The Queen's Gambit Declined for Black – the whole course to read – Learning studio

Starting position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6

The Queen's Gambit Declined arises after 1.d4 1...d5 2.c4 2...e6: Black does not take the pawn on c4 but supports d5 with the e-pawn. It is one of the most solid defences of all – ideal for club players who want a healthy position against 1.d4 without big risks. This course is built from 29,472 games of all the player collections on this site; Stockfish checked every position. The core plan: Nf6, Be7, castle short and then free your game with c5 or with exchanges via Ne4. White has two main roads: 3.Nc3 (64 % of the games) and 3.Nf3 (34 %). After 3.Nc3 3...Nf6, 4.Bg5 is the usual move; then you play the Tartakower Variation with 6...h6 and 7...b6, and the bishop goes to b7. Against the exchange 4.cxd5 4...exd5 the Carlsbad structure arises, and against 5.Bf4 you reply with the counter-strike 6...c5. Against 3.Nf3 and 4.g3, the Catalan Opening, you take the pawn with 6...dxc4 and develop your bishop via d7 to c6.

The ideas

In the Tartakower Variation you question the bishop on g5 with h6 and put your queen's bishop on the long diagonal with b6 and Bb7 – otherwise it is often the problem piece in the Queen's Gambit.
The advance c5 is your most important freeing break: it attacks d4 and gives your pieces room. After dxc5 bxc5 you often get the 'hanging pawns' on c5 and d5 – strong as long as your pieces support them.
Exchanges bring relief: with Ne4, or after cxd5 with Nxd5, you offer trades, and after Bxe7 Qxe7 your position is usually free of worries.
In the Exchange Variation (the Carlsbad structure) your knight travels via d7 and f8 to e6 or g6 (Nf8), and with Bf5 – prepared by g6 if needed – you trade off White's bishop on d3. Against White's minority attack with b4, a5 helps.
Against Bf4 you play c5 at once; after dxc5 Bxc5, Nc6 and Qa5 put pressure on c3, and the central advance e5 often follows.
Against the Catalan you take the pawn with dxc4; with a6 and b5, or with Bd7 and Bc6, you fight against the bishop on g2 and develop harmoniously.

To the course with board, lines and training →

Chapter 1: 3.Nc3

Line 1: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Qe2 c5 11.Rfd1 Ne4 12.Bg3 cxd4 13.exd4 Nxg3 14.hxg3 Nf6 15.cxd5 Nxd5

3.Nc3: The most frequent move (65 % of the games): White develops the knight and increases the pressure on d5.
3…Nf6: The classical move: the knight guards d5 a second time and prepares short castling. Stockfish has 3...Bb4 slightly ahead (loss 0.05).
4.Bg5: White pins the knight on f6 and so indirectly increases the pressure on d5 – the most frequent reply (47 %).
4…Be7: The bishop breaks the pin and clears the way for short castling. Stockfish's first choice; afterwards the position is balanced (eval 0.17).
5.e3: White opens the diagonal for the bishop on f1 and supports d4 – in 77 % of the games.
5…O-O: King safety first. With h6 and b6 you head straight into the Tartakower Variation.
6.Nf3: The main line (79 %): White develops the king's knight and wants to castle as well.
6…h6: You make the bishop on g5 decide: Bh4 keeps the pin, Bxf6 gives up the bishop pair. As a bonus your king gets an escape square on h7.
7.Bh4: White keeps the pin – in 77 % of the games.
7…b6: The Tartakower Variation: with b6 and Bb7 your queen's bishop, otherwise the problem child of the Queen's Gambit, gets the long diagonal. Stockfish then sees practically equality (eval 0.10).
8.Bd3: White develops the bishop on its most active diagonal and wants to castle quickly.
8…Bb7: The plan continues: the bishop aims via d5 and e4 towards White's kingside.
9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7, supports the break c5 and keeps f6 free as a way back.
10.Qe2: White puts the queen on e2 and prepares Rfd1 – the rooks are meant to come to the centre.
10…c5: Now comes the typical break: c5 attacks d4 and your pieces get room. Stockfish puts this plan practically at the top (loss 0.00).
11.Rfd1: The rook comes to the d-file, which may open after an exchange on d4 or d5.
11…Ne4: The knight jumps into the centre and offers exchanges after Bxe7 Qxe7 – that brings relief. Stockfish's choice.
12.Bg3: White avoids the trade, but on g3 the bishop is exposed to the knight on e4. Stockfish wanted 12.Bxe7 and now sees Black slightly ahead (eval -0.09).
12…cxd4: First you resolve the tension in the centre, then you take on g3. After 13.exd4 White has a pawn on d4 that serves you as a target.
13.exd4: White recaptures with the e-pawn and has an isolated pawn on d4 – a target, but also room for the pieces.
13…Nxg3: You take the bishop and secure the bishop pair.
14.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn; the h-file opens.
14…Nf6: The knight returns to f6, guards the kingside and keeps an eye on e4. Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.05).
15.cxd5: White trades on d5 to simplify – with fewer pieces his isolated pawn on d4 is easier to hold.
15…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight; the isolated pawn on d4 is your long-term target. Stockfish: level (-0.06).

Line 2: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Qe2 c5 11.Bg3 Ne4 12.cxd5 exd5 13.Rad1 Nxg3 14.hxg3 Qc7 15.Nb5 Qc6

up to 10…c5 as line 1

11.Bg3: White withdraws the bishop to g3 in advance so that Ne4 does not come with tempo.
11…Ne4: The knight occupies e4 anyway and attacks c3 and g3. Stockfish named 11...cxd4 as a bit more precise (loss 0.23).
12.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
12…exd5: Recapturing with the pawn is a must: the new pawn on d5 supports the knight on e4.
13.Rad1: A move that costs White the small edge: Stockfish wanted 13.Ne5 and now evaluates the position at 0.00.
13…Nxg3: You take the bishop on g3 and have the bishop pair. Stockfish's Qc7 follows, eyeing g3.
14.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn; the bishop on g3 is traded, the h-file is open.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 onto the half-open c-file.
15.Nb5: The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the queen on c7.
15…Qc6: The queen steps aside to c6 and attacks the knight on b5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 3: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Qe2 c5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Bg3 cxd4 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.Nxd4 Nc5 15.Bc2 Ne4

up to 10…c5 as line 2

11.cxd5: White releases the tension at once. That costs only a little (loss 0.03).
11…Nxd5: Recapturing with the knight offers exchanges and keeps the diagonal of your bishop on b7 open.
12.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3, away from your knight.
12…cxd4: You trade on d4 and open the c-file for your rook.
13.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the bishop on e7 in the process.
13…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop – it stands centrally on d5 against f3 and a2.
14.Nxd4: White wins back the pawn on d4 with the knight.
14…Nc5: The knight jumps to c5 and attacks the bishop on d3.
15.Bc2: The bishop steps aside to c2 and stays on the diagonal against h7.
15…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and attacks the bishop on g3 – your pieces are active. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 4: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Qe2 c5 11.Rac1 Ne4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.cxd5 Nxc3 14.Rxc3 Bxd5 15.e4 Bb7

up to 10…c5 as line 3

11.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file, against your pawn on c5.
11…Ne4: Again the knight jump to e4 – you trade pieces and free your position.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
13.cxd5: White trades on d5 and invites further trades.
13…Nxc3: You trade on c3 and attack the queen on e2.
14.Rxc3: The rook recaptures on c3 and stands actively on the third rank.
14…Bxd5: You take the pawn on d5 with the bishop – it stands strongly in the centre.
15.e4: 15.e4 drives the bishop out of the centre.
15…Bb7: The bishop returns to b7 and presses on e4. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 5: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Qe2 c5 11.Rad1 Ne4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.cxd5 exd5 14.a4 Rfe8 15.Rfe1 a6

up to 10…c5 as line 4

11.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d4 and supports it against your pressure.
11…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers trades – they relieve your position.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
13.cxd5: White trades on d5 and fixes the pawn structure.
13…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and have a firm centre.
14.a4: 14.a4 gains space on the queenside and prepares a5 against your pawn on b6.
14…Rfe8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
15.Rfe1: White puts a rook against it so you do not control the e-file alone.
15…a6: 15...a6 prevents a5 and bishop to b5 – your queenside stands firm. Stockfish: level (+0.03).

Line 6: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Bg3 c5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.Rc1 Nf6 14.dxc5 Bxc5 15.Qe2 Nh5

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 5

10.Bg3: White withdraws the bishop to g3 as a precaution so that it is not traded by Ne4 or Nh5.
10…c5: The break c5 – your standard plan. Stockfish named 10...dxc4 first by a hair (loss 0.00).
11.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
11…Nxd5: Back with the knight: it offers exchanges, and your bishop on b7 keeps looking through.
12.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the bishop on e7.
12…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop – it stands strongly on d5.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file you have just opened.
13…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers the kingside.
14.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to lure your bishop off its diagonal.
14…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop; it stands actively on c5.
15.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and connects the rooks.
15…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on g3 and wants to trade it – your bishop on b7 stays the stronger one. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 7: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Bg3 c5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Rc1 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Nf6 14.Qe2 Rc8 15.Ne5 Bd6

up to 11…Nxd5 as line 6

12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the half-open c-file.
12…Nxc3: Stockfish's move: after 12...Nxc3 13.bxc3 White has pawn weaknesses on the queenside, but the position stays balanced (eval -0.07).
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and strengthens d4.
13…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers the kingside.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and covers c4 against your pieces.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to c8 against the backward pawn on c3.
15.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 – a strong square you can hardly drive it from.
15…Bd6: The bishop opposes the knight on e5. Stockfish: level (-0.05).

Line 8: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Bg3 c5 11.Qe2

up to 10…c5 as line 7

11.Qe2: Transposition: the position is the same as after 10.Qe2 10...c5 11.Bg3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 9: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Rc1 c5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Bg3

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 8

10.Rc1: White puts the rook on the c-file against your coming break c5.
10…c5: c5 anyway – Stockfish's first choice. The rook on c1 does not change your plan.
11.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
11…Nxd5: Back with the knight. After 12.Bg3 12...Nxc3 13.bxc3 White has weaknesses on the queenside; Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.08).
12.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3 and avoids the trade. Stockfish: level (-0.12). (transposition)

Line 10: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Rc1 c5 11.Qe2

up to 10…c5 as line 9

11.Qe2: Transposition to the line 10.Qe2 10...c5 with the rook from a1 on c1 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 11: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 Bxh4 12.Nxc7 Bxf2 13.Rxf2 Qxc7 14.Qe2 Rac8 15.a3 Bd5

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 10

10.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
10…Nxd5: There is a trick here: after 11.Nxd5 the bishop on h4 hangs, because the knight has left f6. Stockfish shows 11...Bxh4 12.Nxc7 12...Bxf2+ 13.Rxf2 13...Qxc7 – material is level again.
11.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the bishop on e7.
11…Bxh4: You take the bishop on h4 – an in-between move before recapturing the knight on d5.
12.Nxc7: White takes the pawn on c7 and attacks the rook on a8.
12…Bxf2: You take f2 with check – another in-between move.
13.Rxf2: The rook recaptures on f2; White's king then stands a little more exposed.
13…Qxc7: You take the knight on c7 – material is level.
14.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and connects the rooks.
14…Rac8: The rook goes to the open c-file – whoever controls it decides the middlegame.
15.a3: 15.a3 takes b4 from your knight and bishop and prepares b4.
15…Bd5: The bishop goes to d5 into the centre and attacks the knight on f3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 12: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.O-O c5 12.Rc1

up to 8…Bb7 as line 11

9.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop pair in order to have a fixed pawn on d5 in front of him after cxd5 exd5.
9…Bxf6: Recapture with the bishop: you now have the bishop pair, and the bishop on f6 presses on d4.
10.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
10…exd5: Back with the pawn so that your centre stays firm. Your bishop on b7 stands behind d5, but c5 gives you active play.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…c5: Stockfish's plan: c5 challenges d4 and activates the bishop on f6.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file – the play will soon open there after your c5. Stockfish: level (-0.04). (transposition)

Line 13: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c5 12.bxc5 bxc5 13.O-O Bc6 14.h4 cxd4 15.exd4 Nd7

up to 10…exd5 as line 12

11.b4: White wants to gain space on the queenside with the b-pawn.
11…c5: You answer with the counter-strike c5: after bxc5 bxc5 your pawn centre is mobile.
12.bxc5: White takes on c5 to turn your pawns on c5 and d5 into targets.
12…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn – the hanging pawns c5 and d5 arise.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and covers d5 – it is now an important defender.
14.h4: 14.h4 gains space and threatens to open the kingside with h5.
14…cxd4: You trade on d4 and attack the knight on c3.
15.exd4: White recaptures – an isolated pawn on d4 faces your isolated pawn on d5.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to b6 or f6. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 14: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c6 12.Be2 b5 13.a4 a5 14.axb5 axb4 15.Na4 cxb5

up to 7…b6 as line 13

8.Rc1: White first brings the rook to the c-file – the second most frequent reply (21 %).
8…Bb7: Your plan stays the same: the bishop goes to the long diagonal.
9.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop pair to clarify the centre.
9…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop: it stands strongly on f6 on the long diagonal against d4.
10.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
10…exd5: Back with the pawn: you keep a firm pawn on d5. After that, c5 is your goal.
11.b4: White starts action on the queenside with the b-pawn and stops c5 for the moment.
11…c6: A solid move: c6 supports d5 and keeps the position closed. Stockfish rated the counter-strike 12...c5 as equal (loss 0.01).
12.Be2: A bit passive: Stockfish wanted 13.Bd3. The position stays balanced (eval -0.11).
12…b5: Stockfish's answer: b5 blocks White's b-pawn and secures the square c4 for your pieces.
13.a4: 13.a4 attacks your pawn on b5 and wants to open the queenside.
13…a5: 13...a5 supports b5 from below so your pawn does not simply fall.
14.axb5: White takes on b5 and opens the a-file for his rook.
14…axb4: You take on b4 and attack the knight on c3.
15.Na4: The knight steps aside to a4 and eyes b6 and c5.
15…cxb5: You take back the pawn on b5 – now you have a protected passed pawn on b4. Stockfish: level (-0.06).

Line 15: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c6 12.Bd3 Be7 13.Qb3 b5 14.O-O a5 15.bxa5 Rxa5

up to 11…c6 as line 14

12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 onto the diagonal against h7.
12…Be7: The bishop drops back to e7 and guards the dark squares. Stockfish expects 14.Qb3 14...Nd7, and the knight heads for f6.
13.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and presses on b7 and d5.
13…b5: 13...b5 blocks the queenside and takes c4 from the knight.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…a5: 14...a5 attacks the pawn on b4 before White breaks your chain with b5.
15.bxa5: White takes on a5 and opens the a-file – your pawn on b5 becomes a target there.
15…Rxa5: You recapture with the rook – it stands actively on a5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 16: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c6 12.Qb3 a5 13.bxa5 Rxa5 14.Be2 Na6 15.O-O b5

up to 11…c6 as line 15

12.Qb3: The queen presses on d5, but you hold the pawn without trouble. Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.07).
12…a5: With a5 you attack the pawn on b4, and after bxa5 Rxa5 you open the a-file for yourself.
13.bxa5: White takes on a5 and opens the a-file against your queenside.
13…Rxa5: You recapture with the rook – it stands actively on a5.
14.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
14…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to c7 or b4.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
15…b5: 15...b5 secures c4 for your knight – it stands ideally there. Stockfish: level (-0.01).

Line 17: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Bd3 c5 12.O-O cxd4 13.Nxd4 Nc6 14.Nxc6 Bxc6 15.Ne2 Qd6

up to 10…exd5 as line 16

11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 onto the diagonal against h7.
11…c5: The typical freeing blow: c5 attacks d4 and wakes up your bishop on b7.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…cxd4: You open the c-file. Stockfish named 12...Nd7 as slightly more precise (loss 0.04), but the position stays balanced (eval 0).
13.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight; it stands centrally on d4.
13…Nc6: The knight attacks the knight on d4 and offers a trade.
14.Nxc6: White trades on c6 to get rid of the pressure on d4.
14…Bxc6: You recapture with the bishop – it covers d5 and stands on the long diagonal.
15.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and on to d4 or f4, against your isolated pawn on d5.
15…Qd6: The queen connects the rooks and covers your isolated pawn on d5. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 18: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Be2 c5 12.O-O Na6 13.Re1 Nc7 14.dxc5 bxc5 15.Na4 c4

up to 10…exd5 as line 17

11.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
11…c5: Against the bishop on e2, too, c5 is the right move.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to c7.
13.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the half-open e-file.
13…Nc7: The knight reaches c7 and covers d5 and e6.
14.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to make your pawns targets.
14…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn – the hanging pawns c5 and d5.
15.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and attacks the pawn on c5.
15…c4: 15...c4 avoids the attack and gains space on the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 19: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Qb3 c5 12.Be2 Na6 13.h3 Rb8 14.Qa4 Nc7 15.Qxa7 Bc6

up to 10…exd5 as line 18

11.Qb3: The queen presses on d5, but on b3 it will soon be in the way: Stockfish sees Black slightly ahead (eval -0.17).
11…c5: Again c5 – and after 12.Be2 you gain space and a tempo against the queen with 12...c4.
12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to c7.
13.h3: 13.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces.
13…Rb8: The rook goes to the b-file against the queen on b3.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks the knight on a6.
14…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and covers d5 – it holds your hanging pawns together.
15.Qxa7: White takes the pawn on a7 – but the queen stands far from the action.
15…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and keeps the queen out. Stockfish: level (-0.06).

Line 20: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Be2 Rc8 13.O-O c5 14.dxc5 Rxc5 15.Rxc5 Qxc5

up to 8…Bb7 as line 19

9.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre before you can make use of Bb7.
9…Nxd5: Recapture with the knight: you offer exchanges and keep the long diagonal open. Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
10…Qxe7: After the bishop trade your position is free of worries. Next come Rc8 and c5.
11.Nxd5: White keeps exchanging; Stockfish considered 11.Be2 slightly more precise (loss 0.05).
11…Bxd5: Back with the bishop: it stands strongly in the centre, and your pawn on c7 can advance with c5.
12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
12…Rc8: The rook supports c5. Stockfish named 12...Rd8 (loss 0.06).
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…c5: The freeing move: after 14.dxc5 14...Rxc5 you trade rooks and have a completely balanced position. All games in the course ended in a draw here.
14.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the c-file for the rook on c1.
14…Rxc5: Back with the rook – the c-file is yours, and after the rook trade everything is level.
15.Rxc5: White takes back on c5 with the rook – the position becomes simpler.
15…Qxc5: You recapture with the queen – the position is level. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 21: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Nxd5 Bxd5 12.Bc4 Bb7 13.O-O Rc8 14.Qa4 c5 15.Bb5 a6

up to 11…Bxd5 as line 20

12.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4, where it may become a target. Stockfish considers 12.Be2 a shade more precise (loss 0.01).
12…Bb7: The bishop steps back. Stockfish wanted 12...Bxf3 13.Qxf3 13...Qb4+ – the check also attacks the bishop on c4 (loss 0.03).
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…Rc8: The rook comes to the half-open c-file and prepares c5.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and eyes a7 and the queenside.
14…c5: c5 is the freeing move of the Tartakower system: you attack d4 before White can consolidate the centre.
15.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and disturbs your development.
15…a6: 15...a6 drives the bishop from b5 and gains space on the queenside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 22: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Be2 Rc8 12.O-O c5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5

up to 10…Qxe7 as line 21

11.Be2: White develops the bishop first and keeps the exchange on d5 in reserve.
11…Rc8: The rook lines up opposite the rook on c1 and prepares c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…c5: The break c5 frees your position. None of the eleven games in the course from here was won by White.
13.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the queen on e7.
13…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop – it stands centrally. Stockfish: level (0). (transposition)

Line 23: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Bd3 Rc8 12.O-O c5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.dxc5 Rxc5 15.Rxc5 Qxc5

up to 10…Qxe7 as line 22

11.Bd3: Stockfish wanted 11.Be2 (loss 0.07); the position stays balanced (eval -0.07).
11…Rc8: Solid, but Stockfish named 11...c5 (loss 0.07): after 12.Nxd5 12...Bxd5 you open the centre at once.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…c5: Now c5 comes – Stockfish's first choice; the c-file opens for your rook.
13.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the queen on e7.
13…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop – it stands centrally on d5.
14.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the c-file for a rook trade.
14…Rxc5: You recapture with the rook and set it against the rook on c1.
15.Rxc5: White trades rooks on c5 and wants the open c-file for himself.
15…Qxc5: You recapture with the queen – material and position are level. Stockfish: level (-0.03).

Line 24: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Nxd5 Bxd5 11.Bxe7 Qxe7

up to 9…Nxd5 as line 23

10.Nxd5: White trades the knights first.
10…Bxd5: Back with the bishop – it stands strongly in the centre.
11.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender. Stockfish: level (-0.03).
11…Qxe7: Transposition to the line 10.Bxe7 10...Qxe7 11.Nxd5 11...Bxd5 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 25: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Bg3 c5 11.Bd3 cxd4 12.exd4 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Ba3 14.Rc2 Nc6 15.O-O Ne7

up to 9…Nxd5 as line 24

10.Bg3: White avoids the bishop trade. Stockfish wanted 10.Bxe7 (loss 0.11).
10…c5: You strike in the centre at once: c5 attacks d4.
11.Bd3: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 11.Nxd5 and after this move sees Black slightly ahead (eval -0.15).
11…cxd4: Stockfish's move: after 12.exd4, 12...Nc6 follows with pressure on d4.
12.exd4: White recaptures with the pawn – an isolated pawn on d4 arises.
12…Nxc3: You trade on c3 before White can recapture with the knight.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn – the hanging pawns c3 and d4.
13…Ba3: The bishop goes to a3 and attacks the rook on c1.
14.Rc2: The rook steps aside to c2 and covers the second rank.
14…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
15…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and on to d5. Stockfish: level (-0.09).

Line 26: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.O-O c5 12.Qa4 a6 13.dxc5 bxc5 14.Rfd1 Qb6 15.Qb3 Qxb3

up to 8…Bb7 as line 25

9.Be2: White develops the bishop modestly to e2 and wants to castle.
9…Nbd7: Natural, but Stockfish wanted 9...dxc4 10.Bxc4 10...c5 (loss 0.24): if you take on c4 after the bishop has already moved, White loses a tempo when recapturing.
10.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre. Your bishop on b7 now bites on its own pawn on d5 – c5 will free it.
10…exd5: Back with the pawn: d5 stays firmly in the centre, and next comes c5.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…c5: The break c5: after dxc5 bxc5 you get the 'hanging pawns' on c5 and d5. They control the centre but need the protection of your pieces.
12.Qa4: The queen aims at a7 and at the knight on d7.
12…a6: a6 takes the square b5 away from White's queen and bishop. Stockfish's choice.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 and gives you a choice: hanging pawns after bxc5 or active piece play. Stockfish: level (+0.07).
13…bxc5: Now the hanging pawns on c5 and d5 stand. They give you space; keep them covered with queen, rooks and knight.
14.Rfd1: The rook lines up against d5 – the typical target when facing hanging pawns.
14…Qb6: The queen leaves the d-file opposite the rook on d1 and eyes b2.
15.Qb3: White offers the queen trade.
15…Qxb3: Stockfish accepts the trade: after 16.axb3 the position is balanced, and your rooks come to the open files.

Line 27: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.O-O c5 12.dxc5 bxc5 13.Qb3 Bc6 14.Bg3 Re8 15.Rfd1 Bf8

up to 11…c5 as line 26

12.dxc5: White exchanges on c5 at once.
12…bxc5: Back with the b-pawn: you get the hanging pawns on c5 and d5 and the half-open b-file.
13.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and attacks the bishop on b7.
13…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 and covers d5 – it holds the hanging pawns together.
14.Bg3: The bishop goes to g3 onto the diagonal towards b8.
14…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and supports d4.
15.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 against the pawn on d5 and builds pressure.
15…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and covers the kingside. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 28: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.O-O c5 11.cxd5 Nxd5 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Qd3 Rac8 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 15.Qa3 a5

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 27

10.O-O: White castles first. Stockfish would have preferred 10.cxd5 (loss 0.24); now the position is balanced.
10…c5: Stockfish's first choice: c5 attacks d4 before White gets organised.
11.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
11…Nxd5: Back with the knight: it offers exchanges, and your bishop on b7 keeps its view.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
13.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and eyes h7 and d5.
13…Rac8: The rook goes to the c-file behind your pawn on c5.
14.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the queen on e7.
14…Bxd5: You recapture with the bishop – it stands centrally.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and pins your pawn on c5 to the queen on e7.
15…a5: 15...a5 prevents b4 against your pawn on c5. Stockfish: level (-0.04).

Line 29: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Rc1 Bb7 9.Bd3 dxc4 10.Bxc4 Nbd7 11.O-O c5 12.Qe2 a6 13.a4 cxd4 14.exd4 Nh5 15.Bxe7 Qxe7

up to 8…Bb7 as line 28

9.Bd3: White puts the bishop on d3 – you can now gain a tempo on it with 9...dxc4.
9…dxc4: You take on c4, and the bishop on d3 has to move a second time. Stockfish named 9...c5 first by a hair (loss 0.00).
10.Bxc4: White wins back the pawn on c4 with the bishop.
10…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and supports c5.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…c5: The break c5 – Stockfish's first choice. With it your problems in the centre are solved.
12.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and connects the rooks.
12…a6: a6 prepares b5 to chase away the bishop on c4.
13.a4: White prevents b5.
13…cxd4: After cxd4 exd4 White has an isolated pawn on d4. Against this 'isolani', exchanging pieces is good for you.
14.exd4: White recaptures with the pawn – an isolated pawn on d4.
14…Nh5: Exactly to plan: the knight clears the line of the bishop on e7, which now attacks the bishop on h4 – exchanges are good against the pawn on d4.
15.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
15…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 30: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Rc1 Be6 12.Qa4 c5 13.Qa3 Rc8 14.Be2 a5 15.O-O Kf8

up to 7…b6 as line 29

8.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre at once (19 % of the games).
8…Nxd5: Back with the knight: you offer exchanges. Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
9…Qxe7: After the bishop trade your queen has a good square on e7, and no pin bothers you any more.
10.Nxd5: White trades the knights too; now you have to recapture with the pawn.
10…exd5: Your pawn on d5 now blocks the long diagonal – so in this line your bishop belongs on e6 instead of b7.
11.Rc1: The rook comes to the c-file and aims at c7.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6: it guards d5 and supports the advance c5. Stockfish's first choice.
12.Qa4: The queen aims at a7 and can go on to a3.
12…c5: c5 anyway: the freeing move fits well here.
13.Qa3: The queen attacks c5, and behind c5 stands your queen on e7. Stockfish considered 13.b3 better (loss 0.13) and now sees you a touch ahead (eval -0.13).
13…Rc8: The rook guards c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
14…a5: 14...a5 prevents b4 against your queenside.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
15…Kf8: The king goes to f8 – in the endgame it stands well in the centre. Stockfish: level (-0.03).

Line 31: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Rc1 Be6 12.Qa4 c5 13.dxc5 bxc5 14.Qa3 Nd7 15.Bb5 Rab8

up to 12…c5 as line 30

13.dxc5: White exchanges on c5 at once. Stockfish wanted 13.b3 (loss 0.09).
13…bxc5: Back with the b-pawn: the hanging pawns on c5 and d5 arise, and the b-file opens for your rook.
14.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks the pawn on c5.
14…Nd7: The knight guards c5. Stockfish first puts the rook on 14...Rc8 (loss 0.05).
15.Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and attacks the knight on d7, which covers c5.
15…Rab8: The rook goes to the b-file and attacks the bishop on b5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 32: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Rc1 Be6 12.Bd3 c5 13.dxc5 bxc5 14.O-O Nd7 15.b3 a5

up to 11…Be6 as line 31

12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and prepares castling.
12…c5: Here too c5: with the bishop on e6, d5 is well guarded.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 to give you the hanging pawns.
13…bxc5: Again the hanging pawns on c5 and d5 arise.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Nd7: The knight comes to d7 and guards c5. Black won four of the seven games.
15.b3: 15.b3 takes c4 away from your pawn and keeps the c-file closed.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space and threatens a4 to disturb the chain on b3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 33: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Rc1 Be6 12.Be2 c5 13.b3 a5 14.O-O Nd7 15.h3 Nf6

up to 11…Be6 as line 32

12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
12…c5: The freeing move c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.b3: 13.b3 takes c4 away from your pawn and supports the queenside.
13…a5: 13...a5 gains space and prepares a4.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5 and e5.
15.h3: 15.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 away from your bishop.
15…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers the kingside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 34: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Be2 Be6 12.O-O c5 13.dxc5 bxc5 14.Qa4 Nd7 15.Qa3 Rfb8

up to 10…exd5 as line 33

11.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
11…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 because the pawn on d5 blocks the diagonal towards b7. Stockfish's first choice.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…c5: The break c5 – your pieces get room.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to attack the hanging pawns.
13…bxc5: Hanging pawns on c5 and d5: they control important central squares.
14.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and eyes a7 and the queenside.
14…Nd7: Stockfish's move: the knight guards c5 and can go on to b6 or f6.
15.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks the pawn on c5.
15…Rfb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file against b2. Stockfish: level (-0.02).

Line 35: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Be2 Be6 12.O-O c5 13.dxc5 bxc5 14.Rc1 Nd7 15.Qa4 Rfb8

up to 13…bxc5 as line 34

14.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 against your pawn on c5 – the hanging pawns come under pressure.
14…Nd7: The knight guards c5 – all seven games in the course ended in a draw.
15.Qa4: The queen attacks the knight on d7, which covers c5. Stockfish: level (-0.08).
15…Rfb8: Stockfish's move: the rook comes to the half-open b-file and aims at b2.

Line 36: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Bd3 Be6 12.O-O c5 13.b3 a5 14.Re1 Nd7 15.h3 Nf6

up to 10…exd5 as line 35

11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and prepares castling.
11…Be6: The bishop guards d5 – Stockfish's choice. The break c5 follows later.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…c5: Stockfish's move: c5 frees your position.
13.b3: 13.b3 takes c4 away from your pawn and supports the queenside.
13…a5: 13...a5 gains space and prepares a4.
14.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the half-open e-file.
14…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and covers c5 and e5.
15.h3: 15.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 away from your bishop.
15…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers d5 and the kingside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 37: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Qb3 Be6 12.Rc1 Rc8 13.Be2 c5 14.Qa3

up to 10…exd5 as line 36

11.Qb3: The queen attacks d5. Stockfish slightly prefers 11.Rc1 (loss 0.04).
11…Be6: The bishop guards d5 against the queen on b3, and then c5 follows.
12.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file and eyes your pawn on c7.
12…Rc8: You set your rook against the rook on c1 so White does not own the c-file alone.
13.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
13…c5: c5 is the freeing move of the Tartakower system: you attack d4 before White can consolidate the centre.
14.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks the pawn on c5. Stockfish: level (-0.05). (transposition)

Line 38: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Rc1 Bb7

up to 9…Qxe7 as line 37

10.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file – the play will soon open there after your c5. Stockfish: level (0.00).
10…Bb7: Transposition to the line 8.Rc1 8...Bb7 9.cxd5 9...Nxd5 10.Bxe7 10...Qxe7 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 39: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7

up to 8…Nxd5 as line 38

9.Nxd5: White trades the knights before you can play Bb7.
9…exd5: Back with the pawn. Stockfish named the in-between move 9...Bxh4 10.Nxh4 10...exd5 (loss 0.10).
10.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender. Stockfish: level (0).
10…Qxe7: Transposition to the line 8.cxd5 8...Nxd5 9.Bxe7 9...Qxe7 10.Nxd5 10...exd5 – the course continues there; your bishop belongs on e6. (transposition)

Line 40: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c6 12.O-O a5 13.b5 c5 14.Ne5 cxd4 15.exd4 Bxe5

up to 7…b6 as line 39

8.Be2: White develops the bishop first (18 % of the games).
8…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal – the heart of the Tartakower Variation.
9.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop pair in order to play against the pawn on d5 after cxd5 exd5.
9…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop: it stands strongly on f6 on the long diagonal against d4.
10.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
10…exd5: Back with the pawn. You have the bishop pair; White plays against d5 and on the queenside.
11.b4: The most frequent reply (62 %): White gains space on the queenside and makes c5 harder.
11…c6: c6 supports d5 and keeps the position firm. Stockfish named the counter-strike 11...c5 12.bxc5 12...bxc5 first by a hair (loss 0.03).
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…a5: You attack the pawn on b4: White has to choose between 13.b5 and 13.bxa5.
13.b5: White pushes past. Now your break comes after all.
13…c5: The pawn on c6 advances to c5 and attacks d4 – Stockfish's first choice. The position opens up for your bishops.
14.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 – a strong square in front of your king.
14…cxd4: Stockfish's move: after 15.exd4 15...Bxe5 16.dxe5 your pawn on d5 is a passed pawn and gets going with 16...d4.
15.exd4: White recaptures on d4; your bishop on f6 now hits the knight on e5.
15…Bxe5: You trade off the strong knight on e5 – without it your kingside is safe. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 41: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c6 12.O-O a5 13.b5 c5 14.Rc1 Nd7 15.dxc5 Nxc5 16.Nd4 Bxd4

up to 13…c5 as line 40

14.Rc1: The rook goes to the c-file. Stockfish wanted 14.Ne5 (loss 0.07); the position stays balanced (eval -0.07).
14…Nd7: The knight joins the game and can recapture on c5 after 15.dxc5.
15.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position for his pieces.
15…Nxc5: The knight is active on c5, and your pawn on d5 is free.
16.Nd4: The knight jumps to d4 – a strong square in front of your isolated pawn. Stockfish: level (-0.03).
16…Bxd4: Stockfish's move: you trade the knight on d4 and keep a slight edge (eval -0.15).

Line 42: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 c6 12.O-O a5 13.bxa5 Rxa5 14.a4 c5 15.Qb3 c4

up to 12…a5 as line 41

13.bxa5: White takes on a5 and opens the a-file.
13…Rxa5: Back with the rook: it is active on a5 and eyes the pawn on a2.
14.a4: 14.a4 attacks your pawn on b5 and wants to open the queenside.
14…c5: Stockfish's move: now c5 comes, and your rook on a5 helps on the queenside.
15.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and presses on d5 and b7.
15…c4: 15...c4 attacks the queen and secures d3 for you. Stockfish: level (+0.03).

Line 43: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.O-O Re8 12.Qb3 c6 13.Rfe1 Nd7 14.Rad1

up to 10…exd5 as line 42

11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…Re8: The rook comes to the e-file, but Stockfish wanted 11...Nd7 first (loss 0.13).
12.Qb3: The queen goes to b3 and presses on d5 and b7.
12…c6: 12...c6 supports d5 – the solid Carlsbad structure.
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the central push e4.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f8.
14.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports e4 from behind. Stockfish: level (+0.16). (transposition)

Line 44: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Qb3 c6 12.O-O Na6 13.Rad1 Re8 14.h3 g6 15.e4 Nc7

up to 10…exd5 as line 43

11.Qb3: The queen attacks d5.
11…c6: c6 guards d5 once more and keeps the position solid.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…Na6: The knight travels via a6 to c7 and e6. Stockfish prefers to develop it via 12...Nd7 (loss 0.07).
13.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and prepares the central push e4.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
14.h3: 14.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 away from your bishop.
14…g6: 14...g6 gives your king air and strengthens f5.
15.e4: 15.e4 opens the centre – White wants to keep your pieces busy.
15…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and covers d5 and e6. Stockfish: level (+0.10).

Line 45: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Rc1

up to 8…Bb7 as line 44

9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open. Stockfish: level (0.00).
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and supports c5.
10.Rc1: Transposition to the line 8.Rc1 8...Bb7 9.Be2 9...Nbd7 10.O-O – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 46: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Qb3 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Rd1 Re8 12.Bd3 c5 13.dxc5 Nd7 14.c6 Bxc6 15.O-O Nc5

up to 7…b6 as line 45

8.Qb3: The queen presses on d5 and b7.
8…Bb7: Bb7 anyway: the bishop gives d5 extra cover.
9.Bxf6: White gives the bishop for your knight on f6 – you get the bishop pair, but White has gained time.
9…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – you have the bishop pair.
10.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
10…exd5: Back with the pawn; the centre stays firm.
11.Rd1: The rook stands behind d4 and against d5.
11…Re8: The rook occupies the half-open e-file. Stockfish named 11...Qd6 (loss 0.01).
12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3. Stockfish wanted 12.Be2 (loss 0.05); the position stays balanced (eval -0.05).
12…c5: The counter-strike: c5 attacks d4 and opens the diagonal for the bishop on f6.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to give you hanging pawns. Stockfish: level (-0.08).
13…Nd7: You do not recapture at once but first bring the knight, which attacks the pawn on c5.
14.c6: White gives the pawn back – Stockfish's choice.
14…Bxc6: The bishop takes on c6 and stands actively on the long diagonal.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open. Stockfish: level (-0.05).
15…Nc5: The knight attacks the queen on b3 and the bishop on d3 at the same time. White can cover both; Stockfish: balanced (eval 0.00).

Line 47: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Qb3 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Rd1 Re8 12.Be2 c6 13.O-O Nd7 14.Rfe1 Nf8 15.e4 Rc8

up to 11…Re8 as line 46

12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
12…c6: c6 supports d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…Nd7: The knight starts its journey to f8 and e6. Stockfish named 13...Na6 (loss 0.07).
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 onto the half-open e-file. Stockfish: level (+0.16).
14…Nf8: From f8 the knight guards h7 and can go on to e6.
15.e4: White advances in the centre.
15…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file. Stockfish plays 15...g6 first (loss 0.04) and sees White slightly better after e4 (eval 0.18).

Line 48: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Qb3 Bb7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Rd1 Re8 12.a3 c6 13.Bd3 c5 14.Bb1 cxd4 15.Nxd4 Nd7

up to 11…Re8 as line 47

12.a3: 12.a3 takes b4 away from your pieces and prepares b4.
12…c6: c6 guards d5 – then c5 can follow.
13.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 onto the diagonal against h7.
13…c5: Stockfish's move: now c5, and the centre opens for your bishops.
14.Bb1: The bishop retreats to b1 and stays on the diagonal against h7.
14…cxd4: You trade on d4 and leave White an isolated pawn – or open the position.
15.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight and keeps the position open.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to b6 or f8. Stockfish: level (-0.01).

Line 49: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.O-O dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5 12.h3 exd4 13.exd4 Nb6 14.Bb3 Bf5 15.Re1 a5 16.a3 Re8 17.Rxe8 Qxe8

up to 6…h6 as line 48

7.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop pair at once (22 % of the games).
7…Bxf6: You now have two bishops. Your plan: c6, Nd7, dxc4 and the freeing advance e5.
8.Rc1: The rook comes to the c-file – the most frequent reply.
8…c6: Solid: c6 supports d5 and closes the c-file. Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and prepares castling.
9…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and supports the later advance e5.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…dxc4: Now that the bishop on d3 has moved, you take on c4: White loses a tempo, and e5 is prepared.
11.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop; it stands actively on c4.
11…e5: The freeing advance e5: the bishop on f6 becomes active, and as soon as the knight on d7 moves on, your bishop on c8 has a free path too. Stockfish's first choice.
12.h3: 12.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your bishop.
12…exd4: You exchange on d4. After 13.exd4 White has an isolated pawn on d4.
13.exd4: White recaptures with the e-pawn – an isolated pawn on d4.
13…Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c4 and wants to occupy the square in front of the isolated pawn via d5.
14.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3 and stays on the diagonal against f7.
14…Bf5: The bishop becomes active. Stockfish named 14...Re8 as slightly more precise (loss 0.01).
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 onto the open e-file.
15…a5: The a-pawn threatens to run on and chase away the bishop on b3.
16.a3: 16.a3 takes b4 away from your pieces and prepares b4.
16…Re8: You offer the trade of rooks on the e-file.
17.Rxe8: White trades rooks on e8 – afterwards the e-file belongs to nobody. Stockfish: level (0).
17…Qxe8: After the rook trade the position is completely level (eval 0).

Line 50: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.O-O dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5 12.Ne4 exd4 13.Nxf6 Nxf6 14.Qxd4 Qxd4 15.Nxd4 Re8

up to 11…e5 as line 49

12.Ne4: White wants to trade off the bishop on f6.
12…exd4: You exchange in the centre first – Stockfish's choice.
13.Nxf6: White trades the knight for your bishop on f6 – your strong bishop disappears.
13…Nxf6: Back with the knight; after the exchanges on d4 a very balanced position remains.
14.Qxd4: The queen wins back the pawn on d4 and attacks your queen.
14…Qxd4: The queen trade leads to a quiet endgame. Stockfish named 14...Bg4 as slightly more active (loss 0.15).
15.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight – a quiet endgame without queens. Stockfish: level (+0.11).
15…Re8: Stockfish's move: the rook occupies the open e-file.

Line 51: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.O-O dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5 12.Bb3 exd4 13.exd4 Re8 14.h3 Nf8 15.d5 Bf5

up to 11…e5 as line 50

12.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3 and stays on the diagonal against f7.
12…exd4: You exchange on d4 – Stockfish's choice.
13.exd4: White recaptures with the e-pawn – an isolated pawn on d4.
13…Re8: The rook occupies the open e-file. The pawn on d4 is isolated and your long-term target.
14.h3: 14.h3 takes g4 away from your bishop and gives the king air.
14…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and on to g6 or e6 – in front of the isolated pawn.
15.d5: 15.d5 dissolves the isolated pawn before it becomes weak.
15…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and eyes b1 and d3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 52: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.b4 a6 12.a4 Be7 13.b5 axb5 14.axb5 Nf6 15.bxc6 bxc6

up to 9…Nd7 as line 51

10.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre and creates the Carlsbad structure.
10…exd5: Back with the pawn – the Carlsbad structure with the pawns on c6 and d5.
11.b4: White starts the minority attack with the b-pawn.
11…a6: a6 slows down the advance b5.
12.a4: 12.a4 supports the push b5 – the minority attack goes on.
12…Be7: Stockfish's move: the bishop goes to e7 and guards the dark squares on the queenside.
13.b5: 13.b5 carries out the minority attack and hits your chain c6–d5.
13…axb5: You take on b5; the a-file opens for both rooks.
14.axb5: White recaptures with the a-pawn; the a-file is open.
14…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers d5.
15.bxc6: White trades on c6 and leaves you a weak pawn on c6.
15…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn – the pawn on c6 is your worry, but it covers d5. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 53: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.Rc1 a6 10.Be2 dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5 12.d5 Na7 13.Qc2 Nb5 14.Ne4 Bf5 15.Bd3 Bxe4

up to 7…Bxf6 as line 52

8.Qd2: White puts the queen on d2 and thinks about castling long.
8…Nc6: The knight presses on d4 and prepares e5. Stockfish wanted 8...dxc4 (loss 0.15).
9.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file and eyes c7.
9…a6: a6 prevents Nb5. Stockfish named 9...g6 (loss 0.16); White is slightly better (eval 0.29).
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
10…dxc4: You take on c4 after the bishop has gone to e2 – White has to move it a second time.
11.Bxc4: White recaptures on c4 with the bishop; it aims at f7.
11…e5: The freeing advance e5, Stockfish's first choice.
12.d5: White pushes past and attacks the knight on c6.
12…Na7: The knight has to go to the edge, but it comes back into play via b5.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c3 and e4 against your pieces.
13…Nb5: Stockfish's move: the knight returns to the centre. White is slightly better (eval 0.21).
14.Ne4: The knight attacks your bishop on f6 and wants to end the bishop pair.
14…Bf5: The bishop attacks the knight on e4 and develops with tempo.
15.Bd3: The bishop attacks the knight on b5 and covers e4.
15…Bxe4: You trade on e4 – in return your knight stays on b5. Stockfish: level (+0.25).

Line 54: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.cxd5 exd5 10.Bd3 a5 11.O-O Ne7 12.a3 c6 13.Qc2 g6 14.b4 Bg4 15.Nd2 b6

up to 8…Nc6 as line 53

9.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
9…exd5: Back with the pawn – the Carlsbad structure.
10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 onto the diagonal against h7.
10…a5: 10...a5 prevents b4 – the minority attack.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…Ne7: The knight heads via e7 to f5 or g6, where it covers the kingside.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares the minority attack with b4.
12…c6: 12...c6 supports d5 and slows down the minority attack.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes h7 together with the bishop on d3.
13…g6: 13...g6 closes the diagonal against h7 and takes f5 from the bishop.
14.b4: 14.b4 starts the minority attack against your pawn on c6.
14…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 so White cannot reach e5.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and breaks the pin.
15…b6: 15...b6 holds the queenside against b5. Stockfish: level (+0.09).

Line 55: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.O-O-O g6 10.g4 Bg7 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Rg1 Rb8 13.Bd3 Qf6 14.Rg3 Ne7 15.h4 c5

up to 8…Nc6 as line 54

9.O-O-O: Castling long is risky: your counterplay on the queenside comes quickly. Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.11).
9…g6: Stockfish's move: with g6 and Bg7 your bishop places itself on the long diagonal.
10.g4: 10.g4 attacks on the kingside – typical after castling long.
10…Bg7: The bishop goes to g7 and covers your king against the pawn storm.
11.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
11…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and hold the centre.
12.Rg1: The rook goes to g1 and supports the push g5.
12…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 – you prepare b5 against White's king.
13.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes your king.
13…Qf6: The queen goes to f6 and attacks the knight on f3.
14.Rg3: The rook goes to g3 and covers the knight on f3.
14…Ne7: The knight goes to e7 and on to f5.
15.h4: 15.h4 pushes the attack on the kingside.
15…c5: 15...c5 opens lines against White's king. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 56: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qc2 c5 9.dxc5 dxc4 10.Bxc4 Qa5 11.O-O Bxc3 12.Qxc3 Qxc3 13.bxc3 Nd7 14.c6 bxc6 15.Rab1 Nb6 16.Be2 c5 17.Rfc1 Bb7

up to 7…Bxf6 as line 55

8.Qc2: White brings the queen to c2 and keeps both castling options open.
8…c5: c5 at once: you attack d4 before White has finished developing.
9.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to open the centre.
9…dxc4: You take on c4 in return, and the bishop on f1 has to move to recapture.
10.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop; it stands actively on c4.
10…Qa5: The queen pins the knight on c3 to the king and attacks c5. Stockfish named 10...Nd7 (loss 0.10).
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…Bxc3: You take on c3 and trade queens.
12.Qxc3: The queen recaptures and offers a queen trade.
12…Qxc3: You trade queens – in the endgame the pawn on c5 is easier to hold.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and gets doubled pawns on the c-file.
13…Nd7: The knight attacks c5. Stockfish named 13...Bd7 (loss 0.14).
14.c6: 14.c6 gives the pawn back to double your pawns.
14…bxc6: You take on c6. All six games in the course from here ended in a draw.
15.Rab1: White puts the rook on the b-file. Stockfish considered 15.Rfd1 better (loss 0.19).
15…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and covers c4 and d5.
16.Be2: The bishop retreats to e2 and covers c4.
16…c5: 16...c5 gives the bishop on b7 the long diagonal.
17.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 against your pawn on c5.
17…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal against f3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 57: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qb3 c6 9.Rd1 Nd7 10.Bd3 Qb6 11.Qc2 dxc4 12.Bxc4 c5 13.O-O cxd4 14.exd4 Qc7 15.Nb5 Qf4

up to 7…Bxf6 as line 56

8.Qb3: The queen presses on b7 and d5.
8…c6: c6 supports d5. Stockfish named 8...dxc4 (loss 0.13).
9.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 behind the pawn on d4 and supports it.
9…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
10…Qb6: You offer the queen trade.
11.Qc2: The queen avoids the queen trade by going to c2 and eyes h7.
11…dxc4: Stockfish's move: you take on c4, and the bishop on d3 has to move again.
12.Bxc4: White recaptures on c4 with the bishop; it aims at f7.
12…c5: 12...c5 attacks the centre – the freeing push.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…cxd4: You trade on d4 and leave White an isolated pawn.
14.exd4: White recaptures with the e-pawn – an isolated pawn on d4.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks the bishop on c4.
15.Nb5: The knight attacks the queen on c7 and wants to go to d6.
15…Qf4: The queen goes to f4 and attacks the knight on f3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 58: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qb3 c6 9.Be2 Nd7 10.O-O Nb6 11.a4 a5 12.h3 Nxc4 13.Bxc4 dxc4 14.Qxc4 Be7 15.Rac1 Bd7

up to 8…c6 as line 57

9.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
9…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and can go on to b6.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…Nb6: Stockfish's move: the knight aims at c4.
11.a4: 11.a4 indirectly attacks your knight on b6.
11…a5: 11...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and secures b4 for your knight.
12.h3: 12.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 away from your bishop.
12…Nxc4: You take the pawn on c4 with the knight and trade the active bishop.
13.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop and attacks your knight.
13…dxc4: You take the bishop and attack the queen.
14.Qxc4: The queen recaptures on c4 – you have the bishop pair.
14…Be7: The bishop goes back to e7 and covers d6 and b4.
15.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file against c7.
15…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and connects the rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 59: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 c6 10.O-O c5 11.Rc1 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Nc6 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.Na4 Bd7 15.b3 Be5

up to 7…Bxf6 as line 58

8.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
8…exd5: Back with the pawn – the Carlsbad structure. Your bishop on f6 is strong.
9.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
9…c6: Solid, but Stockfish named the more active 9...c5 (loss 0.12).
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…c5: Stockfish's move: now c5 – with the bishop on f6 behind it you attack d4.
11.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 against your pawn on c5.
11…cxd4: You trade on d4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on f6.
12.Nxd4: White recaptures with the knight; it stands centrally on d4.
12…Nc6: The knight attacks the knight on d4 and offers a trade.
13.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and gives you a pawn on c6.
13…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn and cover d5.
14.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and eyes c5 and b6.
14…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and covers the pawn on c6.
15.b3: 15.b3 supports c4 and secures the knight on a4.
15…Be5: The bishop goes to e5 into the centre and eyes h2. Stockfish: level (+0.06).

Line 60: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Be2 c6 10.O-O Be6 11.Bd3 Nd7 12.Ne2 Bg4 13.Rc1 Be7 14.h3 Bxf3 15.gxf3 Bd6

up to 8…exd5 as line 59

9.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
9…c6: c6 supports d5 and prepares Be6 or Bf5.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5 – in the Carlsbad structure it is a good defender.
11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
11…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f6 or b6.
12.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and on to f4.
12…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 and wants to trade it.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file and prepares b4.
13…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and covers the kingside.
14.h3: 14.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade.
14…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and double White's pawns.
15.gxf3: White recaptures with the g-pawn – the kingside is weakened.
15…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and eyes h2 and the weakened kingside. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 61: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.b4 Be7 10.a3 c6 11.Bd3 b5 12.O-O a5 13.bxa5 Rxa5 14.a4 b4 15.Na2 Nd7

up to 8…exd5 as line 60

9.b4: White starts the minority attack very early. Stockfish slightly prefers 9.Qb3 (loss 0.04).
9…Be7: The bishop attacks the pawn on b4 at once. Stockfish plays 9...c6 first (loss 0.03); the position is balanced (eval -0.06).
10.a3: 10.a3 supports the pawn on b4 for the minority attack.
10…c6: 10...c6 supports d5 – the Carlsbad structure that makes b5 hard.
11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
11…b5: 11...b5 stops the minority attack – White can no longer push b5.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…a5: 12...a5 attacks the pawn on b4 and opens the a-file.
13.bxa5: White takes on a5 and opens the a-file against your queenside.
13…Rxa5: You recapture with the rook; it stands actively on a5.
14.a4: 14.a4 attacks your pawn on b5 and wants to force it to trade.
14…b4: 14...b4 attacks the knight on c3 and gets a protected passed pawn.
15.Na2: The knight steps aside to a2 and attacks your pawn on b4.
15…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to b6 – it covers c5 and a4. Stockfish: level (-0.03).

