Leningrad: 7...c6 8.d5 is variation 2 of 6 in the Against the Dutch course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A88). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. d4 f5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 …. Black prepares ...e5 with 7...c6. White still pushes 8.d5. After the trades on e6 the d6 pawn is weak, and White's bishops point at the centre from b2 and g2. 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... g6 – The Leningrad.
4. Nf3 – White develops.
4... Bg7 – Black's bishop takes its long diagonal.
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.
7... c6 – Black covers the d5 square and frees the queen.
8. d5 – White gains space and keeps the g7 bishop quiet.
8... e5 – Black strikes back in the centre.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM