1...c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.e3 g6 is variation 5 of 6 in the Bird Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A02). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. f4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. e3 g6 4. Bb5 Bg7 …. Black answers with a Sicilian-style pawn. White pins the c6 knight with the bishop, gives it up to double Black's pawns and then pushes the e-pawn to gain space. 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... c5 – Black takes the d4 square with a side pawn.
2. Nf3 – White develops and guards e5.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and also covers e5 and d4.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop.
3... g6 – Black prepares to put the bishop on g7.
4. Bb5 – White pins the c6 knight and attacks it. The knight guards e5 and d4.
4... Bg7 – Black develops the bishop.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... Nf6 – Black develops the last knight.
6. Bxc6 – White gives up the bishop and doubles Black's pawns.
6... bxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre.
7. d3 – White prepares to push the e-pawn.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. e4 – White takes the centre with two pawns.
8... c4 – Black hits the d3 pawn to open lines for the bishops.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM