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Learning studio · The Scandinavian Defense for White

The Scandinavian Defense for White – the whole course to read

The Scandinavian Defense starts with 1.e4 d5: Black attacks your pawn on e4 at once.

Starting position after 1.e4 d5

The Scandinavian Defense starts with 1.e4 d5: Black attacks your pawn on e4 at once. This course shows you how to meet it with White – built from master games and checked by Stockfish. You nearly always take with 2.exd5. Then Black has two roads: with 2...Qxd5 he wins the pawn back with the queen (a little over six games in ten), with 2...Nf6 he uses the knight (nearly four in ten). After 2...Qxd5 3.Nc3 you gain time because the queen has to move again – mostly to a5, less often to d6 or d8. Your plan is simple: d4, Nf3, bishop to c4, Bd2, Qe2 and castling long. After 2...Nf6 you play 3.d4, develop calmly and chase the knight away later with c4. The traps matter most: whoever puts the bishop on g4 early and answers h3 with Bh5 will feel g4 and often h4–h5 – the bishop gets hunted or trapped.

The ideas

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Chapter 1: 2.exd5 Qxd5

Line 1: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 8.Nd5 Qd8 9.Nxf6 Qxf6 10.Qe2 Nd7 11.O-O-O Nb6 12.Bg5

2.exd5
You take the pawn at once – nearly everybody does (99 % of the games). Black now has to spend time winning it back, either with the queen (Qxd5) or with the knight (Nf6).
2…Qxd5
The main reply (62 %): Black wins the pawn back at once. But the queen comes out early into the centre – exactly what you exploit.
3.Nc3
The knight develops with tempo: it attacks the queen, and Black has to move her again. Every such queen move is a free developing move for you.
3…Qa5
The main line (72 %): the queen goes to a5, out of the way, where she half-pins the knight on c3. Keep in mind later that she looks down the a5–e1 diagonal at your king and the square d2.
4.d4
You claim the centre with d4. The pawn is protected, and the bishop on c1 gets air.
4…Nf6
The most natural reply: Black develops the knight and keeps Bf5 or Bg4 in reserve.
5.Nf3
Simple development: the knight prepares castling and covers d4. Stockfish also likes to become active with Ne5 later.
5…c6
Black sets up the solid structure with c6: the queen gets the square c7, and the bishop on c8 heads for f5 or g4.
6.Bc4
The bishop aims at f7 and e6. It is active and allows castling on either side.
6…Bf5
The main answer (81 %): the bishop gets outside the pawn chain before e6 follows.
7.Bd2
An important move in this structure: the bishop breaks the pin on the knight c3. Now the knight can jump away and uncover an attack on the queen on a5 – Black has to watch out.
7…e6
Black completes the pawn chain and opens the way for the bishop on f8.
8.Nd5
A knight attack with tempo: it hits the queen and invites the trade on f6, which damages Black's pawn structure.
8…Qd8
The queen has to go back – almost always to d8.
9.Nxf6
You exchange at once. Black has to choose whether to recapture with the queen or the g-pawn.
9…Qxf6
Recapturing with the queen: the pawns stay healthy, but the queen is exposed on f6.
10.Qe2
The queen goes to e2 and prepares queenside castling – your standard plan in this line.
10…Nd7
Black develops the knight – slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish.
11.O-O-O
Queenside castling: the rook is on the d-file at once and supports the push d4–d5.
11…Nb6
A mistake according to Stockfish: it gives you a clear advantage (over +1 afterwards). The knight leaves the defence of the centre.
12.Bg5
The bishop goes from d2 to g5 and attacks the queen on f6 – you gain a tempo, your king is safe after castling long. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.29).

Line 2: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 8.Nd5 Qd8 9.Nxf6 Qxf6 10.Qe2 Bg4 11.d5 Bxf3 12.gxf3 cxd5 13.Bxd5 Nd7 14.O-O-O O-O-O 15.Be4 Qe5 16.Bc3

up to 10.Qe2 as line 1

10…Bg4
Black pins the knight on f3. With d5 you open the position at once.
11.d5
The breakthrough: you open the lines while the black king is still in the centre.
11…Bxf3
Black gives the bishop for your knight on f3 and wrecks your pawn structure on the kingside.
12.gxf3
You recapture with the pawn. The open g-file and the bishop pair outweigh the pawn weakness.
12…cxd5
Black takes the pawn on d5 and thereby attacks your bishop on c4 – you have to recapture.
13.Bxd5
The bishop stands in the centre on d5 and aims at b7 and f7.
13…Nd7
The knight comes to d7 – Black develops the last minor piece and prepares to castle.
14.O-O-O
You castle long: the king is safe, and the rook stands at once on the open d-file.
14…O-O-O
Black castles long as well – both kings are on the same side, the game turns on the d-file.
15.Be4
The bishop retreats to e4, covered by the pawn on f3 – it holds the long diagonal.
15…Qe5
The queen attacks the bishop on e4, but it is covered – a loss of time, you gain a tempo at once.
16.Bc3
The bishop goes to c3 and drives the queen away – your bishop pair becomes strong now. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.29).

Line 3: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 8.Nd5 Qd8 9.Nxf6 Qxf6 10.Qe2 Bg4 11.d5 Bxf3 12.gxf3 cxd5 13.Bxd5 Nd7 14.O-O-O Ba3 15.c3 O-O 16.Be4

up to 14.O-O-O as line 2

14…Ba3
The bishop goes to a3 and threatens b2 together with the queen on f6 – an attack on your king.
15.c3
15.c3 closes the long diagonal of the queen on f6 – the attack on b2 is parried.
15…O-O
Black castles short – but the g-file is open, and your bishop aims at h7. A serious mistake.
16.Be4
The bishop goes to e4 and aims at h7 – with the rook on the g-file you attack the king. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.41).

Line 4: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 8.Nd5 Qd8 9.Nxf6 Qxf6 10.Qe2 Bg4 11.d5 Bxf3 12.gxf3 cxd5 13.Bxd5 Nc6 14.Bxc6

up to 13.Bxd5 as line 3

13…Nc6
The knight comes to c6 – Black develops but allows the bishop capture with check.
14.Bxc6
You take on c6 with check and wreck Black's pawns on the queenside. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.06).

Line 5: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 8.Nd5 Qd8 9.Nxf6 gxf6 10.c3 Nd7 11.Qe2 Qc7 12.Nh4 Bg6 13.O-O

up to 9.Nxf6 as line 4

9…gxf6
Recapturing with the pawn: Black gets the half-open g-file but broken pawns on the kingside.
10.c3
A quiet move: you consolidate d4 and keep the bishop on c4 on its diagonal.
10…Nd7
The knight comes to d7 – Black supports e5 and f6, the pawns on the kingside are weakened already.
11.Qe2
The queen comes to e2. Your plan: castling, then pressure on the weakened squares f6 and e6.
11…Qc7
The queen goes to c7 and aims at h2 – Black wants to castle long.
12.Nh4
The knight attacks the bishop on f5 – you want the bishop pair.
12…Bg6
The bishop steps back to g6 – if your knight takes there, Black opens the h-file.
13.O-O
You castle short and bring the king to safety – Black's pawns on the kingside remain targets. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.84).

Line 6: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 8.Nd5 Qd8 9.Nxf6 gxf6 10.c3 Qc7 11.Nh4

up to 10.c3 as line 5

10…Qc7
The queen goes at once to c7 and aims at h2 – Black leaves the knight on b8 at home for now.
11.Nh4
The knight attacks the bishop on f5 – you go for the bishop pair against Black's weakened pawns. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.16).

Line 7: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bg4 7.h3 Bh5 8.g4 Bg6 9.Bd2 e6 10.h4

up to 6.Bc4 as line 6

6…Bg4
Black pins the knight on f3 with the bishop.
7.h3
You question the bishop at once: if it takes on f3, you get the bishop pair; if it goes to h5, g4 follows.
7…Bh5
A serious error (loss 0.74, eval 1.42): the bishop gets chased by your pawns. Stockfish preferred Qh5.
8.g4
Now go for it: g4 drives the bishop away, and on g6 it becomes a target for h4 and h5.
8…Bg6
The bishop stands on g6 – but for how long?
9.Bd2
You break the pin and threaten a knight move that uncovers an attack on the queen on a5. Stockfish wanted h4 at once (loss 0.11).
9…e6
Black overlooks the danger on the kingside (loss 0.29).
10.h4
Stockfish's move: h4 threatens h5, trapping the bishop. After Nxg4 h5 Bf5 Qe2 you get a strong attack for the pawn (eval 1.63).

Line 8: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bg4 7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 e6 9.Bd2 Qc7 10.O-O-O Nbd7 11.Rhe1 O-O-O 12.Bb3

up to 7.h3 as line 7

7…Bxf3
Black gives the bishop for the knight at once. You get the bishop pair (loss 0.26).
8.Qxf3
Recapture with the queen: she stands actively on f3 and eyes b7 and f7.
8…e6
Black has given up the bishop pair. Your bishops and the active queen on f3 give you a clear advantage.
9.Bd2
Again you break the pin and prepare to castle long.
9…Qc7
Black steps away from the discovered attack. Stockfish named Qb4 (loss 0.24).
10.O-O-O
Castling long: the rook on d1 supports d4, and with the bishop pair you are clearly better (eval 1.32).
10…Nbd7
Black brings the knight to d7. With the king on c1 and the rook on d1 you are ready to open the centre.
11.Rhe1
The second rook also comes to a central file and aims at e6. Stockfish would have played Kb1 first (loss 0.18).
11…O-O-O
Black castles long – but the pawn on e6 is under pressure from your bishop on c4 and the rook on e1. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.30).
12.Bb3
The bishop steps to b3 in advance so that a later Nb6 or b5 does not hit it with tempo.

Line 9: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bg4 7.h3 Qh5 8.hxg4

up to 7.h3 as line 8

7…Qh5
Stockfish's choice for Black: the queen keeps the pin going.
8.hxg4
You take the bishop. The queen can take your rook on h1, but after bishop to f1 she is nearly trapped in the corner. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.98).

Line 10: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9.Bg2 c6 10.h4 Nbd7 11.O-O

up to 5.Nf3 as line 9

5…Bg4
A frequent move (23 %) but an inaccurate one (loss 0.52): the bishop pins the knight, but c6 has not been played yet.
6.h3
Ask at once: after Bxf3 you get the bishop pair, after Bh5 you chase the bishop with g4.
6…Bh5
The main answer (77 %). Now the bishop becomes a target.
7.g4
You drive the bishop away and gain space. The pawn on g4 prepares the hunt on g6.
7…Bg6
The only retreat. Watch for the threat h4–h5.
8.Ne5
The knight jumps to e5 and blocks the bishop's diagonal. Now h4 followed by h5 is the threat. Stockfish found Nd2 with the idea Nc4 a little better (loss 0.21).
8…e6
The most common answer (72 %), but not the best (loss 0.36): Black frees the bishop on f8.
9.Bg2
The bishop goes to g2 and aims along the long diagonal at b7. Stockfish sees White clearly ahead.
9…c6
Black closes the diagonal.
10.h4
The h-pawn marches and chases the bishop on g6 – your space gain on the kingside.
10…Nbd7
The knight comes to d7 and attacks your knight on e5 – Black wants to trade it.
11.O-O
You castle short – despite the advanced pawns the king is safe, Black's pieces are far away. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.64).

Line 11: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9.Bg2 c6 10.h4 Be4 11.Bxe4 Nxe4 12.Qf3 Nd6 13.Bf4

up to 10.h4 as line 10

10…Be4
The bishop goes to e4 and offers a trade against your bishop on g2 – it has hardly any squares left.
11.Bxe4
You take the bishop and trade – Black loses his best minor piece.
11…Nxe4
Black recaptures with the knight, which now stands right on e4.
12.Qf3
The queen attacks the knight on e4 and, with the knight on e5, aims at f7.
12…Nd6
The knight goes back to d6 and covers f7 – Black stands passively.
13.Bf4
The bishop comes to f4 – your pieces are active, and Black has hardly any counterplay. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.40).

Line 12: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9.Bg2 Be4 10.Bxe4 Nxe4 11.Qf3 Nd6 12.O-O

up to 9.Bg2 as line 11

9…Be4
The bishop goes to e4 and offers a trade – on g6 it was in danger of being shut in by your pawns.
10.Bxe4
You trade the bishops – your pawns on the kingside have gained space.
10…Nxe4
Black recaptures with the knight, which stands open to attack on e4.
11.Qf3
The queen attacks the knight on e4 and, with the knight on e5, aims at f7.
11…Nd6
The knight retreats to d6 and covers f7 – but it stands passively there.
12.O-O
You castle short – you have more space and clearly better development. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.00).

Line 13: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 c6 9.h4 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.h5 Be4 12.Nxe4 Nxe4 13.Qf3 Nd6 14.Bf4 Nb6 15.O-O-O

up to 8.Ne5 as line 12

8…c6
A serious mistake (loss 1.55, eval 2.94): the bishop is now in danger, and after h4 it gets trapped.
9.h4
The refutation: h5 threatens to trap the bishop on g6. Stockfish expects Be4 Rh3 Bd5 – the bishop is chased across the board.
9…Nbd7
Black just develops. Now the queen comes under fire.
10.Nc4
With tempo: the knight attacks the queen, and then h5 comes.
10…Qc7
The queen goes to c7.
11.h5
h5 – the bishop must go to e4, where your knight on c3 can take it.
11…Be4
The bishop is driven off by h5 and escapes to e4 – from there it attacks your rook on h1.
12.Nxe4
You take the bishop and win the bishop pair with a big advantage.
12…Nxe4
Black recaptures with the knight – it stands centrally on e4, but can be attacked there.
13.Qf3
The queen attacks the knight on e4 and eyes f7 at the same time.
13…Nd6
The knight goes to d6 and attacks your knight on c4.
14.Bf4
With tempo: the bishop develops and lines up against the queen on c7 behind the knight on d6.
14…Nb6
The knight attacks c4 once more – but your bishop on f4 pins the knight on d6 to the queen on c7. Stockfish sees you ahead (+3.86).
15.O-O-O
Stockfish's move: castling long, all pieces are in play (eval 3.4).

Line 14: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 c6 9.h4 Be4 10.Rh3

up to 9.h4 as line 13

9…Be4
Black flees with the bishop at once.
10.Rh3
The rook dodges the bishop on e4 and can go along the third rank to e3 – it will attack the bishop itself later. Stockfish sees you ahead (+4.12).

Line 15: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 Nbd7 9.Nc4 Qa6 10.Bf4 Qe6 11.Ne3 Qb6 12.Nc4

up to 8.Ne5 as line 14

8…Nbd7
The best answer (loss 0.07): Black challenges your knight on e5.
9.Nc4
The knight steps away with tempo and attacks the queen.
9…Qa6
The queen has to dodge the knight on c4 and goes to a6 – she has few squares.
10.Bf4
The bishop comes to the h2–b8 diagonal. Stockfish expects Qe6 and Ne3.
10…Qe6
The queen gives check on the open e-file – Black wants to stop you from castling.
11.Ne3
The knight settles on e3 and keeps the queen away from e4.
11…Qb6
The queen goes to b6 and attacks b2 and d4 – but she keeps travelling, you are far ahead in development. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.35).
12.Nc4
Stockfish's move: the knight attacks the queen again – Black gets no peace (eval 1.91).

Line 16: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Bd2 Nbd7 9.O-O-O e6 10.Kb1 Qc7 11.g4

up to 6.h3 as line 15

6…Bxf3
Black gives up the bishop pair at once.
7.Qxf3
The queen recaptures and stands actively. With the bishop pair you have a lasting edge (eval 1.28).
7…c6
Black has given up the bishop; you have the bishop pair and a lead in development.
8.Bd2
Break the pin and prepare castling long – your standard plan.
8…Nbd7
Black develops. With O-O-O you put the rook on the d-file at once.
9.O-O-O
Castling long: rook on d1, king safe. Stockfish expects e6 a3 Qb6.
9…e6
Black closes the centre. Your bishops now look for roads via d3 and f4.
10.Kb1
The king goes to b1 and covers the pawn on a2 against the queen on a5 – a typical safety move after castling long.
10…Qc7
The queen goes to c7 – this costs time, Stockfish rates the move clearly weaker.
11.g4
11.g4 starts the pawn storm: g5 is meant to drive away the knight on f6. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.05).

Line 17: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Bd2 e6 9.Ne4 Qd8 10.Nxf6

up to 8.Bd2 as line 16

8…e6
Black leaves the knight at home (loss 0.25) – that allows you a knight jump with tempo.
9.Ne4
The knight jumps to e4 with tempo – the queen on a5 is now attacked by the bishop on d2.
9…Qd8
The knight on e4 has opened the diagonal of your bishop on d2 – the queen has to go and returns to d8. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.62).
10.Nxf6
You trade off the defender on f6. After Qxf6 Qb3 your queen attacks b7 (eval 1.57).

Line 18: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 c6

up to 5.Nf3 as line 17

5…Bf5
The Classical Variation: the bishop comes to f5 before c6 is played.
6.Bc4
The same set-up as against c6: bishop on c4, then Bd2 and Qe2. Stockfish wanted Bd2 first (loss 0.08).
6…e6
Black builds as against c6. Your plan stays Bd2, Qe2 and queenside castling.
7.Bd2
Break the pin – now the knight discovery against the queen on a5 is a threat again.
7…c6
Transposition into the main line with c6 Bc4 Bf5 Bd2 e6 – continue there. (transposition)

Line 19: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Bb4 8.a3 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 Qb6 10.Qe2 Nbd7 11.O-O-O O-O-O 12.Rhe1 h6 13.Bd3 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 Qc6 15.Kb1

up to 7.Bd2 as line 18

7…Bb4
The bishop attacks the knight on c3 a second time – together with the queen on a5.
8.a3
8.a3 puts the question to the bishop – it must trade or retreat.
8…Bxc3
Black trades on c3 and gives you the bishop pair.
9.Bxc3
You recapture with the bishop – it attacks the queen on a5 at once.
9…Qb6
The queen steps aside to b6 and attacks the pawn on b2.
10.Qe2
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
10…Nbd7
The knight comes to d7 – Black prepares to castle long.
11.O-O-O
You castle long – your king covers b2, and the rook stands on the d-file.
11…O-O-O
Black castles long too – both kings are on the queenside.
12.Rhe1
The rook goes to e1 and aims at the pawn on e6 – later it supports the d5 push.
12…h6
12...h6 takes g5 from your pieces and gives the king air.
13.Bd3
The bishop goes to d3 and offers a trade against the bishop on f5.
13…Bxd3
Black trades the bishops – the position gets quieter.
14.Qxd3
You recapture with the queen – she stands centrally and covers d4.
14…Qc6
The queen goes to c6 and aims along the long diagonal at the knight on f3 – the position stays quiet. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.35).
15.Kb1
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.33 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 20: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Qb6 8.Qe2 Nbd7 9.O-O-O

up to 7.Bd2 as line 19

7…Qb6
The queen steps away to b6 in advance (loss 0.22) and attacks b2.
8.Qe2
Stockfish's move: the queen covers b2 and prepares castling long.
8…Nbd7
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
9.O-O-O
The line ends early here – the course's side is clearly better already. Stockfish rates the position at +0.84 – clearly better for the course's side.

Line 21: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 c6

up to 6.Bc4 as line 20

6…c6
Transposition into the main line with c6 Bc4 Bf5. (transposition)

Line 22: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bd2 Bg4 7.d5

up to 5.Nf3 as line 21

5…Nc6
An aggressive move (loss 0.58): the knight attacks d4, but blocks the c-pawn.
6.Bd2
You break the pin. Now the knight on c3 threatens to jump with tempo. Careful: Stockfish expects a6 Bc4 Nxd4 – keep an eye on d4.
6…Bg4
A trap many fall into (61 %, loss 0.98): Black overlooks the advance of the d-pawn.
7.d5
The refutation: d5 attacks the knight on c6. After Ne5 comes Nb5 – the bishop on d2 attacks the queen on a5, and the knight threatens to land on c7 (eval 1.95).

Line 23: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bd2 a6 7.Bc4 Qh5 8.h3

up to 6.Bd2 as line 22

6…a6
The best answer: Black takes the square b5 away from your knight.
7.Bc4
The bishop comes to c4. Beware of the trick Nxd4 Nxd4 Qc5, hitting c4 and d4 – Stockfish answers with Bxf7 Kxf7 Nf3.
7…Qh5
The queen goes to h5 and keeps an eye on the knight on f3 (loss 0.28).
8.h3
Stockfish's move: after Bg4 Be2 the pin gets broken and you castle short.

Line 24: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Nf6

up to 4.d4 as line 23

4…c6
Black plays c6 first and keeps the knight back (28 %).
5.Nf3
Calm development. Nf3 usually leads to the familiar positions.
5…Nf6
Transposition to the main line with Nf6 Nf3 c6. (transposition)

Line 25: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Nf6

up to 5.Nf3 as line 24

5…Bf5
The bishop comes out before the knight goes to f6.
6.Bc4
Bishop to c4 – as in the main line.
6…e6
The solid structure with pawns on c6 and e6. You keep developing and castle queenside.
7.Bd2
Break the pin and prepare the knight discovery.
7…Nf6
Transposition into the main line with Nf6 Nf3 c6 Bc4 Bf5 Bd2 e6. (transposition)

Line 26: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Nd7 8.d5 cxd5 9.Nxd5 Qc5 10.Qe2

up to 7.Bd2 as line 25

7…Nd7
Black develops the knight to d7 instead of f6 (loss 0.24). That makes a central break possible.
8.d5
The break: d5 opens the centre while the black king is still in the middle.
8…cxd5
Black takes with the c-pawn and attacks your bishop on c4. You recapture and open lines against the king in the centre. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.18).
9.Nxd5
The knight lands on d5 and at the same time uncovers the bishop on d2 against the queen on a5.
9…Qc5
The queen flees to c5 and attacks the bishop on c4.
10.Qe2
Stockfish's move: the queen covers c4 and comes to the e-file against the king in the centre.

Line 27: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Qc7 8.Nh4

up to 7.Bd2 as line 26

7…Qc7
The queen goes to c7 in advance (loss 0.28).
8.Nh4
Stockfish's move: the knight attacks the bishop on f5. After Ne7 g4 Bg6 Qf3 your pressure grows.

Line 28: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 Nf6

up to 6.Bc4 as line 27

6…Nf6
Transposition into the main line with Nf6 Nf3 c6 Bc4 Bf5. (transposition)

Line 29: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 Nd7 7.Bd2 e6

up to 6.Bc4 as line 28

6…Nd7
The knight comes to d7 instead of f6 – Black later wants to attack your bishop on c4 with knight to b6. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.65).
7.Bd2
Break the pin – the familiar plan.
7…e6
Transposition to the line with e6 Bd2 Nd7, where you break with d5. (transposition)

Line 30: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 e6 8.Bd2

up to 5.Nf3 as line 29

5…Bg4
Inaccurate (loss 0.44): the bishop pins the knight before Black has developed.
6.h3
Again the question to the bishop: trade or go to h5?
6…Bxf3
Black gives the bishop for the knight on f3 – you get the bishop pair.
7.Qxf3
The queen recaptures; you have the bishop pair.
7…e6
7...e6 builds a firm pawn chain c6–e6 – Black stands solidly, but you have the bishops. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.25).
8.Bd2
Stockfish's move: break the pin and prepare castling long.

Line 31: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 Nf6

up to 7.Qxf3 as line 30

7…Nf6
Transposition to the line with Nf6 Nf3 Bg4 h3 Bxf3 Qxf3 c6. (transposition)

Line 32: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 Nf6

up to 6.h3 as line 31

6…Bh5
A mistake (loss 1.27): the bishop lets itself be hunted.
7.g4
The refutation begins: g4 drives the bishop away, then come Ne5 and h4.
7…Bg6
The bishop steps back to g6 – but after knight to e5 and h4–h5 it is in danger of being trapped. Stockfish sees you ahead (+3.29).
8.Ne5
The knight is strong on e5, and h4–h5 threatens to trap the bishop on g6 (eval 2.86).
8…Nf6
Transposition to the trap with Nf6 Nf3 Bg4 h3 Bh5 g4 Bg6 Ne5 c6 – there you see how h4 traps the bishop. (transposition)

Line 33: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6 6.g3 Bg4 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.O-O O-O-O 9.h3

up to 3.Nc3 as line 32

3…Qd6
The modern queen post (20 %): on d6 the queen is harder to attack than on a5, but a knight on b5 or a bishop on f4 can harass her.
4.d4
Take the centre. Stockfish is a little less keen (loss 0.17), but d4 is the natural set-up.
4…Nf6
The queen on d6 is the modern continuation. It is safer than on a5 but can be attacked by a knight on b5 or a bishop on f4.
5.Nf3
Development continues. Later Bf4 or Nb5 can hit the queen.
5…a6
The Bronstein Variation (82 %): a6 takes b5 away from your knight and prepares b5 (loss 0.29).
6.g3
Stockfish's favourite here: the bishop goes to g2 on the long diagonal, where it hits b7 and Black's queenside.
6…Bg4
Black pins the knight (loss 0.25).
7.Bg2
The fianchetto: the bishop on g2 rules the long diagonal – a strong weapon against Black's queenside.
7…Nc6
Black attacks d4 and plans queenside castling.
8.O-O
You castle kingside. Black castles queenside – it becomes a race of attacks on opposite wings.
8…O-O-O
The kings are on opposite sides. Your attack comes via the b-file and the bishop on g2.
9.h3
9.h3 puts the question to the bishop on g4 before Black builds pressure against d4 on the d-file. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.09).

Line 34: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6 6.g3 Bg4 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.O-O e6 9.Bf4

up to 8.O-O as line 33

8…e6
8...e6 opens the way for the bishop on f8 – Black wants to castle short.
9.Bf4
The bishop comes to f4 with tempo and attacks the queen on d6. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.38).

Line 35: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6 6.g3 Bg4 7.Bg2 c6 8.O-O

up to 7.Bg2 as line 34

7…c6
7...c6 supports d5 and gives the queen the square c7 – Black builds up solidly.
8.O-O
You castle short – the bishop on g2 shields the king and presses on the long diagonal. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.95).

Line 36: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6 6.g3 Bg4 7.Bg2 e6 8.Bf4

up to 7.Bg2 as line 35

7…e6
7...e6 opens the diagonal of the bishop on f8, but weakens the squares around the queen on d6.
8.Bf4
The bishop attacks the queen on d6 – you gain a tempo. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.19).

Line 37: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6 6.g3 b5 7.Bg2 Bb7 8.O-O e6 9.Ne5 Bxg2 10.Kxg2

up to 6.g3 as line 36

6…b5
Black gains space on the queenside and wants the bishop on b7.
7.Bg2
Bishop to g2 – the fight for the long diagonal begins.
7…Bb7
Black places the bishop against your bishop on g2 – the fight for the long diagonal.
8.O-O
Castle short, then Ne5 follows.
8…e6
Black develops. With Ne5 you trade the bishops on the long diagonal.
9.Ne5
The knight opens the diagonal of the bishop on g2 and offers the bishop trade.
9…Bxg2
Black trades the light-squared bishops – after the recapture your knight on e5 stays strong in the centre. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.55).
10.Kxg2
The king recaptures. The knight on e5 and the queen via Qf3 stay active.

Line 38: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7 8.Qf3 Nb6 9.Bf4 Qd8 10.Be5 Bg4 11.Qg3 h5 12.h3 h4 13.Qe3 Bf5 14.Nd6 exd6 15.Bxf6

up to 5.Nf3 as line 37

5…c6
Black covers d5 and gives the queen the square c7.
6.Ne5
The knight jumps into the centre. It is hard to dislodge and can hit the queen from c4.
6…Nbd7
Black attacks the knight on e5. With f4 you support it and keep the outpost.
7.Nc4
With tempo against the queen. Stockfish rated f4 stronger (loss 0.22).
7…Qc7
The queen dodges the knight on c4 and goes to c7 – from there she covers e5 and eyes h2.
8.Qf3
The queen comes actively to f3. Stockfish preferred a4 (loss 0.14).
8…Nb6
The knight goes to b6 and attacks your knight on c4 – Black wants to trade it or drive it away.
9.Bf4
With tempo against the queen on c7.
9…Qd8
The queen has to get out of the way of your bishop on f4 and goes all the way back to d8 – Black loses time.
10.Be5
The bishop occupies e5 and eyes f6.
10…Bg4
Black attacks your queen (loss 0.21).
11.Qg3
Stockfish's move: the queen steps to g3 and aims at g7.
11…h5
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
12.h3
12.h3 attacks the bishop on g4 – it has to decide whether to trade or to retreat.
12…h4
The pawn advances to h4 and attacks your queen on g3 – Black gains a tempo and space on the kingside.
13.Qe3
The queen goes to e3 and now stands behind your bishop on e5 on the e-file against the king on e8.
13…Bf5
The bishop retreats to f5 and attacks the pawn on c2 – it threatens to take there.
14.Nd6
The knight jumps to d6 with check – if Black takes, the e-file opens for your queen.
14…exd6
Black takes the knight. When your bishop leaves e5, the queen on e3 gives a discovered check on the e-file. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.64).
15.Bxf6
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.57 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 39: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Ne5 Be6 7.Bf4 Qd8 8.h4

up to 6.Ne5 as line 38

6…Be6
Inaccurate (loss 0.26): the bishop is in the way on e6.
7.Bf4
With tempo against the queen on d6.
7…Qd8
The queen has to get out of the way of the bishop on f4 and goes back to d8 – you have developed with tempo.
8.h4
8.h4 gains space on the kingside and prepares g4 against the knight on f6 and the bishop on e6. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.10).

Line 40: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Ne5 Bf5 7.g4

up to 6.Ne5 as line 39

6…Bf5
A mistake (loss 1.0): the bishop gets chased by pawn moves.
7.g4
The refutation: g4 chases the bishop. After Be6 g5 the knight on f6 has to move too, and after Nfd7 Nc4 you pick up the bishop pair (eval 1.84).

Line 41: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nb5 Qb6 7.Na3 c6 8.Nc4 Qc7 9.g3 Be6 10.Bf4 Qd8 11.b3 Bg7 12.Bg2 O-O 13.O-O Nbd7 14.Re1 Nd5 15.Bg5

up to 5.Nf3 as line 40

5…g6
Black plans the bishop for g7 – a quiet setup, but the queen on d6 stands in the way of your pieces.
6.Nb5
The knight jumps to b5 and attacks the queen on d6 – it also threatens to strike on c7 with a fork.
6…Qb6
The queen goes to b6 and covers c7 – but she stands there on an open line for your pieces.
7.Na3
The knight goes back to a3 – it wants to return to the game via c4 and attack the queen there.
7…c6
7...c6 takes the square b5 from your knight and supports a later knight on d5.
8.Nc4
The knight comes to c4 and attacks the queen on b6 – Black has to move her yet again.
8…Qc7
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
9.g3
You prepare the fianchetto with g3 – the bishop is meant to control the long diagonal from g2.
9…Be6
The bishop attacks your knight on c4 – Black develops with tempo.
10.Bf4
The bishop attacks the queen on c7 – you gain a tempo, and c4 stays covered.
10…Qd8
The queen goes back to d8 – she has moved five times already and is back on her starting square.
11.b3
11.b3 supports your knight on c4 and gives it a firm place.
11…Bg7
The bishop comes to g7 and completes the fianchetto – it presses on your pawn on d4.
12.Bg2
Your bishop goes to g2 – both sides face each other with a fianchetto, you have more space.
12…O-O
Black castles short and brings the king to safety behind the bishop on g7.
13.O-O
You castle short – development is complete, your plan is pressure on the e-file.
13…Nbd7
The knight comes to d7 – Black has now developed all his pieces and stands cramped but solid.
14.Re1
The rook goes to e1 and faces the bishop on e6 on the open e-file.
14…Nd5
The knight jumps to d5 and attacks your bishop on f4 – Black stands actively and has counterplay. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.61).
15.Bg5
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.59 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 42: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nb5 Qd8 7.Bf4 Na6 8.c4

up to 6.Nb5 as line 41

6…Qd8
The queen goes back to d8 and covers c7 – the knight fork threatened there.
7.Bf4
The bishop goes to f4 and, together with the knight on b5, attacks the pawn on c7.
7…Na6
The knight goes to a6 and covers c7 – it stands on the edge, but holds the position together.
8.c4
8.c4 supports your knight on b5 and takes the square d5 from Black – you have more space. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.97).

Line 43: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 Nbd7 9.Nc4

up to 5.Nf3 as line 42

5…Bg4
Inaccurate (loss 0.53): the pin comes too early.
6.h3
A question for the bishop: trade or go to h5?
6…Bh5
The bishop stays on the diagonal at h5 and keeps the pin on the knight on f3.
7.g4
You drive the bishop away and gain space.
7…Bg6
The bishop dodges your pawn on g4 to g6 – the pin is broken.
8.Ne5
The knight jumps to e5 and attacks the bishop on g6 – you want to chase it further with h4.
8…Nbd7
The knight comes to d7 and attacks your knight on e5 – Black wants to get rid of the strong knight.
9.Nc4
The knight steps aside to c4 and attacks the queen on d6 – you gain one more tempo. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.94).

Line 44: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Bf4

up to 6.h3 as line 43

6…Bxf3
Black gives up the bishop pair (loss 0.43).
7.Qxf3
The queen recaptures and stands actively (eval 1.57).
7…c6
7...c6 closes your queen's diagonal to the pawn on b7 – but you have the bishop pair and a clear lead in development. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.43).
8.Bf4
Stockfish's move: with tempo against the queen, then castling long.

Line 45: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 Qxd4 8.Bf4

up to 4.d4 as line 44

4…c6
The Schiller–Pytel Variation: a solid set-up – the knight comes to f6 later, the bishop to f5.
5.Nf3
Simple development – you usually end up in the line with Nf6.
5…Bg4
A frequent trap (63 %, loss 0.92): Black pins before the knight is on f6.
6.h3
6.h3 puts the question to the bishop on g4 – Black must trade or retreat.
6…Bxf3
Black gives the bishop for the knight on f3 – you get the bishop pair.
7.Qxf3
You recapture with the queen – she stands actively on f3 but no longer covers the pawn on d4.
7…Qxd4
The queen takes the pawn on d4 – a risky pawn grab, Black is far behind in development.
8.Bf4
You develop the bishop; next the rook comes to d1 against the queen – for the pawn you have gained a lot of time. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.31).

Line 46: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Nf6

up to 5.Nf3 as line 45

5…Nf6
Transposition to the line with Nf6 Nf3 c6. (transposition)

Line 47: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Ne5 e6 8.g4 Bg6 9.h4 Bb4 10.f3 Nd5 11.Bd2

up to 3.Nc3 as line 46

3…Qd8
The most cautious retreat (8 %): the queen goes all the way home. In return you get a big lead in development.
4.d4
Take the centre – your pieces now have open lines.
4…Nf6
The queen goes all the way back to d8 – safe but passive. You have a free hand in the centre.
5.Nf3
Development with an eye on e5.
5…c6
Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish. With Bc4 and Ne5 you quickly gain space.
6.Bc4
The bishop takes its most active diagonal.
6…Bf5
The most common move, but inaccurate (loss 0.42): the bishop is about to be hunted.
7.Ne5
The knight jumps to e5 and prepares g4.
7…e6
Black opens the bishop on f8. Now you chase the bishop on f5 with g4.
8.g4
g4 drives the bishop from f5.
8…Bg6
The bishop retreats to g6 – Stockfish sees White standing very well here.
9.h4
Now h5 threatens to trap the bishop. Stockfish sees you clearly ahead (eval 1.28).
9…Bb4
The best defence: counterplay against the knight on c3.
10.f3
f3 takes e4 away from the bishop on g6 and supports g4. Now h5 is threatened again.
10…Nd5
Black attacks the knight on c3.
11.Bd2
Stockfish's move: the bishop covers c3 and prepares castling long (eval 1.8).

Line 48: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Ne5 e6 8.g4 Bg6 9.h4 Nbd7 10.f3

up to 9.h4 as line 47

9…Nbd7
A trap (loss 1.07): Black misses that his bishop on g6 can be trapped.
10.f3
10.f3 takes e4 from the bishop and supports g4 – you want to push it back further with h5. Stockfish sees you ahead (+3.32).

Line 49: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 b5 7.Bb3 e6 8.O-O Be7 9.Re1 a5

up to 6.Bc4 as line 48

6…b5
Black attacks the bishop and gains space.
7.Bb3
The bishop stays on the diagonal towards f7. Stockfish rated Bd3 a little better (loss 0.11).
7…e6
7...e6 opens the way for the bishop on f8 and closes your bishop's diagonal from b3 to f7.
8.O-O
Castling short. Stockfish named Ne5 (loss 0.14).
8…Be7
The bishop comes to e7 – Black wants to castle short, but the pawn on b5 remains a weakness. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.78).
9.Re1
Stockfish's move: the rook takes the e-file and aims at e6.
9…a5
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.

Line 50: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Be3 e6 9.a3

up to 5.Nf3 as line 49

5…Bg4
Black pins the knight – the main line of this variation.
6.h3
The question to the bishop.
6…Bxf3
Black gives the bishop for your knight – you get the bishop pair.
7.Qxf3
The queen recaptures: bishop pair and an active queen.
7…c6
7...c6 closes your queen's diagonal to the pawn on b7 and supports d5.
8.Be3
The bishop covers d4. Stockfish even suggested g4 with a pawn sacrifice.
8…e6
8...e6 builds a firm pawn chain c6–e6 – Black stands solidly, your bishops need open lines. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.86).
9.a3
Stockfish's move: a3 takes b4 away from the bishop on f8, then you castle long.

Line 51: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4

up to 6.h3 as line 50

6…Bh5
A mistake (loss 1.53): the bishop gets hunted.
7.g4
The refutation: after Bg6 Ne5 the knight threatens to take the bishop, and after Nfd7 Nxg6 hxg6 you have the bishop pair and lots of space (eval 2.52).

Line 52: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Bg5 Bg7 7.Qd2 O-O 8.O-O-O Bg4 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.h3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 c6 12.Kb1 Re8 13.Rhe1 Qa5 14.Ne4 Qxd2 15.Nxd2

up to 5.Nf3 as line 51

5…g6
Black prepares the bishop for g7 – a fianchetto meant to press on your pawn on d4.
6.Bg5
Stockfish's move: the bishop goes to g5, and with Qd2 and Bh6 you trade off the important bishop on g7.
6…Bg7
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
7.Qd2
The queen comes to d2 – you prepare to castle long and think of bishop to h6 against the bishop on g7.
7…O-O
Black castles short and brings the king behind the bishop on g7.
8.O-O-O
You castle long – the kings are on opposite sides, both will soon attack with pawns.
8…Bg4
The bishop pins the knight on f3 and increases the pressure on d4.
9.Be2
The bishop goes to e2 and covers f3 – the pin no longer hurts you.
9…Nbd7
The knight comes to d7 – Black keeps e5 and c5 ready as levers.
10.h3
10.h3 puts the question to the bishop on g4 – it must trade or go back.
10…Bxf3
Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3 and gives you the bishop pair.
11.Bxf3
You recapture with the bishop – it now stands on the long diagonal against b7.
11…c6
11...c6 closes the diagonal to b7 and supports a later b5 push.
12.Kb1
The king goes to b1 and leaves the c-file – a typical safety move after castling long.
12…Re8
The rook goes to e8 – Black prepares e5 to break up your centre.
13.Rhe1
The rook goes to e1 and holds the e-file against the e5 push.
13…Qa5
The queen goes to a5 and attacks the bishop on g5 – she also aims at a2.
14.Ne4
The knight goes to e4 and opens the diagonal: your queen on d2 now faces the queen on a5.
14…Qxd2
Black trades the queens – the endgame with your bishop pair is pleasant for you. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.53).
15.Nxd2
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.49 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 53: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Ne5

up to 5.Nf3 as line 52

5…Bf5
Inaccurate (loss 0.29): the bishop is exposed on f5.
6.Ne5
Stockfish's move: the knight takes e5, then h4 and Bf4 follow.

Line 54: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Bd3 Be7 7.Be3

up to 5.Nf3 as line 53

5…e6
5...e6 opens the way for the bishop on f8 but shuts in the bishop on c8.
6.Bd3
The bishop goes to d3 and aims at the kingside.
6…Be7
The bishop comes to e7 – Black wants to castle short and stands solidly but passively. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.67).
7.Be3
Stockfish's move: bishop to e3, queen to e2 and castle long.

Line 55: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 g6 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Bc4 Nh6 7.Bf4

up to 4.d4 as line 54

4…g6
Black wants to fianchetto the bishop on g7.
5.Nf3
Development. Stockfish rated Bf4 more precise (loss 0.12).
5…Bg7
The bishop comes to g7 and completes the fianchetto – it presses on your pawn on d4. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.79).
6.Bc4
The bishop aims at f7. Stockfish named Bg5 (loss 0.08).
6…Nh6
The knight goes to h6, an unusual square (loss 0.35).
7.Bf4
The bishop eyes c7. Stockfish named Qe2.

Line 56: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 g6 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.O-O O-O 8.h3 a6 9.a4 Nc6 10.Bf4 b6 11.Qd2 e6 12.Rfe1 Bb7 13.Rad1 Ne7 14.Ne5 Ned5 15.Nxd5

up to 6.Bc4 as line 55

6…Nf6
The knight comes to f6 – Black develops and prepares to castle short.
7.O-O
Castle short – calm development.
7…O-O
Black castles short and brings the king to safety behind the bishop on g7.
8.h3
h3 takes g4 away from the bishop on c8.
8…a6
8...a6 prepares b5 to drive away your bishop on c4 with tempo.
9.a4
9.a4 prevents b5 – your bishop on c4 stays on its good diagonal.
9…Nc6
The knight comes to c6 and, together with the bishop on g7, attacks your pawn on d4.
10.Bf4
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
10…b6
10...b6 prepares bishop to b7 and takes the square c5 from your pieces.
11.Qd2
The queen comes to d2, connects the rooks and thinks of bishop to h6 against the bishop on g7.
11…e6
11...e6 closes the diagonal of your bishop on c4 against f7.
12.Rfe1
The rook goes to e1 onto the half-open e-file against the pawn on e6.
12…Bb7
The bishop comes to b7 onto the long diagonal – both Black bishops now stand in a fianchetto.
13.Rad1
The second rook comes to the centre too and supports d4 – all your pieces are developed.
13…Ne7
The knight goes to e7 – it wants to become active via d5 or f5.
14.Ne5
The knight jumps to e5 into the centre – a strong, covered square.
14…Ned5
The knight comes to d5 and attacks your bishop on f4 and the knight on c3. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.65).
15.Nxd5
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.69 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 57: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 c6 5.Bc4 Bf5 6.g4

up to 4.d4 as line 56

4…c6
Black does without Nf6 and plays the c-pawn first – a quiet set-up.
5.Bc4
The bishop comes to c4 at once.
5…Bf5
The bishop comes to f5 before Black plays e6 – that way it is not shut in behind its own pawns. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.06).
6.g4
Stockfish's move: g4 drives the bishop away at once, then the knight comes via Nh3 to f4.

Line 58: 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8 4.d4 c6 5.Bc4 Nf6 6.Nf3

up to 5.Bc4 as line 57

5…Nf6
The knight comes to f6 – Black develops first and keeps the bishop on c8 flexible. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.81).
6.Nf3
Transposition to the line with Nf6 Nf3 c6 Bc4. (transposition)

Chapter 2: 2.exd5 Nf6

Line 59: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Nc6 9.d5 Ne5 10.Nxe5 Bxe5 11.a4

up to 2.exd5 as line 58

2…Nf6
The Modern Variation (38 %): Black wins the pawn back with the knight instead of bringing out the queen.
3.d4
You give the pawn back and take the centre for it.
3…Nxd5
Black has the pawn back (76 %). The knight on d5 is central but can later be chased away with c4.
4.Nf3
Simple development. You keep the advance c4 for later.
4…g6
Black fianchettoes (55 %).
5.Be2
Develop calmly and castle short. Stockfish wanted c4 at once (loss 0.1).
5…Bg7
The Modern Variation: Black fianchettoes and prepares castling.
6.O-O
Castle short, the king is safe.
6…O-O
Both sides castle. With c4 you now drive away the knight on d5 and gain space.
7.c4
Now c4: the knight on d5 is driven off, and the centre is yours.
7…Nb6
The knight goes to b6, eyeing c4 and d5.
8.Nc3
The knight covers d5 – Black is about to attack d4.
8…Nc6
Black attacks d4, but this is inaccurate (loss 0.44).
9.d5
You gain space with tempo: the knight on c6 has to move.
9…Ne5
The knight jumps to e5. You trade it and keep the space advantage in the centre.
10.Nxe5
You trade the knight before it becomes a nuisance via c4 or g4.
10…Bxe5
The bishop now stands on e5, away from g7 – the dark squares around the black king are weaker.
11.a4
11.a4 gains space on the queenside and threatens a5 against the knight on b6. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.17).

Line 60: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Bg4 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 c6 11.c5 Nd5 12.Bg5 h6

up to 8.Nc3 as line 59

8…Bg4
Black pins the knight and increases the pressure on d4.
9.h3
You question the bishop: it must trade or retreat.
9…Bxf3
Black trades – you get the bishop pair.
10.Bxf3
You recapture with the bishop. It stands strongly on f3 and aims at b7.
10…c6
10...c6 supports d5 and prepares the knight for it – a safe square in front of your pawn on d4.
11.c5
11.c5 attacks the knight on b6 and gains space on the queenside.
11…Nd5
The knight jumps to d5 and attacks the knight on c3 – it stands there strongly and covered. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.75).
12.Bg5
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
12…h6
The line ends early here – the course's side is clearly better already. Stockfish rates the position at +0.81 – clearly better for the course's side.

Line 61: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Bg4 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 Nc6 11.c5 Nd7 12.Be3

up to 10.Bxf3 as line 60

10…Nc6
The knight comes to c6 and, together with the bishop on g7, attacks the pawn on d4.
11.c5
11.c5 attacks the knight on b6 – you gain time before Black can press on d4.
11…Nd7
The knight retreats to d7 – too passive, Stockfish now sees you clearly ahead.
12.Be3
The bishop goes to e3 and covers d4 – your centre stands firm, you have plenty of space. Stockfish sees you ahead (+1.33).

Line 62: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Bg4 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 Nc6 11.c5 Nc4 12.Be2 N4a5 13.d5 Nd4 14.Bd2 b6 15.c6

up to 11.c5 as line 61

11…Nc4
The knight jumps to c4 and attacks b2 – it stands actively but can be attacked.
12.Be2
The bishop goes to e2 and attacks the knight on c4 – Black has to move again.
12…N4a5
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
13.d5
13.d5 attacks the knight on c6 and gains space in the centre.
13…Nd4
The knight jumps to d4 and attacks the bishop on e2 – a strong square in the centre.
14.Bd2
You develop the bishop to d2 and connect the rooks – the knight on a5 stands on the edge.
14…b6
14...b6 attacks the pawn on c5 – Black wants to open lines on the queenside. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.52).
15.c6
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.39 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 63: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Nc6 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Be7 9.d5 exd5 10.cxd5 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 Ne5 12.Be4 O-O 13.Qc2 h6 14.g3 Re8 15.Bg2

up to 4.Nf3 as line 62

4…Bg4
Black pins the knight (34 %), a little inaccurate (loss 0.24).
5.Be2
The bishop breaks the pin. Stockfish wanted c4 at once (loss 0.21).
5…e6
Black builds solidly with e6. Your plan: O-O, then c4 and the space gain.
6.O-O
Castle short. Stockfish named h3.
6…Nc6
Black attacks d4. With c4 you first drive away the knight on d5.
7.c4
Now you chase the knight from d5.
7…Nb6
The knight retreats to b6. Your centre stands, and you have more space.
8.Nc3
The knight joins in and prepares d5.
8…Be7
Black develops the bishop (69 %).
9.d5
The break: d5 attacks the knight on c6 and opens the position.
9…exd5
Black takes on d5 and opens the e-file for his rook.
10.cxd5
You now have a pawn on d5 that keeps attacking the knight on c6.
10…Bxf3
Black trades on f3 first.
11.Bxf3
The bishop recaptures and eyes the long diagonal.
11…Ne5
The knight comes to e5 and attacks the bishop on f3 – a strong square in the centre.
12.Be4
Stockfish's move: the bishop settles on e4 and supports the pawn on d5.
12…O-O
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
13.Qc2
The queen comes to c2 and forms a battery with the bishop on e4 against h7.
13…h6
13...h6 gives the king a flight square and takes g5 from your pieces.
14.g3
14.g3 covers f4 and h4 – the bishop on e7 can no longer go to h4, and your king gets the square g2.
14…Re8
The rook goes to e8 onto the half-open e-file – Black supports the knight on e5. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.47).
15.Bg2
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.48 – slightly better for the course's side.

Line 64: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Nc6 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Be7 9.d5 exd5 10.cxd5 Nb4 11.Qd4 Bxf3 12.Qxg7

up to 10.cxd5 as line 63

10…Nb4
A trap (loss 3.29, eval 3.88)! The knight eyes d5, but on b4 it is unprotected.
11.Qd4
The double attack: the queen hits the knight on b4 and the pawn on g7.
11…Bxf3
Black tries a counterattack.
12.Qxg7
Stockfish's move: the queen takes on g7 and attacks the rook on h8. After Bf6 Bb5 c6 Re1 Black's king is stuck in the centre (eval 3.85).

Line 65: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Nc6 7.c4 Nb6 8.Nc3 Bxf3 9.Bxf3 Nxd4 10.Bxb7 Rb8 11.Ba6

up to 8.Nc3 as line 64

8…Bxf3
Inaccurate (loss 0.78): Black gives up the bishop too early.
9.Bxf3
Now your bishop aims at c6 and b7.
9…Nxd4
Black grabs the pawn on d4 (loss 0.82) – but forgets b7.
10.Bxb7
You take on b7 and attack the rook on a8.
10…Rb8
The rook attacks the bishop on b7. Black has the pawn on d4, but Stockfish sees you clearly ahead. Stockfish sees you ahead (+2.76).
11.Ba6
Stockfish's move: the bishop is safe on a6, and after Bd6 Nb5 you trade off the strong knight on d4 (eval 2.47).

Line 66: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Be7 7.h3 Bh5 8.c4 Nb6 9.Be3 Nc6 10.b3 O-O 11.Nc3 f5 12.d5 exd5 13.cxd5 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 Ne5 15.d6

up to 6.O-O as line 65

6…Be7
Slightly inaccurate according to Stockfish – with c4 you gain space with tempo.
7.h3
A question for the bishop on g4.
7…Bh5
The bishop steps back to h5 and keeps the pin on the knight on f3.
8.c4
Now you drive away the knight on d5. Stockfish named Ne5.
8…Nb6
The knight retreats to b6 and attacks your pawn on c4.
9.Be3
The bishop covers d4. Stockfish wanted c5 (loss 0.25).
9…Nc6
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
10.b3
10.b3 supports c4 – your pawns on c4 and d4 control the centre.
10…O-O
Black castles short and brings the king to safety.
11.Nc3
The knight comes to c3 and covers d5 and e4 – all your minor pieces are developed.
11…f5
11...f5 controls e4 and prepares a kingside attack, but weakens e6.
12.d5
12.d5 attacks the knight on c6 and opens the centre against the weak pawn on e6.
12…exd5
Black takes on d5 – the centre opens up.
13.cxd5
You recapture with the c-pawn and have a strong pawn on d5.
13…Bxf3
Black trades the bishop for the knight on f3 to ease the pressure.
14.Bxf3
You recapture with the bishop – it aims along the long diagonal.
14…Ne5
The knight attacks the bishop on f3 and stands strongly on e5. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.33).
15.d6
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.27 – almost level.

Line 67: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 Nc6 6.O-O e6

up to 5.Be2 as line 66

5…Nc6
Inaccurate according to Stockfish: Black attacks d4 before he has developed.
6.O-O
Castle short. Stockfish named h3 (loss 0.02).
6…e6
Transposition to the line with e6 O-O Nc6. (transposition)

Line 68: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bf5 5.Bd3 Bxd3 6.Qxd3 e6 7.O-O c6

up to 4.Nf3 as line 67

4…Bf5
Black develops the bishop to f5 (9 %).
5.Bd3
You offer the bishop trade.
5…Bxd3
Black accepts the bishop trade. After Qxd3 your queen stands actively.
6.Qxd3
The queen is central and covers d4.
6…e6
6...e6 builds a firm pawn chain – Black has traded bishops and stands solidly, you have more space. Stockfish sees you ahead (+0.72).
7.O-O
Castle short. Stockfish named c4 (loss 0.1).
7…c6
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move. (transposition)

Line 69: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bf5 5.Bd3 Bxd3 6.Qxd3 c6 7.O-O e6 8.c4 Nf6 9.Nc3 Be7 10.Bg5 O-O 11.Rad1 Nbd7 12.Rfe1 Re8 13.Ne5 Qc7 14.h4 h6 15.Bf4

up to 6.Qxd3 as line 68

6…c6
6...c6 supports the knight on d5 and closes the diagonal to b7.
7.O-O
Castle short, then c4 follows.
7…e6
7...e6 opens the way for the bishop on f8 – Black stands firmly but a little cramped.
8.c4
Now you drive away the knight on d5 and have more space.
8…Nf6
The knight retreats to f6 because your pawn on c4 drove it away.
9.Nc3
Development – all pieces are in play.
9…Be7
The bishop comes to e7 – Black prepares to castle short.
10.Bg5
The bishop pins the knight on f6. Stockfish named Qe2 (loss 0.13).
10…O-O
Here the games of the collection end – from now on Stockfish plays on alone for both sides, up to White's 15th move.
11.Rad1
The rook comes to d1 and supports the pawn on d4 – you prepare d5.
11…Nbd7
The knight comes to d7 and covers f6 and e5.
12.Rfe1
The second rook goes to e1 – both rooks stand in the centre.
12…Re8
The rook goes to e8 and prepares e5.
13.Ne5
The knight jumps to e5 into the centre – a strong square.
13…Qc7
The queen goes to c7 and attacks your knight on e5 – Black wants to trade it.
14.h4
14.h4 supports the bishop on g5 – if Black takes there, the h-file opens.
14…h6
14...h6 attacks the bishop on g5 – you must decide whether to trade. Stockfish: level (+0.24).
15.Bf4
The line ends with White's 15th move. Stockfish rates the position at +0.26 – almost level.

Line 70: 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Bg4 4.f3 Bf5 5.g4

up to 3.d4 as line 69

3…Bg4
The Portuguese Gambit (22 %): Black sacrifices the pawn for quick development.
4.f3
You chase the bishop away at once and keep the pawn.
4…Bf5
Inaccurate (loss 0.47): the bishop gets hunted further.
5.g4
Stockfish's move – the correspondence refutation: g4 chases the bishop further, and after Bg6 c4 you keep the extra pawn (eval 1.4).