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

Starting position after 1.e4 d6

You start with d6 as in the Pirc Defense – but after d4 Nf6 Nc3 you do not put your bishop on g7; instead you strike at the centre at once with e5. This is the Philidor Defense through the back door, the so-called Hanham setup. White plays d4 in 97 % of the course's games; other second moves are not covered by the course. The course is for everyone who wants a solid, hard-to-crack position with clear plans and no long theory duels. The main idea: you hold the point e5 with Nbd7, Be7, O-O and c6, and then choose the right moment for exd4 or for gaining space on the queenside with b6, a6 and b5. White has three main roads: Nf3 with Bc4 and short castling (the most common), the exchange dxe5 with a queen trade into the endgame, and the quieter setup with Nge2. Stockfish sees White only slightly better after e5 (0.48), and in the games the exchange into the endgame ends in a draw in just over half of the cases.

The ideas

The point e5 is your anchor: Nbd7 and Be7 support it, so that White gains nothing with dxe5.
With c6 you control d5 and b5 and prepare the queenside expansion b6, a6, Rb8 and b5.
If the centre opens with exd4, your rook belongs on e8 (Re8) and your bishop on f8 (Bf8): pressure on the pawn e4.
If White pushes d5, you answer with cxd5 and use the open c-file with Bb7 and Rc8.
In the endgame after dxe5 dxe5 Qxd8 Kxd8 your king stands well in the centre; after Bxe6 fxe6 the doubled pawns control d5 and f5, and the f-file is open for your rooks.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3

Line 1: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.d5 cxd5 10.Nxd5 Bb7 11.b3 Rc8 12.Re2 Nxd5 13.Bxd5 Bxd5 14.Qxd5 Nf6 15.Qd1 d5 16.exd5 Qxd5

2.d4: White occupies the centre with two pawns – White plays this in 97 % of the games.
2…Nf6: You develop the knight and attack the pawn e4 at once. White has to defend it before building up further.
3.Nc3: The most natural defence of e4 – played in 93 % of the games. Now you decide on your setup.
3…e5: The key move of the course: instead of g6 you strike in the centre at once. Stockfish chooses this move itself; with it Black draws 42 % and wins 24 % of the games. After dxe5 dxe5 Qxd8 Kxd8 you lose the right to castle, but without queens your king is safe.
4.Nf3: The main road (63 %): White develops and attacks e5 a second time. Now you have to defend e5.
4…Nbd7: The Hanham setup: the knight defends e5, and you keep exd4 in reserve. Stockfish plays this move itself.
5.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7, the weakest point of your position. Get your king to safety quickly.
5…Be7: Modest but solid: the bishop prepares castling and controls the square g5. Played in 98 % of the games.
6.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety – you answer with castling yourself and hold e5 firmly.
6…O-O: Your king is safe. Now comes the typical plan with c6 – against almost every White move.
7.Re1: The rook strengthens e4 and prepares pressure on the e-file in case the centre opens.
7…c6: You take the square d5 away from White's knight and prepare to gain space with b5. Stockfish plays this move itself.
8.a4: White prevents b5 – the bishop on c4 must not be chased away. Almost all games continue this way.
8…b6: You prepare a6 and still b5, perhaps Bb7 as well. Stockfish prefers exd4 with d5 here, but the difference is small (0.03) – and in the games this move is the most frequent choice.
9.d5: White releases the tension – a mistake (0.31 worse than Ba2); the evaluation drops to 0.18. You now open the c-file.
9…cxd5: You capture and open the c-file for your rook. Stockfish plays exactly this.
10.Nxd5: The knight stands strongly on d5. You want to put it under pressure with Bb7 or exchange it.
10…Bb7: The bishop attacks d5 and e4 behind it. Stockfish prefers to exchange at once with Nxd5, but the difference is small (0.08).
11.b3: White supports the bishop on c4 and is thinking of Ba3 or Bb2.
11…Rc8: The rook takes the open c-file and aims at c2. Stockfish considers Nc5 equally good.
12.Re2: The rook covers c2 from the side. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted to play Nxe7; the evaluation falls to 0.
12…Nxd5: You exchange the strong knight. Stockfish would have preferred Nc5 (0.28 better), with pressure on e4.
13.Bxd5: The bishop on c4 takes your knight on d5 and now attacks the bishop on b7 – you have to trade.
13…Bxd5: One more exchange – White's pieces on d5 disappear, and your position gets more room.
14.Qxd5: White's queen stands in the centre, but she can be attacked.
14…Nf6: With tempo against the queen: it has to move, then d5 follows. Stockfish considers Rc7 almost equally good (0.01).
15.Qd1: The queen avoids your knight on f6 and goes back to d1 – the position is open and almost level (+0.24).
15…d5: The freeing central break: your weak pawn d6 disappears, and your pieces become active.
16.exd5: White captures, just as Stockfish suggests; the evaluation rises to 0.4.
16…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen and offer the queen trade. Watch your pawn e5: in Stockfish's line Qxd5 Nxd5 c4 Nc7 Nxe5 Rfd8 your active pieces give you play for it.

Line 2: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.d5 cxd5 10.Nxd5 Bb7 11.b3 Rc8 12.Ba3 Nxd5 13.Bxd5 Bxd5 14.Qxd5 Rxc2 15.Bxd6 Bxd6

up to 11…Rc8 as line 1

12.Ba3: Inaccurate (0.27): the bishop achieves little on a3, and afterwards Black is slightly better (-0.11). White wins none of these games.
12…Nxd5: Exchange on d5: after exd5 your knight jumps to a strong square with Nc5, and your rook presses on the c-file (Rc7).
13.Bxd5: The bishop takes your knight on d5 and attacks the bishop on b7 – another pair of minor pieces goes.
13…Bxd5: You take the bishop on d5 – White's minor pieces on the queenside are traded.
14.Qxd5: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
14…Rxc2: Your rook takes on c2 – via the open c-file you pick up a pawn.
15.Bxd6: The bishop on a3 takes back on d6 and attacks your bishop on e7 – material is level again. Stockfish: level (-0.08).
15…Bxd6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at -0.03 – almost level.

Line 3: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.d5 cxd5 10.Bxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 Bb7 12.c4 Rc8 13.b3 Nc5 14.b4 Nd7 15.Qb3 Nf6

up to 9…cxd5 as line 2

10.Bxd5: White takes with the bishop – Stockfish plays it this way too.
10…Nxd5: You exchange the active bishop; Stockfish plays this too.
11.Nxd5: White recaptures with the knight; it stands strongly on d5 and attacks your bishop on e7.
11…Bb7: The bishop attacks the knight on d5. Stockfish wanted Nf6 with an exchange on e7; the difference is small (0.1).
12.c4: White supports the knight with the pawn.
12…Rc8: The rook to the c-file: it presses on c4. In Stockfish's line you post the knight well with Nc5.
13.b3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
13…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks the pawn on e4 – from there it also eyes b3 and d3.
14.b4: 14.b4 drives your knight away from c5 and gains space on the queenside.
14…Nd7: The knight goes back to d7 and covers c5 and e5 – you stand firmly but a little cramped.
15.Qb3: The queen comes to b3 and covers the pawn on b4 – White has more space on the queenside, but your position is sound. Stockfish: level (+0.25).
15…Nf6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.17 – almost level.

Line 4: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.b3 a6 10.Bb2 Bb7 11.Bd3 Re8 12.Ne2 Bf8 13.Ng3 g6 14.Qd2 Ng4 15.c3 Bh6

up to 8…b6 as line 3

9.b3: White secures the bishop and wants to add Bb2 – a mistake (0.3); the evaluation drops to 0.19.
9…a6: You prepare b5. Stockfish prefers to develop with Bb7 first, but the difference is small (0.08).
10.Bb2: The bishop aims at e5 – but Stockfish wanted to play d5 here.
10…Bb7: Now you develop the bishop: it supports c6 and later b5. Stockfish agrees.
11.Bd3: The bishop steps back before b5 and adds a defender to e4.
11…Re8: The classical Philidor plan: rook to e8, then bishop to f8. Questionable: Stockfish prefers to open with exd4 (0.31 better).
12.Ne2: The knight travels via e2 to g3 towards the kingside.
12…Bf8: The bishop guards the kingside from f8, and the rook on e8 works against e4. Stockfish had the central strike d5 in mind (0.08 better).
13.Ng3: The knight eyes f5 and h5.
13…g6: You take the square f5 away from the knight. Five of six games from this position ended in a draw.
14.Qd2: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
14…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and aims at f2 and h2 – you look for active play on the kingside.
15.c3: 15.c3 supports d4 and covers b4 – the position stays closed and quiet. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.46).
15…Bh6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.43 – slightly better for White.

Line 5: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.b3 a6 10.d5 cxd5 11.Bxd5 Nxd5 12.Nxd5 Bb7 13.c4 Nf6 14.Nxe7 Qxe7 15.Nd2 b5

up to 9…a6 as line 4

10.d5: White does not close the centre but opens the c-file for you.
10…cxd5: You capture, and after Bxd5 Nxd5 Nxd5 Bb7 you have the same play on the c-file and against d5 as in the main line.
11.Bxd5: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
11…Nxd5: Your knight takes the bishop on d5 – now the knight on c3 is attacked, and White must recapture.
12.Nxd5: White recaptures with the knight; it stands centrally on d5 and attacks your bishop on e7.
12…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 and attacks the knight on d5 – the long diagonal belongs to you.
13.c4: 13.c4 supports the knight on d5 with a pawn – White wants to keep the square.
13…Nf6: The knight comes to f6 and attacks d5 a second time – White must trade or retreat.
14.Nxe7: The knight trades itself against your bishop on e7 with check – the square d5 is free.
14…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; she stands well on e7 and covers e5.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers e4 against your bishop on b7 – the position is level. Stockfish: level (+0.18).
15…b5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.17 – almost level.

Line 6: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Bg5 h6 10.Be3 Re8 11.h3 Qc7 12.d5 cxd5 13.Bxd5 Bb7 14.Bxb7 Qxb7 15.Qd3 Rac8

up to 8…b6 as line 5

9.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight – almost as good as Ba2 (0.07).
9…h6: You put the question to the bishop at once – Stockfish plays this way. If it retreats with Be3, Re8 follows in Stockfish's line.
10.Be3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – the bishop on e7 can later go to f8.
11.h3: 11.h3 takes the square g4 from your pieces and gives the king air.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and connects the rooks – she covers e5 once more.
12.d5: 12.d5 attacks your pawn on c6 and wants to open the centre.
12…cxd5: You take on d5 and thereby attack the bishop on c4.
13.Bxd5: The bishop takes on d5 and attacks your rook on a8 – the diagonal is open.
13…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 and covers the rook on a8 – you offer the bishop trade.
14.Bxb7: White trades the bishops and takes the long diagonal against e4 away from you.
14…Qxb7: You recapture with the queen; she stands on the long diagonal against e4.
15.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and covers e4 – a quiet middlegame with a slight edge for White. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.31).
15…Rac8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.29 – almost level.

Line 7: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Ba2 a6 10.h3 Rb8 11.Nh4 exd4 12.Qxd4 Nc5 13.Nf3 Be6 14.Bxe6 Nxe6 15.Qd3 b5

up to 8…b6 as line 6

9.Ba2: Stockfish's favourite: the bishop retreats before b5 or d5 and keeps aiming at f7.
9…a6: You prepare b5; Stockfish considers Bb7 equally good. Here White is somewhat better (0.42); you need patience.
10.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
10…Rb8: The rook supports b5. Stockfish's line: Be3 b5 axb5 axb5 b4 – then the queenside opens.
11.Nh4: A trap for White: the knight leaves the centre, and that costs 0.47 – the evaluation falls to 0.04.
11…exd4: Now you open the centre: after Qxd4 your knight jumps out with Nc5, and after Nf3 Be6 you oppose the bishop on a2. White's pressure on f7 is gone.
12.Qxd4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
12…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks e4 and a4 – via e6 or d3 it can join the game further.
13.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and covers the queen on d4 and e5.
13…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and offers a trade against the strong bishop on a2.
14.Bxe6: White trades on e6 – otherwise you would have taken on a2 yourself.
14…Nxe6: You recapture with the knight and attack the queen on d4.
15.Qd3: The queen goes back to d3 – the position is level, you have no weaknesses. Stockfish: level (+0.07).
15…b5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.05 – almost level.

Line 8: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Ba2 a6 10.h3 Rb8 11.Be3 b5 12.axb5 axb5 13.b4 Qc7 14.Bb3 Nb6 15.Qd3 Re8

up to 10…Rb8 as line 7

11.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White waits for your push on the queenside.
11…b5: 11...b5 is your plan after a6 and rook to b8: you gain space on the queenside.
12.axb5: White trades on b5 and opens the a-file for the rooks.
12…axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn – your pawn on b5 now stands forward.
13.b4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and connects the rooks – she covers e5.
14.Bb3: The bishop goes from a2 to b3, stays on the diagonal against f7 and covers a4 and c4.
14…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and eyes c4 and a4.
15.Qd3: The queen goes to d3, attacks the pawn on b5 and covers e4 – a quiet balance with a little more space for White. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.44).
15…Re8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.39 – slightly better for White.

Line 9: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Ba2 a6 10.h3 Rb8 11.Bg5 b5 12.axb5 axb5 13.b4 h6 14.Bh4 Re8 15.Qd2 Qb6

up to 10…Rb8 as line 8

11.Bg5: A mistake (0.31): the pin achieves little for White.
11…b5: You simply carry on with your plan. After Bh4 h6 Bg3 Qc7 your queen guards the pawn e5, and the bishop on g3 finds no target there.
12.axb5: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
12…axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn – the a-file is open, your pawn on b5 stands forward.
13.b4: 13.b4 fixes your pawn on b5 and takes the square c5 from you.
13…h6: 13...h6 asks the bishop on g5 whether it wants to trade or go back.
14.Bh4: The bishop goes to h4 and keeps the pin on the knight on f6.
14…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – the bishop can go to f8.
15.Qd2: The queen comes to d2 and eyes h6 – the position is almost level. Stockfish: level (+0.06).
15…Qb6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.13 – almost level.

Line 10: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Ba2 a6 10.Bg5 h6 11.Bh4 Qc7 12.h3 Rb8 13.Re3 b5 14.axb5 axb5 15.b4 Re8

up to 9…a6 as line 9

10.Bg5: The pin is almost as good as h3 (0.06).
10…h6: You ask the bishop whether it wants to exchange or retreat.
11.Bh4: White keeps the pin – Stockfish plays it this way too.
11…Qc7: The queen connects the rooks and supports e5. In Stockfish's line h3 and Rb8 follow.
12.h3: 12.h3 takes g4 from your pieces and gives the king air.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and prepares b5 – your plan on the queenside.
13.Re3: The rook goes along the third rank to e3 – later it can go to d3 or g3.
13…b5: 13...b5 gains space on the queenside and attacks the pawn on a4.
14.axb5: White trades on b5 and opens the a-file for the rooks.
14…axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn and keep the pawn on b5.
15.b4: 15.b4 fixes your pawn on b5 – both sides stand solidly. Stockfish: level (+0.24).
15…Re8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.18 – almost level.