Line 62: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Rc1 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Be2 Bb7 12.Bf3 c5 13.Ne2 c4 14.O-O b5 15.b3 Rd8

up to 5…O-O as line 61

6.Rc1: White puts the rook on the c-file early (11 % of the games).
6…h6: As usual you question the bishop on g5 with h6.
7.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 and keeps the pin.
7…b6: The Tartakower idea. Stockfish named 7...c5 (loss 0.05).
8.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
8…Nxd5: Back with the knight – exchanges bring relief.
9.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and simplifies before you finish developing.
9…exd5: Back with the pawn; the centre stays firm.
10.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
10…Qxe7: After the bishop trade your queen stands well on e7.
11.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
11…Bb7: Here the bishop on b7 bites on its own pawn on d5. Stockfish wanted 11...c5 (loss 0.29) and later Be6; White is slightly better (eval 0.22).
12.Bf3: The bishop goes to f3 against your pawn on d5.
12…c5: c5 is the freeing move of the Tartakower system: you attack d4 before White can consolidate the centre.
13.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and on to f4 against d5.
13…c4: 13...c4 gains space on the queenside and closes the c-file.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…b5: 14...b5 supports c4 – your queenside majority rolls.
15.b3: 15.b3 attacks your chain c4–b5 and wants to open the c-file.
15…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file behind your pawn on d5. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 63: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Rc1 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Ne2 Rd8 12.Nf4 c5 13.Be2 Nc6 14.Qa4 Bd7 15.dxc5 d4

up to 10…Qxe7 as line 62

11.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and on to f4.
11…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file behind your pawn on d5 and prepares c5.
12.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and attacks your pawn on d5.
12…c5: c5 is the freeing move of the Tartakower system: you attack d4 before White can consolidate the centre.
13.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
13…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4.
14.Qa4: The queen attacks the knight on c6, which supports the pawn on c5.
14…Bd7: The bishop covers the knight on c6 and connects the rooks.
15.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to isolate your pawn on d5.
15…d4: 15...d4 dissolves the isolated pawn and opens the position for your pieces. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 64: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Rc1 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Bd3 c5 12.Ne2 c4 13.Bb1 Nd7 14.O-O Nf6 15.Re1 b5

up to 10…Qxe7 as line 63

11.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
11…c5: c5 is the freeing move of the Tartakower system: you attack d4 before White can consolidate the centre.
12.Ne2: The knight goes to e2 and on to f4 against d5.
12…c4: 12...c4 attacks the bishop on d3 and gains space on the queenside.
13.Bb1: The bishop retreats to b1 and stays on the diagonal against h7.
13…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f6 or b6.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers the kingside.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the central push e4.
15…b5: 15...b5 gains space on the queenside – your majority there rolls. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 65: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Rc1 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5

up to 8…Nxd5 as line 64

9.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
9…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
10.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the queen on e7. Stockfish: level (0.00).
10…exd5: Transposition to the line 8.cxd5 8...Nxd5 9.Nxd5 9...exd5 10.Bxe7 10...Qxe7 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 66: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Rc1 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.Bxf6 Bxf6 9.cxd5 exd5 10.Qf3 Bb7 11.Bc4 c6 12.Bb3 Nd7 13.Nge2 Re8 14.O-O g6 15.Nf4 a5

up to 7…b6 as line 65

8.Bxf6: White gives the bishop for your knight on f6 – you get the bishop pair, but White has gained time.
8…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – you have the bishop pair.
9.cxd5: White trades on d5 and clarifies the centre – now you must decide what to recapture with.
9…exd5: Back with the pawn – the centre stays firm (loss 0.00).
10.Qf3: The queen presses on d5 but stands awkwardly on f3. Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.11).
10…Bb7: Stockfish's move: the bishop guards d5.
11.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and eyes f7 and your pawn on d5.
11…c6: 11...c6 supports d5 and takes b5 from the bishop.
12.Bb3: The bishop retreats to b3 and keeps eyeing d5.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f8.
13.Nge2: The knight goes to e2 and leaves the f-pawn free.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…g6: 14...g6 gives your king air and takes f5 from the knight.
15.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and presses on d5 together with the bishop.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space on the queenside and prevents b4. Stockfish: level (-0.01).

Line 67: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.e3

up to 4…Be7 as line 66

5.Nf3: White develops the knight first (17 %).
5…O-O: You castle – the classic set-up of the declined Queen's Gambit. Stockfish: level (+0.07).
6.e3: Transposition to the main line 5.e3 5...O-O 6.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 68: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rab1 a5 12.a3 Ne4 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.b4 Nxc3 15.Qxc3 axb4

up to 4…Be7 as line 67

5.cxd5: The Exchange Variation: White fixes the pawn structure early and later plans the minority attack with b4 and b5.
5…exd5: Recapturing with the pawn gives the Carlsbad structure: your bishop on c8 has a free path, White plays on the queenside. Stockfish named 5...Nxd5 6.Bxe7 6...Qxe7 as a simpler solution (loss 0.15).
6.e3: The most frequent continuation (91 %).
6…c6: c6 supports d5 and gives your queen the diagonal towards b6 and a5. Stockfish named 6...h6 (loss 0.00).
7.Bd3: The bishop controls f5 and for now prevents the trade with Bf5.
7…Nbd7: The knight starts the typical journey via d7 and f8 to g6 or e6.
8.Qc2: Queen and bishop form a battery against h7 – Stockfish's choice.
8…O-O: The king goes to safety. Stockfish named 8...h6 (loss 0.02).
9.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 and covers e5.
9…Re8: The rook comes to the e-file and clears f8 for the knight – by far the most common manoeuvre (96 %). Stockfish named 9...h6 (loss 0.14).
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…Nf8: From f8 the knight guards h7 and can go on to e6 or g6. White is slightly better (eval 0.45), but your position is very solid.
11.Rab1: White prepares the minority attack with b4. Stockfish named 11.h3 (loss 0.26).
11…a5: a5 slows down the minority attack: after b4 you can exchange on b4 and open the a-file.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares the minority attack with b4.
12…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers exchanges.
13.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
13…Qxe7: After the bishop trade White has one attacker fewer.
14.b4: b4 starts the minority attack: White wants to trade your pawn on c6 with b5 and leave you a weak pawn on c6 or d5.
14…Nxc3: After 15.Qxc3 15...axb4 16.axb4 the a-file is open, and White has fewer attacking pieces. Stockfish prefers to open the a-file at once with 14...axb4 (loss 0.06).
15.Qxc3: The queen recaptures on c3 and stands against your queenside.
15…axb4: You take on b4 and open the a-file for your rook. Stockfish: level (+0.16).

Line 69: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.h3 g6 12.Rab1 Ne6 13.Bh4 Ng7 14.b4 a6 15.a4 Bf5

up to 10…Nf8 as line 68

11.h3: White takes the square g4 away from you.
11…g6: g6 prepares Ne6 and Bf5. Stockfish rates 11...a6 as equal (loss 0.00).
12.Rab1: White prepares b4. Stockfish considered 12.Ne5 clearly better (loss 0.32).
12…Ne6: The knight attacks the bishop on g5.
13.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 and keeps the pin.
13…Ng7: The knight goes to g7 and covers f5 – this is how you prepare Bf5.
14.b4: b4 starts the minority attack: White wants to trade your pawn on c6 with b5 and leave you a weak pawn on c6 or d5.
14…a6: a6 slows down the advance b5.
15.a4: 15.a4 supports the push b5 – the minority attack goes on. Stockfish: level (+0.03).
15…Bf5: Now Bf5 comes: you trade off the dangerous bishop on d3 and get rid of your problem piece.

Line 70: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.h3 g6 12.Bh6 Bd6 13.Rae1 Ne6 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Nxe4

up to 11…g6 as line 69

12.Bh6: White wants to trade your bishop. Stockfish named 12.Ne5 (loss 0.18).
12…Bd6: Stockfish's move: the bishop stays on the board and goes to d6.
13.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and eyes d4 and g5.
14.e4: 14.e4 opens the centre – White wants to use his better development.
14…dxe4: You take on e4 and open your bishop's diagonal.
15.Nxe4: The knight recaptures and attacks your bishop on d6.
15…Nxe4: You trade on e4 – every trade eases your defence. Stockfish: level (+0.24).

Line 71: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.h3 g6 12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.b4 Ne6 14.b5 c5 15.dxc5 Nxc5

up to 11…g6 as line 70

12.Bxf6: A mistake of plan: White gives up the strong bishop and loses the advantage (loss 0.47). Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.08).
12…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – you have the bishop pair.
13.b4: b4 starts the minority attack: White wants to trade your pawn on c6 with b5 and leave you a weak pawn on c6 or d5.
13…Ne6: Stockfish's move: the knight goes to e6 and presses on d4.
14.b5: 14.b5 attacks your pawn on c6 – the climax of the minority attack.
14…c5: 14...c5 avoids the trade and attacks the centre.
15.dxc5: White takes on c5 and leaves you an isolated pawn on d5.
15…Nxc5: The knight recaptures and attacks the bishop on d3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 72: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.h3 g6 12.Ne5 Nh5 13.Bxe7 Rxe7 14.Rad1 Be6 15.f4 Ng7

up to 11…g6 as line 71

12.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 – a strong square in front of your kingside.
12…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and offers a bishop trade.
13.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
13…Rxe7: You recapture with the rook and keep the e-file.
14.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4 against your pieces.
14…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5 – it is your best defender.
15.f4: 15.f4 supports the knight on e5 and gains space on the kingside.
15…Ng7: The knight goes to g7 and covers f5 and h5. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.35).

Line 73: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rae1 Ne4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Nd2 f5 15.f3 exf3 16.Nxf3 Be6 17.e4 fxe4

up to 10…Nf8 as line 72

11.Rae1: With the rook on e1 White prepares the advance e4. Stockfish named 11.h3 (loss 0.33).
11…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and trades pieces – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: Back with the queen – it stands well on e7.
13.Bxe4: White trades on e4 and takes away your strong knight.
13…dxe4: The pawn on e4 attacks the knight on f3 and takes space away from White.
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks your pawn on e4.
14…f5: The pawn on f5 supports e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
15.f3: 15.f3 attacks your pawn on e4 and opens the f-file.
15…exf3: You take on f3 and keep the position open for your pieces.
16.Nxf3: The knight recaptures on f3 and stands actively.
16…Be6: The bishop develops and keeps an eye on d5 and f7.
17.e4: 17.e4 builds a pawn centre – White wants to gain space. Stockfish: level (+0.02).
17…fxe4: You take on e4; the position is open, White is minimally better (eval 0.04).

Line 74: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rae1 Ne4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Nd2 f5 15.d5 Rd8

up to 14…f5 as line 73

15.d5: White breaks through in the centre, but Stockfish considers it inaccurate (loss 0.11).
15…Rd8: Stockfish's move: the rook attacks d5. Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.05).

Line 75: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.b4 Bg4 13.Nd2 Rc8 14.h3 Bd7 15.Nf3 g6

up to 10…Nf8 as line 74

11.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop pair without need and loses the advantage (loss 0.46). Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.01).
11…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – two bishops against bishop and knight.
12.b4: b4 starts the minority attack: White wants to trade your pawn on c6 with b5 and leave you a weak pawn on c6 or d5.
12…Bg4: The bishop becomes active outside the pawn chain and attacks the knight on f3.
13.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to b3 or f3.
13…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file – that matters against the minority attack.
14.h3: 14.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and wants to drive it away.
14…Bd7: The bishop retreats to d7 and covers c6.
15.Nf3: The knight returns to f3 and covers e5.
15…g6: 15...g6 gives your king air and takes f5 from the bishop. Stockfish: level (-0.04).

Line 76: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Ne5 Ng4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Nxg4 Bxg4 14.Rae1 Bh5 15.f4 f6

up to 10…Nf8 as line 75

11.Ne5: White occupies e5. Stockfish named 11.h3 (loss 0.31).
11…Ng4: A double attack: Ng4 attacks the knight on e5 and at the same time opens the line of your bishop on e7 against the bishop on g5.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: Back with the queen; now the knight on e5 is attacked.
13.Nxg4: White trades on g4 and takes the good square from your knight.
13…Bxg4: After the exchanges you have no bad pieces left – your bishop stands actively on g4.
14.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
14…Bh5: The bishop steps aside and stays active. Stockfish named 14...Rad8 (loss 0.00).
15.f4: 15.f4 gains space on the kingside and threatens f5.
15…f6: 15...f6 stops f5 and takes e5 from the knight. Stockfish: level (+0.13).

Line 77: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Ne5 Ng4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Nxg4 Bxg4 14.Bf5 Bxf5 15.Qxf5 Qd7 16.Qxd7 Nxd7

up to 13…Bxg4 as line 76

14.Bf5: White offers the bishop trade. Stockfish named 14.Rae1 (loss 0.19).
14…Bxf5: You accept – your problem piece is traded.
15.Qxf5: The queen recaptures on f5 and eyes h7.
15…Qd7: You offer the queen trade. Stockfish named 15...a6 (loss 0.23).
16.Qxd7: White trades queens – a quiet, level endgame. Stockfish: level (+0.12).
16…Nxd7: A balanced endgame: all six games in the course ended in a draw.

Line 78: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.a3 Ne4 12.Bf4 Bf5 13.Bxe4 Bxe4 14.Nxe4 dxe4 15.Nd2 Ne6

up to 10…Nf8 as line 77

11.a3: 11.a3 prepares the minority attack with b4.
11…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers exchanges.
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes b8 and your queen.
12…Bf5: Stockfish's move: the bishop comes to f5 and guards the knight on e4.
13.Bxe4: White trades the bishop on d3 for your knight on e4.
13…Bxe4: You recapture with the bishop and attack the queen.
14.Nxe4: White trades on e4 and simplifies the centre.
14…dxe4: You recapture with the pawn and attack the knight on f3.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks your pawn on e4.
15…Ne6: The knight attacks the bishop on f4 and wants to trade it. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.30).

Line 79: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.Bf4 Bd6 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.O-O-O Be6 14.Kb1 Rac8 15.Rc1 g6

up to 9…Re8 as line 78

10.h3: White takes the square g4 away from you and keeps the choice of castling open.
10…Nf8: The knight goes to f8. Stockfish named 10...Ne4 (loss 0.14).
11.Bf4: The bishop retreats to f4. Stockfish named 11.O-O (loss 0.30).
11…Bd6: You offer the trade of the dark-squared bishops. Stockfish first puts the knight on 11...Ne6 (loss 0.24).
12.Bxd6: White trades on d6 and gives you an active queen.
12…Qxd6: Back with the queen – it stands actively on d6.
13.O-O-O: White castles long: now there are attacks on opposite wings.
13…Be6: The bishop guards d5 and looks towards the white king on the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
14.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file – before the pawn storm White puts it in safety.
14…Rac8: The rook prepares c5 to open lines against the white king.
15.Rc1: White covers the c-file. Stockfish named 15.g4 (loss 0.24).
15…g6: 15...g6 gives your king air and takes f5 from the bishop. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 80: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.Bf4 Bd6 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.O-O Ng6 14.Rab1 Qe7 15.b4 a6

up to 12…Qxd6 as line 79

13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and eyes f4 and e5.
14.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares the minority attack with b4.
14…Qe7: The queen steps aside and stays flexible.
15.b4: b4 starts the minority attack: White wants to trade your pawn on c6 with b5 and leave you a weak pawn on c6 or d5.
15…a6: 15...a6 stops b5 and keeps your chain intact. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.33).

Line 81: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.O-O

up to 10…Nf8 as line 80

11.O-O: Transposition to the line 10.O-O 10...Nf8 11.h3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 82: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.O-O-O Be6 12.g4 Ne4 13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Nd2 Bd5

up to 10…Nf8 as line 81

11.O-O-O: White castles long and wants to attack. Stockfish named 11.O-O (loss 0.42).
11…Be6: The bishop guards d5. Stockfish named 11...Ne4 (loss 0.15).
12.g4: 12.g4 attacks on the kingside – typical after castling long.
12…Ne4: Stockfish's move: the knight jumps to e4 and offers exchanges.
13.Bxe4: White trades the bishop for your knight on e4.
13…dxe4: You recapture with the pawn and attack the knight on f3.
14.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
14…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
15.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and attacks your pawn on e4.
15…Bd5: The bishop goes to d5 and covers e4 – it stands ideally in the centre. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 83: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nf3 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.O-O-O Be6 12.Kb1 a5 13.Rhg1 Ne4 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Nxe4 dxe4

up to 11…Be6 as line 82

12.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file – before the pawn storm White puts it in safety.
12…a5: The a-pawn marches against the white king. Stockfish prefers to relieve the position with 12...Ne4 (loss 0.09).
13.Rhg1: The rook goes to g1 and prepares the pawn storm g4.
13…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers trades – every trade takes attacking power from White.
14.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
14…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
15.Nxe4: White trades on e4 and simplifies the centre.
15…dxe4: You recapture with the pawn and attack the knight on f3. Stockfish: level (+0.19).

Line 84: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.f3 Be6 12.Rad1 Rc8 13.Kh1 Ng6 14.Qd2 b5 15.Bc2 a5

up to 8…O-O as line 83

9.Nge2: White develops the knight to e2 and plans f3 and later e4 – the second big idea against the Carlsbad structure.
9…Re8: As usual: the rook goes to e8, and f8 becomes free for the knight.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.f3: White prepares e4.
11…Be6: The bishop guards d5 against the coming advance e4. Stockfish named 11...g6 (loss 0.11).
12.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
12…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file.
13.Kh1: The king goes to h1 off the g1–a7 diagonal – before the push e4 it is safer there.
13…Ng6: Stockfish's move: the knight goes to g6 and eyes e5 and f4.
14.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and supports the push e4.
14…b5: 14...b5 gains space on the queenside and prepares b4.
15.Bc2: The bishop goes to c2 and keeps eyeing h7.
15…a5: 15...a5 supports b4 against the knight on c3. Stockfish: level (+0.12).

Line 85: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.f3 Be6 12.Rae1 Rc8 13.a3 b5 14.Kh1 a5 15.Ng3 g6

up to 11…Be6 as line 84

12.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
12…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and prepares c5.
13.a3: 13.a3 takes b4 from your pieces and slows your queenside.
13…b5: 13...b5 gains space on the queenside and prepares b4.
14.Kh1: The king goes to h1 and prepares e4.
14…a5: 14...a5 prepares b4 against the knight on c3.
15.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and supports e4 and f4.
15…g6: 15...g6 gives your king air and takes f5 from the knight. Stockfish: level (+0.12).

Line 86: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.f3 Be6 12.Bh4 Rc8 13.Rad1 Ng6 14.Bg5 Qc7 15.Nf4 Bd7

up to 11…Be6 as line 85

12.Bh4: The bishop retreats. Stockfish named 12.Rad1 (loss 0.10).
12…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and prepares c5.
13.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
13…Ng6: The knight goes to g6 and attacks the bishop on h4.
14.Bg5: The bishop steps aside to g5 and stays active.
14…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes h2 and the c-file.
15.Nf4: The knight attacks the knight on g6 and the bishop on e6.
15…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and avoids the trade. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 87: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rae1 Nh5 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Ng3 Nxg3 14.hxg3 Be6 15.f3 h6

up to 10…Nf8 as line 86

11.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
11…Nh5: The knight clears the line for the bishop on e7 and so offers the bishop trade.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
13.Ng3: White offers the knight trade. Stockfish named 13.Qd2 (loss 0.08).
13…Nxg3: You accept; after 14.hxg3 the position is balanced.
14.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn and opens the h-file.
14…Be6: Stockfish's move: the bishop guards d5.
15.f3: 15.f3 prepares the central push e4.
15…h6: 15...h6 gives your king air before the central push. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 88: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rab1 a5 12.a3 g6 13.Nf4 Ne6 14.Nxe6 Bxe6 15.Rfe1 Nh5

up to 10…Nf8 as line 87

11.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares the minority attack with b4.
11…a5: a5 slows down the minority attack with b4.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares the minority attack with b4.
12…g6: 12...g6 gives your king air and takes f5 from the knight.
13.Nf4: The knight goes to f4 and presses on your pawn on d5.
13…Ne6: The knight goes to e6 and attacks the bishop on g5 and the knight on f4.
14.Nxe6: White trades on e6 and takes away one of your defenders.
14…Bxe6: You recapture with the bishop; it covers d5.
15.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
15…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and offers a bishop trade. Stockfish: level (+0.09).

Line 89: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rad1 Nh5 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Rde1 Bg4 14.Nc1 Rad8 15.f3 Bc8

up to 10…Nf8 as line 88

11.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
11…Nh5: The knight clears the line for the bishop on e7: the bishop on g5 is attacked, and the trade follows.
12.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
12…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
13.Rde1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
13…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on e2 and disturbs the coordination.
14.Nc1: The knight goes to c1 and on to b3 or d3.
14…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 and eyes the pawn on d4.
15.f3: 15.f3 attacks the bishop on g4 and prepares e4.
15…Bc8: The bishop retreats to c8 and stays in the game. Stockfish: level (+0.12).

Line 90: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.a3 a5 12.h3 Nh5 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Na4 g6 15.Nb6 Rb8

up to 10…Nf8 as line 89

11.a3: 11.a3 prepares the minority attack with b4.
11…a5: 11...a5 prevents b4 – the minority attack is slowed down.
12.h3: 12.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your bishop.
12…Nh5: The knight goes to h5 and offers a bishop trade.
13.Bxe7: White trades the dark-squared bishops – your bishop on e7 was a good defender.
13…Qxe7: You recapture with the queen; it stands actively on e7 and covers c5 and e5.
14.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and eyes c5 and b6.
14…g6: 14...g6 gives your king air and strengthens f5.
15.Nb6: The knight attacks the bishop on c8 and the rook on a8.
15…Rb8: The rook goes to b8 out of the knight's attack. Stockfish: level (+0.14).

Line 91: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.g4 a5 12.Bf4 b5 13.O-O Bd7 14.Ng3 Rc8 15.Rfd1 b4

up to 9…Re8 as line 90

10.h3: 10.h3 prepares g4 – White thinks of a kingside attack.
10…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.g4: Too bold: g4 weakens White's kingside. Stockfish then sees Black ahead (eval -0.20, loss 0.26).
11…a5: You start counterplay on the queenside. Stockfish named 11...b5 (loss 0.01).
12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes b8 and your queen.
12…b5: 12...b5 gains space on the queenside and prepares b4.
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and connects the rooks.
14.Ng3: The knight goes to g3 and supports e4.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and prepares c5.
15.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
15…b4: 15...b4 attacks the knight on c3 and opens the queenside. Stockfish: level (-0.07).

Line 92: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.h3 Nf8 11.O-O-O a5 12.g4 b5 13.Ng3 a4 14.Kb1 g6 15.Nce2 Qb6

up to 10…Nf8 as line 91

11.O-O-O: White castles long. Stockfish then sees Black ahead (eval -0.24, loss 0.30): the white king becomes the target of your pawn storm.
11…a5: The pawn storm begins. Stockfish first questions the bishop on g5 with 11...h6 (loss 0.03).
12.g4: 12.g4 attacks on the kingside – typical after castling long.
12…b5: The b-pawn joins the storm.
13.Ng3: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 13.Kb1 (loss 0.43) and sees Black ahead (eval -0.64).
13…a4: The a-pawn moves on – your attack comes faster than White's.
14.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file – before the pawn storm White puts it in safety.
14…g6: 14...g6 gives your king air and keeps lines closed.
15.Nce2: The knight goes to e2 and on to f4 or g3.
15…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks on the queenside – you stand better. Stockfish sees you ahead (-0.66).

Line 93: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2 Re8 10.O-O-O b5 11.h4 a5 12.g4 Nf8 13.Rdg1 a4 14.Kb1 Nxg4 15.Rg2 g6

up to 9…Re8 as line 92

10.O-O-O: Castling long is premature here: Stockfish sees Black ahead (eval -0.49, loss 0.63).
10…b5: Stockfish's move: the pawn storm against the white king begins at once.
11.h4: 11.h4 attacks on the kingside – a pawn storm against your king.
11…a5: 11...a5 attacks on the queenside – whoever is faster wins.
12.g4: 12.g4 pushes the attack on the kingside.
12…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and covers h7 against the attack.
13.Rdg1: The rook goes to g1 and supports the push g5.
13…a4: 13...a4 pushes your counter-attack on the queenside.
14.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file – before the pawn storm White puts it in safety.
14…Nxg4: You take the pawn on g4 – a pawn up, and White's attack stalls.
15.Rg2: The rook attacks the knight on g4 and keeps up the pressure.
15…g6: 15...g6 gives your king air and covers h5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 94: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nge2 O-O 9.Qc2

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 93

8.Nge2: White develops the knight to e2 and keeps f3 in reserve.
8…O-O: The king goes to safety. Stockfish named 8...Nf8 (loss 0.00).
9.Qc2: Transposition to the line 8.Qc2 8...O-O 9.Nge2 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 95: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nge2 O-O 9.O-O Re8 10.Qc2

up to 8…O-O as line 94

9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open. Stockfish: level (+0.16).
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and clears f8 for the knight.
10.Qc2: Transposition to the line 8.Qc2 8...O-O 9.Nge2 9...Re8 10.O-O – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 96: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nge2 O-O 9.O-O Re8 10.f3 Nf8 11.Qc2

up to 9…Re8 as line 95

10.f3: 10.f3 prepares the central push e4.
10…Nf8: The knight goes to f8, as in the main plan.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes h7 together with the bishop on d3. Stockfish: level (+0.16). (transposition)

Line 97: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nge2 O-O 9.Ng3 h6 10.h4 Re8 11.Nf5 Nf8 12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.h5 Bxf5 14.Bxf5 Qb6 15.O-O Qxb2

up to 8…O-O as line 96

9.Ng3: Inaccurate: Stockfish named 9.O-O (loss 0.33).
9…h6: Stockfish's move: h6 questions the bishop on g5. Black is slightly better (eval -0.20).
10.h4: 10.h4 attacks on the kingside and supports the knight.
10…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
11.Nf5: The knight jumps to f5 and attacks the bishop on e7.
11…Nf8: The knight goes to f8 and covers h7 against the attack.
12.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and gives you the bishop pair.
12…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop; you have the bishop pair.
13.h5: 13.h5 gains space on the kingside and secures the knight on f5.
13…Bxf5: You trade off the knight on f5 and end the pressure.
14.Bxf5: White recaptures with the bishop; it stands strongly on f5.
14…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on b2.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
15…Qxb2: You take the pawn on b2 – a pawn up, but the queen is far away. Stockfish: level (-0.07).

Line 98: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Qc2

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 97

8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 and covers e5. Stockfish: level (+0.18).
8…O-O: The king goes to safety – Stockfish's choice.
9.Qc2: Transposition to the line 8.Qc2 8...O-O 9.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 99: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Re8 10.Qc2

up to 8…O-O as line 98

9.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open. Stockfish: level (+0.22).
9…Re8: The rook goes to e8 and clears f8 for the knight. Stockfish named 9...Ne8 (loss 0.05).
10.Qc2: Transposition to the line 8.Qc2 8...O-O 9.Nf3 9...Re8 10.O-O – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 100: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.O-O Re8 10.Rb1 Ne4 11.Bf4 Ndf6 12.h3 Bf5 13.Ne5 Qc8 14.a4 a5 15.Re1 Nd6

up to 9…Re8 as line 99

10.Rb1: White prepares b4. Stockfish named 10.Qc2 (loss 0.27).
10…Ne4: Stockfish's move: the knight jumps to e4 and offers exchanges.
11.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes b8 and the knight on e4.
11…Ndf6: The knight goes to f6 and supports the knight on e4.
12.h3: 12.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your bishop.
12…Bf5: The bishop goes to f5 and supports the knight on e4.
13.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 – a strong square.
13…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and eyes h3 and the bishop on f5.
14.a4: 14.a4 gains space on the queenside and prepares b4.
14…a5: 14...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and secures b4 for you.
15.Re1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push f3.
15…Nd6: The knight goes to d6 and covers c4 and f5. Stockfish: level (+0.04).

Line 101: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Qc2 Nbd7 8.Bd3

up to 6…c6 as line 100

7.Qc2: The queen comes to c2 first and prevents Bf5.
7…Nbd7: The knight starts its journey to f8.
8.Bd3: Transposition to the line 7.Bd3 7...Nbd7 8.Qc2 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 102: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.e3 c6 7.Qc2 Nbd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Bd3

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 101

8.Nf3: White develops the knight to f3 and covers e5.
8…O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety. Stockfish: level (+0.18).
9.Bd3: Transposition to the line 7.Bd3 7...Nbd7 8.Qc2 8...O-O 9.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 103: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Qc2 c6 7.e3

up to 5…exd5 as line 102

6.Qc2: The queen controls f5 and prevents Bf5.
6…c6: c6 supports d5. Stockfish named 6...h6 (loss 0.17).
7.e3: Transposition to the line 6.e3 6...c6 7.Qc2 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 104: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Be7

up to 3…Nf6 as line 103

4.cxd5: White exchanges at once (29 %): the Exchange Variation.
4…exd5: Back with the pawn: the Carlsbad structure. Your bishop on c8 now has a free path.
5.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6 – the main move in the Exchange. Stockfish: level (+0.22).
5…Be7: Transposition to the line 4.Bg5 4...Be7 5.cxd5 5...exd5 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 105: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bg5

up to 3…Nf6 as line 104

4.Nf3: White develops the king's knight first (22 %) and keeps both Bg5 and Bf4 open.
4…Be7: Flexible: you develop and wait to see where the bishop on c1 goes. Stockfish named 4...Bb4 (loss 0.08).
5.Bg5: Transposition to the line 4.Bg5 4...Be7 5.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 106: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.O-O-O Be7 11.g4 dxc4 12.Bxc4 e5 13.g5 exf4 14.gxf6 Bxf6 15.Nd5 Ne7 16.Nxf6 gxf6

up to 4…Be7 as line 105

5.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 instead of g5: no pin, but control of c7 and e5. 27 % of the games.
5…O-O: Castle first – Stockfish's first choice.
6.e3: 6.e3 supports d4 and opens the bishop on f1 – the quiet main move.
6…c5: The typical counter-strike against Bf4: c5 attacks d4, and after the exchange your bishop on e7 comes actively to c5. Stockfish named 6...b6 (loss 0.12).
7.dxc5: White takes on c5 and wants to open the centre.
7…Bxc5: The bishop recaptures and stands actively on c5.
8.a3: White prepares b4 to chase your bishop. Stockfish named 8.Qc2 (loss 0.12).
8…Nc6: The knight develops and keeps an eye on d4 and e5.
9.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers c3 and e4 against your pieces.
9…Qa5: The queen pins the knight on c3 to the king and prepares pressure on the queenside – Stockfish's first choice.
10.O-O-O: White castles long – now it gets sharp. Stockfish named 10.Rd1 (loss 0.07).
10…Be7: The bishop retreats and guards f6; dxc4 and e5 are to follow.
11.g4: White attacks at once with the g-pawn and threatens g5.
11…dxc4: You open the centre – against a wing attack, counterplay in the middle is the best answer. Stockfish's first choice.
12.Bxc4: White recaptures on c4 with the bishop; it aims at f7.
12…e5: The advance attacks the bishop on f4. Stockfish's first choice.
13.g5: White ignores the threat and attacks the knight on f6.
13…exf4: You take the bishop. After 14.gxf6 14...Bxf6 you are a pawn up, but your kingside is open.
14.gxf6: White takes the knight on f6 and opens the g-file against your king.
14…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – Stockfish's first choice.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on f6.
15…Ne7: The knight offers itself for exchange – Stockfish's choice.
16.Nxf6: White trades on f6 with check and simplifies. Stockfish: level (0.00).
16…gxf6: You are a pawn up, but your kingside is shattered; Stockfish sees White minimally ahead (eval 0.00).

Line 107: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.O-O-O Be7 11.h4 a6 12.Kb1 Rd8 13.g4 e5 14.g5 d4 15.gxf6 dxc3

up to 10…Be7 as line 106

11.h4: 11.h4 attacks on the kingside – a pawn storm against your king.
11…a6: Stockfish's move: a6 prepares counterplay on the queenside.
12.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file – before the pawn storm White puts it in safety.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file and eyes White's king.
13.g4: 13.g4 attacks on the kingside and threatens g5.
13…e5: 13...e5 attacks the bishop on f4 and opens the centre.
14.g5: 14.g5 attacks your knight on f6 and wants to drive it away.
14…d4: 14...d4 attacks the knight on c3 – you answer with a counter-attack.
15.gxf6: White takes the knight on f6 and opens the position in front of your king.
15…dxc3: You take the knight on c3 back – the position is sharp. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 108: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.O-O-O Be7 11.Kb1 a6 12.h4

up to 10…Be7 as line 107

11.Kb1: The king goes to b1 off the c-file – before the pawn storm White puts it in safety.
11…a6: Stockfish's move: a6 prepares counterplay on the queenside.
12.h4: 12.h4 attacks on the kingside – a pawn storm against your king. Stockfish: level (0). (transposition)

Line 109: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.O-O-O Be7 11.Nd2 Qb6 12.Bd3 d4 13.exd4 Nxd4 14.Be3 e5 15.Nb5 Nxc2

up to 10…Be7 as line 108

11.Nd2: A mistake: Stockfish wanted 11.g4 and now sees Black ahead (eval -0.18, loss 0.20).
11…Qb6: Stockfish's move: the queen aims at b2, and with 12.Bd3 12...d4 the game opens up for you.
12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes h7 – but White's king on c1 stands unsafely.
12…d4: 12...d4 opens lines against White's king on c1 – the knight on c3 is attacked.
13.exd4: White takes on d4 and opens lines towards his own king.
13…Nxd4: The knight recaptures and attacks the queen on c2.
14.Be3: The bishop attacks the knight on d4, which threatens the queen on c2.
14…e5: 14...e5 supports the knight on d4 – it stands there like a stake.
15.Nb5: The knight attacks the knight on d4 and wants to drive it away.
15…Nxc2: You take the queen on c2 – White has miscalculated. Stockfish: level (-0.21).

Line 110: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Nd2 Bb4 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Bd3 d4 13.O-O Bxc3 14.Nc4 Qh5 15.bxc3 dxe3

up to 9…Qa5 as line 109

10.Nd2: White gives c3 extra cover with the knight on d2.
10…Bb4: The bishop strengthens the pin of the knight on c3 – Stockfish's first choice.
11.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
11…exd5: Back with the pawn: you have an isolated pawn on d5, but open lines for your pieces.
12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
12…d4: Double-edged: the pawn charges forward, but Stockfish wanted 12...Nh5 (loss 0.29) and then sees White a bit ahead (eval 0.29).
13.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
13…Bxc3: You take on c3. Stockfish named 13...Be7 (loss 0.07).
14.Nc4: The knight attacks the queen on a5.
14…Qh5: The queen escapes to h5. Stockfish sees White ahead here (eval 0.42) – better remember 12...Nh5.
15.bxc3: White recaptures on c3 and gets doubled pawns.
15…dxe3: You take on e3 and open the position – White's king is still in the centre. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.50).

Line 111: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Nd2 Bb4 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Bd3 d4 13.O-O Be7 14.Nce4 Nd5 15.Bg3 Qd8

up to 13.O-O as line 110

13…Be7: The bishop retreats to e7 and covers the kingside.
14.Nce4: The knight attacks your knight on f6 and wants to trade.
14…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on f4.
15.Bg3: The bishop steps aside to g3 and stays on the diagonal to b8.
15…Qd8: The queen goes to d8 and covers the pawn on d4. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.38).

Line 112: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Nd2 Bb4 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Bd3 Nh5 13.Bg3 Bxc3 14.bxc3 h6 15.Bh4 Ne5

up to 12.Bd3 as line 111

12…Nh5: Stockfish's move: the knight attacks the bishop on f4 while White has not castled yet. If the bishop stays, you take it with Nxf4 and White loses the bishop pair. Stockfish: balanced (+0.03).
13.Bg3: The bishop steps aside to g3 and stays on the diagonal towards b8. Stockfish: balanced (+0.04).
13…Bxc3: You give the bishop for the knight on c3. White gets the bishop pair but is left with the isolated pawns on a3 and c3. Stockfish: balanced (+0.03).
14.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn. Now isolated pawns face each other: a3 and c3 for White, d5 for you.
14…h6: A quiet move: h6 gives your king some air. Stockfish: balanced (0.00).
15.Bh4: The bishop goes to h4, out of reach of the knight on h5, which could take it on g3 at any time.
15…Ne5: The knight jumps into the centre to e5 and eyes d3 and c4. Stockfish sees the position as balanced (0.00).

Line 113: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Rd1 Be7 11.Nd2 e5 12.Bg5 d4 13.Nb3 Qd8 14.Be2 a5 15.Na4 Bd7

up to 9…Qa5 as line 112

10.Rd1: The rook comes to the d-file and presses on d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
10…Be7: The bishop retreats and makes room for Ne4 and e5.
11.Nd2: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 11.Be2 (loss 0.12); the position is now balanced.
11…e5: Now e5: the pawn attacks the bishop on f4, and your centre gets rolling.
12.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6, which covers d5.
12…d4: The pawn attacks c3 and e3 and pushes the knight away.
13.Nb3: The knight attacks the queen on a5 and gains time.
13…Qd8: The queen steps away from the knight on b3 and guards the bishop on e7.
14.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling. Stockfish: level (0.00).
14…a5: The a-pawn threatens to run on to a4 and chase away the knight on b3.
15.Na4: The knight is badly placed on the rim: Stockfish sees Black ahead (eval -0.31, loss 0.35).
15…Bd7: Stockfish's move: the bishop joins the game and eyes the knight on a4.

Line 114: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Rd1 Be7 11.Nd2 e5 12.Bg5 d4 13.Nb3 Qd8 14.exd4 Nxd4 15.Nxd4 exd4

up to 13…Qd8 as line 113

14.exd4: White takes on d4 and opens the e-file for his rooks.
14…Nxd4: Stockfish's move: the knight occupies d4. You are a touch better (eval -0.14).
15.Nxd4: White trades on d4 and simplifies the position.
15…exd4: You recapture with the pawn and attack the knight on c3. Stockfish: level (-0.13).

Line 115: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Rd1 Be7 11.Nd2 e5 12.Nb3 Qb6 13.Bg5 d4 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Nd5 Qd8 16.Bd3 g6 17.exd4 Nxd4

up to 11…e5 as line 114

12.Nb3: The knight attacks the queen on a5 and gains time.
12…Qb6: The queen steps away from the knight on b3 and aims at e3.
13.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6, which covers d5.
13…d4: The pawn advances and attacks the knight on c3.
14.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and weakens your control of d5.
14…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop; you have the bishop pair.
15.Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks bishop and queen.
15…Qd8: The knight on d5 attacks your queen; it returns to d8.
16.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and prepares castling.
16…g6: g6 closes the diagonal of the bishop on d3 towards your king.
17.exd4: White takes on d4 and opens the position for his pieces. Stockfish: level (0).
17…Nxd4: The knight occupies d4 – the position is balanced (eval 0).

Line 116: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Rd1 Be7 11.Be2 Ne4 12.cxd5 Nxc3 13.bxc3 exd5 14.O-O Bf6 15.c4 Be6

up to 10…Be7 as line 115

11.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
11…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers trades – every trade takes attacking power from White.
12.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
12…Nxc3: You trade on c3 and attack the bishop on e2 and the rook on d1.
13.bxc3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and strengthens the centre.
13…exd5: You recapture on d5 and hold the centre.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and attacks the pawn on c3.
15.c4: 15.c4 attacks your pawn on d5 and dissolves the doubled pawns.
15…Be6: The bishop goes to e6 and covers d5 – level. Stockfish: level (+0.10).

Line 117: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Qc2 Qa5 10.Rd1 Be7 11.Rd2 Rd8 12.cxd5 Nxd5 13.Nxd5 Rxd5 14.Bc4 Rxd2 15.Nxd2 Bd7

up to 10…Be7 as line 116

11.Rd2: Inaccurate: Stockfish named 11.Be2 (loss 0.13).
11…Rd8: Stockfish's move: the rook lines up on the d-file against the rook on d2.
12.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
12…Nxd5: You recapture with the knight and offer trades.
13.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and opens the d-file for the rooks.
13…Rxd5: You recapture with the rook and attack the rook on d2.
14.Bc4: The bishop attacks the rook on d5 and develops.
14…Rxd2: You trade rooks on d2 and take the d-file from White.
15.Nxd2: The knight recaptures on d2 – a level endgame.
15…Bd7: The bishop goes to d7 and connects the rooks. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 118: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Rc1 a6 10.b4 Bd6 11.Bxd6 Qxd6 12.Be2 Rd8 13.cxd5 exd5 14.O-O Bg4 15.h3 Bxf3

up to 8…Nc6 as line 117

9.Rc1: The rook comes to the c-file. Stockfish named 9.Qc2 (loss 0.08).
9…a6: a6 gives the bishop on c5 the retreat square a7. Stockfish named 9...Be7 (loss 0.06).
10.b4: 10.b4 attacks your bishop on c5 and gains space.
10…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and offers a bishop trade.
11.Bxd6: White trades on d6 and takes your good bishop.
11…Qxd6: The queen recaptures and stands centrally on d6.
12.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and prepares castling.
12…Rd8: The rook goes to the d-file against the queen.
13.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
13…exd5: You recapture with the pawn – an isolated pawn on d5.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3, which covers d4.
15.h3: 15.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade it for the knight on f3.
15…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and gain control of d4. Stockfish: level (+0.20).

Line 119: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.b4 Be7 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 exd5 12.Bd3 Bf6 13.Rc1 Bg4 14.O-O Qe7 15.h3 Bxf3

up to 8…Nc6 as line 118

9.b4: White chases the bishop away but weakens c3. Stockfish named 9.Qc2 (loss 0.07).
9…Be7: The bishop retreats. Stockfish knew the sacrifice 9...Nxb4 10.axb4 10...Bxb4: two pawns and a pin on c3 for the piece (loss 0.00).
10.cxd5: White trades on d5 and attacks the knight on c6.
10…Nxd5: Back with the knight; Stockfish rated 10...exd5 as practically equal (loss 0.05).
11.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and simplifies the centre.
11…exd5: Back with the pawn. Stockfish named 11...Qxd5 (loss 0.15).
12.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
12…Bf6: The bishop places itself on the long diagonal. Stockfish named 12...Bd6 (loss 0.00).
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks the knight on c6.
13…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Qe7: Stockfish's move: the queen comes to the e-file.
15.h3: 15.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade it for the knight on f3.
15…Bxf3: You trade on f3 and gain control of d4. Stockfish: level (+0.21).

Line 120: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.Be2 dxc4 10.Bxc4 a6 11.O-O b5 12.Bd3 Be7 13.Ne4 Nd5 14.Bg3 f5 15.Nc3 Bf6

up to 8…Nc6 as line 119

9.Be2: The bishop goes to e2. Stockfish named 9.Qc2 (loss 0.06).
9…dxc4: You take on c4, and the bishop on e2 has to move a second time.
10.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop; it stands actively on c4.
10…a6: a6 prepares b5. Stockfish prefers to trade queens at once with 10...Qxd1 (loss 0.05).
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…b5: 11...b5 attacks the bishop on c4 and gains space.
12.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and eyes h7.
12…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and covers the kingside.
13.Ne4: The knight attacks your knight on f6 and wants to trade.
13…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the bishop on f4.
14.Bg3: The bishop steps aside to g3 and stays active.
14…f5: 14...f5 attacks the knight on e4 and gains space.
15.Nc3: The knight attacks your knight on d5 and wants to trade it.
15…Bf6: The bishop goes to f6 and covers the knight on d5. Stockfish: level (+0.14).

Line 121: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Bd3 Bb6 12.O-O Bg4 13.h3 Bh5 14.b4 Re8 15.Rc1 a6

up to 8…Nc6 as line 120

9.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre. Stockfish named 9.Qc2 (loss 0.07).
9…Nxd5: Back with the knight – Stockfish's choice.
10.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and leaves you an isolated pawn.
10…exd5: Now you have an isolated pawn on d5. It gives your pieces open lines – play actively, because in the endgame it can become weak.
11.Bd3: The bishop aims at h7 – Stockfish's first choice.
11…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 as a precaution, out of reach of a later b4.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…Bg4: The bishop pins the knight on f3 to the queen on d1. Stockfish named 12...Qf6 (loss 0.11).
13.h3: 13.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 and asks whether you trade it for the knight on f3.
13…Bh5: You keep the pin.
14.b4: 14.b4 gains space on the queenside and takes c5 from your bishop.
14…Re8: The rook comes to the e-file. Stockfish wanted the advance 14...d4 (loss 0.20) – the isolani as a weapon.
15.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks your knight on c6. Stockfish: level (+0.13).
15…a6: Stockfish's move: a6 controls the square b5 and slows down the pawn on b4.

Line 122: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Qc2 Nc6 9.a3

up to 7…Bxc5 as line 121

8.Qc2: White brings the queen to c2 first.
8…Nc6: The knight develops – Stockfish's first choice.
9.a3: Transposition to the line 8.a3 8...Nc6 9.Qc2 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 123: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Qc2 Nc6 9.Rd1 Qa5 10.a3

up to 8…Nc6 as line 122

9.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 against your pawn on d5. Stockfish: level (+0.09).
9…Qa5: The queen pins the knight on c3 to the king.
10.a3: Transposition to the line 8.a3 8...Nc6 9.Qc2 9...Qa5 10.Rd1 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 124: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Qc2 Nc6 9.Rd1 Qa5 10.Be2 Nb4 11.Qa4 Qxa4 12.Nxa4 Be7 13.a3 Nc6 14.Nc3 dxc4 15.Bxc4 b6

up to 9…Qa5 as line 123

10.Be2: Inaccurate: Stockfish named 10.a3 (loss 0.15).
10…Nb4: Stockfish's move: the knight attacks the queen on c2.
11.Qa4: The queen offers a queen trade and attacks the knight on b4.
11…Qxa4: You trade queens – a quiet endgame.
12.Nxa4: The knight recaptures and attacks the bishop on c5.
12…Be7: The bishop retreats to e7 and covers the kingside.
13.a3: 13.a3 attacks the knight on b4 and drives it away.
13…Nc6: The knight returns to c6 and covers e5 and d4.
14.Nc3: The knight returns to c3 and presses on d5.
14…dxc4: You take the pawn on c4 and open the d-file.
15.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop; it aims at e6.
15…b6: 15...b6 prepares the bishop on b7 on the long diagonal. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 125: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 exd5 10.a3 Nc6

up to 7…Bxc5 as line 124

8.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre at once. Stockfish named 8.Qc2 (loss 0.09).
8…Nxd5: Back with the knight – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Nxd5: White trades on d5 and leaves you an isolated pawn.
9…exd5: You have an isolated pawn on d5 and active pieces.
10.a3: 10.a3 takes b4 from your bishop and prevents a check. Stockfish: level (+0.12).
10…Nc6: Transposition to the line 8.a3 8...Nc6 9.cxd5 9...Nxd5 10.Nxd5 10...exd5 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 126: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Bd3 Bb4 11.Ke2 Nc6 12.Qc2 h6 13.Rhd1 Ba5 14.Kf1 Qf6 15.Rac1 Bb6

up to 9…exd5 as line 125

10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and aims at h7 – together with the queen the usual pressure against your king.
10…Bb4: With check: White has to move the king or block.
11.Ke2: The king stays in the centre. Stockfish wanted 11.Nd2 (loss 0.09) and now sees Black minimally ahead (eval -0.01).
11…Nc6: The knight develops, and your pieces turn against the king on e2.
12.Qc2: The queen attacks the knight on c6 and eyes h7.
12…h6: 12...h6 gives your king air and takes g5 from the bishop.
13.Rhd1: The rook goes to d1 against your isolated pawn on d5.
13…Ba5: The bishop goes to a5 and keeps the pin.
14.Kf1: The king goes to f1 off the check square and covers e2.
14…Qf6: The queen attacks the bishop on f4 and comes into play.
15.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file against your knight.
15…Bb6: The bishop goes to b6 and eyes d4 and e3. Stockfish: level (-0.04).

Line 127: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Be2 dxc4 9.Bxc4 a6 10.O-O b5 11.Bd3 Bb7 12.Qc2 Nbd7 13.a4 b4 14.Ne4 Bxe4 15.Bxe4 Nxe4

up to 7…Bxc5 as line 126

8.Be2: Inaccurate: Stockfish named 8.Qc2 (loss 0.19).
8…dxc4: You take on c4, and the bishop on e2 has to move again – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bxc4: White recaptures with the bishop; it stands actively on c4.
9…a6: a6 prepares b5. Stockfish named 9...Qxd1+ with a queen trade (loss 0.04).
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…b5: The pawn chases the bishop on c4 with tempo.
11.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and eyes h7.
11…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal; next comes Nbd7.
12.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes h7 with the bishop.
12…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f6.
13.a4: 13.a4 attacks your pawn on b5 and wants to open the queenside.
13…b4: 13...b4 attacks the knight on c3 and keeps the queenside closed.
14.Ne4: The knight attacks the knight on f6 and the bishop on c5.
14…Bxe4: You trade on e4 and take White's strong knight.
15.Bxe4: White recaptures and attacks your rook on a8.
15…Nxe4: You take the bishop on e4 – material is level. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 128: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Be2 dxc4 9.Bxc4 a6 10.Qe2 b5 11.Bd3 Nbd7 12.O-O Bb7 13.Rfd1 Qb6 14.Rac1 Rac8 15.Ne5 Nxe5

up to 9…a6 as line 127

10.Qe2: The queen goes to e2 and connects the rooks.
10…b5: The pawn chases the bishop on c4 with tempo.
11.Bd3: The bishop retreats to d3 and eyes h7.
11…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f6.
12.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
12…Bb7: The bishop goes to b7 onto the long diagonal.
13.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and eyes your queen.
13…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and eyes b2 and e3.
14.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 onto the c-file and connects the rooks.
14…Rac8: The rook goes to c8 against the rook on c1 – the c-file is contested.
15.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 – a strong square.
15…Nxe5: You trade on e5 and take White's strong knight. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 129: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 g6 8.e3 Bf5 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nbd7 11.O-O O-O 12.Rab1 a5 13.Qc2 Re8 14.h3 Ne4 15.Nxe4 dxe4

up to 4…Be7 as line 128

5.cxd5: White exchanges in the centre: the Carlsbad structure. Stockfish named 5.Bf4 (loss 0.19).
5…exd5: Back with the pawn – your bishop on c8 has a free path.
6.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6 – the main move in the Exchange.
6…c6: c6 supports d5 and opens the diagonal towards b6 for the queen – Stockfish's choice.
7.Qc2: The queen controls f5 and prevents Bf5.
7…g6: The answer: g6 covers f5, and your bishop can go there after all. Stockfish's first choice.
8.e3: 8.e3 opens the bishop on f1 and supports d4.
8…Bf5: Now the bishop comes to f5; after 9.Bd3 it is traded for White's bishop.
9.Bd3: The bishop opposes your bishop on f5.
9…Bxd3: The trade: your problem piece is gone, and with it the white bishop that aimed at h7.
10.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 and eyes h7.
10…Nbd7: The knight develops and keeps f6 open as a way back.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…O-O: The king goes to safety – Stockfish's choice.
12.Rab1: White prepares the minority attack with b4.
12…a5: a5 slows down the minority attack. Stockfish named 12...Re8 (loss 0.00).
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and covers e4 against your knight.
13…Re8: Stockfish's move: the rook occupies the e-file.
14.h3: 14.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your knight.
14…Ne4: The knight jumps to e4 and offers trades – every trade takes attacking power from White.
15.Nxe4: White trades on e4 and simplifies the centre.
15…dxe4: You recapture with the pawn and attack the knight on f3. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 130: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 g6 8.e3 Bf5 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nbd7 11.O-O O-O 12.Rab1 a5 13.a3 Re8 14.Nd2 a4 15.Rbe1 Qa5

up to 12…a5 as line 129

13.a3: 13.a3 prepares the minority attack with b4.
13…Re8: The rook occupies the e-file – Stockfish's first choice. Stockfish: balanced (eval -0.10).
14.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to b3.
14…a4: 14...a4 stops b4 and b3 – the minority attack is blocked.
15.Rbe1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
15…Qa5: The queen attacks the knight on c3 and eyes the queenside. Stockfish: level (-0.08).

Line 131: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 g6 8.e3 Bf5 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nbd7 11.O-O O-O 12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.Rad1 Re8 14.g3 Qd7 15.Kg2 Rad8

up to 11…O-O as line 130

12.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop. Stockfish then sees Black slightly ahead (eval -0.22, loss 0.22).
12…Nxf6: Stockfish's move: back with the knight – you keep the bishop on e7.
13.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
14.g3: 14.g3 gives the king air and takes h4 and f4 from your knight.
14…Qd7: The queen connects the rooks and covers the bishop on e7.
15.Kg2: The king goes to g2 and covers the weak squares f3 and h3.
15…Rad8: The rook goes to d8 and connects the rooks. Stockfish: level (-0.15).

Line 132: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 g6 8.e3 Bf5 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nbd7 11.Bh6 Ng4 12.Bf4 O-O 13.h3 Ngf6 14.O-O Re8 15.Rab1 a5

up to 10…Nbd7 as line 131

11.Bh6: The bishop disturbs your castling.
11…Ng4: The knight attacks the bishop on h6 – Stockfish's choice.
12.Bf4: The bishop retreats to f4 and eyes b8.
12…O-O: Now you castle after all – the bishop had to retreat.
13.h3: 13.h3 attacks the knight on g4 and drives it away.
13…Ngf6: The knight returns to f6.
14.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
14…Re8: The rook occupies the e-file – Stockfish's choice.
15.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares the minority attack with b4. Stockfish: level (0.00).
15…a5: Stockfish's move: a5 slows down the minority attack.

Line 133: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 g6 8.e4 dxe4 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Qxe4 Qe7 11.Bc4 Bf5 12.Qxe7 Kxe7 13.O-O-O Kf8 14.h3 h5 15.Rhg1 h4

up to 7…g6 as line 132

8.e4: White advances in the centre, but Stockfish considers it inaccurate (loss 0.26).
8…dxe4: You take on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and wants to win back the pawn on e4 at once.
9…Bxf6: Back with the bishop: you have the bishop pair.
10.Qxe4: The queen takes the pawn on e4 with check and attacks your king.
10…Qe7: The queen blocks the check and offers the queen trade.
11.Bc4: The bishop goes to c4 and eyes f7 – White is better developed.
11…Bf5: The bishop develops with an attack on the queen on e4. You are a touch better (eval -0.13).
12.Qxe7: White trades queens and goes into a quiet endgame.
12…Kxe7: You recapture with the king – without queens it stands well in the centre.
13.O-O-O: White castles long and brings the rook to the d-file at once.
13…Kf8: The king goes to f8 and makes room for the rook on h8.
14.h3: 14.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your bishop.
14…h5: 14...h5 gains space on the kingside and activates the rook on h8.
15.Rhg1: The rook goes to g1 and prepares g4.
15…h4: 15...h4 fixes the pawn on g2 and stops the push g4. Stockfish: level (-0.04).

Line 134: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 g6 8.Bxf6 Bxf6 9.e3 Be6 10.Bd3 Nd7 11.h4 Qe7 12.g3 Bg4 13.Nh2 Be6 14.Kf1 h5 15.Kg2 c5

up to 7…g6 as line 133

8.Bxf6: White gives up the bishop pair: Stockfish sees Black slightly ahead (eval -0.22).
8…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – you have two bishops.
9.e3: 9.e3 opens the bishop on f1 and supports d4.
9…Be6: The bishop guards d5. Stockfish prefers to put it on 9...Bg4 (loss 0.07).
10.Bd3: The bishop goes to d3 and eyes your kingside.
10…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to b6 or f8.
11.h4: 11.h4 gains space on the kingside – White leaves the king in the centre.
11…Qe7: The queen goes to e7 and connects your pieces.
12.g3: 12.g3 gives the king air and covers h4.
12…Bg4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3, which covers d4 and e5.
13.Nh2: The knight attacks the bishop on g4 and avoids the trade.
13…Be6: The bishop returns to e6 and covers d5.
14.Kf1: The king goes to f1 and on to g2 – an artificial castling.
14…h5: 14...h5 stops h5 and g4.
15.Kg2: The king reaches g2 – the artificial castling is done.
15…c5: 15...c5 attacks the centre – the freeing push. Stockfish: level (-0.01).

Line 135: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Rab1 a5 12.a3 Re8 13.Rfe1 h6 14.Bh4 Bf8 15.h3 Qc7

up to 6…c6 as line 134

7.e3: White does without Qc2 – now your bishop goes to f5 at once.
7…Bf5: The bishop leaves the pawn chain; after 8.Bd3 it is traded for White's bishop.
8.Bd3: White offers the trade. Stockfish named 8.Nh4 (loss 0.11).
8…Bxd3: You trade – your problem piece is gone.
9.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 – the light bishops are traded, your bad bishop is gone.
9…Nbd7: The knight develops – Stockfish's first choice.
10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…O-O: The king goes to safety. Black is minimally better (eval -0.07).
11.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares the minority attack with b4 and b5.
11…a5: a5 slows down the minority attack with b4.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares b4 – the minority attack against your pawn on c6.
12…Re8: The rook occupies the e-file. Stockfish first questions the bishop on g5 with 12...h6 (loss 0.07).
13.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
13…h6: 13...h6 asks the bishop on g5 whether it trades or retreats.
14.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 and keeps the pin.
14…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and covers the kingside.
15.h3: 15.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your knight.
15…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and eyes h2 and the c-file. Stockfish: level (-0.10).

Line 136: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.Rae1 Re8 13.Re2 Qd7 14.Rfe1 Bb4 15.a3 Bf8

up to 10…O-O as line 135

11.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and gives you the bishop pair to start the minority attack sooner.
11…Nxf6: Stockfish's move: back with the knight.
12.Rae1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
12…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and holds back e4.
13.Re2: The rook goes to e2 and wants to double the rooks.
13…Qd7: The queen connects your rooks and covers d5 and f5.
14.Rfe1: The rook doubles on the e-file and prepares e4.
14…Bb4: The bishop attacks the knight on c3, which covers e4.
15.a3: 15.a3 attacks the bishop on b4 and drives it away.
15…Bf8: The bishop retreats to f8 and covers the kingside. Stockfish: level (-0.08).

Line 137: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Nd2 a5 12.a3 h6 13.Bh4 Re8 14.Rac1 a4 15.Rfd1 Bf8

up to 10…O-O as line 136

11.Nd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to b3 – it prepares b4.
11…a5: Stockfish's move: a5 slows down the minority attack.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares b4 – the minority attack against your pawn on c6.
12…h6: 12...h6 asks the bishop on g5 whether it trades or retreats.
13.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 and keeps the pin.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
14.Rac1: The rook goes to c1 and supports b4 and b5.
14…a4: 14...a4 blocks the queenside and stops b4.
15.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
15…Bf8: The bishop goes to f8 and covers the kingside. Stockfish: level (-0.08).

Line 138: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Qxd3 O-O 11.O-O Be7 12.a3 Nd7 13.b4 a6 14.Rfe1 Nf6 15.Na4 Bd6

up to 8…Bxd3 as line 137

9.Bxf6: White first exchanges on f6.
9…Bxf6: Back with the bishop – you have the bishop pair.
10.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 – the light bishops are traded, your bad bishop is gone.
10…O-O: Stockfish's move: the king goes to safety.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and covers d6 and the kingside.
12.a3: 12.a3 prepares b4 – the minority attack against your pawn on c6.
12…Nd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f6 or b6.
13.b4: b4 starts the minority attack: White wants to trade your pawn on c6 with b5 and leave you a weak pawn on c6 or d5.
13…a6: 13...a6 stops b5 and keeps your chain c6–d5 intact.
14.Rfe1: The rook goes to e1 and prepares the push e4.
14…Nf6: The knight returns to f6 and covers e4 and d5.
15.Na4: The knight goes to a4 and on to c5.
15…Bd6: The bishop goes to d6 and eyes h2. Stockfish: level (-0.02).

Line 139: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bxf6 Bxf6 9.Bd3 Bxd3

up to 7…Bf5 as line 138

8.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and gives you the bishop pair to start the minority attack sooner.
8…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop – you have the bishop pair, and it eyes d4.
9.Bd3: The bishop opposes your bishop on f5.
9…Bxd3: You trade on d3 – in the Carlsbad structure your light bishop is the bad one, you are glad to be rid of it. Stockfish: level (+0.02). (transposition)

Line 140: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7 10.h3 O-O 11.O-O Re8 12.Rab1 a5 13.Qc2 Nb6 14.Rfd1 h6 15.a4 Bb4

up to 5…exd5 as line 139

6.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and controls the b8–h2 diagonal.
6…c6: c6 supports d5 – Stockfish's first choice.
7.e3: 7.e3 opens the bishop on f1 and supports the bishop on f4.
7…Bf5: The bishop leaves the pawn chain. Stockfish named 7...Nh5 to hunt the bishop on f4 (loss 0.21).
8.Bd3: White offers the bishop trade. Stockfish named 8.Nh4 (loss 0.18).
8…Bxd3: You trade off your problem piece.
9.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 – the light bishops are traded, your bad bishop is gone.
9…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f8 or b6.
10.h3: 10.h3 gives the bishop on f4 the square h2.
10…O-O: The king goes to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…Re8: The rook occupies the e-file – Stockfish's choice.
12.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares the minority attack with b4 and b5.
12…a5: a5 slows down the minority attack with b4.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and supports b4.
13…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and on to c4.
14.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
14…h6: 14...h6 gives your king air and takes g5 from the bishop.
15.a4: 15.a4 gains space and attacks your knight on b6.
15…Bb4: The bishop attacks the knight on c3, which covers d5 and e4. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 141: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7 10.O-O O-O 11.Rab1 a5 12.h3 Re8

up to 9…Nbd7 as line 140

10.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
10…O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety.
11.Rab1: The rook goes to b1 and prepares the minority attack with b4 and b5.
11…a5: a5 slows down the minority attack with b4 – Stockfish's choice.
12.h3: 12.h3 gives the king air and takes g4 from your pieces.
12…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3. Stockfish: level (-0.06). (transposition)

Line 142: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 c6 7.e3 Bf5 8.h3 Qb6 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 O-O 11.O-O Re8 12.Na4 Qb4 13.Qc2 Nbd7 14.Rfc1 a5 15.Ne1 Qb5

up to 7…Bf5 as line 141

8.h3: 8.h3 gives the bishop on f4 the square h2 as a retreat.
8…Qb6: Stockfish's move: the queen attacks b2.
9.Bd3: The bishop opposes your bishop on f5.
9…Bxd3: You trade on d3 – in the Carlsbad structure your light bishop is the bad one, you are glad to be rid of it.
10.Qxd3: The queen recaptures on d3 – the light bishops are traded, your bad bishop is gone.
10…O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety.
11.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
11…Re8: The rook goes to the half-open e-file against e3.
12.Na4: The knight attacks the queen on b6 and drives it away.
12…Qb4: The queen goes to b4 and attacks the knight on a4.
13.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and indirectly covers the knight on a4.
13…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to f8 or b6.
14.Rfc1: The rook goes to c1 and prepares b4.
14…a5: 14...a5 gains space and prevents b4.
15.Ne1: The knight goes to e1 and on to d3.
15…Qb5: The queen attacks the knight on a4 and asks White questions. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 143: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 c6 7.Qc2 Na6 8.a3 Nh5 9.Be5 f6 10.Bg3 g6 11.e3 Bf5 12.Bd3 Nxg3 13.hxg3 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 Nc7 15.O-O O-O

up to 6…c6 as line 142

7.Qc2: The queen controls f5 and prevents Bf5.
7…Na6: The knight aims at the queen on c2 via the square b4. Stockfish named 7...g6 with the idea Bf5 (loss 0.21).
8.a3: 8.a3 takes b4 away from your knight on a6.
8…Nh5: The knight attacks the bishop on f4 and wants the bishop pair.
9.Be5: The bishop steps aside to e5 and avoids the trade.
9…f6: 9...f6 drives the bishop out of the centre.
10.Bg3: The bishop retreats to g3 and stays on the diagonal.
10…g6: 10...g6 covers the knight on h5 and closes the diagonal against h7.
11.e3: 11.e3 opens the bishop on f1 and supports d4.
11…Bf5: The bishop attacks the queen on c2 and develops with tempo.
12.Bd3: The bishop opposes your bishop on f5 and covers the queen.
12…Nxg3: You trade on g3 and get the bishop pair.
13.hxg3: White recaptures with the h-pawn and opens the h-file.
13…Bxd3: You trade on d3 – in the Carlsbad structure your light bishop is the bad one, you are glad to be rid of it.
14.Qxd3: The queen recaptures and attacks your knight on a6.
14…Nc7: The knight goes to c7 and covers d5 and e6.
15.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
15…O-O: You castle and bring your king to safety. Stockfish: level (+0.20).

Line 144: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Qc2 c6 7.Bg5

up to 5…exd5 as line 143

6.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and prevents your bishop going to f5.
6…c6: 6...c6 supports d5 – the Carlsbad structure.
7.Bg5: The bishop pins the knight on f6, which covers d5. Stockfish: level (-0.01). (transposition)

Line 145: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Qc2 c6 7.Bf4

up to 6…c6 as line 144

7.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes b8 – a quiet set-up. Stockfish: level (0). (transposition)

Chapter 2: 3.Nf3

Line 146: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3

3.Nf3: The second main road (33 %): White develops the king's knight and keeps g3 in reserve.
3…Nf6: The knight guards d5 and prepares castling – your standard move.
4.Nc3: Transposition to the line 3.Nc3 3...Nf6 4.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 147: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Qxc4 Bc6 10.Bg5 Bd5 11.Qc2 Be4 12.Qc1 h6 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Nbd2 Bh7 15.Rd1 Nc6

up to 3…Nf6 as line 146

4.g3: The Catalan Opening (30 %): the bishop comes to g2 and presses along the long diagonal on d5 and b7.
4…Be7: First develop and castle, then take the pawn with dxc4. Stockfish has 4...Bb4 slightly ahead (loss 0.05).
5.Bg2: White puts the bishop on g2 – the Catalan set-up: the bishop presses on the long diagonal against d5 and b7.
5…O-O: The king goes to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
6.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
6…dxc4: Now you take the pawn on c4: White has to spend time to win it back, and you can develop your queen's bishop.
7.Qc2: The queen wants to win back the pawn on c4.
7…a6: a6 prepares b5 to hold on to the pawn – Stockfish's first choice.
8.a4: White prevents b5.
8…Bd7: The bishop goes via d7 to c6 – there it confronts the bishop on g2. Stockfish's first choice.
9.Qxc4: White wins the pawn back.
9…Bc6: The bishop stands on c6 and neutralises the bishop on g2 – this is how the Catalan diagonal is defused.
10.Bg5: White pins the knight on f6.
10…Bd5: The bishop attacks the queen on c4 and gains time. Stockfish rated 10...Nbd7 as equal.
11.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes c7 and h7 – her usual square in the Catalan.
11…Be4: The bishop keeps chasing the queen.
12.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and steps away from the bishop on e4.
12…h6: h6 questions the bishop on g5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and gives you the bishop pair.
13…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop and eye d4.
14.Nbd2: The knight attacks your bishop on e4 and wants to drive it away.
14…Bh7: The bishop retreats to h7 and stays on the diagonal.
15.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
15…Nc6: The knight comes to c6 and attacks the pawn on d4. Stockfish: level (+0.23).

Line 148: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Qxc4 Bc6 10.Bg5 Bd5 11.Qd3 c5 12.dxc5 Nbd7 13.Nc3 Nxc5 14.Qe3 Rc8 15.Rfd1 Re8

up to 10…Bd5 as line 147

11.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and steps away from the bishop on d5.
11…c5: The break c5 attacks d4 – Stockfish's choice.
12.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
12…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and wants to win back the pawn on c5.
13.Nc3: The knight attacks your bishop on d5 and develops.
13…Nxc5: You take back the pawn on c5 and attack the queen.
14.Qe3: The queen attacks the knight on c5 and steps aside.
14…Rc8: The rook goes to the c-file and covers the knight on c5.
15.Rfd1: The rook goes to d1 and attacks your bishop on d5.
15…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and connects your rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.07).

Line 149: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Qxc4 Bc6 10.Bf4 Bd6 11.Qc1 a5 12.Nc3 Na6 13.Bd2 Re8 14.Bg5 h6 15.Bh4 Be7

up to 9…Bc6 as line 148

10.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes c7 and b8.
10…Bd6: Stockfish's move: you offer the bishop trade.
11.Qc1: The queen retreats to c1 and steps away from the bishop on c6.
11…a5: 11...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and secures b4 for you.
12.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers e4.
12…Na6: The knight goes to a6 and on to b4.
13.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and covers b4.
13…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file and supports e5.
14.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6, which covers d5.
14…h6: 14...h6 asks the bishop whether it trades or retreats.
15.Bh4: The bishop retreats to h4 and keeps the pin.
15…Be7: The bishop goes to e7 and breaks the pin. Stockfish: level (+0.09).

Line 150: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Ne5 Bc6 10.Nxc6 Nxc6 11.e3 Na5 12.Nd2 c5 13.dxc5 Rc8 14.b4 cxb3 15.Nxb3 Nxb3 16.Qxb3 Nd7

up to 8…Bd7 as line 149

9.Ne5: The knight attacks your bishop on d7 and opens the diagonal of the bishop on g2. Stockfish named 9.Qxc4 (loss 0.16).
9…Bc6: The bishop goes to c6 anyway and confronts the bishop on g2 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and takes your good bishop.
10…Nxc6: Back with the knight – and you are still a pawn (c4) up.
11.e3: 11.e3 opens the bishop and supports d4.
11…Na5: The knight guards the pawn on c4.
12.Nd2: White attacks c4 a second time.
12…c5: Instead of defending c4 you attack the centre with c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
13…Rc8: The rook prepares to win back c5.
14.b4: White wants to support the pawn on c5 with b4.
14…cxb3: Capturing en passant: the pawn on c4 takes the pawn on b4 as if it had moved only one square.
15.Nxb3: The knight recaptures on b3 and attacks your knight.
15…Nxb3: You trade the knights.
16.Qxb3: The queen recaptures on b3 – a quiet, level game. Stockfish: level (0.00).
16…Nd7: Stockfish's move: the knight attacks the pawn on c5.

Line 151: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4 Bd7 9.Rd1 Bc6 10.Nc3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 Nc6 12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.a5 Rb8 14.Bg5 Rb4 15.Na2 Rb5

up to 8…Bd7 as line 150

9.Rd1: The rook comes to the d-file. Stockfish named 9.Qxc4 (loss 0.14).
9…Bc6: The bishop confronts the bishop on g2 – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers e4.
10…Bxf3: You trade the bishop for the knight on f3 and weaken White's control of d4 and e5.
11.Bxf3: White recaptures with the bishop; it eyes b7.
11…Nc6: The knight presses on d4.
12.Bxc6: White trades on c6 and doubles your pawns.
12…bxc6: You have three pawns on the c-file and an extra pawn; in return White has given up his strong bishop on g2.
13.a5: 13.a5 gains space on the queenside.
13…Rb8: Stockfish's move: the rook occupies the half-open b-file. The position is balanced (eval 0).
14.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6 and eyes e7.
14…Rb4: The rook advances to b4 and eyes d4.
15.Na2: The knight attacks the rook on b4 and drives it away.
15…Rb5: The rook goes to b5 and attacks the bishop on g5. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 152: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2 Be4 11.Qc1 Bb7 12.Qc2

up to 7…a6 as line 151

8.Qxc4: White wins the pawn back at once (45 %).
8…b5: With tempo: b5 chases the queen away and makes room for Bb7.
9.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes c7 and h7 – her usual square in the Catalan.
9…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal and confronts the bishop on g2.
10.Bd2: The bishop goes to d2 and connects the rooks.
10…Be4: The bishop attacks the queen on c2. Stockfish rates 10...h6 as equal (loss 0.00).
11.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and steps away from the bishop on e4. Stockfish: level (+0.05).
11…Bb7: The bishop returns. Stockfish named 11...c6 (loss 0.09).
12.Qc2: The position after 10.Bd2 is back – a transposition; the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 153: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2 Be4 11.Qc1 Bb7 12.Bf4 Bd6 13.Nbd2 Bxf4 14.gxf4 Nbd7 15.Nb3 a5

up to 11…Bb7 as line 152

12.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes c7.
12…Bd6: Stockfish's move: you offer the bishop trade.
13.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to b3.
13…Bxf4: You trade on f4 and give White doubled pawns.
14.gxf4: White recaptures with the g-pawn and gets doubled pawns.
14…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and on to b6 or f6.
15.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and on to c5.
15…a5: 15...a5 gains space and threatens a4. Stockfish: level (+0.08).

Line 154: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bf4 Nc6 11.Rd1 Nb4 12.Qc1 Rc8 13.a4 c5 14.dxc5 Qe8 15.Be3 bxa4

up to 9…Bb7 as line 153

10.Bf4: The bishop attacks c7 and stands actively.
10…Nc6: The knight develops and wants to attack the queen on c2 via b4.
11.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
11…Nb4: The knight attacks the queen on c2.
12.Qc1: The queen goes to c1 and steps away from the knight on b4.
12…Rc8: The rook guards c7. Stockfish prefers to put the knight on 12...Nbd5 (loss 0.09).
13.a4: 13.a4 attacks your pawn on b5.
13…c5: 13...c5 attacks the centre and frees your bishop on b7.
14.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
14…Qe8: The queen goes to e8 and makes room on the d-file.
15.Be3: The bishop goes to e3 and covers the pawn on c5.
15…bxa4: You take on a4 and open the queenside. Stockfish: level (-0.06).

Line 155: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bf4 Nc6 11.Nc3 Nb4 12.Qd2 c5 13.dxc5 Bxc5 14.Qxd8 Rfxd8 15.a4 Ne4

up to 10…Nc6 as line 154

11.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and covers e4.
11…Nb4: The knight attacks the queen on c2.
12.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and steps away from the knight on b4.
12…c5: 12...c5 attacks the centre and frees your bishop on b7.
13.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the d-file.
13…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop; it stands actively on c5.
14.Qxd8: White trades queens and goes into the endgame.
14…Rfxd8: You recapture with the rook and occupy the d-file.
15.a4: 15.a4 attacks your pawn on b5.
15…Ne4: The knight attacks the knight on c3 and trades it. Stockfish: level (+0.05).

Line 156: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bg5 Nbd7 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.Nbd2 Rc8 13.Nb3 Be4 14.Qc3 Nd5 15.Qc1 Nb4

up to 9…Bb7 as line 155

10.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6, which covers d5 and e4.
10…Nbd7: The knight develops and can recapture on f6.
11.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and weakens your control of e4.
11…Nxf6: Back with the knight; the position is balanced (eval 0).
12.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and on to b3.
12…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file and prepares c5.
13.Nb3: The knight goes to b3 and on to c5.
13…Be4: The bishop attacks the queen on c2.
14.Qc3: The queen goes to c3 and steps away from the bishop on e4.
14…Nd5: Stockfish's move: the knight occupies d5.
15.Qc1: The queen retreats to c1 and steps away from the knight.
15…Nb4: The knight goes to b4 and eyes c2 and a2. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 157: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bg5 Nbd7 11.Nbd2 Rc8 12.Bxf6 Nxf6

up to 10…Nbd7 as line 156

11.Nbd2: Slightly inaccurate: Stockfish named 11.Bxf6 (loss 0.10).
11…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file. Stockfish wanted 11...c5 at once (loss 0.13).
12.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and weakens your control of e4.
12…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight and cover e4 and d5. Stockfish: level (0). (transposition)

Line 158: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Ne5 Nc6 8.Nxc6 bxc6 9.Na3 Bxa3 10.bxa3 Ba6 11.Qd2 Rb8 12.Rd1 Qc8 13.Qa5 Rd8 14.e4 Bb5 15.Bg5 h6

up to 6…dxc4 as line 157

7.Ne5: The knight opens the diagonal of the bishop on g2. Stockfish named 7.Qc2 (loss 0.15).
7…Nc6: The knight confronts the knight on e5 and offers an exchange.
8.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and wants to win back the pawn on c4.
8…bxc6: Back with the b-pawn: your c-pawns are tripled, but you have the extra pawn on c4.
9.Na3: The knight goes to a3 and attacks the pawn on c4.
9…Bxa3: You take the knight on a3 and give White doubled pawns on the a-file.
10.bxa3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and gets doubled pawns.
10…Ba6: Stockfish's move: the bishop guards the pawn on c4. The position is balanced (eval 0).
11.Qd2: The queen goes to d2 and eyes a5.
11…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file against b2.
12.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
12…Qc8: The queen goes to c8 and covers the bishop on a6.
13.Qa5: The queen attacks the bishop on a6 and eyes a7.
13…Rd8: The rook goes to d8 and eyes d4.
14.e4: 14.e4 builds the centre and opens the bishop on g2.
14…Bb5: The bishop goes to b5 and covers the pawn on c4.
15.Bg5: The bishop attacks the knight on f6, which covers e4.
15…h6: 15...h6 asks the bishop whether it trades or retreats. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 159: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Ne5 Nc6 8.Bxc6 bxc6 9.Nxc6 Qe8 10.Nxe7 Qxe7 11.Qa4 e5 12.dxe5 Qxe5 13.Qxc4 Be6 14.Qc2 Nd5 15.a3 Rae8

up to 7…Nc6 as line 158

8.Bxc6: White gives up the bishop on g2 to win the pawn back.
8…bxc6: You recapture with the b-pawn and keep the pawn on c4.
9.Nxc6: The knight takes on c6 and attacks queen and bishop.
9…Qe8: The queen attacks the knight on c6 and guards the bishop on e7.
10.Nxe7: White trades on e7 and gives up the bishop pair.
10…Qxe7: Back with the queen. Without the bishop on g2, White has weaknesses on the light squares.
11.Qa4: The queen goes to a4 and attacks the pawn on c4.
11…e5: Stockfish's move: the advance e5 frees your bishop on c8.
12.dxe5: White takes on e5 and opens the centre.
12…Qxe5: The queen recaptures and stands centrally on e5.
13.Qxc4: The queen takes the pawn on c4 – material is level.
13…Be6: The bishop attacks the queen on c4 and develops.
14.Qc2: The queen retreats to c2 and covers the queenside.
14…Nd5: The knight goes to d5 and eyes b4 and c3.
15.a3: 15.a3 takes b4 away from your knight.
15…Rae8: The rook goes to the e-file and connects your rooks. Stockfish: level (+0.01).

Line 160: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Na3 Bxa3 8.bxa3 Bd7 9.Ne5 Bc6 10.Nxc6 Nxc6 11.Bb2 Nd5 12.a4 a5 13.Rc1 Nb6 14.Ba3 Nb4 15.Bxb7 Rb8

up to 6…dxc4 as line 159

7.Na3: White wants to win back the pawn on c4 with the knight. Stockfish named 7.Qc2 (loss 0.15).
7…Bxa3: You exchange at once and give White doubled pawns on the a-file.
8.bxa3: White recaptures with the b-pawn and gets doubled pawns.
8…Bd7: As usual the bishop goes via d7 to c6.
9.Ne5: The knight attacks your bishop on d7 and wants the pawn on c4.
9…Bc6: The bishop confronts the bishop on g2.
10.Nxc6: White trades on c6 and opens the long diagonal.
10…Nxc6: Back with the knight; the pawn on c4 is still yours.
11.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 onto the long diagonal.
11…Nd5: The knight occupies the strong square d5.
12.a4: 12.a4 gains space on the queenside.
12…a5: 12...a5 stops the pawn on a4 and secures b4 for you.
13.Rc1: The rook goes to c1 and attacks the pawn on c4.
13…Nb6: The knight goes to b6 and covers the pawn on c4.
14.Ba3: The bishop attacks the rook on f8 and eyes e7.
14…Nb4: The knight goes to b4 and blocks the diagonal.
15.Bxb7: White takes the pawn on b7 and attacks your rook on a8.
15…Rb8: The rook attacks the bishop on b7 and wins the pawn back. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 161: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.b3 b6 9.Rd1 Bb7 10.Nc3 Rc8 11.e4 dxe4 12.Nxe4 c5 13.Nxf6 Bxf6 14.Ng5 Bxg5 15.Bxb7 Rc7

up to 5…O-O as line 160

6.Qc2: White guards c4 with the queen in advance so that dxc4 does not win a pawn.
6…c6: The Closed Catalan: c6 supports d5. Stockfish named 6...c5 (loss 0.09).
7.O-O: White castles short and brings the king to safety; the rook on f1 can go to c1 or d1, onto the files that will soon open.
7…Nbd7: The knight goes to d7 and supports c5 or e5.
8.b3: 8.b3 supports c4 and prepares the bishop on b2.
8…b6: b6 prepares Bb7 and c5 – Stockfish's first choice.
9.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and prepares the push e4.
9…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal.
10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and supports e4.
10…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file and prepares c5. Stockfish named 10...Re8 (loss 0.27).
11.e4: White advances in the centre.
11…dxe4: You take with the pawn. Stockfish named 11...Nxe4 (loss 0.09); White is now better (eval 0.46).
12.Nxe4: White recaptures with the knight and attacks your knight on f6.
12…c5: The break c5 attacks d4 – Stockfish's first choice.
13.Nxf6: White trades on f6 and opens the long diagonal.
13…Bxf6: Back with the bishop.
14.Ng5: The knight jumps to g5 and attacks your bishop.
14…Bxg5: You take the knight on g5.
15.Bxb7: White takes the bishop on b7 and attacks your rook on c8. Stockfish: level (+0.23).
15…Rc7: The rook steps aside and attacks the bishop on b7. White is slightly better (eval 0.18).

Line 162: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.b3 b6 9.Bb2 Bb7 10.Nc3 Rc8 11.e4 dxe4 12.Nxe4 c5 13.Nxf6 Nxf6 14.Rad1 cxd4 15.Bxd4 Be4

up to 8…b6 as line 161

9.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 onto the long diagonal.
9…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Nc3: The knight goes to c3 and supports e4.
10…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file. Stockfish named 10...Qc7 (loss 0.13).
11.e4: 11.e4 builds the centre and attacks your pawn on d5.
11…dxe4: You take on e4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on b7.
12.Nxe4: White recaptures with the knight and attacks your knight on f6.
12…c5: 12...c5 attacks the centre and frees your bishop on b7.
13.Nxf6: White trades on f6 and simplifies.
13…Nxf6: You recapture with the knight and cover d5.
14.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
14…cxd4: You take on d4 and open the long diagonal.
15.Bxd4: White recaptures with the bishop and attacks your knight.
15…Be4: The bishop attacks the knight on f3 and the queen on c2. Stockfish: level (+0.11).

Line 163: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.b3 b6 9.Nc3 Ba6 10.Rd1 dxc4 11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd5 13.Bb2 Qc7 14.bxc4 Bxc4 15.Ne4 b5

up to 8…b6 as line 162

9.Nc3: Inaccurate: Stockfish named 9.Rd1 (loss 0.18). The position is now balanced (eval -0.06).
9…Ba6: The bishop attacks the pawn on c4 at once – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
10…dxc4: You take on c4 and open the diagonal of your bishop on a6.
11.Ne5: The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the pawn on c4.
11…Nxe5: You trade on e5 and take White's strong knight.
12.dxe5: White recaptures and attacks the knight on f6.
12…Nd5: The knight jumps to d5 and trades the knight on c3.
13.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 and covers the pawn on e5.
13…Qc7: The queen goes to c7 and attacks the pawn on e5.
14.bxc4: White takes on c4 and wins the pawn back.
14…Bxc4: You recapture with the bishop; it stands actively on c4.
15.Ne4: The knight goes to e4 and eyes d6 and c5.
15…b5: 15...b5 supports the bishop on c4. Stockfish: level (0).

Line 164: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.Nbd2 b6 9.e4 dxe4 10.Nxe4 Nxe4 11.Qxe4 Bb7 12.Rd1 Qc8 13.Bf4 c5 14.d5 Re8 15.Qd3 exd5

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 163

8.Nbd2: The knight goes to d2 and supports e4.
8…b6: b6 prepares Bb7. Stockfish named 8...c5 (loss 0.04).
9.e4: White advances in the centre at once.
9…dxe4: Inaccurate: Stockfish wanted 9...dxc4 (loss 0.12); after 9...dxe4 White is better in the centre (eval 0.38).
10.Nxe4: White recaptures with the knight and attacks your knight.
10…Nxe4: You trade the knights – that brings relief.
11.Qxe4: The queen recaptures and stands centrally on e4.
11…Bb7: The bishop confronts the bishop on g2 and the queen on e4 – Stockfish's first choice.
12.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4.
12…Qc8: The queen leaves the d-file and guards the bishop on b7. White is slightly better (eval 0.37).
13.Bf4: The bishop goes to f4 and eyes c7 and b8.
13…c5: 13...c5 attacks the centre and frees your bishop on b7.
14.d5: 14.d5 pushes on and closes the long diagonal.
14…Re8: The rook goes to the e-file against the pawn on d5.
15.Qd3: The queen goes to d3 and covers the pawn on d5.
15…exd5: You take on d5 and open the position. Stockfish sees White slightly ahead (+0.37).

Line 165: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.Nbd2 b6 9.b3 Bb7 10.Bb2 Rc8 11.e4 c5 12.exd5 exd5 13.Nh4 g6 14.dxc5 Bxc5 15.Rad1 b5

up to 8…b6 as line 164

9.b3: 9.b3 supports c4 and prepares the bishop on b2.
9…Bb7: The bishop comes to the long diagonal – Stockfish's first choice.
10.Bb2: The bishop goes to b2 onto the long diagonal.
10…Rc8: The rook comes to the c-file. Stockfish wanted 10...c5 at once (loss 0.08).
11.e4: 11.e4 builds the centre and attacks your pawn on d5.
11…c5: Stockfish's move: now the break c5 comes.
12.exd5: White takes on d5 and opens the e-file.
12…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and hold the centre.
13.Nh4: The knight goes to h4 and on to f5.
13…g6: 13...g6 takes f5 away from the knight.
14.dxc5: White takes on c5 and leaves you hanging pawns.
14…Bxc5: You recapture with the bishop; it stands actively on c5.
15.Rad1: The rook goes to d1 and attacks your pawn on d5.
15…b5: 15...b5 gains space on the queenside. Stockfish: level (+0.02).

Line 166: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.Qc2 c6 7.O-O Nbd7 8.Rd1 b6 9.b3

up to 7…Nbd7 as line 165

8.Rd1: The rook goes to d1 and prepares the push e4.
8…b6: Transposition to the line 8.b3 8...b6 9.Rd1 – the course continues there.
9.b3: 9.b3 supports c4 and prepares the bishop on b2. Stockfish: level (+0.13). (transposition)

Line 167: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nc3

up to 3…Nf6 as line 166

4.Bg5: White pins the knight before playing Nc3. Stockfish named 4.Nc3 (loss 0.12).
4…Be7: The bishop breaks the pin. Stockfish named 4...dxc4 (loss 0.05).
5.Nc3: Transposition to the line 3.Nc3 3...Nf6 4.Bg5 4...Be7 5.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 168: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nc3

up to 4…Be7 as line 167

5.e3: 5.e3 opens the bishop on f1 and supports d4. Stockfish: level (+0.02).
5…O-O: The king goes to safety – Stockfish's first choice.
6.Nc3: Transposition to the main line with 5.e3 5...O-O 6.Nf3 – the course continues there. (transposition)

Line 169: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nbd2 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qc2 b6 9.h4 g6 10.Be2 c5 11.dxc5 bxc5 12.cxd5 exd5 13.Qxc5 Na6 14.Qa3 Rb8 15.Rb1 Qb6

up to 5…O-O as line 168

6.Nbd2: The knight on d2 is more passive than on c3. Stockfish named 6.Nc3 (loss 0.06).
6…h6: h6 questions the bishop on g5 as usual. Stockfish plays 6...b6 first (loss 0.04).
7.Bxf6: White trades on f6 and gives you the bishop pair.
7…Bxf6: You recapture with the bishop – you have the bishop pair, and it eyes d4.
8.Qc2: The queen goes to c2 and eyes h7.
8…b6: 8...b6 prepares the bishop on b7 on the long diagonal.
9.h4: 9.h4 gains space and threatens g4 and g5.
9…g6: 9...g6 stops h5 and closes the diagonal against h7.
10.Be2: The bishop goes to e2 and covers the kingside.
10…c5: 10...c5 attacks the centre – the freeing push.
11.dxc5: White takes on c5 and opens the position.
11…bxc5: You recapture with the b-pawn and open the b-file.
12.cxd5: White trades on d5 and opens the lines.
12…exd5: You recapture with the pawn and hold the centre.
13.Qxc5: The queen takes the pawn on c5 and attacks your rook on f8.
13…Na6: The knight attacks the queen on c5 and develops.
14.Qa3: The queen goes to a3 and attacks your knight on a6.
14…Rb8: The rook goes to the half-open b-file against b2.
15.Rb1: The rook goes to b1 and covers the pawn on b2.
15…Qb6: The queen goes to b6 and attacks the pawn on b2. Stockfish: level (0).