1...d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 Bg4 is variation 3 of 6 in the Bird Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A03). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. f4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bg4 4. Be2 e6 …. Black pins the f3 knight. White breaks the pin, asks the bishop a question with the h-pawn and gets the bishop pair. Then White pushes the e-pawn and opens the game for the two bishops. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. f4 – The Bird Opening. White controls e5.
1... d5 – Black takes the centre.
2. Nf3 – White develops and guards e5 again.
2... Nf6 – Black develops and covers e4.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop.
3... Bg4 – Black's most popular move here. The bishop pins the f3 knight to the queen.
4. Be2 – White breaks the pin right away.
4... e6 – Black supports d5 and opens the f8 bishop.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... Nbd7 – Black develops and keeps the c-pawn free.
6. h3 – White asks the bishop a question. It must take on f3 or retreat.
6... Bxf3 – Black takes the knight.
7. Bxf3 – White gets the bishop pair. The f3 bishop looks at d5.
7... Bd6 – Black develops and aims at the f4 pawn.
8. d3 – White prepares to push the e-pawn.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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