Exchange Variation: 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 is variation 4 of 6 in the Alekhine Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B03). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 …. White trades on d6 and keeps pawns on c4 and d4. Black takes back with the c-pawn, fianchettoes the bishop and strikes with the e-pawn. After the queen trade Black's rook owns the d-file. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – The Alekhine. The knight attacks e4.
2. e5 – White chases the knight.
2... Nd5 – The knight goes to the centre.
3. d4 – White builds the centre.
3... d6 – Black attacks e5.
4. c4 – White chases the knight with another pawn.
4... Nb6 – The knight retreats to b6.
5. exd6 – The Exchange Variation. White trades pawns and keeps the c4 and d4 pawns.
5... cxd6 – Black takes toward the centre and keeps a flexible structure.
6. Nc3 – White develops the knight.
6... g6 – Black prepares to put the bishop on g7, where it hits d4.
7. Be3 – White defends d4.
7... Bg7 – The bishop puts pressure on d4.
8. Rc1 – The rook supports the c4 pawn and the c-file.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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