The Pirc Defense with …g6 for Black – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6

The Pirc Defense with 3...g6 is a hypermodern answer to 1.e4: you first leave the centre to White, put the bishop on g7, castle short and then attack White's central pawns with e5 or c5. The course is for players who want a fighting yet solid opening against 1.e4 and like to counter-attack from a compact position. White has four main roads: the Austrian Attack with 4.f4, the Classical System with 4.Nf3, the 150 Attack with 4.Be3 and Qd2, and the Byrne Variation with 4.Bg5; on top of these comes the quiet 4.g3. Against 4.f4 and 4.Nf3 you castle quickly and strike back with Nc6, e5 or c5. Against 4.Be3 the course chooses the flexible plan with c6 and b5, in which the bishop goes to g7 later. Stockfish sees White only slightly ahead in all systems – the Pirc is a fight for the centre in which you need patience.

The ideas

The bishop on g7 is your most important piece: it presses on d4 and the queenside. Do not let White trade it with Bh6 without need.
Your two central strikes are e5 and c5: e5 fits when the knight is on c6 or d7, c5 especially when White puts his bishop on e2 instead of d3.
If White pushes e5, exchange with dxe5 and look for squares for your knights, such as d5 or h5, and the lever f6.
Against the classical set-up Bg4 pins the f3 knight, a defender of d4; after Bxf3 the d4 square becomes interesting for your knight.
Against attacks with Qd2 and long castling, the queenside pawn storm with c6, b5 and b4 is your quickest counterplay.
If White closes the centre with d5, your knight belongs on e7, and you prepare f5 on the kingside.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 4.f4

Line 1: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.fxe5 Nh5 9.Be3 Bg4 10.Be2 f6 11.exf6 exf6 12.Qd2 Ne7 13.Bd3 c6 14.O-O-O Re8 15.Qf2 Be6

4.f4: The Austrian Attack, White's most ambitious plan: with three pawns in the centre he wants to chase your knight away later with e5. Stockfish sees White slightly better after 4.f4 (+0.55), but Black scores decently in the games.
4…Bg7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and aims through the centre at d4 and the queenside. Against White's central pawns you need it badly.
5.Nf3: The natural developing move; it guards d4 and supports a later e5 push.
5…O-O: King safety first, then the counter-attack – Stockfish's first choice and the solid main road. The immediate 5...c5 with the idea dxc5 Qa5 is the sharper alternative.
6.Bd3: The main line (Weiss Variation): the bishop points at the kingside, and e5 is in the air.
6…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 and prepares the counter-strike e5. Stockfish rates White's edge as small here (+0.46).
7.e5: White pushes at once and drives your knight from f6. Stockfish thinks this is weaker than 7.O-O – the centre now becomes a target.
7…dxe5: You exchange at once and open the d-file; after the recapture White no longer has firm pawns on both e5 and d4.
8.fxe5: Recapturing with the f-pawn keeps the centre together, but it opens the f-file – for your rook too.
8…Nh5: The knight steps aside to the rim, where it eyes f4 and g3. Soon Bg4 and the lever f6 against the e5 pawn follow.
9.Be3: White covers d4 and posts the bishop against a knight jump to f4.
9…Bg4: The bishop pins the f3 knight, the main defender of d4 and e5. Stockfish confirms this as the best move.
10.Be2: White breaks the pin and offers to trade bishops.
10…f6: The typical lever: you attack the outpost on e5 and open the f-file for your rook.
11.exf6: White exchanges; the centre has dissolved and your pieces come to life.
11…exf6: You recapture with the e-pawn and open the e-file for your rook; the f6 pawn controls e5 and g5. Stockfish would have recaptured with the knight (11...Nxf6), bringing the h5 knight back into play.
12.Qd2: White connects the rooks and thinks of castling long. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 12.d5 to chase your knight from c6; now the position is nearly level (+0.07).
12…Ne7: The knight leaves c6 and heads for d5 or f5 via e7 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bd3: White puts the bishop on d3 and prepares to castle long – Stockfish's line goes on with c6 O-O-O. The position is nearly level (+0.07).
13…c6: You take d5 away from the white knight and prepare it for your own – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O-O: White takes the king away from the open e-file and castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Re8: The rook takes the open e-file and aims at the e3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qf2: The queen moves next to the e3 bishop and protects it; d2 becomes free – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Be6: The bishop drops back from g4 to e6 and supports Nd5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.07).

Line 2: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.fxe5 Nh5 9.Be2 Bg4 10.Be3

up to 8…Nh5 as line 1

9.Be2: White drops the bishop back to e2 at once; usually this leads to the same position.
9…Bg4: Again you pin the f3 knight – the same plan as in the main line.
10.Be3: Transposition: the position is the same as after 9.Be3 Bg4 10.Be2; continue there with f6. (transposition)

Line 3: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.fxe5 Nh5 9.Ne2 Be6 10.c3 f6 11.exf6 exf6 12.O-O Re8 13.a4 Na5 14.Nf4 Nxf4 15.Bxf4 Bb3

up to 8…Nh5 as line 2

9.Ne2: The knight wants to come via g3 to drive away your h5 knight.
9…Be6: After 9.Ne2 you put the bishop on e6, where it watches d5 and c4; next comes f6 against e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.c3: White supports d4 with c3; then you open the f-file against e5 with f6.
10…f6: The typical lever against the e5 pawn: the f-file opens for your rook – Stockfish's first choice.
11.exf6: White trades on f6 before you take yourself – Stockfish's first choice.
11…exf6: You recapture with the e-pawn; the e-file opens against the white king, still in the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
12.O-O: White brings the king to safety away from the open e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Re8: The rook takes the e-file and presses on the e2 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.a4: White gains queenside space with a5 in mind – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Na5: The knight aims at the queenside weaknesses via c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nf4: The knight attacks your bishop on e6 and the h5 knight and offers a trade – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxf4: You trade your rim knight for the active white knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxf4: White recaptures with the bishop, which stands actively on f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bb3: The bishop attacks the d1 queen through c2 – Stockfish's first choice; White blocks with Bc2. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.12).

Line 4: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.fxe5 Nh5 9.Be4 Bg4 10.Qd3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 Nb4 12.Qd2 Qxd4 13.Qxd4 Nxc2 14.Kf2 Nxd4 15.g4 Nxf3

up to 8…Nh5 as line 3

9.Be4: The bishop eyes your knight on c6 along the diagonal. Stockfish considers 9.Be3 better.
9…Bg4: Pin as usual; then f6 prepares the lever against e5. Stockfish sees near equality (+0.07).
10.Qd3: The queen covers the e4 bishop and stays flexible – Stockfish's first choice. After Bxf3 Bxf3 your knight comes into play via b4.
10…Bxf3: You trade off the f3 knight, which holds d4 and e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop and keeps the bishop pair, but d4 has one defender less – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nb4: The knight attacks the queen on d3 and eyes c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Qd2: The queen steps aside to d2 – Stockfish's first choice. The position is level (0.00).
12…Qxd4: You take the d4 pawn and offer the queen trade – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qxd4: White trades queens – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nxc2: The point: the knight takes c2 with check and attacks the queen on d4 at the same time – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Kf2: The king has to move, and the queen on d4 is lost – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxd4: You win the queen back and are two pawns up; but after g4 your h5 knight hangs – Stockfish's first choice, and the position stays level (+0.03).
15.g4: White attacks the h5 knight to win back a piece – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxf3: You take the f3 bishop; after Kxf3 Bxe5 gxh5 you have three pawns for the piece – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 5: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.dxe5 Nd5 9.Bd2 Nb6 10.Be3 Nd5 11.Qe2 Ncb4 12.Nxd5 Qxd5 13.Bc4 Qe4 14.O-O-O Nxc2 15.Bc5 Qxe2

up to 7…dxe5 as line 4

8.dxe5: White recaptures with the d-pawn and keeps the f-pawn as support. In return d5 becomes free for your knight.
8…Nd5: The knight jumps to the free outpost on d5 and offers the exchange on c3. A fine square that no white pawn can attack any more.
9.Bd2: White avoids the exchange and keeps his knight.
9…Nb6: In the games Black dropped the knight back to b6. Stockfish prefers 9...Bg4 with pressure on f3 (this gives up about 0.2 pawns) – a point worth checking.
10.Be3: The bishop chases your knight from b6; it returns to the centre via d5.
10…Nd5: The knight returns to d5 and attacks the e3 bishop and the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qe2: The queen protects the e3 bishop and prepares to castle long – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Ncb4: The second knight jumps to b4 and attacks the d3 bishop and the c2 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nxd5: White trades your strong knight on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen, which now stands centrally – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bc4: The bishop chases your queen from the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qe4: The queen goes to e4, attacks the c4 bishop and keeps c2 in sight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O-O: White castles long and leaves the c2 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxc2: You take the c2 pawn; the knight is protected by your queen on e4 and now threatens White's queenside pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bc5: The bishop attacks the e7 pawn and stands on the diagonal towards your rook on f8 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qxe2: You trade queens and take the sting out of White's play – Stockfish's first choice; after Bxe2 White is missing the c2 pawn. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.25).

Line 6: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.dxe5 Nd5 9.Nxd5 Qxd5 10.Qe2 Bf5 11.Bxf5 gxf5 12.c3 Rad8 13.Be3 h6 14.Kf2 e6 15.g3 f6

up to 8…Nd5 as line 5

9.Nxd5: White exchanges the strong knight at once.
9…Qxd5: The queen stands centrally and actively, and White has to look after his pawns on e5 and f4. The games mostly ended in draws.
10.Qe2: White does not defend e5 directly but prepares Be4, hitting your queen with tempo.
10…Bf5: You offer the bishop trade and take the sting out of Be4. Stockfish slightly prefers 10...Bg4, but the difference is small.
11.Bxf5: White accepts the trade.
11…gxf5: You recapture towards the centre and keep e4 under control; your king's cover gets a little airier. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.29), and five of the nine games were drawn.
12.c3: White secures d4 with c3. You put a rook on the d-file (Rad8); White is slightly better (+0.30).
12…Rad8: The rook lines up against the queen on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…h6: You take g5 away from White's bishop and knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Kf2: White connects the rooks with the king on f2 instead of castling – Stockfish's first choice.
14…e6: You fix e5 and give the f5 pawn support – Stockfish's first choice.
15.g3: White covers f4 and h4 and gives the king the square g2 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…f6: The lever against e5 opens the f-file and frees the g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.14).

Line 7: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.e5 dxe5 8.dxe5 Nd5 9.O-O Ndb4 10.Be4 Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Bf5 12.Bxf5 gxf5 13.Ne1 a5 14.a3 Na6 15.Be3 e6

up to 8…Nd5 as line 6

9.O-O: White castles and leaves it to you to exchange on c3 or to play otherwise.
9…Ndb4: The knight attacks the d3 bishop to win the bishop pair or force a queen trade. Stockfish's line Be4 Qxd1 Rxd1 Bf5 leads to a quiet endgame (+0.22).
10.Be4: The bishop attacks your knight on c6. Stockfish's line trades queens (Qxd1 Rxd1) and then the bishops with Bf5.
10…Qxd1: You trade queens; in the endgame the pressure of your knights on c2 and e5 counts – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Rxd1: White recaptures with the rook and takes the open d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bf5: You challenge the strong bishop on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxf5: White trades the bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
12…gxf5: You recapture towards the centre; the f5 pawn controls e4 and g4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Ne1: The knight wants to regroup via d3, from where it reaches c5 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…a5: You gain queenside space and support the b4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a3: White chases the knight from b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Na6: The knight retreats to a6 and wants to come back via c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Be3: White develops the last bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…e6: You secure f5 and d5 with the e6 pawn; f6 against e5 follows – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.22).

Line 8: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O e5 8.fxe5 dxe5 9.d5 Nd4 10.Nxe5 Nxe4 11.Bxe4 Bxe5 12.Bf4 Bxf4 13.Rxf4 Nf5 14.Bxf5 Bxf5 15.Qd4 h5

up to 6…Nc6 as line 7

7.O-O: White castles first and keeps e5 in reserve – Stockfish's preferred choice.
7…e5: Now you strike in the centre yourself: e5 hits f4 and d4. Stockfish rates it as the best move.
8.fxe5: The most common move, but Stockfish finds 8.d5 stronger; after the exchange the game opens up for your pieces.
8…dxe5: Recapture; Stockfish sees the position as nearly level (+0.03).
9.d5: White gains space and drives your knight away – but e5 will not stay quiet for long.
9…Nd4: The knight jumps to the strong central square d4. If White takes with Nxe5, the counter-blow Nxe4 follows.
10.Nxe5: White wins the pawn back, but now e4 is hanging too.
10…Nxe4: Same coin: you take a central pawn too. After Bxe4 Bxe5 material is level again.
11.Bxe4: White takes the knight, but your g7 bishop collects the knight on e5.
11…Bxe5: Material is level and your d4 knight is superb. Stockfish sees only +0.15 for White.
12.Bf4: White wants to swap the dark-squared bishops to exploit the weakened squares around your king.
12…Bxf4: You exchange; the rook comes to f4 and the position calms down.
13.Rxf4: The rook now attacks your d4 knight.
13…Nf5: The knight retreats to f5, inviting the e4 bishop to trade. Stockfish names 13...c5 as slightly more accurate, attacking the d5 pawn.
14.Bxf5: White exchanges the knight.
14…Bxf5: A balanced middlegame with little material left; the d5 pawn may become weak later. Stockfish: +0.14.
15.Qd4: The queen goes to the centre on d4 – Stockfish's first choice. With h5 you give your king some air.
15…h5: You give the king air and stop g4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.14).

Line 9: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.f5 gxf5 10.exf5 e4 11.Nxe4 Bxf5 12.Nxf6 Qxf6 13.Bg5 Qe6 14.Bxf5 Qxf5 15.c3 Rae8

up to 7…e5 as line 8

8.dxe5: White takes with the d-pawn; Stockfish finds 8.d5 better.
8…dxe5: Recapture; now f4 is under pressure, and White must decide.
9.f5: White pushes past and wants to open lines against your king with fxg6.
9…gxf5: You capture and avoid the opening of lines. Stockfish would slightly have preferred 9...Nb4 against the d3 bishop.
10.exf5: White recaptures and opens the diagonal of his d3 bishop.
10…e4: The pawn push returns a pawn to open lines for your pieces. Stockfish confirms it as the best move.
11.Nxe4: White takes the pawn.
11…Bxf5: The bishop takes on f5 and pins the e4 knight against the d3 bishop.
12.Nxf6: White exchanges knights and breaks the pin.
12…Qxf6: Recapture with the queen – she stands actively. Stockfish: +0.23, and six of the eight games were drawn.
13.Bg5: The bishop chases your queen with tempo.
13…Qe6: The queen stays central and protects the f5 bishop.
14.Bxf5: White trades your active bishop on f5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qxf5: After the bishop trade the position is simplified and your queen is active. Stockfish: +0.21.
15.c3: White supports d4 and secures the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rae8: The rook takes the open e-file – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.19).

Line 10: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be3 b6 7.Bd3 c5 8.d5 a6 9.a4 e6 10.dxe6 fxe6 11.O-O Nc6 12.f5 gxf5 13.exf5 d5 14.fxe6 d4 15.Ng5 dxc3

up to 5…O-O as line 9

6.Be3: The Kurajica Variation: White wants Qd2 and long castling. Stockfish considers it less good than 6.Bd3.
6…b6: An original plan: the bishop goes to b7 to press on e4, with c5 to follow later. Against e5 you have Ng4 hitting the e3 bishop.
7.Bd3: White develops and protects e4.
7…c5: The typical strike at d4. After d5 you attack the spearhead with e6. Stockfish: +0.21.
8.d5: White closes the centre with d5. Stockfish answers with a6 and later e6 to attack the spearhead on d5.
8…a6: You prepare b5 and want to open the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
9.a4: White prevents b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…e6: You attack the d5 spearhead before White can firm up the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
10.dxe6: White trades on e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn; the f-file opens for your rook – Stockfish's first choice.
11.O-O: White brings the king to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nc6: You develop the knight and eye d4 and b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.f5: White breaks through against e6 with f5 – Stockfish's first choice. The position becomes sharp.
12…gxf5: You take the f5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13.exf5: White recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…d5: You strike in the centre: d5 and then d4 against bishop and knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.fxe6: White takes on e6; the pawn stands far advanced – Stockfish's first choice.
14…d4: A fork: the pawn attacks the e3 bishop and the c3 knight at once – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Ng5: White leaves a piece hanging and goes for h7 and f7 with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…dxc3: You take the piece on c3 – Stockfish's first choice; White has an attack on your king for it. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 11: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be3 b6 7.e5 Ng4 8.Bg1 c5 9.h3 Nh6 10.d5 Bb7 11.Bh2 dxe5 12.fxe5 Nf5 13.Bd3 Nd4 14.O-O Bxd5 15.Nxd5 Qxd5

up to 6…b6 as line 10

7.e5: White pushes at once – but now the e3 bishop gets hit by Ng4. Stockfish finds this inaccurate.
7…Ng4: The knight attacks the e3 bishop; White has to pull it back to a passive square. Stockfish sees near equality (0.00), and Black won most of the games.
8.Bg1: The bishop retreats to g1 – passive, but it guards d4.
8…c5: Now you attack d4, and your g7 bishop works along the diagonal.
9.h3: White chases the knight away.
9…Nh6: The knight goes to h6, from where it can reach d4 via f5. Stockfish sees the position as level (0.00).
10.d5: White closes the centre, but Stockfish finds 10.Bd3 better: after 10.d5 Black is even slightly better (−0.31).
10…Bb7: The bishop presses on d5, and the knight heads for d4 via f5. Stockfish shows Bh2 Nf5 Bd3 Nd4.
11.Bh2: The bishop goes to h2 and eyes d6. Your knight heads for b4 with Na6.
11…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the centre for your g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.fxe5: White recaptures with the f-pawn and keeps a pawn on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nf5: The knight comes back from the rim and aims at e3 and d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bd3: White challenges the f5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 in the centre and attacks the f3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O: White castles and leaves the d5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bxd5: You take the d5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nxd5: White trades on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qxd5: You recapture with the queen and are a pawn up; White has the bishop pair for it – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 12: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be3 b6 7.Bc4 Bb7 8.e5 Ng4 9.Qe2 c5 10.dxc5 Nxe3 11.Qxe3 dxe5 12.Nxe5 Nc6 13.Rd1 Qc8 14.Nxf7 Rxf7 15.O-O Na5

up to 6…b6 as line 11

7.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7 and prepares e5.
7…Bb7: The bishop presses on e4. Stockfish names the immediate 7...c5 as slightly better.
8.e5: The push White has been waiting for.
8…Ng4: Again the attack on the e3 bishop.
9.Qe2: White covers the bishop with the queen.
9…c5: The counter-strike against d4 – Stockfish's best move. After dxc5 dxe5 the game opens up for your bishops (+0.12).
10.dxc5: White takes on c5 – Stockfish's first choice. After Nxe3 Qxe3 dxe5 the centre opens for your bishops.
10…Nxe3: You take the e3 bishop and win the bishop pair – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qxe3: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
11…dxe5: You open the centre and the long diagonals for your bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nxe5: The knight takes e5 and eyes f7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nc6: You develop the knight and challenge the e5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Rd1: The rook takes the open d-file and threatens to invade – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qc8: The queen leaves the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nxf7: White strikes on f7: the c4 bishop then pins the rook to your king – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Rxf7: You take the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.O-O: White castles; the f7 rook stays pinned to your king – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Na5: The knight attacks the c4 bishop, which holds the pin – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 13: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be3 b6 7.Qd2 Bb7 8.e5 Ng4 9.O-O-O c5 10.dxc5 bxc5 11.Bxc5 Qa5 12.Ba3 dxe5 13.Bxe7 Re8 14.Ba3 exf4 15.Nd5 Qxd2

up to 6…b6 as line 12

7.Qd2: White prepares long castling.
7…Bb7: The bishop puts pressure on e4 and can later join an attack against the long-castled king.
8.e5: White pushes; watch the opening d-file.
8…Ng4: Usual in the games, but Stockfish recommends 8...dxe5: after dxe5 Qxd2 Bxd2 Nd5 Black is better off than after 8...Ng4 (+0.42, a cost of about 0.2 pawns).
9.O-O-O: White castles long and leaves the e3 bishop where it is.
9…c5: Now the lever against d4, opening lines towards the white king at the same time. Stockfish: +0.31.
10.dxc5: White takes on c5; Stockfish names 10.d5 as slightly more accurate. The centre opens while the kings stand on opposite wings.
10…bxc5: You recapture towards the centre; the b-file opens against the king castled long – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bxc5: White takes the c5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Qa5: The queen attacks the c5 bishop and the a2 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Ba3: The bishop steps back to a3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the diagonal for the g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bxe7: White takes the e7 pawn and attacks the f8 rook – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Re8: The rook attacks the e7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Ba3: The bishop returns to a3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…exf4: You take the f4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nd5: The knight takes d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qxd2: You trade queens – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.25).

Line 14: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be3 b6 7.Qd2 Bb7 8.Bd3 c5 9.d5 Qc8 10.a4 Ng4 11.Bc4 Ba6 12.Bb5 Bxb5 13.axb5 Qb7 14.O-O a6 15.h3 Nxe3

up to 7…Bb7 as line 13

8.Bd3: White develops the bishop first.
8…c5: The standard strike at d4. After d5 Stockfish puts the queen on c8. Stockfish: +0.31.
9.d5: White closes the centre – Stockfish's first choice. Your queen moves to a new diagonal with Qc8.
9…Qc8: The queen makes room and supports Ba6 to trade the light-squared bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10.a4: White prevents b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Ng4: The knight attacks the e3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and covers d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Ba6: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bb5: The bishop sidesteps the trade to b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bxb5: You trade on b5 anyway – Stockfish's first choice.
13.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the a-file opens – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qb7: The queen attacks the d5 and b5 pawns – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
14…a6: You attack the b5 pawn and open the queenside for your rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
15.h3: White questions the g4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxe3: You trade the knight for the e3 bishop and keep the strong g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.09).

Line 15: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be3 b6 7.Qe2 Ba6 8.Qd2 Bb7

up to 6…b6 as line 14

7.Qe2: The queen protects e4 and prepares long castling.
7…Ba6: The bishop attacks the queen and aims to trade White's light-squared bishop. Stockfish confirms the move (+0.30).
8.Qd2: The queen lines up behind the e3 bishop, with Bh6 in mind. You answer with Bb7 and pressure on e4.
8…Bb7: The bishop returns to b7. Transposition: the position is the same as after 7.Qd2 Bb7; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 16: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.e5 dxe5 7.dxe5 Qxd1 8.Kxd1 Rd8 9.Ke1 Nd5 10.Nxd5 Rxd5 11.Bc4 Rd8 12.Ng5 e6 13.Be3 b6 14.Kf2 Nc6 15.h4 Nb4

up to 5…O-O as line 15

6.e5: The Unzicker Attack: straight ahead. Stockfish finds this clearly weaker than 6.Bd3 – after the exchange you get comfortable play.
6…dxe5: Exchange at once – the e5 pawn must not get established.
7.dxe5: White takes with the d-pawn and allows the queen trade.
7…Qxd1: Queen trade: without queens there is no white kingside attack, and the e5 pawn can become a weakness.
8.Kxd1: White recaptures with the king. Stockfish names Nxd1 first but rates both moves the same; the position is nearly level (+0.07).
8…Rd8: After the queen trade the white king stands in the centre. With check on the d-file you gain time; the endgame is comfortable for you – most of the games ended in a draw.
9.Ke1: The king goes back to e1 to come into play via f2 later. Stockfish rates 9.Ke2 slightly more precise.
9…Nd5: You offer the knight trade on d5 and open the d-file for the rook. Stockfish would have chosen 9...Ne8, planning to hit e5 with the f-pawn next.
10.Nxd5: White trades the knights on d5.
10…Rxd5: You recapture with the rook, which stands actively on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bc4: The bishop chases your rook with tempo. Stockfish narrowly names 11.Be3 first.
11…Rd8: The rook retreats to d8 and keeps the open d-file.
12.Ng5: The knight aims at f7 and h7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…e6: You cover f7 with the pawn and close the c4 bishop's diagonal. Stockfish would have chosen 12...Rf8 (+0.47).
13.Be3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish would have chosen 13.Kf2 to activate the king.
13…b6: You prepare Bb7 so the bishop can use the long diagonal. Stockfish narrowly names 13...Nc6 first.
14.Kf2: In the endgame without queens the king belongs in the centre – Stockfish's first choice. Then White threatens h4–h5 on the kingside.
14…Nc6: The knight comes into play and wants to go to d5 via b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.h4: White gains kingside space with h5 in mind – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nb4: The knight heads for d5 and eyes c2 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.21).

Line 17: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.e5 dxe5 7.dxe5 Qxd1 8.Kxd1 Rd8 9.Bd3 Nd5 10.Nxd5 Rxd5 11.Ke2 Rd8 12.Rd1 Nc6 13.Be3 Be6 14.Be4 Re8 15.Kf2 f6

up to 8…Rd8 as line 16

9.Bd3: White develops the bishop but leaves the king on d1. Stockfish considers 9.Ke2 better; now nearly level (+0.12).
9…Nd5: You offer the knight trade. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9...Nh5, aiming at f4 (+0.38).
10.Nxd5: White trades on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Rxd5: You recapture with the rook and hold the d-file.
11.Ke2: The king connects the rooks and covers d3 and f3.
11…Rd8: The rook goes back to d8. Stockfish would have played 11...Nc6 first (+0.49).
12.Rd1: White offers the rook trade on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice. With Be6 you challenge the bishop.
12…Nc6: The knight comes into play and covers d8 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: The bishop gets the diagonal towards a2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be4: The bishop centralises and attacks the c6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Re8: The rook vacates d8 and will support f6 later – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Kf2: White brings the king closer to the kingside – Stockfish's first choice.
15…f6: You attack the e5 pawn and free the g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.41).

Line 18: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.e5 dxe5 7.fxe5 Nd5 8.Bc4 Be6 9.Qe2 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bxc4 11.Qxc4 Nd7 12.h4 Rc8 13.h5 c5 14.Qb5 cxd4 15.cxd4 gxh5

up to 6…dxe5 as line 17

7.fxe5: Recapturing with the f-pawn keeps the queens on, but hands you the d5 square.
7…Nd5: The knight occupies d5 and offers the exchange on c3. Stockfish sees complete equality (0.00).
8.Bc4: The bishop attacks the knight.
8…Be6: The bishop challenges the c4 bishop. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8...Nxc3 (+0.26).
9.Qe2: The queen covers c4 and e4. Stockfish's line trades on c3 and c4 (Nxc3 bxc3 Bxc4).
9…Nxc3: Now you do trade on c3 and double White's c-pawns – Stockfish's first choice.
10.bxc3: White recaptures towards the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Bxc4: You trade the light-squared bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qxc4: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nd7: The knight comes into play and eyes e5 and b6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.h4: White starts an attack on your king with the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to the half-open c-file and supports c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.h5: White continues the attack with h5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…c5: Counterstrike in the centre: you attack d4 and open the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qb5: The queen invades on b5 and attacks b7 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the c-file for your rook – Stockfish's first choice.
15.cxd4: White recaptures and has a pawn centre again – Stockfish's first choice.
15…gxh5: You take the h5 pawn and keep the h-file closed in front of your king – Stockfish's first choice; next Rxc2 targets the queenside. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.05).

Line 19: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5 8.O-O Qxc5 9.Kh1 Nc6 10.Bd3 Bg4 11.Qe1 Bxf3 12.Rxf3 Nb4 13.Be3 Nxd3 14.cxd3 Qa5 15.a3 b5

up to 5…O-O as line 18

6.Be2: A quieter bishop move; Stockfish considers 6.Bd3 stronger.
6…c5: As soon as the bishop is not on d3, c5 against d4 is the right strike.
7.dxc5: White takes; that removes the weakness on d4.
7…Qa5: The queen wins the pawn back while pinning the c3 knight. Stockfish rates this as the best move.
8.O-O: White castles and gives the pawn back.
8…Qxc5: The queen on c5 looks towards g1 and the white king – one reason why White now plays Kh1.
9.Kh1: The king steps off the queen's diagonal.
9…Nc6: Development with an eye on d4 and b4. Next come Bg4 and the knight via b4.
10.Bd3: White moves the bishop a second time; Stockfish considers 10.Qe1 better.
10…Bg4: Pinning the f3 knight is natural, but Stockfish recommends the wing attack 10...b5 with b4 against the c3 knight – a point for review (about 0.2 pawns).
11.Qe1: The queen leaves the pin and can head for the kingside via h4.
11…Bxf3: You give the bishop for the knight and weaken White's grip on the centre. Stockfish would have preferred 11...Nb4.
12.Rxf3: The rook recaptures and can swing to the kingside via f3.
12…Nb4: The knight hunts the d3 bishop to ease your problems against the bishop pair. Careful: White won five of the eight games here (+0.57).
13.Be3: White attacks the queen and leaves the d3 bishop to its fate.
13…Nxd3: You take the bishop – with tempo first, before the queen moves.
14.cxd3: White recaptures with the c-pawn and opens the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and eyes a2 and the c3 knight.
15.a3: White takes away b4 from your knight and slows your queenside pawns. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.65).
15…b5: You start the minority attack with b5 and b4 against the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.65).

Line 20: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5 8.O-O Qxc5 9.Kh1 Nc6 10.Bd3 Bg4 11.Qe1 Bxf3 12.Rxf3 e6 13.Be3 Qa5 14.a3 a6 15.Rh3 Rac8

up to 12.Rxf3 as line 19

12…e6: You push the pawn to e6 – Stockfish's first choice. It takes f5 and d5 away from the white pieces.
13.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers the diagonal towards the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qa5: The queen leaves d8 and aims at a2 and c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a3: White secures b4 against your knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…a6: You prepare b5 on the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rh3: The rook swings to h3 and aims at your king – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rac8: The rook takes the c-file and supports queenside play – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.38).

Line 21: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5 8.O-O Qxc5 9.Kh1 Nc6 10.Qe1 Bg4 11.Bd3

up to 9…Nc6 as line 20

10.Qe1: The queen leaves the line and prepares Bd3 and a kingside attack.
10…Bg4: The pin ties down the f3 knight. Stockfish: +0.37.
11.Bd3: Transposition to the line with 10.Bd3 Bg4 11.Qe1; continue there. (transposition)

Line 22: 4.f4 Bg7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5 8.O-O Qxc5 9.Kh1 Nc6 10.Nd2 a5 11.a4 Nb4 12.Nb3 Qb6 13.Bd2 Be6 14.f5 Bxb3 15.cxb3 d5

up to 9…Nc6 as line 21

10.Nd2: A rare plan; Stockfish considers 10.Qe1 better.
10…a5: Space on the queenside: the a-pawn threatens to advance further with a4. After Nb3 Stockfish puts the queen on b6 (Qb6) – evaluation +0.17.
11.a4: White plays a4 to deny your queenside the b5 push – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nb4: After a4 the b4 square is a safe post for your knight; it attacks c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nb3: The knight attacks your queen on c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qb6: The queen moves to b6 and keeps the diagonal towards the g1 king – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bd2: White develops the bishop and blocks the diagonal towards b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: The bishop attacks the b3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.f5: White attacks the e6 bishop with the f-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bxb3: You trade the bishop on b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.cxb3: White recaptures with the c-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…d5: The central break d5 dissolves the centre – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Chapter 2: 4.Nf3

Line 23: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Na6 9.Be3 Nb4 10.Nd2 d5 11.e5 Ne8 12.f4 f6 13.Nf3 Bf5 14.Rc1 Nc7 15.Qd2 Kh8

4.Nf3: The Classical System: White develops quietly and avoids early pawn advances. Stockfish sees White slightly better (+0.43), and Black holds up well in the games.
4…Bg7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal, then you castle short. The fianchettoed bishop is the heart of the Pirc Defense.
5.Be2: The Quiet System: White castles short and does not look for a direct attack.
5…O-O: Castling – your king is safe, and you can turn to the centre.
6.O-O: White castles too. Now you choose how to challenge the centre.
6…c6: The Czech set-up: with c6 you prepare …b5, or you put the queen on c7 and play …e5. Stockfish considers e5 slightly more precise, but c6 is a proven, solid plan.
7.a4: With a4 White stops your advance …b5 – the most common reply.
7…a5: You fix White's a-pawn and secure the square b4 for a knight.
8.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces – a typical preparatory move.
8…Na6: The knight heads for b4 via a6. It stands strongly there because White can no longer drive it away with a pawn.
9.Be3: White develops the bishop and supports d4.
9…Nb4: The knight has reached its goal: from b4 it controls c2 and d5 and disturbs White's set-up.
10.Nd2: White regroups the knight so that your knight cannot reach d5, and prepares f4.
10…d5: You attack the e4 pawn. Stockfish would have chosen 10...b6 to trade the e2 bishop with Ba6 (+0.79).
11.e5: White pushes past and gains space – Stockfish's first choice; your f6 knight has to move.
11…Ne8: The knight drops back to e8 and wants to reach e6 via c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.f4: White gains space on the kingside with f4 – Stockfish's first choice. You answer with f6 against the e5 pawn.
12…f6: You attack the e5 spearhead and open play for the g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nf3: The knight reinforces e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and attacks c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rc1: The rook covers c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nc7: The knight heads for e6 via c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qd2: White connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Kh8: The king leaves the a2–g8 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.66).

Line 24: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Na6 9.Be3 Nb4 10.Nd2 b6 11.Ncb1 c5 12.c3 cxd4 13.cxd4 e6 14.Nc3 Bb7 15.Qb3 h6

up to 10.Nd2 as line 23

10…b6: You prepare Ba6 to trade the light-squared bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Ncb1: The knight retreats to come at your b4 knight via a3 or c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…c5: You attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.c3: White supports d4 and chases your knight from b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…cxd4: You trade on d4 and open the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.cxd4: White recaptures; your b4 knight stays firmly placed – Stockfish's first choice.
13…e6: You control d5 and take away White's d5 push – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nc3: The knight returns to c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and eyes b6 and the diagonal towards your king – Stockfish's first choice.
15…h6: You take g5 away from the e3 bishop and White's knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.46).

Line 25: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Na6 9.Be3 Nb4 10.Qd2 d5 11.e5 Nd7 12.Nh2 c5 13.f4 cxd4 14.Bxd4 b6 15.Bb5 Nc5

up to 9…Nb4 as line 24

10.Qd2: White connects the rooks and thinks of Bh6 against your g7 bishop. Stockfish rates 10.Rc1 slightly more precise, covering c2.
10…d5: You attack e4, but after e5 White gains space. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 10...e5 (+0.91).
11.e5: White pushes past and drives away the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and prepares c5 or f6 against White's centre – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nh2: The knight goes to h2 to make f4 possible – Stockfish's first choice. White is clearly better (+1.04).
12…c5: You attack the d4 base – Stockfish's first choice.
13.f4: White supports e5 with the f-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13…cxd4: You trade on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop, now centrally placed – Stockfish's first choice.
14…b6: You protect a5 and prepare Nc5 and Ba6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bb5: The bishop reaches d7 and c6 from b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nc5: The knight finds a good square on c5 and eyes e4 and b3 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.80).

Line 26: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Na6 9.Be3 Nb4 10.Qd2 e5 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Rad1 Qe7 13.Bb6 h6 14.Bc4 Re8 15.Rfe1 Nd7

up to 10.Qd2 as line 25

10…e5: The central strike – Stockfish's first choice. After dxe5 dxe5 the queens come off.
11.dxe5: White trades on e5 and opens the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
11…dxe5: You recapture; your e5 pawn holds d4 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rad1: The rook takes the d-file opposite your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qe7: The queen leaves the d-file and covers e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bb6: The bishop invades on b6 and attacks a5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…h6: You take g5 away from White's knight and bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Re8: The rook covers e5 and frees f8 for the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rfe1: White brings the second rook to the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and wants to come into play via c5 or b6 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.46).

Line 27: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Na6 9.Be3 Nb4 10.Qc1 Qc7 11.Qd2 Re8 12.Rad1 e5 13.dxe5 dxe5 14.Bc5 Nh5 15.Bc4 b6

up to 9…Nb4 as line 26

10.Qc1: The queen covers c2 and thinks of Bh6. Stockfish narrowly names 10.Rc1 first.
10…Qc7: The queen prepares e5. Stockfish narrowly names 10...b6 first.
11.Qd2: The queen connects the rooks. Stockfish expects Re8 and then e5 from you.
11…Re8: The rook supports the e5 push – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rad1: White puts the rook on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12…e5: The e5 lever: you attack the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
13.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…dxe5: You recapture and control d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bc5: The bishop goes to c5 and eyes your b4 knight and d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nh5: The knight heads for f4, eyeing h3 and e2 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and no longer guards f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…b6: You chase the c5 bishop and prepare Ba6 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.56).

Line 28: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Na6 9.Re1 Nb4 10.Bf1 e5 11.Be3 exd4 12.Bxd4 Be6 13.Qd2 d5 14.exd5 cxd5 15.Rad1 Bf5

up to 8…Na6 as line 27

9.Re1: The rook supports e4 and later e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks c2. Stockfish narrowly names 9...Nc7 first.
10.Bf1: The bishop drops back, covering e2 and h3. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 10.Bc4; now only +0.44.
10…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Be3: White puts the bishop on e3. Stockfish's line: exd4 Bxd4 Be6 with open play.
11…exd4: You trade on d4 and open the diagonal for the g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Be6: The bishop prepares d5 and eyes b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qd2: White connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
13…d5: With d5 you dissolve the centre and activate your pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
14.exd5: White trades on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and have a central pawn on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rad1: The rook lines up behind the d5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bf5: The bishop attacks c2 and is active – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.19).

Line 29: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Qc7 9.Be3 Na6 10.Qd2 e5 11.Rad1 Re8 12.Rfe1 Nb4 13.dxe5 dxe5 14.Bc5 Bf8 15.Bxf8 Rxf8

up to 8.h3 as line 28

8…Qc7: The queen supports e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Na6: The knight heads for b4 via a6. Stockfish would have played 9...e5 at once (+0.89).
10.Qd2: White connects the rooks. Stockfish narrowly names 10.Nd2 first.
10…e5: You attack the centre with e5. Stockfish rates 10...Nb4 slightly more precise.
11.Rad1: The rook comes to the d-file and raises the pressure on d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Re8: The rook covers e5 and frees f8 for the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rfe1: White brings the second rook to the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4 and attacks c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.dxe5: White trades on e5 and opens the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bc5: The bishop attacks your b4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bf8: You offer the bishop trade and protect the b4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxf8: White trades the bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rxf8: You recapture with the rook; the dark squares around your king are a little weak – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.70).

Line 30: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Qc7 9.Be3 Na6 10.Nd2 Nb4 11.f4 Nd7 12.Kh1 f5 13.Bc4 Kh8 14.e5 Nb6 15.Bb3 N6d5

up to 9…Na6 as line 29

10.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and clears the way for f4.
10…Nb4: The knight jumps to b4, the square a4 left for you – Stockfish's first choice.
11.f4: White gains kingside space and prepares e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nd7: The knight heads for d5 and c4 via b6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Kh1: White takes the king off the g1–a7 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
12…f5: You stop White's kingside advance with f5 and fight for e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bc4: The bishop aims at e6 and g8 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Kh8: The king leaves the c4 bishop's diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
14.e5: White pushes past and gains space, but d5 becomes a square for your knights – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nb6: The knight attacks the c4 bishop and heads for d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…N6d5: The knight occupies the strong d5 square – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.86).

Line 31: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.h3 Qc7 9.Re1 e5 10.Be3 Nbd7 11.Bf1 exd4 12.Bxd4 Rd8 13.Qd2 Nc5 14.Qe3 b6 15.e5 Nd5

up to 8…Qc7 as line 30

9.Re1: The rook supports the centre. Stockfish would have chosen 9.Be3.
9…e5: You attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Be3: White develops the bishop and covers d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nbd7: The knight reinforces e5 and can regroup via c5 or f8 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and guards the kingside – Stockfish's first choice.
11…exd4: You trade on d4 and open the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file against the d4 bishop and White's queen – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qd2: White protects the d4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nc5: The knight goes to c5 and attacks e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qe3: The queen covers e4 and eyes your c5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…b6: You protect the c5 knight with the pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.e5: White drives away the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nd5: The knight jumps into the centre on d5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.55).

Line 32: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.Be3 Na6 9.Nd2 Nb4 10.Ncb1 b6 11.c3 Na6 12.Na3 Nc7 13.f4 Rb8 14.Kh1 c5 15.dxc5 bxc5

up to 7…a5 as line 31

8.Be3: White does without h3 – your knight can jump to g4 and attack the bishop.
8…Na6: The knight heads for b4 via a6. Stockfish would have chosen 8...Ng4 to question the e3 bishop (+0.80).
9.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 to prepare f4. Stockfish would have chosen 9.h3.
9…Nb4: The knight takes b4, the square a4 left for you. Stockfish narrowly names 9...b6 first.
10.Ncb1: The knight wants to come at your b4 knight via a3 or c3 and makes room for c3. Stockfish narrowly names 10.f4 first.
10…b6: You prepare Ba6 to trade the e2 bishop.
11.c3: White chases your knight from b4 – Stockfish's first choice. It goes back to c7 via a6.
11…Na6: After c3 the knight retreats to a6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Na3: The knight comes back into play via a3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and controls b5 and d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.f4: White gains kingside space – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file and supports b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Kh1: White takes the king off the g1–a7 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
14…c5: You attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.dxc5: White trades on c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn; the b-file opens for your rook – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.59).

Line 33: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.Be3 Ng4 9.Bg5 h6 10.Bf4 Na6 11.Qd2 e5 12.dxe5 dxe5 13.Bg3 f5 14.exf5 Qxd2 15.Nxd2 Bxf5

up to 8.Be3 as line 32

8…Ng4: The knight attacks the e3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. After Bg5 h6 the bishop has to move again.
9.Bg5: The bishop dodges the g4 knight by going to g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…h6: You question the g5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4, keeping e5 and d6 in view – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Na6: The knight heads for b4 via a6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qd2: White connects the rooks and attacks h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…e5: You strike in the centre with e5 and attack the f4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…f5: You attack e4 with the f-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.exf5: White takes on f5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qxd2: You trade queens – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nxd2: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bxf5: You win the pawn back and have an active bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.75).

Line 34: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.Re1 Na6 9.h3

up to 7…a5 as line 33

8.Re1: The rook supports the centre. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8.h3, taking g4 from your pieces (+0.47).
8…Na6: The knight heads for b4 via a6. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8...Nbd7 (+0.85).
9.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 35: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 a5 8.Bf4 Na6 9.Qd2 Bg4 10.Be3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 e5 12.d5 Nb4 13.Rae1 Rc8 14.Be2 cxd5 15.exd5 Nd7

up to 7…a5 as line 34

8.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8.h3 (+0.39).
8…Na6: The knight heads for b4 via a6. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8...Bg4, trading off the f3 knight (+0.76).
9.Qd2: White connects the rooks but leaves g4 free. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.h3 (+0.48).
9…Bg4: Now the bishop comes to g4 and attacks the f3 knight, the defender of d4 and e5.
10.Be3: The bishop goes to e3; your knight keeps the square b4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.55).
10…Bxf3: You trade the f3 knight and weaken White's grip on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11…e5: You attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.d5: White closes the centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nb4: The knight takes b4 and eyes c2 and d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Rae1: White brings the rook to e1 to support e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file, which opens after cxd5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and covers c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…cxd5: You open the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15.exd5: White recaptures with the e-pawn; e4 is free for your pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nd7: The knight heads for d5 via b6 and clears the way for f5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.45).

Line 36: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.a5 Qc7 9.Be3 e5 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.h3 Rd8 12.Re1 d5 13.Nxe5 Qxe5 14.Bf3 Be6 15.Bd4 Qf4

up to 7.a4 as line 35

7…Nbd7: You develop the knight to d7 and prepare e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
8.a5: White gains queenside space and takes b6 away from you – Stockfish's first choice.
8…Qc7: The queen leaves d8 and prepares e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Be3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish rates 9.Nd2 slightly more precise.
9…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight, which stands centrally and presses on f3 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Rd8: The rook comes to the d-file opposite White's queen – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Re1: White supports e4 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
12…d5: With d5 you dissolve the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nxe5: White trades off your e5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qxe5: You recapture with the queen, which stands centrally – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bf3: The bishop covers e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Be6: You develop the bishop and cover d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bd4: The bishop attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qf4: The queen steps to f4 and stays active – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.27).

Line 37: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.h3

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 36

8.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces. Stockfish narrowly names 8.a5 first. Transposition: the position is the same as after 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 38: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.Be3 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.h3 Qc7 11.Re1 Be6 12.Nd4 Bc4 13.Bd3 Rfe8 14.Rc1 Ba6 15.Bxa6 bxa6

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 37

8.Be3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish rates 8.a5 slightly more precise.
8…e5: You attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Qc7: The queen leaves the d-file and connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Re1: White supports e4 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Be6: You develop the bishop and eye c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nd4: The knight centralises and attacks your e6 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bc4: You offer the trade of the light-squared bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bd3: The bishop challenges the c4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Rfe8: The rook goes to the e-file against the e4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rc1: White puts the rook on c1, covering c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Ba6: The bishop drops back to a6 and offers the trade again – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxa6: White trades the bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
15…bxa6: You recapture with the b-pawn; the b-file opens for your rooks – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.30).

Line 39: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.e5 dxe5 9.dxe5 Nd5 10.Nxd5 cxd5 11.Bf4 Nc5 12.Be3 Nd7 13.Bf4

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 38

8.e5: White pushes in the centre at once. Stockfish considers 8.a5 better; now nearly level (+0.27).
8…dxe5: You take on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.dxe5: White recaptures – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nd5: The knight jumps into the centre on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nxd5: White trades the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and have a strong pawn on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bf4: The bishop supports the e5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5, aiming at e4 and b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Be3: The bishop attacks the c5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nd7: The knight returns to d7 and attacks e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bf4: The bishop covers e5 from f4 again – Stockfish's first choice. Transposition: the position is the same as after the bishop's first move to f4; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 40: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.Bf4 Qc7 9.e5 Nh5 10.exd6 exd6 11.Be3 d5 12.a5 Re8 13.Re1 Bf8 14.h3 Bd6 15.Qd2 Nf4

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 39

8.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 against d6. Stockfish would have chosen 8.a5.
8…Qc7: The queen covers d6 and prepares e5.
9.e5: White pushes and attacks the f6 knight. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.Be3; now nearly level (+0.08).
9…Nh5: The knight attacks the f4 bishop.
10.exd6: White trades on d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…exd6: You recapture with the e-pawn; the e-file opens – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Be3: The bishop retreats from the h5 knight to e3 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…d5: You occupy d5 and control e4 and c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.a5: White gains queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Re8: The rook takes the open e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Re1: White opposes on the e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bf8: The bishop heads for d6 via f8, where it is more active – Stockfish's first choice.
14.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bd6: The bishop stands actively on d6 and eyes h2 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qd2: White connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nf4: The knight jumps to f4 and attacks e2 and h3 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 41: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.Re1 Nbd7 8.Bf4 Qa5 9.Nd2 Qc7 10.Bg3 e5 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Nc4 Ne8 13.a4 Nb6 14.a5 Nxc4 15.Bxc4 Bf6

up to 6…c6 as line 40

7.Re1: White prepares e5 or a central build-up.
7…Nbd7: The knight covers e5 and prepares …e5. It belongs to the normal set-up with c6.
8.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 against d6. Stockfish rates 8.a4 slightly more precise.
8…Qa5: The queen goes to a5, pins the c3 knight and prepares e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Nd2: The knight clears f3 and wants to attack your queen via c4 or b3. Stockfish would have chosen 9.h3.
9…Qc7: The queen retreats to c7 as a precaution.
10.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3. With e5 you strike in the centre.
10…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nc4: The knight goes to c4 and eyes d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Ne8: The knight drops back to e8 and wants to reach e6 or d4 via c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.a4: White secures the c4 knight against b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nb6: You attack the c4 knight and offer the trade – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a5: White chases the b6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxc4: You trade on c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and wants to become active via g5 or d8 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.13).

Line 42: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.Re1 Nbd7 8.e5 dxe5 9.dxe5 Ng4 10.e6 fxe6 11.a4 Nge5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.a5 Nf7 14.Bd3 e5 15.Qe2 Nd6

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 41

8.e5: White advances and gains space. Watch the square d5 – your knights look for squares on d5 and e8.
8…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
9.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn and chases the f6 knight.
9…Ng4: The knight attacks the e5 pawn.
10.e6: White gives up the pawn on e6 to disrupt your pawn structure.
10…fxe6: You take the pawn; the f-file opens, but e6 is a doubled pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11.a4: White gains space on the queenside. Your knight heads for a trade via e5 (Nge5).
11…Nge5: The knight takes e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.a5: White gains queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nf7: The knight goes to f7, covering e5 and h6, and stays flexible – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bd3: The bishop aims at your king and g6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…e5: You advance the doubled pawn and gain central space – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qe2: The queen connects the rooks and presses on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nd6: The knight stands well on d6, covering e4 and c4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.23).

Line 43: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.Re1 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Bc4 Re8 11.Ng5 Re7 12.Be3 h6 13.Nf3 Qc7 14.h3 Nf8 15.Qc1 Be6

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 42

8.a4: White gains queenside space and prevents b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
8…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.dxe5: White trades on e5 and attacks your knight on f6 – Stockfish's first choice. After dxe5 the bishop goes to c4.
9…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Re8: The rook covers e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Ng5: The knight attacks f7 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Re7: The rook covers f7 sideways – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Be3: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…h6: You chase away the g5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qc7: The queen connects the rooks and covers e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nf8: The knight heads for e6 via f8, where it reaches d4 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qc1: The queen targets h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Be6: You offer to trade the c4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.33).

Line 44: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.e5 Ne8 9.Re1 dxe5 10.dxe5 Nc7 11.Bf1 b5 12.Qd3 b4 13.Na4 Ba6 14.Qe4 Bxf1 15.Kxf1 c5

up to 6…c6 as line 43

7.h3: White takes the square g4 away from your pieces.
7…Nbd7: The knight comes to d7 and prepares …e5.
8.e5: White pushes in the centre and drives away the f6 knight. Stockfish narrowly names 8.a4 first.
8…Ne8: The knight drops back to e8 and wants to reach e6 via c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Re1: The rook supports e5. Stockfish would have chosen 9.Bf4.
9…dxe5: You trade on e5. Stockfish narrowly names 9...Nc7 first.
10.dxe5: White recaptures with the pawn and keeps kingside space – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nc7: The knight heads for e6 via c7, from where it reaches d4 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bf1: The bishop retreats to f1 and covers the kingside. You gain queenside space with b5.
11…b5: You gain queenside space and threaten the c3 knight with b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and eyes the diagonal towards your queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
12…b4: You chase the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Na4: The knight moves to the rim on a4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Ba6: The bishop attacks the queen on d3 and offers to trade the f1 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qe4: The queen moves to e4 and covers e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bxf1: You trade the bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Kxf1: White recaptures with the king – Stockfish's first choice.
15…c5: You secure b4 and deny the a4 knight a way back via c5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.19).

Line 45: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Be3 Qe7 11.Qd3 Nh5 12.Rfd1 Nf4 13.Qd6 Nxe2 14.Nxe2 Qxd6 15.Rxd6 Re8

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 44

8.a4: White gains queenside space and prevents b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
8…e5: The central break: you attack d4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on g7.
9.dxe5: White exchanges and opens the d-file.
9…dxe5: You recapture with the pawn and keep the centre symmetrical – your knight later comes to c5.
10.Be3: Inaccurate according to Stockfish – it gives away almost all of White's advantage. With Qe7 you cover e5 and stand well.
10…Qe7: The queen covers e5 and makes room for the rooks on the d-file.
11.Qd3: The queen goes to the d-file opposite your queen.
11…Nh5: The knight heads for f4. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 11...a5 to secure b4 and c5 (+0.47).
12.Rfd1: The rook comes to the d-file. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 12.a5; now nearly level (+0.20).
12…Nf4: The knight jumps to f4 and attacks the queen on d3 and the e2 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qd6: The queen invades on d6 and offers the queen trade. Stockfish would have chosen 13.Qd2; now level (+0.01).
13…Nxe2: You take the e2 bishop with check – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nxe2: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qxd6: You trade queens – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rxd6: After the queen trade the rook recaptures on d6 and attacks your knight on d7 – Stockfish's first choice. The endgame is level (+0.03).
15…Re8: The rook covers e5 and keeps an eye on the d6 rook – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 46: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Be3 Qe7 11.Nd2 Nc5 12.a5 Ne6 13.Re1 Rd8 14.Bf1 h6 15.Qc1 Kh7

up to 10…Qe7 as line 45

11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 to come in via c4. Stockfish narrowly names 11.Qd3 first.
11…Nc5: The knight takes c5 before the d2 knight gets there – Stockfish's first choice.
12.a5: White gains queenside space with a5 – Stockfish's first choice. Your knight heads for d4 via e6 (Ne6).
12…Ne6: The knight goes to e6, aiming at d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Re1: White puts the rook on e1 to support e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Rd8: The rook takes the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bf1: The bishop goes to f1 and guards the kingside – Stockfish's first choice.
14…h6: You take g5 away from the e3 bishop and White's knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qc1: The queen aims at h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Kh7: The king covers h6 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.32).

Line 47: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Bc4 Qe7 11.b3 Nc5 12.Ba3 b6 13.Qd3 Be6 14.Bxc5 bxc5 15.Bxe6 Qxe6

up to 9…dxe5 as line 46

10.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7 and controls d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Qe7: The queen leaves the d-file. Stockfish would have chosen 10...h6 (+0.95).
11.b3: White supports the c4 bishop and prepares Ba3 – Stockfish's first choice. Your knight goes to c5.
11…Nc5: The knight takes c5 and eyes e4 and b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Ba3: The bishop lines up against the c5 knight and your queen on e7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…b6: You protect the c5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qd3: The queen advances on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: You offer to trade the c4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bxc5: White trades off the c5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxe6: White trades the bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qxe6: You recapture with the queen; the doubled c5 pawn is the weakness of your position – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.70).

Line 48: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Bc4 h6 11.a5 Qe7 12.b3 Re8 13.Qd2 Nh5 14.Rd1 Nf8 15.Qd6 Be6

up to 10.Bc4 as line 47

10…h6: You take g5 away from the white bishop – Stockfish's first choice. White is somewhat better (+0.79).
11.a5: White gains queenside space and takes b6 away from your knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Qe7: The queen leaves the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12.b3: White prepares Ba3 to attack your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Re8: The rook covers e5 and frees f8 for the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qd2: White connects the rooks and aims at h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nh5: The knight heads for f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rd1: The rook takes the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and wants to become active via e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qd6: The queen invades on d6 and offers the queen trade – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Be6: You offer the bishop trade and cover d7 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.79).

Line 49: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Bf4 Qc7 11.Qd2 Be6 12.Rad1 Rad8 13.Nd4 d5 14.Qe3 Bc8 15.exd5 Nxd5

up to 9.dxe5 as line 48

9…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight and offer the trade for the f3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bf4: The bishop attacks your e5 knight and eyes d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Qc7: The queen protects the e5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qd2: White connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Be6: You develop the bishop and cover d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rad1: The rook comes to the d-file against d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Rad8: You cover d6 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nd4: The knight attacks your e6 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13…d5: You strike in the centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qe3: The queen joins the attack along the diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bc8: The bishop steps back to c8 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.exd5: White trades on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight, which stands centrally – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.39).

Line 50: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.a4 e5 9.Be3 exd4 10.Bxd4 Nc5 11.e5 Nfe4 12.exd6 Qxd6 13.Nxe4 Nxe4 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.Qxd6 Nxd6

up to 8…e5 as line 49

9.Be3: White develops the bishop and lets you trade on d4. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.dxe5; now nearly level (+0.12).
9…exd4: You trade on d4 and open the diagonal for the g7 bishop.
10.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop and attacks your knight on f6 – Stockfish's first choice. With Nc5 and Nfe4 your knights head for trades.
10…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.e5: White pushes e5 and attacks the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nfe4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers a trade – Stockfish's first choice.
12.exd6: White trades on d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nxe4: White trades on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nxe4: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bxg7: White trades off your g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Kxg7: You recapture with the king – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qxd6: White trades queens – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxd6: You recapture with the knight; the endgame is level – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 51: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.Be3 e5 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Qd6 Ne8 11.Qa3 Nc7 12.Rad1 Ne6 13.Bc4 Re8 14.Bxe6 Rxe6 15.Na4 Qa5

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 50

8.Be3: White develops the bishop. Stockfish narrowly names 8.a4 first.
8…e5: You attack the centre with e5. Stockfish narrowly names 8...b5 first.
9.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Qd6: The queen invades on d6 and attacks three pieces at once. With Ne8 you drive her away again.
10…Ne8: The knight covers c7 and wants to reach e6 via c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qa3: The queen moves to a3 and keeps the diagonal towards your f8 rook – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and on to e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rad1: The rook takes the open d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Ne6: The knight stands well on e6 and eyes d4 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bc4: The bishop attacks the e6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Re8: The rook protects the e6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bxe6: White trades on e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Rxe6: You recapture with the rook, which becomes active on the third rank – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Na4: The knight heads for c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qa5: The queen attacks the a4 knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.20).

Line 52: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.h3 Nbd7 8.Bf4 Qa5 9.Be3 e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.Nd2 Qc7 12.Nc4 b6 13.Qd6 Ne8 14.Qxc7 Nxc7 15.Rfd1 Ne6

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 51

8.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 against d6. Stockfish would have chosen 8.a4.
8…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and pins the c3 knight. Stockfish rates 8...Qc7 slightly more precise.
9.Be3: The bishop goes to e3. With e5 you strike in the centre; Stockfish expects dxe5 dxe5.
9…e5: After the Be3 retreat you attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nd2: The knight wants to attack your queen via c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Qc7: The queen retreats to c7 in advance – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nc4: The knight takes c4 and eyes d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…b6: You take a5 from the knight and prepare Ba6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qd6: The queen invades on d6 and offers the queen trade – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Ne8: The knight attacks the queen on d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qxc7: White trades queens – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxc7: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rfd1: The rook takes the open d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Ne6: The knight goes to e6, aiming at d4 and c5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.41).

Line 53: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.Bf4 Nbd7 8.Qd2 Qc7 9.e5 dxe5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Bxe5 Qa5 12.Rfe1 Rd8 13.Bf3 Be6 14.a3 Bd5 15.b4 Qb6

up to 6…c6 as line 52

7.Bf4: A rare move: the bishop aims at d6, but on f4 a knight from h5 can attack it later.
7…Nbd7: As against the other moves: the knight prepares …e5.
8.Qd2: White connects the rooks and thinks of Bh6. Stockfish would have chosen 8.h3.
8…Qc7: The queen covers d6 and prepares e5. Stockfish rates 8...b5 slightly more precise.
9.e5: White pushes and attacks the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9…dxe5: You take on e5 and open the centre.
10.Nxe5: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice. After the knight trade your queen goes active with Qa5.
10…Nxe5: You trade the knights on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bxe5: White recaptures with the bishop and attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Qa5: The queen moves to a5 and pins the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rfe1: White brings the rook to the e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Rd8: The rook lines up opposite White's queen on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 and eyes the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop with Bd5 in mind – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a3: White prepares b4 against your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bd5: The bishop challenges the f3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.b4: White chases your queen from a5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qb6: The queen steps to b6 and stays on the diagonal towards f2 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.16).

Line 54: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.a5 Qc7 9.Be2 e5 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.O-O

up to 4…Bg7 as line 53

5.h3: The Schlechter System: White prevents Bg4 and plans Be3 and Qd2.
5…O-O: Castling. Stockfish then shows Be3 d5 as an idea.
6.Be3: White prepares Qd2.
6…c6: A flexible move: b5 and Nbd7 are possible, later e5. Stockfish would have slightly preferred 6...d5.
7.a4: White prevents b5.
7…Nbd7: The knight supports e5.
8.a5: White gains further space on the queenside.
8…Qc7: The queen supports e5 and keeps an eye on the a5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Be2: White develops.
9…e5: The central strike – Stockfish's best move.
10.dxe5: White exchanges.
10…Nxe5: Recapture with the knight: it trades itself for the f3 knight and frees your position. Stockfish: +0.48.
11.O-O: White castles short. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 55: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.a5 Qc7 9.Qd2 Rb8 10.Bd3 b5 11.axb6 axb6 12.O-O Bb7 13.Rfe1 e5 14.b4 b5 15.Bg5 Rfc8

up to 8…Qc7 as line 54

9.Qd2: White prepares long castling or Bh6.
9…Rb8: The rook supports b5 with queenside play. Stockfish: +0.40.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3. With b5 you open the b-file for your rook on b8.
10…b5: You strike on the queenside with b5 and question the a5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11.axb6: White captures en passant on b6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…axb6: You recapture with the a-pawn; the a-file opens – Stockfish's first choice.
12.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Rfe1: White supports e4 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
13…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.b4: White takes b4 away from your b-pawn and controls c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…b5: You fix the b4 pawn and secure c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bg5: The bishop pins the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rfc8: The rook comes to the c-file and supports c5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.36).

Line 56: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.Be2 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.O-O

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 55

8.Be2: White develops and will castle soon.
8…e5: The central strike.
9.dxe5: White exchanges in the centre.
9…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight, which stands centrally and presses on f3 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.O-O: White castles short. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 57: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.a4 Nbd7 8.Qd2 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Be2 Qa5 11.O-O Nxf3 12.Bxf3 Rd8 13.Rfd1 Be6 14.Rab1 Nd7 15.Bh6 Bxh6

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 56

8.Qd2: White prepares Bh6 or long castling.
8…e5: The central strike – Stockfish's best move.
9.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nxe5: Recapture with the knight; it trades itself for the f3 knight. Stockfish: +0.38.
10.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2. After Nxf3 Bxf3 you bring your bishop into play with Be6.
10…Qa5: The queen goes to a5, pins the c3 knight and leaves the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
11.O-O: White castles and loosens the pin via d2 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nxf3: You trade off the f3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Rd8: The rook lines up against the d2 queen on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Rfd1: White puts a rook in front of the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop and eye b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rab1: White prepares b4 against your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nd7: The knight heads for the centre via e5 or c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bh6: White offers the trade of the dark-squared bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bxh6: You trade on h6; then Qc5 brings the queen back – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.29).

Line 58: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.Qd2 b5 8.Bd3 Nbd7 9.O-O e5 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.Nxe5 dxe5 12.a4 b4 13.Nb1 Qe7 14.Rd1 Be6 15.Qe1 c5

up to 6…c6 as line 57

7.Qd2: White plays Qd2 without a4 – now b5 is possible. Stockfish considers 7.a4 better.
7…b5: Space on the queenside; the bishop can go to b7. Stockfish: +0.33.
8.Bd3: White develops and covers e4.
8…Nbd7: The knight supports e5 – Stockfish's best move.
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…e5: The central strike – Stockfish's best move.
10.dxe5: White exchanges.
10…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight and offer a trade on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nxe5: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice. After dxe5 your pawn stands on e5, and White plays on the queenside with a4.
11…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12.a4: White attacks the b5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12…b4: You push past and chase the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nb1: The knight retreats to b1 and wants to reach c4 via d2 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qe7: The queen leaves the d-file and covers e5 and c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rd1: The rook takes the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Be6: You develop the bishop and keep c4 in view – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qe1: The queen leaves the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…c5: You gain queenside space and take d4 away from the knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.50).

Line 59: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.Qd2 b5 8.Bd3 Nbd7 9.O-O Bb7 10.e5 Ne8 11.exd6 exd6 12.a4 a6 13.Rfe1 Ndf6 14.Rad1 Nc7 15.Ne4 Nxe4

up to 9.O-O as line 58

9…Bb7: You put the bishop on the long diagonal against e4 – Stockfish's first choice. On e5 the knight steps back to e8.
10.e5: White pushes in the centre and attacks the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Ne8: The knight retreats to e8 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.exd6: White trades on d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…exd6: You recapture with the e-pawn; the e-file opens – Stockfish's first choice.
12.a4: White attacks the b5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12…a6: You protect b5 with the a-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Rfe1: White takes the open e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Ndf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers d5 and e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rad1: White brings the second rook into play – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nc7: The knight goes to c7, covering b5 and e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Ne4: White offers the knight trade on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxe4: You trade on e4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.28).

Line 60: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.Qd2 b5 8.Bd3 Nbd7 9.Bh6 e5 10.O-O Re8 11.a3 a6 12.dxe5 Nxe5 13.Be2 Bxh6 14.Qxh6 Nxf3 15.Bxf3 Bb7

up to 8…Nbd7 as line 59

9.Bh6: White wants to trade the g7 bishop, but Stockfish considers 9.O-O better – now the position is nearly level (+0.02).
9…e5: The central strike – while White has not castled, it comes just in time. Stockfish: +0.06.
10.O-O: White castles short. The position is level (+0.06); you bring your rooks to the centre with Re8.
10…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and supports e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.a3: White takes b4 away from your b-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11…a6: You support b5 and prepare Bb7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Be2: The bishop avoids the trade on d3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bxh6: You trade the h6 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qxh6: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxf3: You trade on f3 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 61: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.O-O e5 9.Qd2 Re8 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.Nxe5 dxe5 12.a4 a5 13.Nb1 Bf8 14.f3 Nd7 15.Rd1 Nc5

up to 6…c6 as line 60

7.Bd3: White develops the bishop; Stockfish considers 7.a4 better.
7…Nbd7: The knight supports e5 – Stockfish's best move.
8.O-O: White castles. Stockfish rates 8.a4 slightly more precise.
8…e5: The central strike. Stockfish: +0.25, and Black held up well in the games.
9.Qd2: The queen goes to d2. Stockfish narrowly names 9.dxe5 first.
9…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and presses on e4.
10.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nxe5: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nxe5: White trades the knights – Stockfish's first choice.
11…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12.a4: White gains queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
12…a5: You answer with a5 and secure b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nb1: The knight wants to reach c4 via a3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bf8: The bishop heads for b4 via f8 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.f3: White covers e4 with the f-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nd7: The knight heads for d3 via c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rd1: The rook takes the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nc5: The knight stands well on c5 and attacks the d3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.22).

Line 62: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be2 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5 8.O-O Qxc5 9.a4 Nbd7 10.Re1 b6 11.Nd5 Nxd5 12.exd5 Nf6 13.c4 Ne4 14.Be3 Qb4 15.Rb1 e5

up to 5…O-O as line 61

6.Be2: A quieter move; Stockfish considers 6.Be3 better.
6…c5: The strike at d4 – against quiet set-ups c5 is a good choice. Black won half of the games.
7.dxc5: White takes the c5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
7…Qa5: The queen wants to win the pawn back via a5 and pins the c3 knight. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 7...dxc5 (+0.54).
8.O-O: White castles short and gives up the c5 pawn for development. Stockfish's line: Qxc5 Nd5 with pressure in the centre.
8…Qxc5: You win the pawn back – Stockfish's first choice.
9.a4: White gains queenside space and takes b5 from you – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nbd7: You develop the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Re1: White supports e4 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
10…b6: You clear b7 for your bishop and protect c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and offers a trade – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nxd5: You trade the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.exd5: White recaptures with the e-pawn and has a space edge on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and attacks d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.c4: White supports d5 with the c-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4, the square the e-pawn left – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be3: The bishop attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qb4: The queen moves to b4 and attacks c4 and e1 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rb1: The rook covers b2 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…e5: You attack the d5 pawn with e5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.47).

Line 63: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be3 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Bh6 b5 8.Bd3 Bg4 9.h4 Bxf3 10.gxf3 Nh5 11.Bxg7 Kxg7 12.f4 Nd7 13.O-O-O Qb6 14.Be2 b4 15.Na4 Qa5

up to 4…Bg7 as line 62

5.Be3: White plays Be3 and Qd2 with Bh6 in mind to trade your bishop.
5…O-O: Castling – Stockfish's first choice.
6.Qd2: White plans Bh6 and possibly long castling.
6…c6: A flexible move with the idea b5. Stockfish finds 6...c5 slightly more accurate. Careful: White won many games here.
7.Bh6: White wants to trade your important bishop.
7…b5: Questionable: Stockfish recommends 7...d5 with e5 Ne4 (this costs about 0.2 pawns). In the games White won six out of seven – a point for review.
8.Bd3: White develops and has h4 against your king in mind.
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the f3 knight and can trade it. But White is better (+0.59).
9.h4: White starts the attack on your king with h4 – Stockfish's first choice. You trade with Bxf3 and get going with Nh5.
9…Bxf3: You trade off the f3 knight before White's h-pawn runs on against your king – Stockfish's first choice.
10.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn and opens the g-file – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nh5: The knight blocks the h-pawn on h5 and eyes f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bxg7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Kxg7: You recapture with the king – Stockfish's first choice.
12.f4: White takes f4 away from your knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nd7: You develop the knight and prepare e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qb6: The queen aims at the queenside and f2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be2: The bishop attacks your h5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…b4: You chase the c3 knight and start the attack on the king on c1 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Na4: The knight moves to a4 and attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qa5: The queen goes to a5 and attacks a2 and the a4 knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.49).

Line 64: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be3 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.h3 e5 9.O-O

up to 6…c6 as line 63

7.Bd3: Stockfish considers 7.Bh6 better.
7…Nbd7: The knight prepares e5. Stockfish: +0.23.
8.h3: White takes g4 away from your pieces. Now you strike in the centre with e5.
8…e5: After h3 you attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice. Transposition: the course already covers this position from another move order; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 65: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be3 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.h3

up to 6…c6 as line 64

7.h3: Transposition to the line 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 c6 7.Qd2. (transposition)

Line 66: 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be3 O-O 6.h3

up to 5…O-O as line 65

6.h3: Transposition to the line 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3. (transposition)

Chapter 3: 4.Be3

Line 67: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.h3 Bb7 10.O-O Bg7 11.a4 a6 12.Ne2 O-O 13.Ng3 Qe7 14.c4 Rfd8 15.axb5 cxb5

4.Be3: The attack with Be3 and Qd2 (150 Attack): White wants Bh6, the bishop trade and an attack with h4–h5. Stockfish: +0.58.
4…c6: The course chooses the flexible road: first c6 and b5 for queenside counterplay, with the bishop going to g7 later. Stockfish prefers the immediate 4...Bg7 (a cost of about 0.2 pawns, +0.84) – a point for review.
5.Qd2: The real 150 Attack. Stockfish considers 5.h3 stronger.
5…b5: Space on the queenside: b4 threatens to chase the c3 knight and weaken e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
6.Bd3: White covers e4 and prepares Nf3 and short castling.
6…Nbd7: The knight supports e5. Stockfish would have chosen the immediate 6...e5; the difference is small.
7.Nf3: White develops.
7…e5: The central strike. Stockfish names 7...Qc7 as equally good. Your f8 bishop could now go to e7 too – but the course still puts it on g7.
8.dxe5: White exchanges in the centre.
8…dxe5: Recapture with the pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
9.h3: White takes the g4 square away from your knight (Ng4).
9…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal. Stockfish would have chosen 9...a5 (about 0.25 pawns better).
10.O-O: White castles short.
10…Bg7: At last the bishop goes to g7 – now you can castle.
11.a4: White attacks the b5 pawn.
11…a6: You protect b5. Stockfish: +0.70 – White is somewhat better.
12.Ne2: The knight wants to go via g3 to f5.
12…O-O: Castling – the king is safe.
13.Ng3: The knight eyes f5.
13…Qe7: The queen connects the rooks and covers f6 and e5.
14.c4: White opens the queenside.
14…Rfd8: The rook goes to the d-file against the d3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.axb5: White opens lines on the queenside with axb5 – Stockfish's first choice. White is slightly better (+0.63).
15…cxb5: You recapture with the c-pawn and keep your queenside structure – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.59).

Line 68: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.h3 Bb7 10.O-O Bg7 11.a4 a6 12.Ne2 Qe7 13.Ng3 Nc5 14.axb5 cxb5 15.b4 Ne6

up to 12.Ne2 as line 67

12…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and connects your pieces; castling comes next – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and eyes f5. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 13.Rfd1 (+0.25).
13…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks the d3 bishop and e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.axb5: White trades on b5 and opens the a-file.
14…cxb5: You recapture with the c-pawn.
15.b4: White chases the c5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Ne6: The knight goes to e6, aiming at d4 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.22).

Line 69: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.h3 Bb7 10.a4 a6 11.O-O Bg7

up to 9…Bb7 as line 68

10.a4: White attacks b5 at once; Stockfish considers 10.O-O better.
10…a6: You protect b5. Stockfish recommends the push 10...b4 (about 0.22 pawns better).
11.O-O: White castles.
11…Bg7: Transposition to the main line with 10.O-O Bg7 11.a4 a6. (transposition)

Line 70: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.O-O Ng4 10.Nd1 a5 11.a3 Be7 12.Rb1 O-O 13.b4 Qc7 14.h3 Nxe3 15.Nxe3 axb4

up to 8…dxe5 as line 69

9.O-O: White castles short. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.h3. The position becomes nearly level (+0.25).
9…Ng4: The knight attacks the e3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nd1: The knight retreats to d1 to dodge b4 and cover e3 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…a5: You gain queenside space and prepare b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.a3: White stops b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and covers the dark squares – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rb1: White prepares b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…O-O: You castle; the king is safe behind the e7 bishop before White opens the queenside with b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.b4: White opens the queenside with b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qc7: The queen covers e5 and connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
14.h3: White chases the g4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxe3: You trade the knight for the e3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nxe3: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…axb4: You trade on b4 and open the a-file for your rook – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 71: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 e5 8.O-O Bb7 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.a4 a6 11.h3

up to 7…e5 as line 70

8.O-O: White castles and keeps the tension.
8…Bb7: Stockfish recommends 8...exd4 with Nxd4 Bb7 (about 0.21 pawns better).
9.dxe5: White trades on e5 and opens the d-file against your king in the centre.
9…dxe5: Symmetrical centre. White is somewhat better (+0.67).
10.a4: White stops your queenside with a4 – Stockfish's first choice. You answer with a6.
10…a6: You protect b5 with the a-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11.h3: White takes g4 from your pieces – Stockfish's first choice. Transposition: the course already covers this position from the move order with Be3 first; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 72: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nf3 e5 8.h3 Bb7 9.dxe5 dxe5

up to 7…e5 as line 71

8.h3: Stockfish considers 8.dxe5 better – now you can exchange in the centre.
8…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8...exd4 (+0.71).
9.dxe5: White trades on e5 and attacks your knight on f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice. Transposition: the course already covers this position from another move order; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 73: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.h3 Bg7 8.Nf3 O-O

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 72

7.h3: White delays Nf3; Stockfish considers this inaccurate.
7…Bg7: You develop the bishop on g7 – Stockfish's first choice.
8.Nf3: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
8…O-O: You castle – Stockfish's first choice. Transposition: the course already covers this position from the move order with an earlier knight move; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 74: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.h4 h5 9.g5 Nfd7 10.d5 Ne5 11.Bd4 b4 12.dxc6 bxc3 13.Qxc3 Bg7 14.a4 O-O 15.f4 Qc7

up to 5…b5 as line 73

6.f3: White plays as in the English Attack: g4, h4 and long castling. Stockfish considers 6.Bd3 better.
6…Nbd7: The knight comes into play via b6. Stockfish would have chosen 6...Bg7.
7.g4: White storms on the kingside.
7…Nb6: The knight goes to b6, where it controls c4 and a4 and prepares b4. Stockfish prefers 7...Bg7 (about 0.13 pawns better).
8.h4: White continues the pawn storm.
8…h5: You slow down the h-pawn. Stockfish narrowly names 8...b4 first.
9.g5: The f6 knight is driven away.
9…Nfd7: The knight retreats to d7. Stockfish prefers the counter-blow 9...b4 (evaluation +0.67).
10.d5: White opens the centre; your knight finds the e5 square.
10…Ne5: The knight stands strongly on e5; the bishop comes to g7. Stockfish: +0.78, and Black won half of the games.
11.Bd4: The bishop goes to d4 and attacks both knights – Stockfish's first choice. With b4 you hit back at the c3 knight.
11…b4: You attack the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.dxc6: White takes on c6 and leaves the c3 knight hanging – Stockfish's first choice.
12…bxc3: You take the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qxc3: White recaptures with the queen and eyes h8 along the diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bg7: The bishop covers h8 and challenges the d4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a4: White gains queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
14…O-O: You bring the king to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
15.f4: White chases the e5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qc7: The queen covers the e5 knight and the c6 pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.58).

