4.d3: the Anti-Berlin is variation 4 of 6 in the Berlin Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO C65). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 …. White protects e4 with a pawn and avoids the endgame. Black puts the bishop on c5, castles and supports e5. Then the knight travels from c6 to g6, and Black gains space on the queenside. 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... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. Bb5 – The bishop attacks the defender of e5.
3... Nf6 – The Berlin. Black attacks e4.
4. d3 – The Anti-Berlin. White protects e4 with a pawn and keeps the queens on.
4... Bc5 – The bishop takes an active diagonal and looks at f2.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... d6 – Black supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
6. c3 – White prepares d4 and gives the bishop a retreat square on c2.
6... O-O – Black castles.
7. h3 – White keeps the c8 bishop away from g4, where it would pin the knight.
7... a6 – Black asks the bishop to decide and makes room on a7 for the c5 bishop.
8. Ba4 – The bishop keeps its eye on c6.
8... Ba7 – The bishop steps back before a white pawn on d4 or b4 can hit it.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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