.
10…Nc6: The knight is back on c6 and presses on d4.
11.cxd5: White trades. You recapture with the queen.
11…Qxd5: The queen stands centrally. White attacks your knight on e4.
12.Nc3: The knight attacks your queen and your knight. You trade on c3.
12…Nxc3: You trade. White recaptures with the b-pawn.
13.bxc3: White's pawns on c3 and d4 are loose. With Bf5 you develop.
13…Bf5: 13...Bf5 develops the bishop to its best diagonal. Stockfish: level (+0.17). (transposition)

Line 14: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.a3 Nc6 11.Nc3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Bf5

up to 10…Nc6 as line 13

11.Nc3: With 11.Nc3 White attacks your knight on e4.
11…Nxc3: You trade on c3.
12.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and strengthens d4.
12…Bf5: 12...Bf5 develops the bishop. Stockfish: level (+0.18). (transposition)

Line 15: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.cxd5 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 Qxd5 11.Re1 Bf5 12.Nc3 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 Be6 14.Re5 Qc6 15.Qe1 O-O-O 16.Bg5 Bxg5 17.Nxg5 Rhe8

up to 8…Nb4 as line 14

9.cxd5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White leaves the bishop on d3. You trade it.
9…Nxd3: You take the bishop – White loses his best attacker.
10.Qxd3: The queen recaptures. With Qxd5 you win the pawn back.
10…Qxd5: Material is level, you have the bishop pair.
11.Re1: The rook attacks the knight on e4. With Bf5 you cover it.
11…Bf5: The bishop covers the knight. The bishop pair gives you the better chances.
12.Nc3: The knight attacks your queen and your knight. You trade on c3.
12…Nxc3: You trade. White recaptures with the queen.
13.Qxc3: The queen aims at c7. With Be6 you regroup your bishop.
13…Be6: The bishop stands on e6. A little inaccurate according to Stockfish, but the position stays balanced.
14.Re5: The rook attacks your queen. With Qd6 or Qc6 you step aside.
14…Qc6: The queen goes to c6 against White's queen and the knight on f3.
15.Qe1: White sidesteps with the queen to e1.
15…O-O-O: You castle long.
16.Bg5: With 16.Bg5 White attacks the bishop on e7.
16…Bxg5: You trade bishops.
17.Nxg5: White recaptures on g5.
17…Rhe8: 17...Rhe8 brings the second rook to the centre. Stockfish: level (-0.07).

Line 16: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.cxd5 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 Qxd5 11.Re1 Bf5 12.Nc3 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 Be6 14.Qxc7 Bd6 15.Qc2 O-O

up to 13…Be6 as line 15

14.Qxc7: White takes the pawn on c7.
14…Bd6: 14...Bd6 attacks the queen and develops with tempo.
15.Qc2: The queen retreats to c2.
15…O-O: After castling you have good development for the pawn. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 17: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.cxd5 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 Qxd5 11.Re1 Bf5 12.Nc3 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 Be6 14.Qxc7 Bd6 15.Qc3 O-O

up to 14…Bd6 as line 16

15.Qc3: The queen retreats to c3.
15…O-O: You castle; your pieces are active. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 18: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.cxd5 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 Qxd5 11.Re1 Bf5 12.Ne5 g6 13.Qf3 O-O-O 14.g4 Bb4

up to 11…Bf5 as line 17

12.Ne5: The knight centralizes. You castle or play Bd6.
12…g6: 12...g6 takes h5 from White's queen and covers f5.
13.Qf3: The queen goes to f3 and attacks the bishop on f5.
13…O-O-O: You castle long.
14.g4: 14.g4 is too rash: the advance weakens White's king.
14…Bb4: 14...Bb4 attacks the rook on e1 and uses the weaknesses. Stockfish sees you clearly ahead (-0.97).

Line 19: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.cxd5 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 Qxd5 11.Re1 Bf5 12.g4 Bg6 13.Nc3 Nxc3 14.Qxc3 f6 15.Nh4 Kd7

up to 11…Bf5 as line 18

12.g4: With 12.g4 White attacks the bishop on f5.
12…Bg6: The bishop steps back to g6.
13.Nc3: With 13.Nc3 White attacks queen and knight.
13…Nxc3: You trade on c3.
14.Qxc3: White recaptures on c3.
14…f6: 14...f6 covers e5 and keeps the position closed. Stockfish: level (0).
15.Nh4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight attacks the bishop on g6.
15…Kd7: 15...Kd7 – the king connects the rooks; in this open position it is safe enough on d7. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 20: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c3 f5 10.Qb3 O-O 11.Nbd2 Na5 12.Qc2 Nc6 13.b4 a6 14.a4 Bd6 15.Ba3 Kh8

up to 7…Be7 as line 19

8.Re1: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the rook attacks your knight. With Bg4 you pin the knight on f3.
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight and puts pressure on d4.
9.c3: White covers d4. With f5 you support your knight on e4.
9…f5: The pawn holds the knight on e4 firmly – it can hardly be driven away.
10.Qb3: The queen attacks b7 and d5. You castle.
10…O-O: You castle and leave b7 to White – after Na5 you gain time.
11.Nbd2: White develops. With Na5 you attack the queen.
11…Na5: The knight attacks the queen. It has to move.
12.Qc2: The queen steps back to c2. With Nc6 your knight returns.
12…Nc6: The knight is back. Balanced.
13.b4: White gains space on the queenside. Your knight on e4 stays strong.
13…a6: 13...a6 takes b5 away from the white pawn.
14.a4: White prepares b5 with 14.a4.
14…Bd6: From d6 the bishop aims at the kingside.
15.Ba3: White puts the bishop on a3 against d6.
15…Kh8: 15...Kh8 takes the king out of the diagonal as a precaution. Stockfish: level (-0.08).

Line 21: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c3 f5 10.Qb3 O-O 11.Nbd2 Na5 12.Qa4 Nc6 13.Bb5 Bh4 14.g3 Bf6 15.Bxc6 bxc6

up to 11…Na5 as line 20

12.Qa4: The queen steps to a4. With Nc6 your knight returns.
12…Nc6: The knight is back – White is often content with a repetition.
13.Bb5: With 13.Bb5 White pins the knight on c6.
13…Bh4: 13...Bh4 attacks f2 – your play on the kingside is faster. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (-0.36).
14.g3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. 14.g3 drives away the bishop on h4 but weakens the squares around the white king – Stockfish then sees you slightly better (−0.47).
14…Bf6: The bishop steps aside to f6 and presses on d4.
15.Bxc6: White trades on c6.
15…bxc6: After 15...bxc6 you have the bishop pair and the half-open b-file. Stockfish: level (−0.09).

Line 22: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c3 f5 10.Qb3 O-O 11.Nbd2 Na5 12.Qa4 Nc6 13.Qb3

up to 12…Nc6 as line 21

13.Qb3: White puts the queen back on b3; the moves repeat. (transposition)

Line 23: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c3 f5 10.Qb3 O-O 11.Qxb7 Rf6

up to 10…O-O as line 22

11.Qxb7: 11.Qxb7 is a serious mistake: the queen grabs a pawn and is then out of play.
11…Rf6: 11...Rf6 brings the rook into the attack on White's king. Stockfish sees you clearly ahead (-3.45).

Line 24: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c3 f5 10.Nbd2 O-O 11.Qb3

up to 9…f5 as line 23

10.Nbd2: White develops. You castle.
10…O-O: You castle. Your knight on e4 stays strong.
11.Qb3: With 11.Qb3 White puts the queen against b7 and d5. (transposition)

Line 25: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c3 f5 10.Nbd2 O-O 11.Nf1 Bd6 12.Be2 Qf6 13.Ne5 Nxe5 14.dxe5 Qxe5 15.f3 Bc5

up to 10…O-O as line 24

11.Nf1: White reroutes the knight via f1.
11…Bd6: 11...Bd6 aims the bishop at the kingside.
12.Be2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White prepares to trade your bishop on g4.
12…Qf6: The queen lines up behind the bishop on d6 and eyes f2.
13.Ne5: The knight attacks the bishop on g4.
13…Nxe5: You trade the knight on e5.
14.dxe5: After 14.dxe5 the pawn attacks bishop and queen at once – both have to move. Stockfish: level (-0.10).
14…Qxe5: You take the pawn on e5.
15.f3: With 15.f3 White attacks knight and bishop at once.
15…Bc5: 15...Bc5+ – with check; your pieces are active. Stockfish: level (−0.13).

Line 26: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nc3 O-O 12.h3 Be6 13.a3 Bf6 14.Ne4 Bf5 15.Bc4 Nb6

up to 8…Bg4 as line 25

9.c4: White attacks d5. With Nf6 you pull the knight back.
9…Nf6: The knight retreats and covers d5.
10.cxd5: White trades. You recapture with the knight; Stockfish prefers the trade on f3 first.
10…Nxd5: The knight recaptures. Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Bxf3 first would be more accurate.
11.Nc3: White attacks your knight. You castle.
11…O-O: You castle. The pawn on d4 is isolated – a target for you.
12.h3: White questions your bishop. With Be6 it steps back; Stockfish prefers Bxf3.
12…Be6: The bishop blockades in front of the isolated pawn. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
13.a3: White takes b4 away from your knights. Your position stays solid.
13…Bf6: 13...Bf6 aims the bishop at d4.
14.Ne4: White attacks the bishop on f6 with the knight.
14…Bf5: 14...Bf5 aims the bishop at the knight on e4. Stockfish: level (+0.27).
15.Bc4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. From c4 the bishop attacks the knight on d5.
15…Nb6: 15...Nb6 attacks the bishop on c4. White has the isolated pawn on d4 but active pieces – Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.28).

Line 27: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nc3 O-O 12.h3 Be6 13.Qc2 h6 14.Bh7 Kh8 15.Bf5 Qd7

up to 12…Be6 as line 26

13.Qc2: White aims the queen at h7.
13…h6: 13...h6 covers the squares around the king.
14.Bh7: White gives check with the bishop on h7.
14…Kh8: The king goes to h8 and attacks the bishop.
15.Bf5: The bishop returns to f5 and offers a trade.
15…Qd7: 15...Qd7 accepts the trade; the position stays balanced. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 28: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nc3 O-O 12.h3 Be6 13.Ne4 h6 14.a3 Nf6 15.Nc3 Qd7

up to 12…Be6 as line 27

13.Ne4: White puts the knight on e4.
13…h6: 13...h6 takes g5 away from the knight.
14.a3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White takes the square b4 from your knight.
14…Nf6: With 14...Nf6 you offer to trade the knight on e4.
15.Nc3: The knight returns to c3. Stockfish: level (+0.23).
15…Qd7: With 15...Qd7 you connect the rooks and aim at h3 with queen and bishop. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.17).

Line 29: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nc3 O-O 12.Be4 Be6 13.Qc2 h6 14.Bh7 Kh8 15.Bf5 Qd7

up to 11…O-O as line 28

12.Be4: The bishop attacks along the diagonal. With Be6 you support d5; Stockfish mentions Nf6.
12…Be6: The bishop covers the knight on d5. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
13.Qc2: White aims the queen at h7.
13…h6: 13...h6 covers the squares around the king.
14.Bh7: White gives check with the bishop on h7.
14…Kh8: The king goes to h8 and attacks the bishop.
15.Bf5: The bishop returns to f5 and offers a trade.
15…Qd7: 15...Qd7 accepts the trade. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 30: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nc3 O-O 12.Be4 Be6 13.Qc2 h6 14.Bf5 Ncb4 15.Qb1 Bxf5

up to 13…h6 as line 29

14.Bf5: With 14.Bf5 White offers to trade bishops.
14…Ncb4: 14...Ncb4 attacks the queen on c2. Stockfish: level (-0.10).
15.Qb1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen steps away from the knight on b4.
15…Bxf5: 15...Bxf5 – you trade the active bishop on f5. Stockfish: level (−0.06).

Line 31: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nc3 O-O 12.Be4 Be6 13.a3 Bf6 14.Qd3 h6 15.Bd2 Nb6

up to 12…Be6 as line 30

13.a3: 13.a3 takes b4 away from your knights.
13…Bf6: 13...Bf6 aims the bishop at d4.
14.Qd3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. Together with the bishop on e4 the queen aims at h7.
14…h6: 14...h6 gives your king air and takes the square g5 from the bishop on c1.
15.Bd2: White develops with 15.Bd2. Stockfish: level (+0.25).
15…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and controls c4 and d5. White has more space – Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.21).

Line 32: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.Nc3 Bxf3 11.Qxf3 Nxd4 12.Qd1 Ne6 13.cxd5 Nxd5 14.Bb5 c6 15.Nxd5 cxb5 16.Qb3 O-O

up to 9…Nf6 as line 31

10.Nc3: White develops. With Bxf3 you trade and then attack d4.
10…Bxf3: You trade the defender of d4.
11.Qxf3: The queen recaptures. With Nxd4 you win a pawn.
11…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4 – White has some activity for it.
12.Qd1: The queen retreats. With Ne6 you post your knight; Stockfish mentions dxc4.
12…Ne6: The knight stands safely on e6. According to Stockfish dxc4 is more accurate.
13.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on e6.
13…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
14.Bb5: White gives check with the bishop on b5.
14…c6: 14...c6 blocks the check and attacks the bishop.
15.Nxd5: White trades on d5.
15…cxb5: You take the bishop on b5.
16.Qb3: White plays 16.Qb3 and keeps material balanced.
16…O-O: You castle and stand well. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 33: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 Bg4 9.c4 Nf6 10.Nc3 Bxf3 11.Qxf3 Nxd4 12.Qd1 Ne6 13.Bf5 dxc4 14.Qa4 c6 15.Bxe6 fxe6 16.Qxc4 O-O

up to 12…Ne6 as line 32

13.Bf5: With 13.Bf5 White attacks the knight on e6.
13…dxc4: You take the pawn on c4.
14.Qa4: White gives check with 14.Qa4.
14…c6: 14...c6 blocks the check.
15.Bxe6: White takes the knight on e6.
15…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn.
16.Qxc4: White wins the pawn on c4 back.
16…O-O: You castle; the position is level. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 34: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rhe1 Nc7 12.Ne4 Nxe4 13.dxe4 Bxg5 14.Nxg5 Ke7 15.Bc4 Be6

up to 4…Nxe4 as line 33

5.Qe2: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White attacks your knight on e4. With Qe7 you cover it.
5…Qe7: The queen covers the knight. After the knight retreats the queens are usually traded.
6.d3: The pawn attacks your knight. With Nf6 you pull it back.
6…Nf6: The knight retreats. The queens face each other.
7.Bg5: The bishop pins your knight. With Qxe2 you trade the queens.
7…Qxe2: You trade the queens – a quiet, balanced endgame.
8.Bxe2: The bishop recaptures. With Be7 you break the pin.
8…Be7: The pin is broken. Balanced.
9.Nc3: White develops. With c6 you take d5 away from the knight; Stockfish mentions h6.
9…c6: The pawn controls d5 and b5. According to Stockfish h6 is slightly more accurate.
10.O-O-O: White castles long. With Na6 you bring your knight into play via c7.
10…Na6: The knight goes via c7 to e6 – a typical plan in this endgame.
11.Rhe1: The rook occupies the e-file. With Nc7 you continue the plan.
11…Nc7: The knight stands on c7 and covers e6 and d5.
12.Ne4: White offers the knight trade. You take.
12…Nxe4: You trade the knights. White recaptures with the pawn.
13.dxe4: With Bxg5 you trade the bishops as well.
13…Bxg5: You trade the bishops – the endgame gets even quieter.
14.Nxg5: The knight recaptures. With Ke7 you bring the king to the centre.
14…Ke7: In the endgame the king belongs in the centre. Balanced.
15.Bc4: White puts the bishop on c4.
15…Be6: 15...Be6 offers a trade; in the endgame you stand safely. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 35: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rhe1 Nc7 12.Ne4 Nxe4 13.dxe4 Bxg5 14.Nxg5 Ke7 15.f4 Ne6

up to 14…Ke7 as line 34

15.f4: 15.f4 gains space on the kingside.
15…Ne6: 15...Ne6 attacks the knight on g5. Stockfish: level (+0.18).

Line 36: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rhe1 Nc7 12.Bf1 Ne6 13.Bh4 d5 14.Ne2 Kf8 15.h3 Rg8

up to 11…Nc7 as line 35

12.Bf1: White puts the bishop on f1.
12…Ne6: 12...Ne6 attacks the bishop on g5.
13.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4.
13…d5: 13...d5 takes space in the centre.
14.Ne2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight regroups.
14…Kf8: In the endgame without queens your king is fine on f8 – castling is not needed.
15.h3: White plays 15.h3. Stockfish: level (-0.08).
15…Rg8: 15...Rg8 prepares the advance of the g-pawn, which drives away the bishop on h4. Stockfish: level (−0.07).

Line 37: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rhe1 Nc7 12.Nd4 Ne6 13.Nxe6 Bxe6 14.Bf3 h6 15.Be3 a5

up to 11…Nc7 as line 36

12.Nd4: The knight goes to d4.
12…Ne6: 12...Ne6 attacks the bishop on g5 and the knight on d4.
13.Nxe6: White trades on e6.
13…Bxe6: You recapture with the bishop.
14.Bf3: White puts the bishop on f3.
14…h6: 14...h6 attacks the bishop on g5. Stockfish: level (-0.04).
15.Be3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The bishop drops back.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space on the queenside; the bishop on e6 is defended by the king. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 38: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rhe1 Nc7 12.d4 Be6 13.g3 h6 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Bc4 d5

up to 11…Nc7 as line 37

12.d4: White puts the pawn on d4.
12…Be6: You develop the bishop to e6.
13.g3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
13…h6: 13...h6 questions the bishop on g5.
14.Bxf6: White trades on f6.
14…Bxf6: You now have the bishop pair.
15.Bc4: White puts the bishop against e6. Stockfish: level (-0.16).
15…d5: With 15...d5 you drive the bishop away and have a good centre. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (−0.17).

Line 39: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rhe1 Nc7 12.h3 Ne6 13.Be3 d5 14.d4 Bd6 15.Bd3 Ng8

up to 11…Nc7 as line 38

12.h3: 12.h3 takes g4 away from your pieces.
12…Ne6: 12...Ne6 attacks the bishop on g5.
13.Be3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
13…d5: 13...d5 – you take space in the centre.
14.d4: White puts the pawn on d4.
14…Bd6: The bishop stands actively on d6.
15.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…Ng8: 15...Ng8 – the knight regroups via e7; a quiet, level endgame (−0.04).