Line 11: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Ba2 a6 10.Be3 Rb8 11.h3

up to 9…a6 as line 10

10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White develops quietly.
10…Rb8: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
11.h3: 11.h3 takes g4 from your pieces – White waits, you prepare b5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.42). (transposition)

Line 12: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.h3 a6 10.Ba2

up to 8…b6 as line 11

9.h3: White secures the square g4 – almost as good as Ba2 (0.08).
9…a6: The plan with b5 again. After Ba2 you are in the main line.
10.Ba2: Transposition: play goes on as after Ba2 a6 h3 – with Rb8. (transposition)

Line 13: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 b6 9.h3 a6 10.d5 cxd5 11.Nxd5 Nxd5 12.Bxd5 Rb8 13.b4 Nf6 14.Bb3 Be6 15.Bxe6 fxe6

up to 9…a6 as line 12

10.d5: Inaccurate (0.11): White opens the c-file for you; Stockfish wanted Be3.
10…cxd5: You capture; after Bxd5 Nxd5 Nxd5 Nf6 you exchange the strong knight and have a comfortable game.
11.Nxd5: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
11…Nxd5: Your knight takes the knight on d5 – you trade the strong piece in the centre.
12.Bxd5: The bishop recaptures and attacks your rook on a8.
12…Rb8: The rook steps out of the attack to b8 and covers b6.
13.b4: 13.b4 gains space and holds your queenside.
13…Nf6: The knight comes to f6 and attacks the bishop on d5.
14.Bb3: The bishop goes back to b3, still aimed at f7.
14…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 and offers a trade of White's bishop.
15.Bxe6: White trades on e6 – after fxe6 the f-file is half-open for your rook. Stockfish: level (+0.27).
15…fxe6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.2 – almost level.

Line 14: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.Re1

up to 6…O-O as line 13

7.a4: White prevents b5 right away (28 %).
7…c6: Your standard move: d5 and b5 under control, room for the queen on c7. Stockfish sees it as the best move.
8.Re1: Transposition to the main line with Re1 c6 a4. (transposition)

Line 15: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.Ba2 b6 9.Re1

up to 7…c6 as line 14

8.Ba2: The bishop retreats as a precaution – inaccurate (0.23).
8…b6: You prepare a6 and b5. Questionable: Stockfish wanted to play exd4 with Nc5 (0.32 better).
9.Re1: Transposition to Re1 c6 a4 b6 Ba2. (transposition)

Line 16: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.Ba2 b6 9.Qe2 a6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.h3 Rb8 12.Be3 b5 13.axb5 axb5 14.b4 h6 15.Bb3 Nb6

up to 8…b6 as line 15

9.Qe2: The queen strengthens e4 and prepares Rd1.
9…a6: Again you prepare b5. Stockfish would have played Qc7 first, but the difference is small (0.09).
10.Rd1: The rook to the d-file: White threatens to open the file with d5.
10…Qc7: The queen supports e5 and leaves the d-file, where White's rook is lurking.
11.h3: A quiet move; Stockfish plays h3 too.
11…Rb8: The rook supports b5. Stockfish's line continues Be3 b5 axb5 axb5 b4 – the queenside opens.
12.Be3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
12…b5: 12...b5 is the lever you prepared with a6 and rook to b8.
13.axb5: White trades on b5 and opens the a-file for the rooks.
13…axb5: You recapture with the a-pawn – your pawn on b5 stands forward.
14.b4: 14.b4 fixes your pawn on b5 and takes c5 from you.
14…h6: 14...h6 takes g5 from the bishop on e3 and gives your king air.
15.Bb3: The bishop goes to b3 and aims at f7 – White stands a little more freely. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.51).
15…Nb6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.45 – slightly better for White.

Line 17: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.Ba2 b6 9.h3 a6 10.Qe2 Bb7 11.Rd1 Qc7 12.Nh4 Rae8 13.dxe5 Nxe5 14.Nf5 b5 15.Bf4 b4

up to 8…b6 as line 16

9.h3: White secures g4; White wins three out of four games from here.
9…a6: The familiar plan: Rb8 and b5. Stockfish prefers to develop with Bb7 first (0.14 better).
10.Qe2: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 onto the long diagonal and presses against e4.
11.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d4 – White prepares the trade on e5.
11…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and connects the rooks.
12.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 – it wants to attack your kingside via f5.
12…Rae8: The rook on a8 comes to e8 and supports e5 – both rooks stand in the centre.
13.dxe5: White trades on e5 and opens the d-file for the rook on d1.
13…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight; it stands strongly on e5.
14.Nf5: The knight jumps to f5 and attacks your bishop on e7.
14…b5: 14...b5 attacks the pawn on a4 and wants to shut in the bishop on a2.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks your knight on e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.47).
15…b4: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.45 – slightly better for White.

Line 18: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.Qe2 exd4 9.Nxd4 Re8 10.Ba2 Bf8 11.Qf3 Ne5 12.Qd1 a5 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.f4 Ng4

up to 7…c6 as line 17

8.Qe2: A mistake (0.44): the queen is badly placed on the e-file, and afterwards the position is level (0). Now exd4 is strong.
8…exd4: You open the e-file against White's queen and the pawn e4. Stockfish plays exactly this.
9.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight – the centre is open, your knight gets the square e5.
9…Re8: The rook on the half-open e-file: the pawn e4 and the queen behind it come under pressure. In Stockfish's line the queen has to go back with Qd1.
10.Ba2: White leaves the queen on e2 – the position is level (-0.08).
10…Bf8: The bishop clears the way: now the rook presses on e4, and the bishop protects the kingside.
11.Qf3: The queen steps off the e-file and defends e4.
11…Ne5: With tempo against the queen. Stockfish wanted Nc5 with pressure on e4 (0.13 better); after the move played the position is level (0).
12.Qd1: The queen retreats; Stockfish would have played Qg3.
12…a5: You secure the square b4 and stop the pawn a4. The position is equal (0).
13.Bg5: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
13…h6: 13...h6 questions the bishop on g5 – it must trade or retreat.
14.Bxf6: The bishop trades itself for your knight on f6.
14…Qxf6: You recapture with the queen; she stands actively on f6.
15.f4: 15.f4 drives your knight away from e5 – the position is level. Stockfish: level (+0.01).
15…Ng4: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 19: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.a5 Rb8 9.Qe2 exd4 10.Nxd4 Re8 11.Bf4 Bf8 12.h3 Ra8 13.Ba2 Nc5 14.e5 dxe5 15.Bxe5 Ncd7

up to 7…c6 as line 18

8.a5: White gains space on the queenside and wants to stop b6.
8…Rb8: You prepare b5 – after axb6 axb6 you get the open a-file. Stockfish plays this move itself.
9.Qe2: The queen comes to e2 and covers e4 – White prepares rook to d1.
9…exd4: Against the queen on e2 you open the e-file: Nxd4 Re8 – the same plan as after Qe2 in the neighbouring line.
10.Nxd4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and attacks the pawn on e4.
11.Bf4: The bishop comes to f4 and aims at d6.
11…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and covers d6 against the bishop on f4.
12.h3: 12.h3 gives the king air and takes the square g4 from your knight – White stays flexible.
12…Ra8: The rook goes back to a8 – after a5, b5 no longer achieves anything.
13.Ba2: The bishop goes to a2 and avoids b5 or d5 with tempo.
13…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks e4.
14.e5: 14.e5 attacks your knight on f6 and opens the centre.
14…dxe5: You take on e5 and attack the knight on d4 and the bishop on f4.
15.Bxe5: The bishop takes back on e5 – the position is open and level. Stockfish: level (+0.13).
15…Ncd7: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.04 – almost level.

Line 20: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.a5 Rb8 9.Re1 b5 10.axb6 axb6 11.Bd3 Re8 12.d5 Bb7 13.Ra7 Qc8 14.dxc6 Bxc6 15.Qe2 Bf8

up to 8…Rb8 as line 19

9.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4 – White holds the centre before anything happens on the queenside.
9…b5: Now comes the advance: after axb6 axb6 your pawn attacks the bishop with b5.
10.axb6: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn – the a-file is open, and your rook on b8 covers b6.
11.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3, covers e4 and avoids being hit by d5.
11…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – the bishop on e7 can step aside to f8.
12.d5: 12.d5 attacks the pawn on c6 and gains space in the centre.
12…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 – if White takes on c6, the bishop recaptures and stands on the long diagonal.
13.Ra7: The rook invades via the open a-file to a7 and attacks the bishop on b7.
13…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and covers the bishop on b7 – she stays close to the queenside.
14.dxc6: White takes on c6 and attacks the bishop on b7 and the knight on d7 at once.
14…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop – it stands well on c6 and presses against e4.
15.Qe2: The queen comes to e2 and covers e4 – the rook on a7 is active, but your position is sound. Stockfish: level (+0.14).
15…Bf8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.19 – almost level.

