Berlin Defence: 3...d5 is variation 3 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 d5 4. exd5 Nxd5 …. Black opens the centre at once with 3...d5. White trades on d5, develops with Nf3, O-O and Re1, and puts pressure on Black's loose pawns on e5 and the knight on d5. 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.
3. d3 – White protects e4 calmly.
3... d5 – A slightly dubious try. Black opens the centre before the pieces are ready.
4. exd5 – White takes the pawn. The d5 square becomes a target.
4... Nxd5 – Black takes back with the knight.
5. Nf3 – White develops with an attack on e5.
5... Nc6 – Black protects e5 with the knight.
6. O-O – White castles. The rook can come to e1 next and hit the e5 pawn.
6... Be7 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
7. Re1 – The rook joins the attack on e5.
7... f6 – Black protects e5 with a pawn. This weakens the light squares around Black's king.
8. h3 – A useful waiting move. It takes g4 away from Black's bishop.
8... Be6 – Black protects the d5 knight once more.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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