Line 40: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Ne4 Nxe4 12.dxe4 Nc5 13.Bxe7 Kxe7 14.Rhe1 Be6 15.Nd4 a5

up to 10…Na6 as line 39

11.Ne4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You trade the knights.
11…Nxe4: You trade the knights. White recaptures with the pawn.
12.dxe4: With Nc5 you bring your knight to a strong square.
12…Nc5: The knight stands strongly on c5 and attacks e4.
13.Bxe7: White trades on e7.
13…Kxe7: You recapture with the king – without queens it stands well in the centre.
14.Rhe1: White brings the rook to the e-file.
14…Be6: 14...Be6 develops the bishop. Stockfish: level (0).
15.Nd4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight comes to d4 and attacks the bishop on e6.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space; the bishop on e6 is defended by the king. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 41: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.d4 Nc7 12.Rhe1

up to 10…Na6 as line 40

11.d4: White takes space with 11.d4.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 – from there to e6.
12.Rhe1: White brings the rook to the e-file. Stockfish: level (-0.13). (transposition)

Line 42: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.h3 Nc7 12.Rhe1

up to 10…Na6 as line 41

11.h3: 11.h3 takes g4 away from your pieces.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 – from there to e6.
12.Rhe1: White brings the rook to the e-file. Stockfish: level (-0.02). (transposition)

Line 43: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6 11.Rde1 Nc7 12.Bd1 a5 13.Rhf1 Kf8 14.Nd2 a4 15.a3 d5

up to 10…Na6 as line 42

11.Rde1: White puts the rook on e1.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 – from there to e6.
12.Bd1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White regroups the bishop.
12…a5: 12...a5 – you gain space on the queenside.
13.Rhf1: White brings the second rook to f1.
13…Kf8: Your king goes to f8 – without queens that is enough.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
14…a4: The pawn on a4 takes White's room on the queenside.
15.a3: White plays 15.a3. Stockfish: level (+0.08).
15…d5: With 15...d5 you gain space in the centre. Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 44: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O Na6 11.Rfe1 Nc7 12.Rab1 Ne6 13.Bd2 O-O 14.b4 Bd7 15.g3 b5

up to 9…c6 as line 43

10.O-O: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Na6 you bring the knight into play via c7.
10…Na6: The knight goes via c7. Balanced.
11.Rfe1: White puts the rook on e1.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 – from there to e6.
12.Rab1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
12…Ne6: The knight comes to e6 and aims at d4 and f4.
13.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
13…O-O: You castle.
14.b4: White gains space on the queenside.
14…Bd7: You develop the bishop to d7.
15.g3: White plays 15.g3. Stockfish: level (-0.01).
15…b5: With 15...b5 you stop White's queenside. Stockfish: level (−0.01).

Line 45: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.Ne4 Nbd7 11.O-O-O Nxe4 12.dxe4 Nc5

up to 9…c6 as line 44

10.Ne4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You trade the knights or play Nbd7.
10…Nbd7: 10...Nbd7 puts the knight against e4.
11.O-O-O: White castles long.
11…Nxe4: You trade on e4 – the bishop on g5 then hangs. Stockfish: level (-0.12).
12.dxe4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White recaptures with the pawn.
12…Nc5: 12...Nc5 – By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 46: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.Ne4 Nbd7 11.Nxf6 Nxf6 12.O-O-O Bd7 13.h3 O-O-O 14.c4 Rde8 15.Be3 Kc7

up to 10…Nbd7 as line 45

11.Nxf6: White trades on f6.
11…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight.
12.O-O-O: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
12…Bd7: The bishop is developed.
13.h3: White plays 13.h3.
13…O-O-O: You castle long as well.
14.c4: White plays 14.c4 and takes space.
14…Rde8: The rook goes to the e-file, against the bishop on e2.
15.Be3: White puts the bishop on e3. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Kc7: 15...Kc7 – your king is safe and neither side has weaknesses. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 47: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.O-O O-O 10.Nc3 c6 11.b4 Re8 12.Rfb1 h6 13.Bd2 a5 14.b5 c5 15.b6 Bd7

up to 8…Be7 as line 46

9.O-O: White castles short. With h6 you question the bishop.
9…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3.
10…c6: 10...c6 takes d5 away from the knight.
11.b4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White gains space on the queenside.
11…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file.
12.Rfb1: White puts the rook on b1.
12…h6: 12...h6 questions the bishop on g5.
13.Bd2: White pulls the bishop back to d2.
13…a5: 13...a5 attacks the pawn on b4.
14.b5: White advances with 14.b5.
14…c5: With 14...c5 you close the queenside.
15.b6: White plays 15.b6. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bd7: With 15...Bd7 you develop the bishop. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 48: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Nc3 Qxe2 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.O-O O-O 10.Nd4 Re8 11.Re1 c6 12.Bf4 d5 13.Bf3 Bd7 14.a3 Na6 15.h3 Rac8

up to 6…Nf6 as line 47

7.Nc3: White develops. With Qxe2 you trade the queens; Stockfish mentions Nc6.
7…Qxe2: You trade the queens. According to Stockfish Nc6 is slightly more accurate.
8.Bxe2: The bishop recaptures. With Be7 you develop.
8…Be7: The bishop goes to e7. According to Stockfish the fianchetto with g6 is more accurate.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
9…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
10.Nd4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight goes into the centre.
10…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
11.Re1: White puts the rook on the e-file.
11…c6: 11...c6 takes the squares b5 and d5 from the knight.
12.Bf4: White develops the bishop to f4.
12…d5: 12...d5 – you take space in the centre.
13.Bf3: White puts the bishop on f3.
13…Bd7: You develop the bishop to d7.
14.a3: White plays 14.a3.
14…Na6: The knight goes to a6 to come into play via c7.
15.h3: White plays 15.h3. Stockfish: level (+0.04).
15…Rac8: With 15...Rac8 your rooks are in place. Stockfish: level (+0.03).

Line 49: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Qxe7 Bxe7 8.Nc3 c6 9.g3 Na6 10.Bg2 Nc7 11.O-O O-O 12.Re1 Re8 13.Bd2 d5 14.h3 Nd7 15.a3 Nf8

up to 6…Nf6 as line 48

7.Qxe7: White trades queens at once. You recapture with the bishop.
7…Bxe7: The bishop recaptures and develops. Balanced.
8.Nc3: White develops. You castle and put the rook on e8.
8…c6: 8...c6 takes b5 and d5 away from the knight on c3.
9.g3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…Na6: The knight goes via a6 to c7.
10.Bg2: White puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
10…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 – from there to e6.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
11…O-O: You castle.
12.Re1: White puts the rook on the e-file against your bishop.
12…Re8: You put your rook against it.
13.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
13…d5: 13...d5 gains space in the centre.
14.h3: White plays 14.h3.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7.
15.a3: White plays 15.a3. Stockfish: level (-0.06).
15…Nf8: 15...Nf8 – the knight covers the kingside and can go on to e6. Stockfish: level (−0.02).

Line 50: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Qxe7 Bxe7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O c5 10.d4 Nc6 11.c3 Be6 12.Rd1 d5 13.Bg5 c4 14.Nbd2 Rfe8 15.a4 h6

up to 7…Bxe7 as line 49

8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2.
8…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
9…c5: 9...c5 takes space on the queenside.
10.d4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…Nc6: The knight attacks the pawn on d4.
11.c3: White puts the pawn on c3.
11…Be6: You develop the bishop to e6.
12.Rd1: White puts the rook on the d-file.
12…d5: 12...d5 – you take the centre.
13.Bg5: With 13.Bg5 White attacks the knight on f6.
13…c4: 13...c4 – you gain space on the queenside.
14.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2.
14…Rfe8: The rook goes to the e-file.
15.a4: White plays 15.a4. Stockfish: level (-0.14).
15…h6: With 15...h6 you question the bishop on g5. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (−0.11).

Line 51: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Qxe7 Bxe7 8.Bg5 h6 9.Bd2 O-O 10.Nc3 Re8 11.O-O-O Bd7 12.a3 Nc6 13.d4 a6 14.Re1 Kf8 15.h3 b5

up to 7…Bxe7 as line 50

8.Bg5: With 8.Bg5 White attacks the knight on f6.
8…h6: 8...h6 questions the bishop.
9.Bd2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The bishop drops back.
9…O-O: You castle.
10.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3.
10…Re8: The rook takes the e-file.
11.O-O-O: White castles long.
11…Bd7: You develop the bishop to d7.
12.a3: White plays 12.a3.
12…Nc6: The knight comes to c6.
13.d4: White puts the pawn on d4.
13…a6: 13...a6 prepares the advance of the b-pawn.
14.Re1: White puts the rook against your bishop on e7.
14…Kf8: 14...Kf8 covers the bishop on e7.
15.h3: White plays 15.h3. Stockfish: level (-0.12).
15…b5: With 15...b5 you attack on the queenside, where the white king is. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (−0.11).

Line 52: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.Kb1 Bf6 11.h4 O-O-O 12.Nd4 Nxd4 13.Bxd4 Be5 14.Qe3 Qa4 15.b3 Qa5

up to 4…Nxe4 as line 51

5.Nc3: White offers the knight trade. With Nxc3 you accept.
5…Nxc3: You trade the knights. White recaptures with the d-pawn and opens his bishop on c1.
6.dxc3: White has fast development and plans long castling. With Be7 you develop.
6…Be7: The bishop goes to e7. You castle short – your king is safe.
7.Be3: The bishop develops. With Nc6 you develop; Stockfish mentions Nd7.
7…Nc6: The knight goes to c6. According to Stockfish Nd7 is a touch more accurate.
8.Qd2: The queen prepares long castling. With Be6 you develop; Stockfish prefers Bf5.
8…Be6: The bishop develops. Inaccurate according to Stockfish – Bf5 is more active.
9.O-O-O: White castles long. With Qd7 you connect the rooks.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks – you can castle short or long.
10.Kb1: The king goes to safety. With Bf6 you put your bishop on the long diagonal.
10…Bf6: The bishop aims at White's queenside.
11.h4: White attacks on the kingside. With h6 you slow the pawn down.
11…O-O-O: You castle long – the rook stands on the d-file at once.
12.Nd4: With 12.Nd4 White attacks bishop and knight.
12…Nxd4: You trade on d4.
13.Bxd4: White recaptures and attacks the bishop on f6.
13…Be5: 13...Be5 puts the bishop centrally against d4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.34).
14.Qe3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen attacks the bishop on e5.
14…Qa4: 14...Qa4 – the queen attacks the pawns on a2 and c2.
15.b3: White drives the queen away.
15…Qa5: With 15...Qa5 the queen stays active on the queenside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.26).

Line 53: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.Kb1 Bf6 11.h4 O-O-O 12.Bg5 Qe7 13.Qf4 Ne5 14.Nd4 Bxg5 15.hxg5 Bd7

up to 11…O-O-O as line 52

12.Bg5: With 12.Bg5 White attacks the bishop on f6.
12…Qe7: 12...Qe7 covers the bishop and holds the position. Stockfish: level (+0.13).
13.Qf4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen takes post on f4, opposite the pawn on f7.
13…Ne5: The knight jumps into the centre to e5.
14.Nd4: White attacks the bishop on e6.
14…Bxg5: You trade the bishop on g5.
15.hxg5: White recaptures with the h-pawn and the h-file opens.
15…Bd7: 15...Bd7 – the bishop steps aside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.2).

Line 54: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.Kb1 Bf6 11.Bg5 Bxg5 12.Nxg5 O-O-O 13.Nxe6 Qxe6 14.Re1 Qd7 15.f4 a6

up to 10…Bf6 as line 53

11.Bg5: With 11.Bg5 White attacks the bishop on f6.
11…Bxg5: You trade on g5.
12.Nxg5: White recaptures with the knight and attacks the bishop on e6.
12…O-O-O: You castle long.
13.Nxe6: White trades on e6.
13…Qxe6: You recapture with the queen. Stockfish: level (+0.21).
14.Re1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The rook takes the open e-file and attacks the queen.
14…Qd7: The queen steps aside to d7.
15.f4: White gains space on the kingside.
15…a6: 15...a6 secures the square b5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.19).

Line 55: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.Kb1 Bf6 11.h3 a6 12.Ng5 Bxg5 13.Bxg5 f6 14.Be3 O-O-O 15.b3 Bf5

up to 10…Bf6 as line 54

11.h3: White plays 11.h3.
11…a6: 11...a6 takes b5 away from the knight.
12.Ng5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight attacks the bishop on e6.
12…Bxg5: You trade.
13.Bxg5: White recaptures with the bishop.
13…f6: 13...f6 drives the bishop away.
14.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3.
14…O-O-O: You castle long.
15.b3: White plays 15.b3. Stockfish: level (+0.26).
15…Bf5: With 15...Bf5 your bishop aims at c2. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.26).

Line 56: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.h4 h6 11.b3 Bf6 12.Nd4 a6 13.Nxc6 Qxc6 14.Bd4 Bxd4 15.cxd4 d5

up to 9…Qd7 as line 55

10.h4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle long or play Bf6.
10…h6: 10...h6 takes g5 away from White's pieces.
11.b3: White plays 11.b3.
11…Bf6: 11...Bf6 puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
12.Nd4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight goes into the centre.
12…a6: 12...a6 takes b5 away from the knight.
13.Nxc6: White trades the knight on c6.
13…Qxc6: You recapture with the queen.
14.Bd4: White offers the bishop trade.
14…Bxd4: You trade bishops. Stockfish: level (+0.22).
15.cxd4: After the trade White has the pawn on d4 in the centre.
15…d5: With 15...d5 you blockade the pawn on d4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.24).

Line 57: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.b3 a6 11.Be2 Bf6 12.Nd4 O-O-O 13.Kb2 g6 14.Rhe1 h5 15.Nxc6 Qxc6

up to 9…Qd7 as line 56

10.b3: White plays 10.b3.
10…a6: 10...a6 takes b5 away from the knight.
11.Be2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…Bf6: The bishop takes post on f6 and eyes d4.
12.Nd4: With 12.Nd4 White attacks bishop and knight.
12…O-O-O: You castle long.
13.Kb2: The king goes to b2.
13…g6: 13...g6 prepares h5.
14.Rhe1: White brings the rook to the e-file.
14…h5: 14...h5 gains space on the kingside.
15.Nxc6: White trades on c6. Stockfish: level (+0.15).
15…Qxc6: After 15...Qxc6 the trade is over. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.19).

Line 58: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 Be6 9.O-O-O Qd7 10.a3 a6 11.Kb1 O-O-O 12.Ng5 Bxg5 13.Bxg5 f6 14.Be3 Qf7 15.b3 Rhe8

up to 9…Qd7 as line 57

10.a3: White plays 10.a3.
10…a6: 10...a6 takes b5 away from the knight.
11.Kb1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…O-O-O: You castle long.
12.Ng5: The knight attacks the bishop on e6.
12…Bxg5: You trade on g5.
13.Bxg5: White recaptures with the bishop.
13…f6: 13...f6 drives the bishop away.
14.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3.
14…Qf7: The queen goes to f7 and defends the bishop on e6.
15.b3: White plays 15.b3. Stockfish: level (+0.13).
15…Rhe8: With 15...Rhe8 your rooks are in place. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.13).

Line 59: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Bd3 Be6 9.Qe2 Qd7 10.O-O-O O-O 11.Kb1 Rae8 12.h3 a6 13.Qd2 Rd8 14.Qe2 Rde8

up to 7…Nc6 as line 58

8.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3.
8…Be6: You develop the bishop to e6.
9.Qe2: White puts the queen on e2.
9…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
10.O-O-O: White castles long; the kings stand on opposite sides.
10…O-O: You castle short.
11.Kb1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…Rae8: The rook goes to the e-file, against the queen on e2.
12.h3: White plays 12.h3.
12…a6: 12...a6 takes b5 away from the bishop.
13.Qd2: The queen goes to d2.
13…Rd8: You put the rook on the d-file.
14.Qe2: The queen returns to e2. Stockfish: level (+0.14).
14…Rde8: 14...Rde8 – The moves repeat. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 60: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Bf4 O-O 8.Qd2 Nd7 9.O-O-O Nc5 10.Be3 Re8 11.Bc4 Be6 12.Bxe6 Nxe6 13.h4 Qd7 14.Qd3 h6 15.Kb1 Qc6

up to 6…Be7 as line 59

7.Bf4: The bishop develops to f4. You castle.
7…O-O: You castle. Your king is safe.
8.Qd2: The queen prepares long castling. With Nd7 you bring the knight into play via c5.
8…Nd7: The knight goes via c5 – a good square.
9.O-O-O: White castles long. With Nc5 you post your knight actively.
9…Nc5: The knight stands strongly on c5. You follow with Be6 and Qe8.
10.Be3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You continue with Be6 and Qe8.
10…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
11.Bc4: White puts the bishop on c4.
11…Be6: 11...Be6 offers a trade.
12.Bxe6: White trades on e6.
12…Nxe6: You recapture with the knight.
13.h4: White plays 13.h4.
13…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3.
14…h6: 14...h6 takes g5 away from the bishop. Stockfish: level (+0.12).
15.Kb1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
15…Qc6: 15...Qc6 – the queen takes the long diagonal against g2. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.15).

Line 61: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Bf4 O-O 8.Qd2 Nd7 9.O-O-O Nc5 10.Nd4 Re8 11.f3 Ne6 12.Be3 Bg5 13.Bxg5 Qxg5 14.Qxg5 Nxg5 15.Bb5 c6

up to 9…Nc5 as line 60

10.Nd4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. Your knight on c5 stays strong.
10…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
11.f3: With 11.f3 White supports e4.
11…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks f4 and d4.
12.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3.
12…Bg5: 12...Bg5 offers to trade bishops.
13.Bxg5: White trades on g5.
13…Qxg5: You recapture with the queen.
14.Qxg5: White trades queens.
14…Nxg5: You recapture with the knight; the endgame is level. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15.Bb5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The bishop attacks the rook on e8.
15…c6: 15...c6 drives the bishop away. An endgame without queens – Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 62: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Bf4 O-O 8.Qd2 Nd7 9.O-O-O Nc5 10.h4 Bg4 11.Re1 Re8 12.Nd4 Bf8 13.Rxe8 Qxe8 14.f3 Bd7 15.h5 Qe7

up to 9…Nc5 as line 61

10.h4: White attacks on the kingside. With Be6 and Qe8 you stay solid.
10…Bg4: 10...Bg4 attacks the knight on f3.
11.Re1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White takes the e-file.
11…Re8: You put your rook against it.
12.Nd4: The knight goes to d4.
12…Bf8: The bishop drops back to f8.
13.Rxe8: White trades the rooks.
13…Qxe8: You recapture with the queen.
14.f3: White drives away the bishop on g4.
14…Bd7: The bishop retreats to d7.
15.h5: White plays 15.h5. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Qe7: With 15...Qe7 your queen takes the open e-file. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 63: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Bf4 O-O 8.Qd2 Nd7 9.O-O-O Nc5 10.Kb1 Re8 11.Bc4 Bf6 12.Rhe1 Bf5 13.Rxe8 Qxe8 14.Bg5 Ne4 15.Qd5 Nxg5

up to 9…Nc5 as line 62

10.Kb1: The king goes to b1.
10…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
11.Bc4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…Bf6: The bishop takes the long diagonal.
12.Rhe1: White puts the rook against your rook.
12…Bf5: The bishop is developed to f5.
13.Rxe8: White trades the rooks.
13…Qxe8: You recapture with the queen.
14.Bg5: With 14.Bg5 White attacks the bishop on f6. Stockfish: level (0).
14…Ne4: 14...Ne4 attacks the queen on d2 and the bishop on g5.
15.Qd5: The queen attacks f7.
15…Nxg5: With 15...Nxg5 you take the bishop. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 64: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Bf4 O-O 8.Qd2 Nd7 9.O-O-O Nc5 10.h3 Re8 11.Bc4 Be6 12.Bxe6 Nxe6 13.Be3 Qd7 14.Qd3 b6 15.h4 Nc5

up to 9…Nc5 as line 63

10.h3: White plays 10.h3.
10…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
11.Bc4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…Be6: You put the bishop against the bishop on c4.
12.Bxe6: White trades on e6.
12…Nxe6: After the trade the knight stands well on e6.
13.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3.
13…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
14.Qd3: The queen goes to d3.
14…b6: 14...b6 supports the square c5.
15.h4: White plays 15.h4. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…Nc5: With 15...Nc5 you attack the queen on d3. Stockfish: level (+0.03).