Line 21: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.h3

up to 7…c6 as line 20

8.h3: 8.h3 takes the square g4 away from your knight and bishop – a quiet move before White commits. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.32). (transposition)

Line 22: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Qe2 c6 8.a4

up to 6…O-O as line 21

7.Qe2: A mistake (0.37): the queen becomes a target on the e-file; the evaluation falls to 0.
7…c6: Your standard move. After a4 you are in the line a4 c6 Qe2.
8.a4: Transposition to a4 c6 Qe2 – there you play exd4 and Re8. (transposition)

Line 23: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Qe2 c6 8.Rd1 exd4 9.Nxd4 Re8 10.Nf5 b5 11.Nxe7 Qxe7 12.Bd3 b4 13.Na4 d5 14.e5 Nxe5 15.Bf4 Nfd7

up to 7…c6 as line 22

8.Rd1: A trap for White: the rook leaves f1, and that costs 0.3 – now Black is slightly better (-0.28).
8…exd4: You open at once: after Nxd4 Re8 the white queen on e2 faces your rook, and in Stockfish's line Nf5 b5 Nxe7 Qxe7 Bd3 you gain space with tempo. Black is slightly better (-0.26).
9.Nxd4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and attacks the pawn on e4 – after the trade on d4 the e-file is half-open for you.
10.Nf5: The knight jumps to f5 and attacks your bishop on e7 – it wants the bishop pair.
10…b5: 10...b5 attacks the bishop on c4 with tempo – you gain space on the queenside.
11.Nxe7: The knight takes your bishop on e7 with check.
11…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; she stands on the e-file against the pawn on e4.
12.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and covers e4.
12…b4: 12...b4 drives away the knight on c3 – after that e4 lacks an important defender.
13.Na4: The knight goes to the edge on a4 – from there it has little effect.
13…d5: 13...d5 is your freeing push: you attack e4 and open the centre for your pieces.
14.e5: 14.e5 attacks your knight on f6 and wants to keep the centre closed.
14…Nxe5: Your knight on d7 takes on e5 and attacks the bishop on d3 – you are a pawn up.
15.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and attacks your knight on e5 – White has some play for the pawn, but Stockfish still sees you ahead. Stockfish: level (-0.22).
15…Nfd7: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at -0.19 – almost level.

Line 24: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Qe2 a6 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.d5 Bb7 12.Nh4 g6 13.dxc6 Qxc6 14.Bg5 Qc7 15.Nf3 Kg7

up to 6…O-O as line 23

7.h3: White secures g4. Black does well in these games: 34 % wins.
7…c6: Again c6: d5 and b5 under control.
8.a4: White prevents b5.
8…b6: You prepare a6 and b5. Stockfish prefers to open with exd4 and Re8 (0.2 better).
9.Qe2: The queen defends e4 and prepares Rd1.
9…a6: Questionable: Stockfish wanted Qc7 first (0.36 better); after the move played White is clearly better (0.78). Play accurately here.
10.Rd1: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and covers e5 – she connects your rooks.
11.d5: 11.d5 attacks the pawn on c6 and gains space in the centre.
11…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 and covers c6 once more – the tension remains.
12.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and wants to attack your kingside via f5.
12…g6: 12...g6 takes the square f5 from the knight – but it weakens the dark squares around your king.
13.dxc6: White takes on c6 and attacks the bishop on b7 and the knight on d7.
13…Qxc6: The queen takes back on c6 and attacks the bishop on c4.
14.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and pins your knight on f6 to the bishop on e7.
14…Qc7: The queen goes back to c7 and covers e5 – she gets out of reach of the bishop on c4 and stays close to the king.
15.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 – White stands slightly better, the square d6 is your weakness. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.62).
15…Kg7: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.68 – slightly better for White.

Line 25: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Qe2 Bb7 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.Bb3 Rae8 12.Be3 a6 13.dxe5 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 dxe5 15.a5 b5

up to 9.Qe2 as line 24

9…Bb7: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and aims behind the pawn on d4 against d6.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and connects your rooks – she covers e5.
11.Bb3: The bishop goes back to b3 and avoids b5 and d5 with tempo.
11…Rae8: The rook on a8 goes to e8 and supports e5 – both rooks are ready.
12.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 – all of White's minor pieces are developed.
12…a6: 12...a6 prepares b5 and takes the square b5 from the knight on c3.
13.dxe5: White trades on e5 and opens the d-file for the rook on d1.
13…Nxe5: Your knight recaptures on e5 and attacks the knight on f3.
14.Nxe5: White trades the knights on e5 – after the recapture the d-file is open.
14…dxe5: You recapture with the pawn – the d-file is open, your pawn on e5 stands firmly.
15.a5: 15.a5 attacks your pawn on b6 and wants to open lines on the queenside. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.32).
15…b5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.29 – almost level.

Line 26: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Re1

up to 8…b6 as line 25

9.Re1: Transposition to Re1 c6 a4 b6 h3 – there a6 follows. (transposition)

Line 27: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 c6 8.a4 b6 9.Be3 a6 10.Qe2 Qc7 11.d5 cxd5 12.Nxd5 Nxd5 13.Bxd5 Bb7 14.c4 a5 15.Nd2 Nc5

up to 8…b6 as line 26

9.Be3: The bishop supports d4. Black wins four of the six games.
9…a6: The familiar plan with b5; Stockfish rates the move as equal.
10.Qe2: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and covers e5 – you connect the rooks.
11.d5: 11.d5 attacks your pawn on c6 and gains space in the centre before you get counterplay with b5.
11…cxd5: You take on d5 and attack the bishop on c4.
12.Nxd5: The knight takes back on d5 and attacks the bishop on e7, the knight on f6 and the queen on c7 at once.
12…Nxd5: Your knight takes the strong knight on d5 – that was the simplest answer to the fork.
13.Bxd5: The bishop takes back on d5 and attacks your rook on a8.
13…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 and covers a8 – you offer a trade of the strong bishop.
14.c4: 14.c4 supports the bishop on d5 – White wants to keep it.
14…a5: 14...a5 fixes the pawn on a4 and gives your knight the square c5.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and heads for b3 or c4 – the bishop on d5 remains a strong piece. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.52).
15…Nc5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.54 – slightly better for White.

Line 28: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.h3 c6 8.a4 exd4 9.Nxd4 Re8 10.Re1 Bf8 11.Bg5 Qa5 12.Qd2 h6 13.Bh4 Ne5 14.Be2 g5 15.Bg3 Ng6

up to 8.a4 as line 27

8…exd4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
9.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight – the centre is open, your pieces get e5 and c5.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and attacks the pawn on e4.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4 against your rook on e8.
10…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 – it covers d6 and clears the e-file.
11.Bg5: The bishop comes to g5 and pins your knight on f6 to the queen.
11…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on g5 and the knight on c3.
12.Qd2: The queen comes to d2 and covers the bishop on g5 and the knight on c3.
12…h6: 12...h6 questions the bishop on g5 – does it trade or go back?
13.Bh4: The bishop goes to h4 and keeps the pin.
13…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the bishop on c4.
14.Be2: The bishop goes back to e2 and avoids the trade for your knight.
14…g5: 14...g5 drives away the bishop on h4 – bold, but your king gets less cover.
15.Bg3: The bishop goes to g3 and attacks your knight on e5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.33).
15…Ng6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.4 – slightly better for White.

