Berlin Defence: 3...Bc5 is variation 2 of 6 in the Bishop's Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C24). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 Bc5 4. Nf3 d6 …. Black puts the bishop on c5 and the game turns into a slow Italian. White plays c3, castles, and brings the b1 knight around to g3 with Nbd2 and Nf1. 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 takes an equal share.
2. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
2... Nf6 – The Berlin Defence. Black attacks e4.
3. d3 – White protects e4 calmly.
3... Bc5 – Black's most popular reply. The bishop aims at f2.
4. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
4... d6 – Black protects e5 with a pawn. This is the most solid choice.
5. c3 – White prepares a pawn push to d4. The bishop also gets a retreat on c2.
5... O-O – Black castles.
6. O-O – White castles too.
6... Bb6 – The bishop steps back in good time. Now a pawn on d4 cannot hit it with tempo.
7. Nbd2 – The knight starts its trip to f1 and g3. This is the slow Italian plan.
7... h6 – Black stops a pin with the bishop on g5.
8. Re1 – The rook supports e4 and makes room on f1 for the knight.
8... Re8 – Black protects e5 once more.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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