Line 75: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.h4 h5 9.g5 Nfd7 10.f4 b4 11.Nd1 d5 12.Qxb4 dxe4 13.Qa5 Bg7 14.c4 Nf8 15.Rc1 Ne6

up to 9…Nfd7 as line 74

10.f4: A mistake by White: Stockfish wanted 10.d5. After 10.f4 Black is even better (−0.10).
10…b4: The c3 knight is chased away, and then you strike in the centre with d5. Stockfish: −0.09.
11.Nd1: The knight retreats to d1 – Stockfish's first choice. With d5 you attack the centre; the position is level (−0.06).
11…d5: You strike White's centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice; Black is slightly better (-0.16).
12.Qxb4: White takes the b4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12…dxe4: You take the e4 pawn and open the diagonal towards h1 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qa5: The queen invades on a5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.c4: White gains space and takes d5 from you – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nf8: The knight heads for e6 via f8 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rc1: White brings the rook to the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Ne6: The knight stands strongly on e6 and eyes d4 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 76: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.h4 h5 9.g5 b4 10.gxf6 bxc3 11.Qxc3 exf6 12.Bf4 a5 13.O-O-O Be7 14.Bd3 Qd7 15.Qb3 Qc7

up to 9.g5 as line 75

9…b4: You attack the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice. After gxf6 bxc3 both sides trade pieces.
10.gxf6: White takes the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…bxc3: You take the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qxc3: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
11…exf6: You recapture with the e-pawn and control e5 and g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…a5: You want to advance the a-pawn against the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
13.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be7: The bishop covers d6 and f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bd3: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qd7: The queen connects your pieces and prepares Ba6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and eyes f7 and the b-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and covers the seventh rank – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.46).

Line 77: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.b3 Bb7 9.g5 Nh5 10.Nge2 Bg7 11.Ng3 Nxg3 12.hxg3 b4 13.Nd1 a5 14.a4 bxa3 15.Rxa3 a4

up to 7…Nb6 as line 76

8.b3: White prevents Nc4.
8…Bb7: The bishop presses on e4. Stockfish prefers 8...Bg7 (about 0.25 pawns better).
9.g5: White chases your knight with g5 – Stockfish's first choice. It goes to the rim on h5.
9…Nh5: The knight moves to h5 and eyes g3 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nge2: White develops the knight and wants to trade your knight with Ng3 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Bg7: You develop the bishop on the long diagonal against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Ng3: White offers to trade the h5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nxg3: You trade on g3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn and opens the h-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12…b4: You chase the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nd1: The knight moves to d1 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…a5: You want to open the queenside with a4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a4: White stops a4 and allows the en passant capture – Stockfish's first choice.
14…bxa3: You capture en passant on a3 and open the b-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rxa3: White recaptures with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
15…a4: You attack the b3 pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.79).

Line 78: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.b3 Bg7 9.Rd1 Qc7 10.Nce2 h5 11.g5 Nh7 12.Bg2 O-O 13.Nh3 d5 14.O-O Bxh3 15.Bxh3 e6

up to 8.b3 as line 77

8…Bg7: You develop the bishop to g7 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Rd1: The rook covers d4 and prepares d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Qc7: The queen covers c6 and the diagonal towards h2 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nce2: The knight goes to e2 and covers d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…h5: You challenge g5 or gain h5 as a square for it – Stockfish's first choice.
11.g5: White chases the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nh7: The knight retreats to h7 and attacks g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bg2: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…O-O: You castle despite the g5 pawn; the h7 knight and the g7 bishop shield your king – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nh3: The knight heads for f4 and g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…d5: You strike in the centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bxh3: You trade the h3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxh3: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…e6: You firm up d5 and close the h3 bishop's diagonal – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.17).

Line 79: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.g5 Nh5 9.b3 Bg7 10.Nce2 e5 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Qxd8 Kxd8 13.h4 Kc7 14.Bh3 f5 15.gxf6 Bxf6

up to 7…Nb6 as line 78

8.g5: White chases the knight at once; Stockfish considers 8.h4 better.
8…Nh5: The knight goes to the rim, from where it can become active via f4. Stockfish: +0.21.
9.b3: White shores up the queenside with b3 – Stockfish's first choice. You develop the bishop to g7.
9…Bg7: You develop the bishop on the long diagonal against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nce2: The knight covers d4 and wants to go to g3 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…dxe5: You recapture with the d-pawn and open the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Qxd8: White trades queens – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Kxd8: You recapture with the king – Stockfish's first choice; in the endgame it stands well in the centre.
13.h4: White supports g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Kc7: The king goes to c7 and connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bh3: The bishop goes to the diagonal towards c8 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…f5: You attack the g5 pawn with the f-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.gxf6: White captures en passant on f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop, now active on f6 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.16).

Line 80: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.g4 Nb6 8.Bd3 b4 9.Nd1 h5 10.g5 Nfd7 11.f4 Bg7 12.Nf3 c5 13.a3 bxa3 14.Rxa3 cxd4 15.Bxd4 Bxd4

up to 7…Nb6 as line 79

8.Bd3: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8.h4.
8…b4: The c3 knight is chased away. Stockfish: +0.29.
9.Nd1: The knight retreats to d1 – Stockfish's first choice. You slow down the kingside with h5.
9…h5: You hold up the g-pawn with h5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.g5: White chases the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers e5 and c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.f4: White gains kingside space – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bg7: You develop the bishop against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nf3: White covers d4 with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…c5: You attack d4 with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.a3: White attacks the b4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13…bxa3: You trade on a3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rxa3: White recaptures with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
14…cxd4: You trade on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bxd4: You trade the dark-squared bishops – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 81: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.Bd3 Bb7 8.Nge2 e5 9.O-O Bg7 10.d5 cxd5 11.exd5 b4 12.Ne4 O-O 13.Nxd6 Bxd5 14.Qxb4 Qe7 15.Qa3 Rfb8

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 80

7.Bd3: Stockfish considers 7.g4 better.
7…Bb7: The bishop presses on e4. Stockfish prefers 7...Bg7 (about 0.3 pawns better) – a point for review.
8.Nge2: White develops the knight to e2 – Stockfish's first choice. With e5 you strike in the centre.
8…e5: You attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10.d5: White pushes d5 and attacks c6 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…cxd5: You trade on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.exd5: White recaptures with the e-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11…b4: You chase the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…O-O: You castle and give up the d6 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nxd6: White takes d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bxd5: You win back the d5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qxb4: White takes the b4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qe7: The queen attacks the d6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qa3: The queen protects d6 from a3 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rfb8: The rook takes the open b-file – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.08).

Line 82: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.a4 b4 8.Nd1 a5 9.b3 Bg7 10.Nb2 c5 11.O-O-O cxd4 12.Bxd4 O-O 13.h4 h5 14.Nh3 Qc7 15.Bc4 Ba6

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 81

7.a4: White attacks b5.
7…b4: The pawn advances and chases the c3 knight.
8.Nd1: The knight retreats; White threatens Qxb4.
8…a5: You protect b4. Stockfish slightly prefers 8...Bg7, with a pawn sacrifice.
9.b3: White shores up the queenside with b3 – Stockfish's first choice. Then you develop the bishop to g7.
9…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nb2: The knight heads for c4 via b2 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…c5: You attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
11…cxd4: You trade on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…O-O: You castle on the opposite side to White; now it is about who attacks faster – Stockfish's first choice.
13.h4: White starts the attack with the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13…h5: You stop the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nh3: The knight heads for e6 and f7 via g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to the c-file against the king on c1 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bc4: White develops the bishop and covers the a6–f1 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Ba6: You offer to trade the c4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.21).

Line 83: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.Nge2 Nb6 8.b3 a5 9.a4 b4 10.Nd1 Ba6 11.Ng3 Bxf1 12.Nxf1 Rc8 13.Ng3 Bg7 14.Rb1 Nbd7 15.O-O O-O

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 82

7.Nge2: White develops the knight.
7…Nb6: The knight goes to b6. Stockfish would have chosen 7...Bg7.
8.b3: White takes c4 away from your knight – Stockfish's first choice.
8…a5: You gain space on the queenside and threaten a4. Stockfish: +0.22.
9.a4: White meets your queenside with a4. With b4 you chase the c3 knight.
9…b4: After a4 you push past and chase the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nd1: The knight moves to d1 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Ba6: You offer to trade the f1 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Ng3: White allows the trade on f1 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bxf1: You trade the bishops and take away White's castling – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nxf1: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file and prepares c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Ng3: The knight returns to g3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rb1: White frees the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nbd7: The knight returns to d7 and supports c5 and e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
15…O-O: You castle too – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.22).

Line 84: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.h4 Nb6 8.b3 h5 9.Bd3 a6 10.Nge2 Nbd7 11.Nd1 e5 12.Nf2 Bg7 13.c3 O-O 14.Bh6 a5 15.g4 b4

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 83

7.h4: White storms with the h-pawn.
7…Nb6: Stockfish recommends 7...h5 to stop the h-pawn (about 0.28 pawns better).
8.b3: White takes c4 away from your knight – Stockfish's first choice. You slow down the kingside with h5.
8…h5: You stop the h-pawn with h5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bd3: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
9…a6: You support b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nge2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nbd7: The knight returns to d7 and prepares e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nd1: The knight heads for f2 via d1 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nf2: The knight covers e4 and g4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.c3: White supports d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…O-O: You castle although White can trade your g7 bishop with Bh6; the h5 pawn keeps the kingside closed – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bh6: White offers to trade your g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14…a5: You advance on the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
15.g4: White opens the kingside with g4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…b4: You attack the c3 pawn and seek counterplay – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.23).

Line 85: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.Nh3 Bg7 8.Be2 a5 9.Nf2 O-O 10.O-O Bb7 11.Rac1 Ba6 12.b3 Qc7 13.Kh1 Rfb8 14.Nd3 Rc8 15.Rfd1 b4

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 84

7.Nh3: The knight wants to support the centre via f2.
7…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7. Stockfish: +0.32.
8.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 – Stockfish's first choice. Your queen goes to c7, then you castle.
8…a5: You gain queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Nf2: The knight comes from h3 to f2 and covers e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…O-O: You castle before White has finished developing; the g7 bishop already eyes d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Rac1: White brings the rook to the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Ba6: The bishop goes to a6 and offers to trade the e2 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.b3: White covers c4 against your bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qc7: The queen connects the rooks and prepares c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Kh1: White takes the king off the g1–a7 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Rfb8: The rook comes to the b-file and supports b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nd3: The knight goes to d3 and covers b4 and c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and prepares c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rfd1: White puts the rook on the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…b4: You chase the c3 knight and gain space – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.16).

Line 86: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.O-O-O Nb6 8.Bd3 Qc7 9.e5 Nfd5 10.Nxd5 Nxd5 11.exd6 Qxd6 12.Bh6 Bxh6 13.Qxh6 Be6 14.Ne2 O-O-O 15.Rhe1 a5

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 85

7.O-O-O: White castles long – a risk against your queenside pawns. Stockfish sees near equality (+0.02).
7…Nb6: The knight goes to b6, and b4 is ready. Stockfish: 0.00.
8.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3 – Stockfish's first choice. The position is level (0.00).
8…Qc7: The queen covers e5 and the seventh rank – Stockfish's first choice.
9.e5: White pushes e5 and attacks the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nfd5: The knight jumps into the centre on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nxd5: White trades the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nxd5: You recapture with the other knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.exd6: White trades on d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Qxd6: You recapture with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bh6: White offers to trade your g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bxh6: You trade on h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qxh6: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop and clear the way to castle long – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Ne2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…O-O-O: You castle long because White's queen sits on h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rhe1: White takes the e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…a5: You start queenside play with the a-pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 87: 4.Be3 c6 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3 Nbd7 7.d5 cxd5 8.Nxd5 a6 9.Nxf6 Nxf6 10.Bd3 Bb7 11.Ne2 Bg7 12.Bh6 Bxh6 13.Qxh6 Qa5 14.Qd2 Qc7 15.O-O-O d5

up to 6…Nbd7 as line 86

7.d5: White opens the centre.
7…cxd5: You capture back.
8.Nxd5: The knight stands strongly on d5.
8…a6: You protect b5. Stockfish: +0.10.
9.Nxf6: White trades on f6, with check – Stockfish's first choice. After Nxf6 White castles long.
9…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bd3: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal and presses on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Ne2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bh6: White offers the bishop trade – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bxh6: You trade on h6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qxh6: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qa5: The queen reaches out to a2 and e1 via a5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Qd2: The queen comes back to defend – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and covers the c-file and e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
15…d5: You strike in the centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 88: 4.Be3 c6 5.h3 Nbd7 6.f4 b5 7.a3 Nb6 8.Nf3 d5 9.e5 Ne4 10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.Nd2 Nd5 12.Qe2 f5 13.exf6 exf6 14.Nxe4 Bg7 15.Qf3 O-O

up to 4…c6 as line 87

5.h3: The Sveshnikov-Jansa Attack: White prepares f4. Stockfish: +0.66.
5…Nbd7: The knight supports e5 and can go to b6.
6.f4: White builds a big centre.
6…b5: Counterplay on the queenside. Stockfish prefers 6...Bg7 (+0.96 after 6...b5) – a point for review.
7.a3: White prevents b4.
7…Nb6: The knight goes to b6. Stockfish would have chosen 7...d5.
8.Nf3: White develops; Stockfish considers 8.Bd3 better.
8…d5: You strike in the centre: after e5 Ne4 the knight stands strongly. Stockfish: +0.37.
9.e5: White chases your knight with e5 – Stockfish's first choice. It goes to the centre on e4.
9…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nxe4: White trades on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…dxe4: You recapture with the d-pawn and attack the f3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nd2: The knight moves to d2 and attacks e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and eyes e3 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Qe2: The queen attacks the e4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12…f5: You support e4 with the f-pawn and lever against e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.exf6: White captures en passant on f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…exf6: You recapture with the e-pawn and open the e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nxe4: White wins the e4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bg7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qf3: The queen protects the e4 knight and eyes c6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…O-O: You bring the king to safety – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.32).

Line 89: 4.Be3 c6 5.h3 Nbd7 6.f4 b5 7.Bd3 b4 8.Na4 Bg7 9.c3 O-O 10.Nf3 c5 11.cxb4 cxb4 12.O-O e6 13.Nd2 Bb7 14.Kh2 Rc8 15.a3 a5

up to 6…b5 as line 88

7.Bd3: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 7.a3. Now you get good play with b4 (+0.20).
7…b4: The c3 knight is chased away, and e4 becomes weak. Stockfish: +0.21.
8.Na4: The knight steps aside to a4 on the rim – Stockfish's first choice. The position is nearly level (+0.07); with c5 you attack d4.
8…Bg7: You develop the bishop and attack d4 along the diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
9.c3: White attacks the b4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
9…O-O: You castle; your g7 bishop already presses on d4 and c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nf3: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10…c5: You attack d4 with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.cxb4: White trades on b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…cxb4: You recapture with the c-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
12…e6: You firm up d5 and f5 with e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nd2: The knight heads for c5 via b3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Kh2: White takes the king off the diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Rc8: The rook takes the open c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15.a3: White attacks the b4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…a5: You protect b4 with the a-pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 90: 4.Be3 c6 5.h3 Nbd7 6.Nf3 Qc7 7.a4 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O b6 10.Nd2 Bb7 11.a5 b5 12.a6 Bc8 13.f4 Nb8 14.e5 Nfd7 15.Nde4 Nxa6

up to 5…Nbd7 as line 89

6.Nf3: White develops normally.
6…Qc7: The queen supports e5 – Stockfish's best move.
7.a4: White prevents b5.
7…Bg7: The bishop comes to g7 – Stockfish's best move.
8.Be2: White develops.
8…O-O: Castling. Stockfish: +0.66.
9.O-O: White castles short; Stockfish considers 10.Qd2 better.
9…b6: You prepare Bb7. Stockfish slightly prefers 10...e5. Black won more than half of the games here.
10.Nd2: The knight wants to prepare f4. Stockfish narrowly names 10.Qd2 first.
10…Bb7: The bishop on the long diagonal. Stockfish prefers 11...e6 (about 0.3 pawns better).
11.a5: White gains queenside space with a5 – Stockfish's first choice. White is somewhat better (+0.76).
11…b5: You keep the queenside from being opened by a trade on b6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.a6: White pushes past and attacks the b7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bc8: The bishop goes back to c8 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.f4: White gains kingside space and prepares e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nb8: The knight retreats to b8 to win the a6 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.e5: White pushes e5 and chases the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nfd7: The knight drops back to d7 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nde4: The knight heads for f7 and e6 via g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxa6: You win the a6 pawn – Stockfish's first choice; White has a kingside attack for it. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is better (+0.78).

Line 91: 4.Be3 c6 5.h3 Nbd7 6.Nf3 Qc7 7.a4 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O b6 10.Nd2 e6 11.f4 Bb7 12.Bf3 a6 13.e5 Nd5 14.Nxd5 cxd5 15.c4 dxe5

up to 10.Nd2 as line 90

10…e6: You play e6 and take d5 away from the knight – Stockfish's first choice. Then the bishop goes to b7.
11.f4: White gains space and prepares e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bf3: White covers e4 with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…a6: You prepare b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.e5: White pushes and chases the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nd5: The knight jumps into the centre on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nxd5: White trades on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and have a strong centre – Stockfish's first choice.
15.c4: White attacks the centre with c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…dxe5: You trade on e5 and open the diagonal for the g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.32).

Line 92: 4.Be3 c6 5.h3 Nbd7 6.Nf3 Qc7 7.a4 Bg7 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O b6 10.Qd2 Bb7 11.a5 bxa5 12.Bf4 c5 13.d5 a6 14.Rfe1 Nb6 15.Bf1 Rad8

up to 9…b6 as line 91

10.Qd2: White connects the rooks.
10…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 – Stockfish's best move. Stockfish: +0.50.
11.a5: White attacks your b6 pawn with a5 – Stockfish's first choice. After bxa5 White plays with Bf4 and the rooks.
11…bxa5: You take the a5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 against d6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…c5: You attack d4 with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.d5: White closes the centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…a6: You take b5 away from the c3 knight and White's bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rfe1: White supports e4 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nb6: The knight aims at c4 and attacks d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bf1: The bishop guards the kingside – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rad8: The rook comes to the d-file – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.44).

Line 93: 4.Be3 c6 5.h3 Nbd7 6.a4 Bg7 7.g3 O-O 8.Bg2 e5 9.Nge2 d5 10.exd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 cxd5 12.b3 e4 13.c4 Nf6 14.O-O h5 15.Qd2 Bd7

up to 5…Nbd7 as line 92

6.a4: White prevents b5; Stockfish considers 6.f4 better.
6…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 – Stockfish's best move.
7.g3: White plans to put the bishop on g2.
7…O-O: Castling. Stockfish: +0.27.
8.Bg2: White puts the bishop on the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice. You prepare your play with b6 and e5.
8…e5: You attack the centre with e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Nge2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9…d5: You strike in the centre with d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.exd5: White trades on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nxd5: White trades the knights – Stockfish's first choice.
11…cxd5: You recapture with the c-pawn and have two central pawns – Stockfish's first choice.
12.b3: White prepares c4 against your centre – Stockfish's first choice.
12…e4: You push forward and block the g2 bishop's diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
13.c4: White attacks d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
14…h5: You take g4 away from White's pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qd2: White connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bd7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.26).

Line 94: 4.Be3 c6 5.f3 b5 6.Qd2

up to 4…c6 as line 93

5.f3: White supports e4 and plans Qd2, g4 and long castling. Stockfish considers 5.h3 better.
5…b5: Immediate counterplay on the queenside – Stockfish's best move.
6.Qd2: Transposition to the line 5.Qd2 b5 6.f3. (transposition)

Line 95: 4.Be3 c6 5.f3 b5 6.g4 Bg7 7.a3 a5 8.Nge2 Bb7 9.h4 b4 10.Na4 h5 11.g5 Nfd7 12.Bg2 O-O 13.f4 c5 14.c3 bxc3 15.bxc3 Nc6

up to 5…b5 as line 94

6.g4: White storms at once.
6…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7. Stockfish prefers 6...b4 (+0.45).
7.a3: White takes b4 away from your pawn – Stockfish's first choice. With a5 you prepare it anyway.
7…a5: You prepare b4 and fight for the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
8.Nge2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
8…Bb7: The bishop goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
9.h4: White starts the attack with the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
9…b4: You open the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Na4: The knight moves to the rim – Stockfish's first choice.
10…h5: You stop the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
11.g5: White chases the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nfd7: The knight goes to d7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bg2: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…O-O: You castle despite White's pawns on g5 and h4; the kingside stays closed and your play lies on the queenside with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.f4: White gains kingside space – Stockfish's first choice.
13…c5: You attack d4 with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.c3: White attacks the b4 pawn and supports d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…bxc3: You trade on c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nc6: The knight presses on d4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.33).

Chapter 4: 4.Bg5

Line 96: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 h6 6.Bh4 g5 7.Bg3 Nh5 8.O-O-O Nc6 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Nge2 e6 11.d5 Ne7 12.dxe6 fxe6 13.Nd4 Nc6 14.Nxc6 Bxc6 15.Qe2 Nxg3

4.Bg5: The Byrne Variation: the bishop pins the f6 knight; White plans Qd2 and long castling. Stockfish: +0.43.
4…Bg7: The bishop to the long diagonal – the normal Pirc development here too.
5.Qd2: White threatens Bh6 to trade your bishop.
5…h6: You question the bishop at once, before White castles long.
6.Bh4: The bishop keeps up the pin.
6…g5: You drive the bishop away for good and then chase it with Nh5. Stockfish names 6...Nbd7 first but rates both moves the same.
7.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3.
7…Nh5: The knight attacks the g3 bishop to win the bishop pair. The weaknesses on the kingside are the price.
8.O-O-O: White castles long and lets the bishop be traded.
8…Nc6: Pressure on d4. Stockfish would have chosen 8...Nd7 (about 0.1 pawns better).
9.Bb5: White pins the c6 knight.
9…Bd7: You break the pin.
10.Nge2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice (+0.39).
10…e6: You control d5 and f5. Stockfish: +0.38.
11.d5: White strikes with d5 and attacks your knight on c6 – Stockfish's first choice. The knight goes to e7.
11…Ne7: The knight steps to e7 and covers d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.dxe6: White trades on e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nd4: The knight takes d4 and attacks e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nc6: You offer the knight trade – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nxc6: White trades on c6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qe2: The queen attacks e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxg3: You take the g3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 97: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 h6 6.Bh4 g5 7.Bg3 Nh5 8.O-O-O Nc6 9.Nge2 Bd7 10.Qe3 e5 11.dxe5 Nxg3 12.Nxg3 Bxe5 13.Kb1 Be6 14.a3 Rg8 15.Nd5 Nb8

up to 8…Nc6 as line 96

9.Nge2: White develops the knight.
9…Bd7: The bishop is developed. Stockfish: +0.62.
10.Qe3: The queen goes to e3 – Stockfish's first choice. With e5 you strike in the centre and then trade on g3.
10…e5: The e5 lever against d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.dxe5: White trades on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nxg3: You trade off the g3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nxg3: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bxe5: You win back the pawn; the bishop stands centrally – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Kb1: White brings the king to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a3: White makes luft for the king – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Rg8: The rook goes to the half-open g-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nb8: The knight goes to b8 to regroup via d7 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.47).

Line 98: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 h6 6.Bh4 g5 7.Bg3 Nh5 8.Nge2 Nc6 9.O-O-O

up to 7…Nh5 as line 97

8.Nge2: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.O-O-O. Now Black is fine (+0.15).
8…Nc6: The knight develops against d4. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 8...c5 (+0.52).
9.O-O-O: White castles long. By transposition the game goes on in a line the course already teaches. (transposition)

Line 99: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 h6 6.Bh4 g5 7.Bg3 Nh5 8.Bc4 Nc6 9.Nge2 Na5 10.Bb3 Bd7 11.h4 e6 12.O-O-O Nxg3 13.Nxg3 gxh4 14.Nh5 Qg5 15.Nxg7 Qxg7

up to 7…Nh5 as line 98

8.Bc4: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.O-O-O.
8…Nc6: Pressure on d4; the knight can hunt the c4 bishop via a5.
9.Nge2: White develops.
9…Na5: The knight attacks the c4 bishop. Stockfish: +0.07.
10.Bb3: The bishop sidesteps your knight to b3 – Stockfish's first choice. The position is level (0.00).
10…Bd7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.h4: White attacks the g5 pawn with h4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…e6: You firm up d5 and give the queen the d8–h4 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
12.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nxg3: You trade off the g3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nxg3: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…gxh4: You take the h4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nh5: The knight attacks your g7 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qg5: The queen offers the queen trade and covers g7 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nxg7: White trades on g7 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qxg7: You recapture with the queen – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 100: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 h6 6.Bf4 c6 7.O-O-O b5 8.e5 b4 9.exf6 bxc3 10.Qxc3 Bxf6 11.Nf3 Be6 12.Bc4 Bxc4 13.Qxc4 Qc7 14.Nd2 Nd7 15.Rhe1 Nb6

up to 5…h6 as line 99

6.Bf4: The bishop retreats to f4; Stockfish considers 6.Bh4 better.
6…c6: You prepare b5. Stockfish would have chosen 6...a6 (+0.50).
7.O-O-O: White castles long. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 7.h3. After castling long the position is level (+0.08).
7…b5: After White castles long you attack with b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
8.e5: White attacks the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
8…b4: You attack the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9.exf6: White takes the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9…bxc3: You take the c3 knight and open the b-file against the king on c1 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Qxc3: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Bxf6: You take back the f6 pawn and have the bishop pair – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nf3: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Be6: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bc4: White offers the bishop trade – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bxc4: You trade on c4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qxc4: White recaptures with the queen and attacks c6 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qc7: The queen covers c6 and eyes f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nd2: The knight heads for e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nd7: You develop the last knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rhe1: White takes the e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nb6: The knight heads for the centre via d5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.13).

Line 101: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.Qd2 h6 6.Be3 Ng4 7.Bf4 e5 8.dxe5 Nxe5 9.Bg3 Ned7 10.f4 O-O 11.O-O-O Nc5 12.e5 Be6 13.Nf3 Nbd7 14.Bh4 Qc8 15.Nd4 Bg4

up to 5…h6 as line 100

6.Be3: White drops the bishop back to e3.
6…Ng4: The knight attacks the e3 bishop – Stockfish's best move.
7.Bf4: The bishop steps aside.
7…e5: The central strike. Stockfish would have chosen 7...Nc6 (about 0.18 pawns better).
8.dxe5: White takes the pawn.
8…Nxe5: The knight stands centrally. Stockfish: +0.43, but Black scored well in the games.
9.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3 and attacks your knight on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Ned7: The knight retreats to d7 and wants to come back via b6 or c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.f4: White gains kingside space – Stockfish's first choice.
10…O-O: You castle and can then press on e4 with Nc5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.e5: White pushes e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Be6: You develop the bishop and eye a2 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nf3: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nbd7: The second knight comes to d7 and presses on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bh4: The bishop reaches e7 and d8 from h4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qc8: The queen dodges the bishop and eyes the kingside – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nd4: The knight centralises and attacks the e6 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bg4: The bishop attacks the d1 rook – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.34).

Line 102: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.f4 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Bd3 b5 8.Nf3 Bg4 9.O-O Qb6 10.Ne2 Nbd7 11.Kh1 d5 12.e5 Ne4 13.Qe3 Nxg5 14.Nxg5 c5 15.Qg3 Bxe2

up to 4…Bg7 as line 101

5.f4: White combines the Byrne Variation with f4. Stockfish considers 5.Qd2 better.
5…O-O: Castling – then the counter-strike in the centre.
6.Qd2: White prepares long castling.
6…c6: The plan with b5 on the queenside. Stockfish recommends 6...c5 with dxc5 dxc5 (this costs about 0.29 pawns) – a point for review.
7.Bd3: White develops the bishop.
7…b5: Counterplay on the queenside – Stockfish's best move.
8.Nf3: White develops.
8…Bg4: The bishop pins the f3 knight, which guards d4 and e5.
9.O-O: White castles short.
9…Qb6: The queen presses on d4 and along the diagonal to the king on g1 – Stockfish's best move.
10.Ne2: White covers d4 with the knight.
10…Nbd7: The knight joins the game. Stockfish would have chosen 10...d5 (about 0.11 pawns better).
11.Kh1: The king steps off your queen's diagonal.
11…d5: You attack e4. Stockfish wanted 11...e5 (+0.50).
12.e5: White pushes with e5 and attacks your knight on f6 – Stockfish's first choice. The knight jumps to e4 in the centre.
12…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the d2 queen and the g5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qe3: The queen steps to e3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nxg5: You take the g5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nxg5: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…c5: You attack d4 with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qg3: The queen eyes the g4 bishop and your king from g3 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bxe2: You trade the e2 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: White is slightly better (+0.40).

Line 103: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.f4 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Bd3 b5 8.Nf3 Bg4 9.O-O-O b4 10.Ne2 Nbd7 11.h3 Bxf3 12.gxf3 Qc7 13.h4 c5 14.e5 c4 15.exf6 exf6

up to 8…Bg4 as line 102

9.O-O-O: White castles long – straight into your pawn storm. Stockfish considers 9.O-O better (0.00 after 9.O-O-O).
9…b4: The pawn storm starts: the c3 knight has to go. Stockfish: 0.00.
10.Ne2: The knight retreats.
10…Nbd7: The knight joins the game. Stockfish: 0.00.
11.h3: White questions your bishop on g4 – Stockfish's first choice. After Bxf3 gxf3 the position is level (0.00).
11…Bxf3: You trade the f3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn and opens the g-file – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qc7: The queen prepares c5 – Stockfish's first choice; the position is level (-0.03).
13.h4: White starts an attack with the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
13…c5: You attack d4 with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.e5: White attacks the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14…c4: You attack the d3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.exf6: White takes the f6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…exf6: You recapture with the e-pawn and keep the g5 bishop in view – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 104: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.f4 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Bd3 b5 8.Nf3 Bg4 9.e5 b4 10.Ne2 Bxf3 11.gxf3 Nd5 12.Bc4 a5 13.O-O-O Nd7 14.f5 dxe5 15.h4 exd4

up to 8…Bg4 as line 103

9.e5: White pushes; Stockfish considers 9.O-O better.
9…b4: Usual in the games, but Stockfish recommends 9...Nh5 (about 0.22 pawns better).
10.Ne2: The knight retreats to e2.
10…Bxf3: You exchange and damage White's kingside pawn structure.
11.gxf3: White recaptures with the pawn.
11…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5. Stockfish: +0.48 – White is better if he continues with O-O-O.
12.Bc4: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 12.a3. Now the position is level (-0.05).
12…a5: You protect b4 and keep the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice (−0.03).
13.O-O-O: White castles long.
13…Nd7: The knight joins in, and dxe5 is in the air. Stockfish: 0.00.
14.f5: White pushes with f5 – Stockfish's first choice. The position is level (0.00).
14…dxe5: You take on e5 and attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.h4: White starts an attack with the h-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…exd4: You take the d4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 105: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.f4 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Bd3 b5 8.Nf3 Bg4 9.f5 Nbd7 10.O-O b4 11.Nd1 c5 12.Ne3 Bxf3 13.Rxf3 cxd4 14.Nd5 Ne5 15.Rh3 Nxd5