Chapter 2: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5

Line 29: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.f3 Bd6 9.Be3 a6 10.Nh3 Ke7 11.Nf2 c5 12.b3 Rc8 13.Na4 Nfd7 14.Nb2 b5 15.c4 Nc6

up to 3…e5 as line 28

4.dxe5: The exchange (28 %): after the queen trade White wants to stop you from castling. 51 % of these games end in a draw.
4…dxe5: Recapture, of course. The pawn e5 now stands firmly in the centre.
5.Qxd8: Queen trade with check – now you have to recapture with the king.
5…Kxd8: Without queens, the king in the centre is no problem – in the endgame it is even well placed. Plan Ke7 or Ke8 so your rooks get connected.
6.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7.
6…Be6: You offer the bishop trade; after Bxe6 fxe6 you cover d5 and f5 and get the f-file. Stockfish prefers Ke8, but the difference is small (0.05).
7.Bxe6: White trades the bishops on e6 and doubles your pawns on the e-file.
7…fxe6: Doubled pawns, but no weakness: e6 controls d5 and f5, and the f-file belongs to your rooks.
8.f3: White defends e4 with the pawn and plans Nh3 and Nf2.
8…Bd6: The bishop supports e5 and clears the way for Ke7. Stockfish considers it equal to a6.
9.Be3: The bishop controls c5; White is thinking of castling queenside.
9…a6: You take the square b5 away from White's pieces and prepare b5 and c5. Stockfish prefers Ke7 (0.19 better).
10.Nh3: The knight wants to go via f2 to d3 or g4.
10…Ke7: The king goes to e7: it protects e6 and connects your rooks.
11.Nf2: The knight goes from h3 to f2 – it wants to work via d3 or g4.
11…c5: You gain space on the queenside and take d4 and b4 away from White's bishop. In Stockfish's line Nfd7 and b5 follow.
12.b3: 12.b3 takes the square c4 from your knight and prepares knight to a4.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 and covers c5 – the c-file belongs to you.
13.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks your pawn on c5.
13…Nfd7: The knight on f6 goes to d7 and covers c5 against the knight on a4.
14.Nb2: The knight goes to b2 – it wants to return via d3 or c4.
14…b5: 14...b5 gains space on the queenside and takes c4 from the knight.
15.c4: 15.c4 attacks your pawn on b5 – in the endgame without queens your king is well placed on e7. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.39).
15…Nc6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.39 – slightly better for White.

Line 30: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.f3 Bd6 9.Be3 a6 10.O-O-O Ke7 11.Nh3 Nc6 12.Nf2 h6 13.Na4 Nd7 14.Nd3 b5 15.Nac5 Nxc5

up to 9…a6 as line 29

10.O-O-O: White brings the rook to the d-file, against your bishop on d6.
10…Ke7: The king protects the bishop on d6 and connects the rooks. Stockfish considers Nbd7 equally good.
11.Nh3: The knight goes to the edge on h3 – it wants to join via f2, since f3 is occupied by White's own pawn.
11…Nc6: The knight develops and eyes d4. Stockfish prefers Nbd7 (0.24 better).
12.Nf2: The knight goes to f2 and covers e4 and d3.
12…h6: You take the square g4 away from the knight and g5 away from the bishop.
13.Na4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5 and e5.
14.Nd3: The knight on f2 goes to d3 and eyes c5 and e5.
14…b5: 14...b5 attacks the knight on a4 and gains space on the queenside.
15.Nac5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks your knight on d7 and the pawn on a6. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.53).
15…Nxc5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.52 – slightly better for White.

Line 31: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.f3 Bd6 9.Be3 a6 10.O-O-O Ke7 11.Nh3 Nc6 12.Nf2 b5 13.h4 h6 14.Kb1 Nd7 15.Nd3 Rac8

up to 12.Nf2 as line 30

12…b5: You gain space on the queenside. Only two games of the collection go this way; after that Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move. Stockfish prefers Na5 here (0.11 better).
13.h4: 13.h4 gains space on the kingside and wants to play h5.
13…h6: 13...h6 takes the square g5 from White's pieces – after h5 White would otherwise get an outpost there.
14.Kb1: The king goes to b1, leaves the c-file and covers a2.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5 and e5.
15.Nd3: The knight goes to d3 and eyes c5 and e5 – a quiet endgame. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.44).
15…Rac8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.46 – slightly better for White.

Line 32: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.f3 Bd6 9.Be3 a6 10.O-O-O Ke7 11.Nh3 Nc6 12.Nf2 Na5 13.Nd3 b5 14.Bf2 Rhc8 15.Bg3 Nd7

up to 12.Nf2 as line 31

12…Na5: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move. Your knight goes to the edge and eyes c4.
13.Nd3: The knight moves to d3: from there it covers c5 and b4 and attacks e5, which your bishop on d6 holds.
13…b5: You gain space on the queenside and support the square c4 for your knight.
14.Bf2: The bishop steps aside before Nc4 and wants to put pressure on e5 via g3.
14…Rhc8: The rook comes to the c-file and prepares c5.
15.Bg3: Now bishop and knight attack the pawn e5 together.
15…Nd7: The knight guards e5 a second time. The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.16 – almost level.

Line 33: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.f3 Bd6 9.Nh3 Ke7 10.Be3 a6

up to 8…Bd6 as line 32

9.Nh3: The knight goes to h3 and wants to join via f2 – f3 is occupied by its own pawn.
9…Ke7: The king goes to e7 and connects the rooks. In Stockfish's line Rc8 and a6 follow.
10.Be3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…a6: 10...a6 takes the square b5 from White's pieces – your king stands well on e7 in the endgame. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.43). (transposition)

Line 34: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Be3 Bb4 9.O-O-O Nbd7 10.Nf3 Bxc3 11.bxc3 Kc8 12.Rd3 Nxe4 13.Rhd1 Ndc5 14.Bxc5 Nxc5 15.Re3 e4

up to 7…fxe6 as line 33

8.Be3: A mistake (0.3): White leaves e4 without pawn protection, and the evaluation falls to 0.12.
8…Bb4: The trap: you threaten Bxc3 and then Nxe4 – the pawn e4 is hanging then. After Nf3 Bxc3 bxc3 Nxe4 it really falls.
9.O-O-O: With check! White gets the king to safety and the rook onto the d-file.
9…Nbd7: You block the check. If White plays Nf3, the pawn e4 falls after all after Bxc3 bxc3 Kc8 Rd3 Nxe4.
10.Nf3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Bxc3: Your bishop takes the knight on c3 and wrecks White's pawns on the queenside.
11.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn and now has doubled pawns on the c-file.
11…Kc8: The king goes to c8 and breaks the pin on the knight on d7 on the d-file.
12.Rd3: The rook goes to d3 and attacks your knight on d7.
12…Nxe4: Your knight on f6 takes the pawn on e4 – the knight on d7 is no longer pinned.
13.Rhd1: The second rook comes to d1 and attacks d7 a second time.
13…Ndc5: The knight on d7 goes to c5 and attacks the rook on d3.
14.Bxc5: White trades the bishop for your knight on c5.
14…Nxc5: You recapture with the knight and attack the rook on d3.
15.Re3: The rook goes to e3 – you have an extra pawn, White has the more active rooks. Stockfish: level (0).
15…e4: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 35: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Nf3 Bd6 9.Be3 Nc6 10.h4 Bb4 11.Nd2 b6 12.f3 Bxc3 13.bxc3 Na5 14.h5 Ke7 15.Bg5 Rhg8

up to 7…fxe6 as line 34

8.Nf3: The knight attacks e5.
8…Bd6: The bishop covers e5. Stockfish prefers Nc6 (0.2 better).
9.Be3: White develops the bishop; Stockfish considers h4 equally good.
9…Nc6: The knight develops – Stockfish plays it this way.
10.h4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Bb4: The bishop goes to b4 and pins the knight on c3 to the king on e1 – the pawn on e4 loses a defender.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers e4 once more.
11…b6: 11...b6 covers c5 and a5 – your knight on c6 gets a safe route to a5.
12.f3: 12.f3 supports e4 with a pawn – the knight on d2 is freed.
12…Bxc3: Your bishop takes the knight on c3 and doubles White's pawns.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn – the doubled pawns on the c-file are a weakness.
13…Na5: The knight goes to a5 and aims at c4 – a good square against the doubled pawns.
14.h5: 14.h5 gains space on the kingside and takes the square g6 from your pieces.
14…Ke7: The king goes to e7 and covers f6 and d6 – in the endgame it belongs in the centre.
15.Bg5: The bishop goes to g5 and pins your knight on f6 to the king. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.40).
15…Rhg8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.37 – slightly better for White.

Line 36: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Nf3 Bd6 9.Bg5 Ke7 10.Be3 h6 11.Nd2 Ng4 12.Nd1 Nd7 13.a4 a6 14.Ke2 b5 15.h4 Nxe3

up to 8…Bd6 as line 35

9.Bg5: The pin is inaccurate (0.15).
9…Ke7: The king steps behind the knight and breaks the pin.
10.Be3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…h6: 10...h6 takes the square g5 from the bishop and a knight – your king stands safely on e7.
11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and covers e4 – it wants to reach your bishop on d6 via c4.
11…Ng4: The knight jumps to g4 and attacks the bishop on e3 – you want the bishop pair.
12.Nd1: The knight goes back to d1 and covers the bishop on e3 – White wants to keep it.
12…Nd7: The knight on b8 comes to d7 and wants to become active via c5 or b6.
13.a4: 13.a4 gains space on the queenside and makes your b5 push harder.
13…a6: 13...a6 prepares b5 anyway and takes the square b5 from White's pieces.
14.Ke2: The king goes to e2 into the centre – in the endgame without queens that is its best place.
14…b5: 14...b5 opens lines on the queenside – your rooks get something to do.
15.h4: 15.h4 takes the g5 lever away from you and gives the knight on g4 less support – level. Stockfish: level (+0.20).
15…Nxe3: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.18 – almost level.

Line 37: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Nf3 Bd6 9.O-O Ke7 10.Be3 Rg8 11.h3 Nc6 12.a3 h6 13.Rfe1 a6 14.g3 g5 15.Kg2 b5

up to 8…Bd6 as line 36

9.O-O: Inaccurate (0.29): in the endgame the king belongs in the centre, not on g1. The evaluation falls to 0.12.
9…Ke7: Your king joins the game faster than White's: it protects e6 and connects the rooks.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and aims at your queenside – White has castled short.
10…Rg8: The rook goes to g8 – you prepare g5 and want to gain space on the kingside.
11.h3: 11.h3 takes the square g4 from your knight on f6 – White plays carefully.
11…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and aims at b4 and d4.
12.a3: 12.a3 takes the square b4 from your knight and your bishop.
12…h6: 12...h6 supports the g5 push – it should not be capturable by a piece.
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and covers e4 against your knight.
13…a6: 13...a6 takes the square b5 from White's pieces – a useful waiting move.
14.g3: 14.g3 keeps f4 under control before you come with g5 and g4.
14…g5: 14...g5 gains space on the kingside – your rook on g8 stands behind it.
15.Kg2: The king goes to g2 and covers h3 and f3 – a quiet, level endgame. Stockfish: level (+0.12).
15…b5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.17 – almost level.

Line 38: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6 8.Bg5 Bd6 9.O-O-O Ke7 10.f3 Nd7 11.h4 h6 12.Be3 a6 13.Nh3 Rac8 14.g4 Bc5 15.Kd2 Bxe3

up to 7…fxe6 as line 37

8.Bg5: The pin is a mistake (0.31).
8…Bd6: You defend e5 and make Ke7 possible. In this line Black draws 63 % and wins 26 % of the games.
9.O-O-O: The rook comes to the d-file against your bishop – a mistake (0.32); the position is level (0.01).
9…Ke7: The king steps aside and covers the bishop. Stockfish would have played h6 first (0.21 better).
10.f3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Nd7: The knight on b8 comes to d7 – the knight on f6 is pinned to the king and cannot move.
11.h4: 11.h4 supports the bishop on g5 and gains space on the kingside.
11…h6: 11...h6 questions the bishop on g5 – it should trade or give up the pin.
12.Be3: The bishop goes back to e3 and covers the dark squares on the queenside.
12…a6: 12...a6 takes the square b5 from White's pieces and prepares b5.
13.Nh3: The knight goes to the edge on h3 and wants to join via f2.
13…Rac8: The rook on a8 comes to c8 and prepares c5.
14.g4: 14.g4 gains further space on the kingside and takes f5 from your pieces.
14…Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and offers a trade of the dark-squared bishops.
15.Kd2: The king goes to d2 and covers the bishop on e3 – a level endgame. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bxe3: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 39: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.O-O-O Nd7 8.f4 exf4 9.Nf3 Kc8 10.Bxf4 Bc5 11.Be2 Nh5 12.Bd2 Nhf6 13.Be1 Re8 14.h3 c6 15.Rf1 a5

up to 5…Kxd8 as line 38

6.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight to your king on d8 – White threatens O-O-O with check.
6…Be6: You develop the bishop and keep your set-up flexible. Stockfish prefers Nd7 (0.16 better).
7.O-O-O: Castling with check on the d-file.
7…Nd7: The knight from b8 blocks the check – the knight on f6 is pinned, after all. Stockfish prefers Kc8; the difference is small (0.07).
8.f4: White attacks e5 and wants to open the f-file.
8…exf4: You take the pawn. Stockfish plays exactly this.
9.Nf3: White develops first and wins the pawn back later.
9…Kc8: The king leaves the d-file. Stockfish considers c6 equally good.
10.Bxf4: The bishop on g5 takes back the pawn on f4 – material is level, White has the half-open f-file.
10…Bc5: The bishop stands actively on c5. In Stockfish's line your knight attacks the bishop on f4 with Nh5.
11.Be2: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
11…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and attacks the bishop on f4 – you want to drive it away or trade it.
12.Bd2: The bishop retreats to d2 and avoids the trade.
12…Nhf6: The knight returns to f6 and attacks the pawn on e4.
13.Be1: The bishop goes to e1 – it wants to become active again via g3 or h4.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and increases the pressure on the pawn on e4.
14.h3: 14.h3 takes the square g4 from your knight and your bishop.
14…c6: 14...c6 takes the squares d5 and b5 from White's knights.
15.Rf1: The rook on h1 comes to the half-open f-file and presses against f7 – the endgame is level. Stockfish: level (+0.14).
15…a5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.21 – almost level.

Line 40: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.O-O-O Nd7 8.f4 exf4 9.Nge2 Bd6 10.Nxf4 h6 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.Ncd5 Be5 13.g3 c6 14.Nxe6 fxe6 15.Nf4 Bxf4

up to 8…exf4 as line 39

9.Nge2: The knight on g1 goes to e2 – it wants to win back the pawn on f4.
9…Bd6: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10.Nxf4: The knight takes the pawn on f4 and attacks your bishop on e6.
10…h6: 10...h6 questions the bishop on g5, which pins your knight on f6.
11.Bxf6: The bishop trades itself for your knight on f6 with check.
11…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn – your pawns are split, but you have the bishop pair.
12.Ncd5: The knight on c3 jumps to d5 – a strong square from which it attacks f6 and c7.
12…Be5: The bishop goes to e5 and attacks the knight on f4 – it stands centrally and actively.
13.g3: 13.g3 supports the knight on f4 so that it does not have to give way to the bishop on e5.
13…c6: 13...c6 attacks the knight on d5 – it must retreat or trade.
14.Nxe6: The knight takes your bishop on e6 with check – White trades away your bishop pair.
14…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and attack the knight on d5.
15.Nf4: The knight retreats to f4 and attacks the pawn on e6 – the endgame is level. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bxf4: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 41: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.O-O-O Nd7 8.Nf3 Bd6 9.Bb5 Kc8 10.Bxf6 Nxf6 11.Ba4 Rf8 12.Rd2 a6 13.Bb3 b5 14.Bxe6 fxe6 15.Rhd1 h6

up to 7…Nd7 as line 40

8.Nf3: A mistake (0.31): White does without f4, and the position is now level (-0.04).
8…Bd6: The bishop defends e5 and stands on the d-file. Stockfish slightly prefers Kc8.
9.Bb5: The bishop attacks the knight on d7.
9…Kc8: The king covers the knight on d7 and leaves the d-file. Stockfish plays this way; Black is slightly better (-0.12).
10.Bxf6: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Nxf6: Your knight on d7 recaptures on f6 – you have no doubled pawns, and the knight stands well.
11.Ba4: The bishop goes back to a4 and stays on the diagonal against your queenside.
11…Rf8: The rook on h8 comes to f8 and stands behind the pawn on f7 – it prepares f6 or f5.
12.Rd2: The rook goes to d2 and attacks your bishop on d6 – White wants to double rooks on the d-file.
12…a6: 12...a6 prepares b5 against the bishop on a4.
13.Bb3: The bishop goes to b3 and attacks your bishop on e6.
13…b5: 13...b5 gains space on the queenside and gives your king on c8 more room.
14.Bxe6: The bishop trades itself on e6 with check – White takes away your good bishop.
14…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn – the f-file opens for your rook on f8.
15.Rhd1: The second rook comes to d1 and presses against your bishop on d6 – the endgame is level. Stockfish: level (-0.10).
15…h6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at -0.1 – almost level.

Line 42: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.O-O-O Nd7 8.g3 Kc8 9.f4 Bg4 10.Rd3 Nc5 11.Rd2 Nfd7 12.h3 Bh5 13.g4 Bg6 14.f5 f6 15.Be3 Be8

up to 7…Nd7 as line 41

8.g3: 8.g3 prepares bishop to h3 – White wants to trade your good bishop on e6.
8…Kc8: The king leaves the d-file. Stockfish preferred h6.
9.f4: 9.f4 attacks your pawn on e5 and wants to open the f-file.
9…Bg4: With tempo against the rook on d1. Then you post your knight well with Nc5.
10.Rd3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks the rook on d3 – you gain a tempo.
11.Rd2: The rook retreats to d2 and stays on the d-file.
11…Nfd7: The knight on f6 goes to d7 and supports e5 – both knights now stand on the queenside.
12.h3: 12.h3 attacks your bishop on g4 – it has to decide where to go.
12…Bh5: The bishop goes to h5 and stays on the diagonal against d1.
13.g4: 13.g4 drives your bishop away from h5 and gains space.
13…Bg6: The bishop goes to g6 and attacks the pawn on e4.
14.f5: 14.f5 attacks your bishop on g6 and gains space on the kingside.
14…f6: 14...f6 attacks the bishop on g5 and gives your bishop the square f7.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and attacks your knight on c5 – the endgame is level. Stockfish: level (+0.09).
15…Be8: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.1 – almost level.

Line 43: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.f4 exf4 8.Nf3 h6 9.Bxf4 Nc6 10.Nd5 Bd6 11.Bxd6 cxd6 12.Nxf6 gxf6 13.O-O-O Ke7 14.Nh4 Rag8 15.Be2 Rg5

up to 6…Be6 as line 42

7.f4: White attacks e5 at once without castling.
7…exf4: You take the pawn – Stockfish does the same.
8.Nf3: The knight comes to f3 – White will win back the pawn on f4 later with the bishop.
8…h6: You question the bishop. Stockfish wanted Kc8 (0.27 better).
9.Bxf4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
9…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and aims at b4 and d4.
10.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks your knight on f6 and the pawn on c7.
10…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and covers c7 – it offers a trade of the bishop on f4.
11.Bxd6: White trades the dark-squared bishops – after that c7 is no longer threatened.
11…cxd6: You recapture with the c-pawn – your pawn on d6 covers e5 and c5.
12.Nxf6: The knight on d5 trades itself for your knight on f6.
12…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn – the g-file is open for your rook.
13.O-O-O: White castles long – the rook stands at once against your pawn on d6.
13…Ke7: The king goes to e7 and covers d6 and f6 – it holds your pawns together.
14.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and wants to break in via f5.
14…Rag8: The rook on a8 goes to g8 onto the open g-file.
15.Be2: The bishop comes to e2 and covers g4 – a quiet endgame with a slight edge for White. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.32).
15…Rg5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.38 – slightly better for White.

Line 44: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.g3 h6 8.Bxf6 gxf6 9.f4 exf4 10.O-O-O Nd7 11.gxf4 Bg4 12.Be2 h5 13.h3 Bxe2 14.Ngxe2 c6 15.Kd2 Bc5

up to 6…Be6 as line 43

7.g3: Inaccurate (0.12): White loses time; Stockfish plays f4.
7…h6: You put the question to the bishop. After Bxf6 gxf6 you have the bishop pair.
8.Bxf6: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
8…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn – doubled pawns, but the bishop pair and the open g-file.
9.f4: 9.f4 attacks your pawn on e5 and wants to dissolve the doubled pawns.
9…exf4: You take on f4 – but the pawn does not stay long, White takes back with the g-pawn.
10.O-O-O: White castles long with check – the rook stands against your king on d8.
10…Nd7: The knight on b8 goes to d7 and closes the d-file.
11.gxf4: White recaptures with the g-pawn and has the pawns on e4 and f4 in the centre.
11…Bg4: The bishop goes to g4 and attacks the rook on d1.
12.Be2: The bishop comes to e2 and covers d1 – it offers a trade.
12…h5: 12...h5 supports your bishop on g4 – if h3 comes, it stays covered.
13.h3: 13.h3 attacks your bishop on g4 – now you have to trade.
13…Bxe2: You trade on e2 – a pair of bishops disappears.
14.Ngxe2: White recaptures with the knight from g1 – the knight stands well on e2.
14…c6: 14...c6 takes the squares d5 and b5 from the knight on c3.
15.Kd2: The king goes into the centre on d2 – a quiet, level endgame. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Bc5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 45: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Bg5 Be6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.O-O-O

up to 6…Be6 as line 44

7.Nf3: A mistake (0.38): without f4 Black is slightly better (-0.12). White wins none of these games.
7…Nd7: The knight from b8 develops. After O-O-O play goes on as in the line O-O-O Nd7 Nf3.
8.O-O-O: White castles long and pins your knight on d7 to the king – you solve that with the king to c8 or to e7. Stockfish: level (-0.04). (transposition)

Line 46: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Nf3 Bd6 7.Bc4 Ke7 8.Bg5 c6 9.O-O-O Bc7 10.Nh4 h6 11.Nf5 Bxf5 12.Bxf6 gxf6 13.exf5 Rd8 14.Ne4 Nd7 15.a3 a5

up to 5…Kxd8 as line 45

6.Nf3: White attacks e5.
6…Bd6: The bishop covers e5 – Stockfish plays this way. Then Nbd7 follows.
7.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7 – almost as good as Be3 (0.05); the position is almost level (0.13).
7…Ke7: The king covers f7 and connects the rooks. Stockfish plays this move itself.
8.Bg5: The pin of the knight against your king.
8…c6: You take the square d5 away from the knight. Questionable: Stockfish wanted Nd7 (0.35 better).
9.O-O-O: The rook on the d-file attacks the bishop on d6.
9…Bc7: The bishop leaves the d-file and keeps defending e5. Stockfish agrees.
10.Nh4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
10…h6: 10...h6 questions the bishop on g5, which pins your knight on f6 to the king.
11.Nf5: The knight jumps to f5 with check – you must take it or move the king.
11…Bxf5: Your bishop takes the knight on f5 – the check is parried, a pair of minor pieces is gone.
12.Bxf6: The bishop takes your knight on f6 with check.
12…gxf6: You recapture with the g-pawn – doubled f-pawns, but the g-file is open.
13.exf5: White takes back your bishop on f5 – material is level.
13…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 and offers a trade on the d-file.
14.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and attacks f6 and d6.
14…Nd7: The knight comes to d7 and covers f6 against the knight on e4.
15.a3: 15.a3 gives the king air and takes the square b4 from your bishop. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.32).
15…a5: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.41 – slightly better for White.

