1...d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 g6: bishop on b2 is variation 1 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 g6 4. b3 Bg7 …. Black puts the bishop on g7. White answers with a fianchetto on b2 and puts a knight on e5. After the bishops come off, White plans to push the e-pawn with a level, rich game. 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 takes control of the e5 square with a side pawn.
1... d5 – Black takes the centre with a pawn. This is Black's most popular answer.
2. Nf3 – White develops and adds a second guard to e5.
2... Nf6 – Black develops the knight and covers e4.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop and keeps a firm grip on d4.
3... g6 – Black prepares to put the bishop on g7.
4. b3 – White prepares a fianchetto. A bishop on b2 fights for e5.
4... Bg7 – Black's bishop takes the long diagonal.
5. Bb2 – Now the two bishops face each other on the long diagonal.
5... O-O – Black castles.
6. Be2 – A calm square for the bishop. White gets ready to castle.
6... c5 – Black takes space and makes room for a knight on c6.
7. O-O – White castles.
7... Nc6 – Black develops the last knight.
8. Ne5 – The knight jumps to e5, the square the f4 pawn controls. It also blocks the g7 bishop.
8... Nxe5 – Black takes the knight at once.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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