Classical: 7...Ne4 8.Nxe4 is variation 4 of 6 in the Against the Dutch course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A96). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. d4 f5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 …. Black plays ...e6, ...Be7 and ...d6 and jumps to e4. White trades the knight and attacks the e4 pawn at once. After f3 the f-file opens, and White gets a strong centre. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... f5 – The Dutch Defence.
2. g3 – White prepares the fianchetto.
2... Nf6 – Black develops.
3. Bg2 – The bishop takes the long diagonal.
3... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop.
4. Nf3 – White develops.
4... Be7 – The Classical. Black develops calmly and gets ready to castle.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... O-O – Black castles.
6. c4 – White gains space.
6... d6 – Black prepares the e5 push.
7. Nc3 – White develops and controls e4.
7... Ne4 – The knight jumps to e4 and fights for the centre.
8. Nxe4 – White trades the knight at once.
8... fxe4 – Black takes back. The pawn on e4 is now a target.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM