1...Nf6 2.Nf3 g6: the queen goes to h4 is variation 4 of 6 in the Bird Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A02). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. f4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Be2 O-O …. Black plays a King's Indian set-up. White builds the classic Bird plan: d3, the queen to e1, the e-pawn to e4 and the queen to h4. Then White plays for a kingside attack. 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... Nf6 – Black develops and keeps every option open.
2. Nf3 – White develops and guards e5.
2... g6 – Black prepares a fianchetto.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop. It also clears the e1 to h4 diagonal for the queen.
3... Bg7 – The bishop takes the long diagonal.
4. Be2 – A modest square. The bishop clears the way for castling.
4... O-O – Black castles.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... d6 – Black prepares to push the e-pawn.
6. d3 – White prepares to push the e-pawn too. The pawns will take the centre.
6... c5 – Black takes space on the queenside.
7. Qe1 – The classic Bird plan. The queen heads for h4 to join the attack.
7... Nc6 – Black develops the last knight.
8. Nc3 – White develops and supports the e4 square.
8... Rb8 – Black gets ready to push the b-pawn.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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