Chapter 2: 3.d4

Line 65: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Qh5 O-O 11.Qxd5 Bc6 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qh3 Ng5 14.Bxg5 Qxg5 15.Nc3 Rae8 16.Rad1 Re7 17.d5 Bd7

3.d4: The attack with 3.d4: White opens the centre. With Nxe4 you take the pawn.
3…Nxe4: You take on e4 – your knight stands centrally. White attacks it with the bishop.
4.Bd3: The bishop attacks the knight. With d5 you support it.
4…d5: The pawn supports the knight on e4 – your centre stands.
5.Nxe5: White wins back the pawn. With Nd7 you attack the knight on e5.
5…Nd7: You question the knight on e5 – the knights face each other.
6.Nxd7: White trades. You recapture with the bishop and develop it.
6…Bxd7: The bishop stands on d7. You have a comfortable position.
7.O-O: White castles. With Bd6 you develop.
7…Bd6: The bishop aims at h2. You castle next.
8.c4: White attacks d5. With c6 you support it; Stockfish prefers castling.
8…c6: The pawn supports d5. According to Stockfish castling is slightly more accurate.
9.cxd5: White trades. You recapture with the c-pawn.
9…cxd5: Symmetrical pawns. Your knight on e4 stands strongly.
10.Qh5: The queen attacks d5 and h7. You castle and give up the pawn on d5 for activity.
10…O-O: You castle. If White takes on d5, your bishop comes to c6 with tempo.
11.Qxd5: White takes the pawn. With Bc6 you attack the queen.
11…Bc6: The bishop drives the queen away – you have strong activity for the pawn.
12.Qh5: The queen returns. With g6 you drive it away.
12…g6: The pawn drives the queen away. Your pieces stand actively.
13.Qh3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Ng5 you attack the queen.
13…Ng5: The knight attacks the queen – you gain time for the attack.
14.Bxg5: White takes the knight on g5.
14…Qxg5: You recapture with the queen.
15.Nc3: White develops the knight.
15…Rae8: You bring the rook to the e-file.
16.Rad1: White puts the rook on the d-file.
16…Re7: 16...Re7 prepares to double the rooks.
17.d5: 17.d5 is inaccurate: the pawn becomes weak.
17…Bd7: 17...Bd7 attacks the queen on h3. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (-0.55).

Line 66: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Qh5 O-O 11.Qxd5 Bc6 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qh3 Ng5 14.Qg4 Ne6 15.Bh6 Re8 16.Nc3 Nxd4

up to 13…Ng5 as line 65

14.Qg4: The queen attacks the knight on g5.
14…Ne6: The knight retreats to e6.
15.Bh6: With 15.Bh6 White attacks the rook on f8.
15…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
16.Nc3: White develops the knight.
16…Nxd4: You take the pawn on d4. Stockfish: level (-0.04).

Line 67: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Qh5 O-O 11.Qxd5 Bc6 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qh3 Ng5 14.Qh6 Ne6 15.Nc3 Nxd4

up to 13…Ng5 as line 66

14.Qh6: The queen goes to h6 and attacks the knight on g5.
14…Ne6: The knight retreats to e6 and covers g7. Stockfish: level (-0.09).
15.Nc3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White develops the knight.
15…Nxd4: 15...Nxd4 – you take the pawn on d4. Stockfish: level (−0.02).

Line 68: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Nc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3 O-O 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qxd5 Qc7 14.Qf3 Qxc3 15.Bh6 Rfe8 16.Qf6 Bf8 17.Bxf8 Rxf8

up to 9…cxd5 as line 67

10.Nc3: White attacks your knight. You trade on c3.
10…Nxc3: You trade. White recaptures with the b-pawn.
11.bxc3: You castle next.
11…O-O: Both have castled. Balanced.
12.Qh5: The queen attacks d5 and h7. With g6 you drive it away.
12…g6: The pawn covers h7. If White takes on d5, you activate your queen.
13.Qxd5: White takes the pawn. With Qc7 you attack c3.
13…Qc7: The queen attacks c3 – you win the pawn back.
14.Qf3: The queen retreats to f3.
14…Qxc3: You take the pawn on c3.
15.Bh6: With 15.Bh6 White attacks the rook on f8.
15…Rfe8: The rook goes to e8.
16.Qf6: The queen penetrates to f6.
16…Bf8: 16...Bf8 covers g7 and attacks the bishop on h6.
17.Bxf8: White trades on f8.
17…Rxf8: You recapture with the rook; your extra pawn balances White's activity. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 69: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Nc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3 O-O 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qxd5 Qc7 14.Bh6 Rfd8 15.Qg5 Qxc3

up to 13…Qc7 as line 68

14.Bh6: With 14.Bh6 White attacks the rook on f8.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to the d-file against the queen. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15.Qg5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen steps aside and attacks the rook on d8.
15…Qxc3: 15...Qxc3 – you take the pawn on c3; the rook on d8 is defended by the rook on a8. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 70: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Nc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3 O-O 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qxd5 Qc7 14.c4 Bxh2 15.Kh1 Bc6

up to 13…Qc7 as line 69

14.c4: White plays 14.c4.
14…Bxh2: You take the pawn on h2 with check. Stockfish: level (+0.12).
15.Kh1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The king goes to h1 and attacks the bishop on h2.
15…Bc6: 15...Bc6 – you attack the queen on d5; it has to move before White can take the bishop on h2. Stockfish: level (+0.1).

Line 71: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.Nc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3 O-O 12.Qh5 g6 13.Qxd5 Qc7 14.h3 Be6 15.Qf3 Qxc3

up to 13…Qc7 as line 70

14.h3: White plays 14.h3.
14…Be6: 14...Be6 attacks the queen on d5.
15.Qf3: The queen retreats to f3.
15…Qxc3: You take the pawn on c3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 72: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c4 c6 9.Nc3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 O-O 11.cxd5 cxd5

up to 8…c6 as line 71

9.Nc3: White attacks your knight. You trade on c3.
9…Nxc3: You trade. White recaptures with the b-pawn.
10.bxc3: You castle next.
10…O-O: Both have castled. Balanced.
11.cxd5: White trades. You recapture with the c-pawn.
11…cxd5: You recapture on d5 and have a firm centre. Stockfish: level (+0.08). (transposition)

Line 73: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.Nc3 Nxc3 9.bxc3 O-O 10.Qh5 f5 11.Re1 Qf6 12.Qf3 c6 13.Bf4 Rae8 14.a4 Bxf4 15.Qxf4 c5

up to 7…Bd6 as line 72

8.Nc3: White attacks your knight. You trade on c3.
8…Nxc3: You trade. White recaptures with the b-pawn.
9.bxc3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. You castle.
9…O-O: Both have castled. Against Qh5 f5 is ready.
10.Qh5: The queen attacks h7. With f5 you defend and block the diagonal.
10…f5: The pawn covers h7 and blocks the bishop on d3.
11.Re1: White puts the rook on the e-file.
11…Qf6: The queen goes to f6.
12.Qf3: The queen goes to f3.
12…c6: 12...c6 supports d5.
13.Bf4: With 13.Bf4 White offers to trade bishops.
13…Rae8: You bring the rook to the e-file.
14.a4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
14…Bxf4: You trade the bishop on f4.
15.Qxf4: White recaptures with the queen. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15…c5: With 15...c5 you attack the pawn on d4. Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 74: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.Nc3 Nxc3 9.bxc3 O-O 10.Qh5 f5 11.Rb1 b6 12.Re1 h6 13.Qf3 c6 14.Bf4 Qc7 15.Bxd6 Qxd6

up to 10…f5 as line 73

11.Rb1: White puts the rook on the b-file.
11…b6: 11...b6 keeps the b-file closed.
12.Re1: White puts the rook on the e-file.
12…h6: 12...h6 gives the king air.
13.Qf3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
13…c6: 13...c6 supports d5.
14.Bf4: White offers the bishop trade.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7.
15.Bxd6: White trades on d6. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Qxd6: After 15...Qxd6 your pawn on f5 and the bishop on d7 hold the kingside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 75: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.Qh5 Nf6 9.Re1 Kf8 10.Qe2 Bg4 11.Qf1 Be6 12.Qe2 Bg4

up to 7…Bd6 as line 74

8.Qh5: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the queen aims at f7 and h7. With Nf6 you drive it away and cover h7.
8…Nf6: 8...Nf6 attacks the queen on h5.
9.Re1: White gives check with 9.Re1.
9…Kf8: The king goes to f8.
10.Qe2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…Bg4: The bishop attacks the queen.
11.Qf1: The queen goes to f1.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6.
12.Qe2: The queen attacks the bishop on e6. Stockfish: level (+0.22).
12…Bg4: The moves repeat. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 76: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nc3 Nxe5 7.dxe5 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bc5 9.O-O O-O 10.Qh5 g6 11.Qh6 Re8 12.Qf4 Qd7 13.h3 Qe6 14.Bd2 Bf8 15.Rae1 c5