Line 47: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 6.Nf3 Bd6 7.Bg5 Be6 8.O-O-O Nd7

up to 6…Bd6 as line 46

7.Bg5: Inaccurate (0.18): the position is level (0).
7…Be6: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
8.O-O-O: White castles long and pins your bishop on d6 to the king – you solve that with the king to e7 or to c8. Stockfish: level (-0.08).
8…Nd7: Transposition to the line Bg5 Be6 O-O-O Nd7 Nf3 Bd6. (transposition)

Chapter 3: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nge2

Line 48: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nge2 Be7 5.g3 O-O 6.Bg2 c6 7.O-O b5 8.Be3 a5 9.b3 Nbd7 10.d5 cxd5 11.Nxd5 Nxd5 12.Qxd5 Rb8 13.c4 Bb7 14.Qd3 b4 15.Rad1 Qc7

up to 3…e5 as line 47

4.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 so that f3 or g3 stays possible – a quiet setup (7 %).
4…Be7: Solid development and preparation for castling. Stockfish preferred c6; the difference is small (0.05).
5.g3: Inaccurate (0.27): the fianchetto is too slow here; the evaluation falls to 0.06.
5…O-O: The king goes to safety. Stockfish wanted c6 with exd4 first (0.26 better).
6.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and supports e4 – White plays without knight to f3, the knight is on e2.
6…c6: Again c6: control of d5 and preparation of b5.
7.O-O: A mistake (0.31): White castles without playing a4 – now b5 is possible.
7…b5: Space on the queenside; the position is level (-0.03). In Stockfish's line Nbd7 follows.
8.Be3: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
8…a5: 8...a5 gains space on the queenside and prepares b4 against the knight on c3.
9.b3: 9.b3 takes the square c4 from your pieces and supports a later c4 push.
9…Nbd7: The knight comes to d7 and supports e5 – later it can go to c5 or b6.
10.d5: 10.d5 attacks your pawn on c6 and opens the centre.
10…cxd5: You take on d5 – the c-file opens for you.
11.Nxd5: The knight on c3 recaptures and stands strongly on d5.
11…Nxd5: Your knight on f6 trades off the strong knight on d5.
12.Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks your rook on a8.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 and covers the pawn on b5.
13.c4: 13.c4 attacks your pawn on b5 and wants to open lines on the queenside.
13…Bb7: The bishop comes to b7 and attacks the queen on d5.
14.Qd3: The queen retreats to d3 and covers c4.
14…b4: 14...b4 closes the queenside and gives your knight the square c5.
15.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and presses against your pawn on d6 – level. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Qc7: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 49: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nge2 Be7 5.g3 O-O 6.Bg2 c6 7.a4 a5 8.O-O Na6 9.h3 Nb4 10.Kh2 Re8 11.f4 b6 12.Be3 Ba6 13.Re1 Qc7 14.Qd2 Rad8 15.Rad1 Nd7

up to 6…c6 as line 48

7.a4: White prevents b5.
7…a5: You secure the square b4 for your knight: in Stockfish's line Na6 follows, and from there it can go to b4.
8.O-O: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
8…Na6: The knight goes to a6 – thanks to a5 it has the safe square b4.
9.h3: 9.h3 takes the square g4 from your pieces and prepares king to h2 and f4.
9…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 – an outpost no pawn can drive it from.
10.Kh2: The king goes to h2 and prepares f4 – it leaves the g1–a7 diagonal.
10…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and supports e5 – your pieces are ready for the fight for the centre.
11.f4: 11.f4 attacks your pawn on e5 and wants to open the f-file.
11…b6: 11...b6 prepares bishop to a6 – your bishop is meant to attack the knight on e2 from the diagonal.
12.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and covers d4 – White has developed all minor pieces.
12…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and attacks the knight on e2.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and covers the knight on e2.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and covers e5 against the pawn on f4.
14.Qd2: The queen comes to d2 and connects the rooks.
14…Rad8: The rook on a8 comes to d8 and supports d6 – your position is solid.
15.Rad1: White's second rook comes to the centre too – a quiet, level position. Stockfish: level (+0.26).
15…Nd7: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.27 – almost level.

Line 50: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nge2 Be7 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.Qd2 exd4 8.Nxd4 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxd5 Qxd5 11.Nb3 Qxd2 12.Nxd2 Be6 13.Nb3 Re8 14.O-O-O a5 15.Kb1 Na6

up to 4…Be7 as line 49

5.f3: White supports e4 with the pawn – a mistake (0.33); the position is level (0).
5…O-O: Your king goes to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
6.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – White builds up quietly with f3 and queen to d2, perhaps with long castling.
6…c6: The proven move. In Stockfish's line you later open with exd4 and bring the bishop to e6.
7.Qd2: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
7…exd4: You trade on d4 – your pawn attacks the knight on c3 and the bishop on e3 at once, White must recapture.
8.Nxd4: The knight on e2 recaptures on d4 and stands centrally – the square e5 now belongs to you.
8…d5: 8...d5 is your freeing push: the pawn on d6 frees itself, your pieces get air.
9.exd5: White takes on d5 – after the recapture the centre is open and symmetrical.
9…Nxd5: Your knight recaptures and attacks the bishop on e3 and the knight on c3.
10.Nxd5: White trades the knights on d5 – the position gets simpler.
10…Qxd5: The queen recaptures and attacks the knight on d4 – she stands strongly in the centre.
11.Nb3: The knight steps aside to b3 – now the queens face each other on the d-file.
11…Qxd2: You trade the queens with check – the endgame is comfortable for you.
12.Nxd2: The knight takes the queen back and stands a little passively on d2.
12…Be6: The bishop comes to e6 – you develop and cover the light squares.
13.Nb3: The knight goes back to b3 and eyes c5 and a5.
13…Re8: The rook goes to e8 onto the open e-file and eyes e3.
14.O-O-O: White castles long – the rook stands at once on the open d-file.
14…a5: 14...a5 threatens a4 against the knight on b3 – you gain space on the queenside.
15.Kb1: The king goes to b1 and leaves the c-file – a level endgame without weaknesses. Stockfish: level (0).
15…Na6: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at 0 – almost level.

Line 51: 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nge2 Be7 5.h3 O-O 6.g4 c6 7.Bg2 Nbd7 8.a4 h6 9.Be3 Re8 10.Qd2 Nf8 11.f4 Ng6 12.O-O-O exf4 13.Nxf4 Nxf4 14.Bxf4 d5 15.e5 Nh7

up to 4…Be7 as line 50

5.h3: White prepares g4.
5…O-O: You castle anyway; Stockfish plays this way and answers g4 with c6 and h6.
6.g4: Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to Black's 15th move.
6…c6: 6...c6 prepares d5 and b5 – you answer the wing attack with play in the centre.
7.Bg2: The bishop goes to g2 and supports e4 – the pawn on g4 stands in front of it.
7…Nbd7: The knight on b8 comes to d7 and supports e5 – it wants to go via f8 to g6.
8.a4: 8.a4 prevents your b5 push and gains space on the queenside.
8…h6: 8...h6 prevents g5, with which White wanted to drive away your knight on f6.
9.Be3: The bishop comes to e3 and aims at h6 – White thinks of queen to d2 and long castling.
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and clears the way for the knight on d7 via f8.
10.Qd2: The queen comes to d2 and eyes h6 – your pawn there is a target.
10…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 – it covers h7 and heads for g6.
11.f4: 11.f4 attacks your pawn on e5 and wants to open the kingside.
11…Ng6: The knight comes to g6 and presses against f4.
12.O-O-O: White castles long – the kings stand on opposite sides.
12…exf4: You take on f4 and attack the bishop on e3.
13.Nxf4: The knight on e2 recaptures and attacks your knight on g6.
13…Nxf4: You trade on f4 – the strong white knight disappears.
14.Bxf4: The bishop recaptures and aims at d6 and h6.
14…d5: 14...d5 opens the centre – that is your answer to White's wing attack.
15.e5: 15.e5 attacks your knight on f6 and keeps the centre closed. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.43).
15…Nh7: The line ends with Black's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.46 – slightly better for White.