up to 8…Bg4 as line 104

9.f5: White pushes with f5. Stockfish considers 9.O-O better; the position is now nearly level (+0.05).
9…Nbd7: You develop the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
10…b4: You chase the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nd1: The knight moves to d1 and wants to reach d5 via e3 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…c5: You attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Ne3: The knight attacks your g4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bxf3: You trade the f3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Rxf3: White recaptures with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
13…cxd4: You take the d4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Ne5: The knight attacks the f3 rook and the d3 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Rh3: The rook swings to h3 against your king – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nxd5: You trade the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 106: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.f4 O-O 6.Qd2 c6 7.Nf3 d5 8.Bd3 dxe4 9.Nxe4 Nxe4 10.Bxe4 Nd7 11.O-O Nf6 12.Bd3 Qb6 13.a4 c5 14.a5 Qc7 15.c3 Rd8

up to 6…c6 as line 105

7.Nf3: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 7.Bd3. Now you strike in the centre with d5.
7…d5: The e4 pawn is hanging. After Bd3 Nxe4 you gain ground. Stockfish: 0.00.
8.Bd3: White develops the bishop to d3 – Stockfish's first choice. With dxe4 you open the centre; the position is level (−0.03).
8…dxe4: You trade on e4 and open the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Nxe4: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Nxe4: You trade the knights – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bxe4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nd7: The knight heads for f6 against the e4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nf6: The knight attacks the e4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bd3: The bishop drops back to d3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qb6: The queen attacks b2 and presses on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.a4: White gains queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
13…c5: You attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.a5: White chases your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.c3: White supports d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file against d4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 107: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.dxc5 Qa5 8.Qd2 Qxc5 9.O-O-O Be6 10.Nd4 Nc6 11.Nxe6 fxe6 12.Na4 Qb4 13.Qxb4 Nxb4 14.Bc4 Nxe4 15.Bxe7 Rxf4

up to 5…O-O as line 106

6.Nf3: Stockfish considers 6.Qd2 better.
6…c5: The strike at d4: after dxc5 Qa5 wins the pawn back. Stockfish: +0.04.
7.dxc5: White takes on c5 – Stockfish's first choice. With Qa5 you win the pawn back.
7…Qa5: The queen wins the pawn back via a5 and pins the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
8.Qd2: White breaks the pin – Stockfish's first choice.
8…Qxc5: You win back the c5 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
9.O-O-O: White castles long – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Be6: You develop the bishop and eye a2 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nd4: The knight centralises and attacks your bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nc6: You develop the knight and indirectly protect the e6 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nxe6: White trades off your e6 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11…fxe6: You recapture with the f-pawn and open the f-file against f4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Na4: The knight attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qb4: The queen offers the queen trade on b4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Qxb4: White trades queens – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nxb4: You recapture with the knight, which eyes a2 and c2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bc4: The bishop attacks e6 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nxe4: You take the e4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxe7: White takes the e7 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Rxf4: You take the f4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 108: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.f4 O-O 7.Qf3 dxe5 8.dxe5 f6 9.Bc4 Kh8 10.exf6 exf6 11.Bh4 Nb6 12.Bd3 Qe8 13.Nge2 Nc6 14.Bf2 Qf7 15.a4 a6

up to 4…Bg7 as line 107

5.e5: White pushes at once; Stockfish considers 5.Qd2 better.
5…Nfd7: The knight retreats and then attacks e5 – Stockfish's best move.
6.f4: White supports e5.
6…O-O: Castling. Stockfish: +0.12.
7.Qf3: The queen covers e5 and f4 – Stockfish's first choice. With dxe5 and f6 you open lines.
7…dxe5: You trade on e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
8.dxe5: White recaptures with the d-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
8…f6: You attack the e5 pawn with f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bc4: The bishop goes to the diagonal towards your king – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Kh8: The king leaves the a2–g8 diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
10.exf6: White trades on f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…exf6: You recapture with the e-pawn and attack the g5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nb6: The knight attacks the c4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bd3: The bishop drops back to d3 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qe8: The queen goes to the e-file – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nge2: White develops the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Nc6: You develop the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Bf2: The bishop goes to f2 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Qf7: The queen eyes the diagonal towards a2 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.a4: White goes after the b6 knight with the a-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15…a6: You take b5 away from White's bishop and knight – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 109: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.Nd5 Nc6 7.Bb5 h6 8.exd6 cxd6 9.Be3 a6 10.Be2 e6 11.Nc3 Qb6 12.Na4 Qa5 13.Nc3 Qb6

up to 5…Nfd7 as line 108

6.Nd5: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 6.exd6. Now Black is better (−0.27).
6…Nc6: The knight attacks d4 and e5. Stockfish: −0.27.
7.Bb5: Another mistake: Stockfish wanted 7.exd6. Black is now better (−0.59).
7…h6: The g5 bishop is questioned. Stockfish: −0.64.
8.exd6: White takes on d6 – Stockfish's first choice. After cxd6 Black is better (−0.63).
8…cxd6: You recapture with the c-pawn; the d5 knight loses its support – Stockfish's first choice. Black is better (-0.69).
9.Be3: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
9…a6: You chase the b5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Be2: The bishop drops back to e2 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…e6: You chase the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nc3: The knight returns to c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Qb6: The queen attacks b2 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Na4: The knight attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qa5: The queen steps to a5 and pins the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nc3: The knight returns to c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qb6: The queen goes back to b6 – Stockfish's first choice. The position repeats: it is the same as after your first queen move to b6; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 110: 4.Bg5 Bg7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.exd6 cxd6 7.Qd2 h6 8.Be3 a6 9.a4 Qa5 10.Bc4 Nc6 11.Nge2 b5 12.Bd5 Bb7 13.b4 Qc7 14.O-O bxa4 15.Nxa4 e6

up to 5…Nfd7 as line 109

6.exd6: White exchanges the e-pawn.
6…cxd6: Recapture with the c-pawn – your centre stays intact.
7.Qd2: White plans Bh6.
7…h6: You take g5 away from the bishop and chase it.
8.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 – Stockfish's first choice. Your knight returns to f6.
8…a6: You prepare b5 and take b5 from White's bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
9.a4: White prevents b5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9…Qa5: The queen pins the c3 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bc4: The bishop aims at f7 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Nc6: You develop the knight and attack d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nge2: White covers d4 with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…b5: You attack the c4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bd5: The bishop goes to d5 and attacks the c6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bb7: You protect the c6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.b4: White attacks your queen – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qc7: The queen steps to c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.O-O: White castles – Stockfish's first choice.
14…bxa4: You take the a4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nxa4: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…e6: You chase the d5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.08).

Chapter 5: 4.g3

Line 111: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.h3 Nc6 8.Be3 exd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.O-O Re8 11.Re1 a6 12.a4 Nxd4 13.Bxd4 c5 14.Be3 Bc6 15.Qd3 Re6

4.g3: The Sveshnikov System: White puts the bishop on g2. Stockfish rates it as harmless (+0.21).
4…Bg7: The bishop to the long diagonal.
5.Bg2: White puts the bishop on g2.
5…O-O: Castling – Stockfish's best move.
6.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 so the g2 bishop's diagonal stays open.
6…e5: The central strike – Stockfish's best move.
7.h3: White prevents Bg4 and Ng4.
7…Nc6: Pressure on d4. Stockfish names 7...exd4 as equivalent.
8.Be3: White covers d4.
8…exd4: You exchange in the centre and open the e-file against the e4 pawn.
9.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight.
9…Bd7: The bishop is developed and the rooks are connected.
10.O-O: White castles.
10…Re8: The rook presses on e4.
11.Re1: White covers e4; Stockfish considers 11.Qd3 better.
11…a6: You take the b5 square from the knight and prepare b5. Stockfish would have chosen 11...Nxd4; evaluation +0.14.
12.a4: White prevents b5.
12…Nxd4: You exchange knights. After Bxd4 c5 you chase the bishop away. Stockfish: +0.07.
13.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice. With c5 you chase the bishop; the position is nearly level (+0.08).
13…c5: You chase the d4 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be3: The bishop retreats to e3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bc6: The bishop presses on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qd3: The queen covers e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Re6: The rook swings into play via e6 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (0.00).

Line 112: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.h3 Nc6 8.Be3 exd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.O-O Re8 11.Re1 a6 12.f4 Na5 13.Bf2 c5 14.Nf3 Bc6 15.e5 dxe5

up to 11…a6 as line 111

12.f4: White gains space on the kingside.
12…Na5: The knight heads for c4. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 12...Nxd4 (+0.30).
13.Bf2: The bishop retreats to f2 – Stockfish's first choice. Your queen goes to c8 and supports c5.
13…c5: You gain space and chase the d4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Bc6: The bishop presses on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.e5: White pushes e5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…dxe5: You take on e5 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.23).

Line 113: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.h3 Nc6 8.Be3 exd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.O-O Re8 11.Re1 a6 12.Nxc6 Bxc6 13.Bd4 Nd7 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.Qd2 Qf6

up to 11…a6 as line 112

12.Nxc6: White exchanges knights.
12…Bxc6: The bishop stands well on c6 and presses on e4.
13.Bd4: White wants to trade the dark-squared bishops.
13…Nd7: The knight vacates f6 – after Bxg7 Kxg7 your king is safe. Stockfish: +0.16.
14.Bxg7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – Stockfish's first choice. After Kxg7 the position is nearly level (+0.10).
14…Kxg7: You recapture with the king – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Qd2: White connects the rooks – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qf6: The queen goes to f6 and eyes b2 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.13).

Line 114: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.h3 Nc6 8.Be3 exd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.O-O Re8 11.Nde2 b5 12.a3 a5 13.g4 Ne5 14.b3 Rb8 15.f4 Nexg4

up to 10…Re8 as line 113

11.Nde2: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 11.Qd3. After the retreat Black is better (−0.18).
11…b5: Space on the queenside: b4 threatens to chase the c3 knight, after which e4 falls. Stockfish: −0.04.
12.a3: White prevents b4.
12…a5: You prepare b4 anyway. On Nxb5 there follows Nxe4. Stockfish: −0.21.
13.g4: White gains space on the kingside.
13…Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and eyes g4 and c4 – Stockfish's first choice; Black is slightly better (-0.32).
14.b3: White supports c4 with b3 – Stockfish's first choice. With b4 you open the a-file; Black is slightly better (−0.28).
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file – Stockfish's first choice.
15.f4: White attacks the e5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Nexg4: You sacrifice the knight on g4 for two pawns and an attack – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (-0.16).

Line 115: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.h3 Nc6 8.Be3 exd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7 10.Nde2 b5 11.O-O Re8

up to 9…Bd7 as line 114

10.Nde2: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 10.O-O. Now Black is better (−0.17).
10…b5: Space on the queenside with the threat b4. Stockfish: −0.13.
11.O-O: White castles short. The position is level (−0.11); you put the rook on e8 against e4 (Re8).
11…Re8: The rook covers e7 and presses on e4 – Stockfish's first choice. Transposition: the course already covers this position from another move order; play continues there. (transposition)

Line 116: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Bg5 Nd4 10.Nxd4 Qxd4 11.Qxd4 exd4 12.Nb5 c6 13.Nd6 Be6 14.Rfe1 h6 15.Bd2 b6

up to 6…e5 as line 115

7.O-O: White castles.
7…Nc6: Pressure on d4. Stockfish names 7...Re8 first but rates both moves the same.
8.dxe5: White exchanges.
8…dxe5: Symmetrical centre. Stockfish: +0.28.
9.Bg5: White pins the f6 knight.
9…Nd4: The knight occupies d4. Stockfish would have traded queens with 9...Qxd1.
10.Nxd4: White exchanges the knight.
10…Qxd4: The queen recaptures and offers a queen trade. Stockfish: +0.26.
11.Qxd4: White recaptures with the queen – Stockfish's first choice. After the queen trade (Qxd4 exd4) the white knight jumps to b5.
11…exd4: You recapture with the e-pawn and have a passed pawn on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Nb5: The knight attacks d4 and c7 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…c6: You cover d5 and chase the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nd6: The knight jumps to d6 and attacks b7 – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Be6: You develop the bishop and cover b7 along the back rank – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rfe1: White supports e4 with the rook – Stockfish's first choice.
14…h6: You question the g5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bd2: The bishop retreats to d2 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…b6: You cover c5 and a5 and keep the d6 knight contained – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: nearly level (+0.15).

Line 117: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Qxd8 Rxd8 10.Bg5 Be6 11.Nd5 Bxd5 12.exd5 Nd4 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Rfd1 h6 15.Bxf6 Bxf6

up to 8…dxe5 as line 116

9.Qxd8: White trades queens. Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9.Bg5. After the trade the position is level (−0.08).
9…Rxd8: You recapture with the rook and take the d-file – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bg5: The bishop pins the f6 knight to the d8 rook – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Be6: You develop the bishop and cover d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bxd5: You trade the d5 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12.exd5: White recaptures with the e-pawn and attacks the c6 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Nd4: The knight jumps into the centre on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nxd4: White trades the d4 knight – Stockfish's first choice.
13…exd4: You recapture with the e-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Rfd1: The rook attacks the d4 pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
14…h6: You question the g5 bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bxf6: White trades on f6 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop, which protects d4 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (-0.05).

Line 118: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.f4 exf4 10.gxf4 c6 11.dxc6

up to 7…Nc6 as line 117

8.d5: White closes the centre.
8…Ne7: The knight goes to e7; later c6 attacks the d5 pawn.
9.f4: White attacks e5.
9…exf4: You capture – Stockfish's best move.
10.gxf4: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 10.Bxf4. After 10.gxf4 the white king is exposed, and Black is clearly better (−0.70).
10…c6: You attack the d5 pawn and open the game against the exposed white king. Stockfish: −0.72.
11.dxc6: White takes on c6 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish sees you clearly ahead (−0.82).

Line 119: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.h3 c6 10.Re1 cxd5 11.Nxd5 Nfxd5 12.exd5 Bd7 13.a4 Qc8 14.Kh2 Nf5 15.Bd2 Qc5

up to 8…Ne7 as line 118

9.h3: Stockfish considers 9.Qd3 better – now Black is slightly better (−0.19).
9…c6: You attack the d5 pawn. Stockfish: −0.23.
10.Re1: The rook goes to e1 – Stockfish's first choice. With cxd5 you open the c-file; Black is slightly better (−0.21).
10…cxd5: You open the c-file – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Nxd5: White recaptures with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Nfxd5: You trade on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.exd5: White recaptures with the e-pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Bd7: You develop the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
13.a4: White gains queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Qc8: The queen eyes the c-file and h3 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Kh2: White covers h3 with the king – Stockfish's first choice.
14…Nf5: The knight jumps to f5 and eyes d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Bd2: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qc5: The queen attacks c2 – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: Black is slightly better (-0.18).

Line 120: 4.g3 Bg7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.h3 exd4 9.Nxd4 Nxd4 10.Qxd4 Re8 11.Qd1 Bd7 12.Qd3 Qc8 13.Kh2 Bc6 14.Be3 b5 15.Nd5 Qb7

up to 7…Nc6 as line 119

8.h3: Stockfish considers 8.dxe5 better.
8…exd4: You exchange in the centre – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Nxd4: White recaptures – now e4 is hanging.
9…Nxd4: You trade the knights on d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Qxd4: White recaptures with the queen and attacks your knight on f6 – Stockfish's first choice. With Re8 you put the rook against e4.
10…Re8: The rook presses on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.Qd1: The queen retreats to d1 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bd7: You develop the bishop and prepare Bc6 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Qd3: The queen covers e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12…Qc8: The queen aims at h3 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Kh2: White covers h3 with the king – Stockfish's first choice.
13…Bc6: The bishop presses on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be3: White develops the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
14…b5: You gain queenside space – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
15…Qb7: The queen goes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice. The line ends here. Stockfish: level (+0.01).