up to 5…Nd7 as line 75

6.Nc3: White attacks your knight on e4. With Nxe5 you first trade the knight on e5.
6…Nxe5: You trade. White recaptures with the d-pawn.
7.dxe5: With Nxc3 you trade the second knight too.
7…Nxc3: You trade. White recaptures with the b-pawn.
8.bxc3: With Bc5 you develop your bishop actively.
8…Bc5: The bishop stands actively. Balanced.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
9…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
10.Qh5: The queen goes to h5.
10…g6: 10...g6 attacks the queen.
11.Qh6: The queen goes to h6 and attacks the rook.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8.
12.Qf4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen steps aside.
12…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
13.h3: White plays 13.h3.
13…Qe6: The queen stands strongly on e6, in front of the pawn on e5.
14.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
14…Bf8: The bishop drops back to f8 and covers the kingside.
15.Rae1: White brings the rook to e1. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15…c5: With 15...c5 you gain space on the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 77: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nc3 Nxe5 7.dxe5 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bc5 9.Qh5 Be6 10.Rb1 Qd7 11.O-O b6 12.Qh4 Bf5 13.Re1 O-O 14.Be3 Bxd3 15.Bxc5 bxc5

up to 8…Bc5 as line 76

9.Qh5: The queen goes to h5.
9…Be6: You develop the bishop to e6.
10.Rb1: White puts the rook on the b-file.
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
11.O-O: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
11…b6: 11...b6 supports the bishop on c5.
12.Qh4: The queen goes to h4.
12…Bf5: The bishop lines up against the bishop on d3.
13.Re1: White puts the rook on e1.
13…O-O: You castle.
14.Be3: White offers the bishop trade.
14…Bxd3: You trade the light-squared bishops.
15.Bxc5: White trades on c5. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…bxc5: After 15...bxc5 the b-file is half-open. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 78: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Qe2 Nxe5 7.Bxe4 dxe4 8.Qxe4 Be6 9.Qxe5 Qd7 10.Be3 Bb4 11.c3 Bd6 12.Qxg7 O-O-O 13.Nd2 Rde8 14.d5 Bxd5 15.O-O-O Qc6

up to 5…Nd7 as line 77

6.Qe2: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – the queen attacks your knight. With Nxe5 you trade.
6…Nxe5: You trade the knight on e5.
7.Bxe4: White takes your knight. You recapture with the d-pawn.
7…dxe4: The pawn recaptures. White wins it with the queen.
8.Qxe4: The queen attacks the knight on e5. With Be6 you develop.
8…Be6: You develop the bishop and leave the knight on e5: after Qxe5 White is a pawn up, but you have the bishop pair and the lead in development – balanced according to Stockfish.
9.Qxe5: White takes the knight and is a pawn up. With Qd7 and long castling you get your counterplay.
9…Qd7: The rooks get connected, long castling follows – White's king is still in the centre. Stockfish rates the position as balanced.
10.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3.
10…Bb4: 10...Bb4 gives check.
11.c3: 11.c3 is inaccurate: it gives you time to activate your pieces.
11…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and attacks the queen.
12.Qxg7: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. 12.Qxg7 – White takes the pawn on g7, but you get a lead in development for it. Stockfish then sees you slightly ahead (−0.46).
12…O-O-O: You castle long.
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
13…Rde8: The rook takes the e-file, against the white king.
14.d5: White gives the pawn on d5.
14…Bxd5: You take it with the bishop.
15.O-O-O: White castles long. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (-0.41).
15…Qc6: With 15...Qc6 the queen stays active. For the pawn you have strong play – Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (−0.43).

Line 79: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Qe2 Nxe5 7.Bxe4 dxe4 8.Qxe4 Be6 9.Qxe5 Qd7 10.O-O O-O-O 11.Be3 Bb4 12.c3 f6 13.Qg3 Be7 14.Nd2 h5 15.Qg6 Bf5

up to 9…Qd7 as line 78

10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
10…O-O-O: You castle long – the rook stands on the d-file at once.
11.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3.
11…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4.
12.c3: With 12.c3 White attacks the bishop on b4.
12…f6: 12...f6 attacks the queen on e5.
13.Qg3: The queen goes to g3.
13…Be7: The bishop retreats to e7. Stockfish: level (0).
14.Nd2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
14…h5: 14...h5 – you attack with the h-pawn.
15.Qg6: The queen attacks the pawn on h5.
15…Bf5: With 15...Bf5 you attack the queen. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 80: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Qe2 Nxe5 7.Bxe4 dxe4 8.Qxe4 Be6 9.Qxe5 Qd7 10.Nc3 O-O-O 11.Qa5 Qxd4 12.Be3 Bb4 13.Bxd4 Bxa5 14.O-O-O c6 15.Na4 b5

up to 9…Qd7 as line 79

10.Nc3: White develops the knight.
10…O-O-O: You castle long – the rook stands on the d-file at once.
11.Qa5: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen attacks the pawn on a7.
11…Qxd4: You take the pawn on d4.
12.Be3: White attacks your queen.
12…Bb4: 12...Bb4 – you attack the queen on a5 with tempo.
13.Bxd4: White takes the queen on d4.
13…Bxa5: You recapture – the queens are off.
14.O-O-O: White castles long.
14…c6: 14...c6 secures the squares d5 and b5.
15.Na4: The knight goes to a4. Stockfish: level (-0.10).
15…b5: With 15...b5 you attack the knight on a4. Stockfish sees you slightly ahead (−0.1).

Line 81: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.O-O Nxe5 7.dxe5 Nc5 8.Nc3 c6 9.Ne2 Be7 10.Re1 O-O 11.c3 Nxd3 12.Qxd3 Qd7 13.Nd4 Qg4 14.h3 Qg6 15.Qxg6 hxg6

up to 5…Nd7 as line 80

6.O-O: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Nxe5 you trade.
6…Nxe5: You trade. White recaptures with the d-pawn.
7.dxe5: The pawn attacks nothing, but your knight on e4 is in the way. With Nc5 you trade the bishop on d3.
7…Nc5: The knight attacks the bishop on d3 – White loses his attacking bishop.
8.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3.
8…c6: 8...c6 takes d5 away from the knight.
9.Ne2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The knight goes to e2.
9…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
10.Re1: White puts the rook on e1.
10…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
11.c3: White plays 11.c3.
11…Nxd3: You trade the bishop on d3.
12.Qxd3: White recaptures with the queen.
12…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
13.Nd4: The knight goes to d4.
13…Qg4: The queen goes actively to g4.
14.h3: With 14.h3 White attacks the queen.
14…Qg6: You offer the queen trade.
15.Qxg6: White trades queens. Stockfish: level (-0.04).
15…hxg6: After 15...hxg6 the h-file is half-open. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 82: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.O-O Nxe5 7.dxe5 Nc5 8.Be2 Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.c3 c6 11.Nd2 a5 12.Nb3 Nxb3 13.axb3 Bf5 14.Bd3 Qd7 15.Re1 Rfe8

up to 7…Nc5 as line 81

8.Be2: White puts the bishop on e2.
8…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
9.Be3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
10.c3: White plays 10.c3.
10…c6: 10...c6 supports d5.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…a5: 11...a5 gains space.
12.Nb3: The knight attacks your knight on c5.
12…Nxb3: You trade the knight on b3.
13.axb3: White recaptures with the a-pawn.
13…Bf5: The bishop lines up against d3.
14.Bd3: White offers to trade bishops.
14…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
15.Re1: White puts the rook on e1. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Rfe8: With 15...Rfe8 your rook stands against the pawn on e5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 83: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.O-O Nxe5 7.dxe5 Nc5 8.Be3 c6 9.f4 Nxd3 10.Qxd3 g6 11.Nd2 c5 12.Qe2 Bf5 13.c3 Be7 14.Nf3 Qd7 15.Bf2 Be4

up to 7…Nc5 as line 82

8.Be3: With 8.Be3 White attacks the knight on c5.
8…c6: 8...c6 supports d5.
9.f4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. 9.f4 supports the pawn on e5 and gains space.
9…Nxd3: You trade the bishop on d3.
10.Qxd3: White recaptures with the queen.
10…g6: 10...g6 holds up White's f-pawn.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2.
11…c5: 11...c5 gains space on the queenside.
12.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
12…Bf5: The bishop is developed to f5.
13.c3: White plays 13.c3.
13…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
14.Nf3: The knight goes to f3.
14…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
15.Bf2: The bishop goes to f2. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Be4: With 15...Be4 your bishop stands strongly on e4 and attacks the knight on f3. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 84: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 d5 5.Nbd2 Nxd2 6.Qxd2 Be7 7.Qf4 O-O 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Qg3 f6 10.exf6 Rxf6 11.O-O h6 12.Bf4 Bd6 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.h3 Qxg3 15.fxg3 Bd7

up to 3…Nxe4 as line 83

4.dxe5: White takes on e5. With d5 you support your knight.
4…d5: The knight stands safely. White attacks it with the knight.
5.Nbd2: White attacks your knight. With Nxd2 you trade; Stockfish mentions Nc5.
5…Nxd2: You trade the knights. Balanced.
6.Qxd2: Inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Be7 and castling you develop.
6…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
7.Qf4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The queen goes to f4 and supports the pawn on e5.
7…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
8.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3.
8…Nc6: The knight attacks the pawn on e5.
9.Qg3: The queen goes to g3.
9…f6: 9...f6 – you attack the pawn on e5.
10.exf6: White takes on f6.
10…Rxf6: After recapturing the rook stands actively on f6.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
11…h6: 11...h6 gives the king air.
12.Bf4: White develops the bishop to f4.
12…Bd6: You trade the bishops.
13.Bxd6: White trades on d6.
13…Qxd6: You trade the queens.
14.h3: White plays 14.h3.
14…Qxg3: With 15...Bd7 you develop the last bishop. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15.fxg3: White recaptures with the f-pawn.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop to d7. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 85: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 d5 5.Nbd2 Nxd2 6.Bxd2 Be7 7.Bd3 c5 8.c3 Nc6 9.O-O Bg4 10.Re1 Qd7 11.h3 Bh5 12.Bf4 Qe6 13.Be2 O-O 14.Bg3 h6 15.Qa4 Qd7

up to 5…Nxd2 as line 84

6.Bxd2: White recaptures with the bishop.
6…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
7.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3.
7…c5: 7...c5 attacks the centre.
8.c3: White supports with 8.c3.
8…Nc6: The knight comes to c6.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
9…Bg4: 9...Bg4 attacks the knight on f3.
10.Re1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The rook supports the pawn on e5.
10…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
11.h3: With 11.h3 White attacks the bishop.
11…Bh5: The bishop steps aside to h5 and keeps the pin.
12.Bf4: White puts the bishop on f4.
12…Qe6: The queen attacks the pawn on e5.
13.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
13…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
14.Bg3: The bishop goes to g3. Stockfish: level (+0.14).
14…h6: 14...h6 gives your king air.
15.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks the knight on c6.
15…Qd7: With 15...Qd7 you defend the knight on c6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.1).

Line 86: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 d5 5.Bd3 Nc5 6.O-O Nxd3 7.Qxd3 Be7 8.Nc3 c6 9.Ne2 O-O 10.Re1 Nd7 11.c3 Nc5 12.Qc2 Qd7 13.Nfd4 Re8 14.Ng3 Bf8 15.h3 f6

up to 4…d5 as line 85

5.Bd3: With 5.Bd3 White attacks the knight on e4.
5…Nc5: The knight retreats to c5 and attacks the bishop.
6.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
6…Nxd3: You trade the bishop on d3.
7.Qxd3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White recaptures with the queen.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
8.Nc3: White develops the knight.
8…c6: 8...c6 supports d5.
9.Ne2: The knight goes to e2.
9…O-O: You castle.
10.Re1: White puts the rook on e1.
10…Nd7: The knight goes via d7 to c5.
11.c3: White plays 11.c3.
11…Nc5: The knight comes to c5 and attacks the queen.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2.
12…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks.
13.Nfd4: The knight goes to d4.
13…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3.
14…Bf8: The bishop drops back to f8.
15.h3: White plays 15.h3. Stockfish: level (0).
15…f6: With 15...f6 you attack the pawn on e5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 87: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 d5 5.Bd3 Nc5 6.Be2 Ne6 7.O-O Be7 8.Re1 O-O 9.Nc3 c6 10.Bd3 Nc5 11.Ne2 Nxd3 12.Qxd3

up to 5…Nc5 as line 86

6.Be2: The bishop goes to e2.
6…Ne6: The knight goes to e6.
7.O-O: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
7…Be7: You develop the bishop to e7.
8.Re1: White puts the rook on e1.
8…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
9.Nc3: White develops the knight.
9…c6: 9...c6 supports d5.
10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3.
10…Nc5: The knight attacks the bishop on d3.
11.Ne2: The knight goes to e2. Stockfish: level (0).
11…Nxd3: You trade the bishop.
12.Qxd3: By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 88: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 d5 5.exd6 Bxd6 6.Bd3 Nc5 7.Be2 O-O 8.Nc3 Nbd7 9.O-O a6 10.Bg5 Nf6 11.Bh4 Re8 12.Re1 h6 13.Bc4 Be6 14.Bxe6 Rxe6 15.Rxe6 Nxe6

up to 4…d5 as line 87

5.exd6: White takes en passant on d6.
5…Bxd6: You recapture with the bishop.
6.Bd3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White develops the bishop.
6…Nc5: The knight attacks the bishop on d3.
7.Be2: The bishop steps aside.
7…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
8.Nc3: White develops the knight.
8…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
9…a6: 9...a6 takes b5 away from the knight.
10.Bg5: The bishop attacks the queen on d8.
10…Nf6: You put the knight in the way.
11.Bh4: The bishop goes to h4.
11…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
12.Re1: White puts the rook against it.
12…h6: 12...h6 takes g5 away from the bishop.
13.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4.
13…Be6: You offer the bishop trade.
14.Bxe6: White trades on e6.
14…Rxe6: You recapture with the rook.
15.Rxe6: White trades rooks. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Nxe6: After 15...Nxe6 many pieces are off – a quiet, level endgame (0).

Chapter 3: 3.Nc3

Line 89: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.O-O d5 9.Nf4 c6 10.Be3 Nd6 11.Re1 Nd7 12.Bf1 Nf5 13.Bd2 Ne5 14.Nd3 Ng6 15.Rxe8 Qxe8

3.Nc3: The Three Knights Game. With Bb4 you pin the knight; according to Stockfish Nc6 (into the Four Knights) is slightly more accurate.
3…Bb4: The bishop pins the knight on c3. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish, but playable.
4.Nxe5: White takes the pawn. You castle – your attack on e4 comes next.
4…O-O: You castle. The pawn on e4 hangs because the knight on c3 is pinned.
5.Be2: White develops. With Re8 you attack the knight on e5; Stockfish mentions Bxc3.
5…Re8: The rook attacks the knight on e5. It has to move.
6.Nd3: The knight retreats. With Bxc3 you trade and then win the pawn back.
6…Bxc3: You trade the knight on c3 – now e4 is undefended.
7.dxc3: With Nxe4 you win the pawn back.
7…Nxe4: Material is level. White has the bishop pair, you the better pawn structure.
8.O-O: White castles. With d5 you support the knight; Stockfish mentions h6.
8…d5: The pawn supports the knight. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
9.Nf4: The knight attacks d5. With c6 you cover it; Stockfish mentions Nf6.
9…c6: The pawn covers d5. According to Stockfish Nf6 is more accurate.
10.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3.
10…Nd6: The knight goes to d6.
11.Re1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The rook lines up against your rook on e8.
11…Nd7: The knight is developed.
12.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1.
12…Nf5: The knight goes to f5 and attacks the bishop on e3.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2.
13…Ne5: The knight comes into the centre to e5.
14.Nd3: White offers the knight trade.
14…Ng6: You step aside to g6.
15.Rxe8: White trades rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.28).
15…Qxe8: After 15...Qxe8 the e-file is yours. White has the bishop pair – Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.3).

Line 90: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.O-O d5 9.Nf4 c6 10.c4 d4 11.Re1 Na6 12.Bf1 Bf5 13.f3 Nd6 14.Rxe8 Nxe8 15.g4 Bg6

up to 9…c6 as line 89

10.c4: White plays 10.c4.
10…d4: 10...d4 takes space.
11.Re1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. The rook lines up against your rook on e8.
11…Na6: The knight goes to a6 to come into play via c5 or b4.
12.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1.
12…Bf5: The bishop supports the knight on e4.
13.f3: White drives away the knight on e4.
13…Nd6: The knight retreats to d6.
14.Rxe8: White trades the rooks.
14…Nxe8: You recapture with the knight. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.37).
15.g4: White attacks the bishop on f5.
15…Bg6: With 15...Bg6 the bishop steps aside. Your pawn on d4 takes space from White, but White has the bishop pair – Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.25).

Line 91: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.O-O d5 9.Re1 Bf5 10.f3 Nd6 11.Bf4 Nc6 12.Bg3 d4 13.cxd4 Nxd4 14.Bf1 Rxe1 15.Nxe1 Qf6

up to 8…d5 as line 90

9.Re1: White puts the rook on e1.
9…Bf5: You develop the bishop to f5.
10.f3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White drives away the knight on e4.
10…Nd6: The knight retreats to d6.
11.Bf4: The bishop attacks the knight on d6.
11…Nc6: You develop the other knight.
12.Bg3: The bishop goes to g3.
12…d4: 12...d4 – you open the position.
13.cxd4: White takes on d4.
13…Nxd4: The knight stands strongly on d4.
14.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1.
14…Rxe1: You trade the rooks.
15.Nxe1: White recaptures with the knight. Stockfish: level (+0.24).
15…Qf6: With 15...Qf6 you put the queen actively on f6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.18).

Line 92: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.O-O d5 9.Be3 Bf5 10.Re1 Nd7 11.a4 a5 12.Bf1 c6 13.f3 Ng5 14.Nf4 Ne6 15.Nxe6 Rxe6

up to 8…d5 as line 91

9.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3.
9…Bf5: You develop the bishop to f5.
10.Re1: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
10…Nd7: The knight is developed.
11.a4: White gains space on the queenside.
11…a5: 11...a5 stops the pawn on a4.
12.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1.
12…c6: 12...c6 supports d5.
13.f3: White drives away the knight on e4.
13…Ng5: The knight goes to g5.
14.Nf4: The knight goes to f4.
14…Ne6: The knight comes to e6.
15.Nxe6: White trades on e6. Stockfish: level (+0.28).
15…Rxe6: After 15...Rxe6 your rook stands actively on the sixth rank. White has the bishop pair – Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.29).

Line 93: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.Nf4 d6 9.O-O Nd7 10.c4 Ndf6 11.f3 Nc5 12.Rf2 a5 13.b3 Ne6 14.Nd5 Nxd5 15.cxd5 Qf6

up to 7…Nxe4 as line 92

8.Nf4: The knight regroups. With d6 you build solidly.
8…d6: The pawn supports the knight on e4.
9.O-O: White castles. With Nd7 you develop; Stockfish mentions Nc6.
9…Nd7: The knight comes via d7 to c5 or f6.
10.c4: White gains space. Your knight on e4 stays strong.
10…Ndf6: The knight goes to f6.
11.f3: With 11.f3 White attacks the knight on e4.
11…Nc5: The knight retreats to c5.
12.Rf2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
12…a5: 12...a5 gains space.
13.b3: White plays 13.b3.
13…Ne6: The knight comes to e6.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5.
14…Nxd5: You trade it.
15.cxd5: White recaptures with the c-pawn. Stockfish: level (+0.27).
15…Qf6: With 15...Qf6 you put the queen actively on f6 and attack the rook on a1. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.17).

Line 94: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.Nf4 d6 9.O-O Nd7 10.f3 Nef6 11.c4 Nf8 12.Rf2 Ng6 13.Nd5 Nxd5 14.cxd5 Qf6 15.a4 Bf5

up to 9…Nd7 as line 93

10.f3: With 10.f3 White attacks the knight on e4.
10…Nef6: The knight retreats to f6.
11.c4: White plays 11.c4.
11…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 – from there to g6.
12.Rf2: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
12…Ng6: The knight comes via f8 to g6.
13.Nd5: The knight goes to d5.
13…Nxd5: You trade the knight on d5.
14.cxd5: White recaptures with the c-pawn.
14…Qf6: The queen takes an active post on f6.
15.a4: White plays 15.a4. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15…Bf5: With 15...Bf5 you develop the last bishop. Stockfish: level (+0.09).

Line 95: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nd3 Bxc3 7.dxc3 Nxe4 8.c4 d5 9.Nf4 d4 10.O-O Bf5 11.Bd3 Na6 12.Qh5 Bg6 13.Qf3 Bf5 14.Nh5 Bg6 15.Nf4

up to 7…Nxe4 as line 94

8.c4: White plays 8.c4.
8…d5: 8...d5 takes space in the centre.
9.Nf4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
9…d4: 9...d4 – you gain space.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
10…Bf5: The bishop is developed.
11.Bd3: With 11.Bd3 White attacks the knight on e4.
11…Na6: The knight goes to a6.
12.Qh5: The queen attacks f7.
12…Bg6: The bishop retreats to g6.
13.Qf3: The queen attacks the knight on e4.
13…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5.
14.Nh5: The knight goes to h5.
14…Bg6: The bishop attacks the knight on h5; the moves repeat. Stockfish: level (0).
15.Nf4: The moves repeat. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 96: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Be2 Re8 6.Nf3 Nxe4 7.Nxe4 Rxe4 8.c3 Bf8 9.d4 Re8 10.O-O h6 11.Be3 d6 12.Bd3 Nd7 13.h3 Nf6 14.c4 c6 15.b3 b6

up to 5…Re8 as line 95

6.Nf3: The knight retreats to f3.
6…Nxe4: You take the pawn on e4.
7.Nxe4: White trades on e4.
7…Rxe4: You recapture with the rook.
8.c3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White prepares 9.d4.
8…Bf8: The bishop drops back to f8.
9.d4: White puts the pawn on d4.
9…Re8: The rook retreats to e8.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
10…h6: 10...h6 takes the square g5 from White's pieces.
11.Be3: White develops the bishop to e3.
11…d6: 11...d6 opens the bishop on c8.
12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3.
12…Nd7: The knight goes via d7 to f6.
13.h3: White plays 13.h3.
13…Nf6: The knight goes to f6.
14.c4: White plays 14.c4.
14…c6: 14...c6 secures d5.
15.b3: White plays 15.b3. Stockfish: level (+0.20).
15…b6: With 15...b6 you prepare to develop the bishop via b7. White has a little more space – Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.2).

Line 97: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Nd3 Bxc3 6.dxc3 Nxe4 7.Be2 d5 8.O-O c6 9.Nf4 Bf5 10.c4 dxc4 11.g4 Bg6 12.Qxd8 Rxd8 13.Bxc4 Nd7 14.Nxg6 hxg6 15.Re1 Nef6

up to 4…O-O as line 96

5.Nd3: The knight retreats at once. With Bxc3 you trade and win the pawn back.
5…Bxc3: You trade the knight – now e4 is undefended.
6.dxc3: With Nxe4 you win the pawn back.
6…Nxe4: Material is level.
7.Be2: White develops. With d5 you support the knight; Stockfish mentions Re8.
7…d5: The pawn supports the knight. Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
8.O-O: White castles. With Re8 you occupy the e-file.
8…c6: 8...c6 supports d5.
9.Nf4: The knight goes to f4.
9…Bf5: You develop the bishop to f5.
10.c4: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White attacks the pawn on d5.
10…dxc4: You take on c4.
11.g4: White attacks the bishop on f5.
11…Bg6: The bishop retreats to g6.
12.Qxd8: White trades the queens.
12…Rxd8: You recapture with the rook.
13.Bxc4: White wins back the pawn on c4.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7.
14.Nxg6: White trades the bishop on g6.
14…hxg6: After the recapture the h-file is half-open.
15.Re1: White puts the rook on e1. Stockfish: level (+0.19).
15…Nef6: With 15...Nef6 your knight is safe. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.22).

Line 98: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nxe5 O-O 5.Nd3 Bxc3 6.dxc3 Nxe4 7.Nf4 Re8 8.Be2

up to 6…Nxe4 as line 97

7.Nf4: The knight goes to f4.
7…Re8: You put the rook on the e-file.
8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2. Stockfish: level (+0.21). (transposition)

Line 99: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bc4 O-O 5.O-O d6 6.d3 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Be6 8.Bxe6 fxe6 9.Qe2 c5 10.d4 cxd4 11.cxd4 Nc6 12.dxe5 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 dxe5 14.Bb2 Qc7 15.h3 Rac8

up to 3…Bb4 as line 98

4.Bc4: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – White develops instead of taking the pawn. You castle.
4…O-O: You castle. According to Stockfish the trade on c3 is slightly more accurate.
5.O-O: White castles. With d6 you support e5.
5…d6: The pawn supports e5. According to Stockfish Bxc3 is more accurate.
6.d3: White builds quietly. Balanced.
6…Bxc3: You trade on c3.
7.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn.
7…Be6: 7...Be6 offers a trade against the bishop on c4.
8.Bxe6: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White trades the light-squared bishops.
8…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn – the f-file is half-open for your rook.
9.Qe2: The queen goes to e2.
9…c5: 9...c5 holds up the advance d3–d4.
10.d4: White opens the centre.
10…cxd4: You take on d4.
11.cxd4: White recaptures.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6.
12.dxe5: White takes on e5.
12…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight.
13.Nxe5: White trades on e5.
13…dxe5: You recapture with the pawn.
14.Bb2: White puts the bishop on b2.
14…Qc7: The queen attacks the pawn on c2.
15.h3: White plays 15.h3. Stockfish: level (+0.14).
15…Rac8: With 15...Rac8 your rooks stand on the half-open files. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.2).

Line 100: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bc4 O-O 5.d3 d5 6.exd5 Nxd5 7.Bd2 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bd6 9.Ng5 h6 10.Ne4 Nd7 11.Qf3 Nc5 12.Nxc5 Bxc5 13.O-O Qd6 14.Be3 c6 15.Rab1 Bxe3

up to 4…O-O as line 99

5.d3: White plays 5.d3.
5…d5: 5...d5 attacks the bishop on c4 and opens the centre.
6.exd5: White takes on d5.
6…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
7.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
7…Nxc3: You trade on c3.
8.bxc3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further.
8…Bd6: The bishop takes post on d6.
9.Ng5: The knight attacks the pawns on h7 and f7.
9…h6: 9...h6 drives the knight away.
10.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks the bishop on d6.
10…Nd7: The knight comes to d7.
11.Qf3: The queen goes to f3.
11…Nc5: The knight attacks the knight on e4.
12.Nxc5: White trades on c5.
12…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
13…Qd6: The queen is developed.
14.Be3: With 14.Be3 White attacks the bishop on c5.
14…c6: 14...c6 secures d5.
15.Rab1: White puts the rook on b1. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bxe3: With 15...Bxe3 you trade the bishops. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 101: 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.d3 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5 6.Bd2 Nc6 7.g3 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Qe7 9.Qe2 O-O 10.Bg2 Qa3 11.O-O Nxc3 12.Qe1 Nb5 13.Rb1 a6 14.Ng5 Nd6 15.Bxc6 bxc6

up to 3…Bb4 as line 100

4.d3: A mistake according to Stockfish – White leaves the pawn on e5 alone and misses Nxe5. You stand well.
4…d5: 4...d5 opens the centre.
5.exd5: White takes on d5.
5…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight.
6.Bd2: White develops the bishop to d2.
6…Nc6: The knight comes to c6.
7.g3: From here Stockfish plays on alone (depth 30) – the games go no further. White prepares the fianchetto.
7…Bxc3: You trade the knight on c3.
8.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn.
8…Qe7: 8...Qe7+ – check on the e-file.
9.Qe2: White puts the queen in the way.
9…O-O: You castle short – the king is safe and the rook joins the game.
10.Bg2: White puts the bishop on the long diagonal.
10…Qa3: 10...Qa3 – the queen attacks the pawn on c3.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety.
11…Nxc3: 11...Nxc3 – you win the pawn on c3.
12.Qe1: The queen goes to e1.
12…Nb5: The knight goes back to b5.
13.Rb1: The rook attacks the knight on b5.
13…a6: 13...a6 secures the knight on b5.
14.Ng5: The knight attacks f7 and h7.
14…Nd6: The knight defends f7.
15.Bxc6: White takes the knight on c6. Stockfish: level (-0.11).
15…bxc6: After 15...bxc6 you have won the pawn on c3 but have doubled pawns on the c-file – Stockfish: level (−0.07).