5.Re1 Nd6 6.Bxc6: the early trade is variation 3 of 6 in the Berlin Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO C67). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 …. White trades on c6 before taking on e5. This common choice gives Black the two bishops for nothing. Black develops, castles and takes the e-file with an easy game. 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. O-O – White castles and offers the e4 pawn.
4... Nxe4 – Black takes the pawn.
5. Re1 – The rook attacks the e4 knight.
5... Nd6 – The knight retreats and attacks the b5 bishop.
6. Bxc6 – A common inaccuracy. White gives up the bishop pair before winning the pawn back.
6... dxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre. Both bishops are free now.
7. Nxe5 – White wins the pawn back.
7... Be7 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
8. d4 – White takes the centre.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM