Berlin Defence: 3...c6 and ...d5 is variation 1 of 6 in the Bishop's Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C24). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d3 c6 4. Nf3 d5 …. Black answers 3.d3 with 3...c6 and 4...d5 and builds a big centre. White keeps the bishop on b3, develops quickly and breaks with f4 once Black's pawn has gone to d4. 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 and opens the way for the f1 bishop.
1... e5 – Black takes an equal share of the centre.
2. Bc4 – The Bishop's Opening. The bishop aims at f7 at once, and the knight waits for a better moment.
2... Nf6 – The Berlin Defence. Black develops and attacks the e4 pawn.
3. d3 – White protects e4 with a pawn and keeps the game calm. The c1 bishop can come out now.
3... c6 – The Paulsen Defence. Black prepares a pawn push to d5 and dreams of a big centre.
4. Nf3 – White develops and attacks the e5 pawn.
4... d5 – Black strikes in the centre and hits the c4 bishop.
5. Bb3 – The bishop steps back and keeps its aim at f7. White keeps the tension on e4 and d5.
5... Bd6 – Black protects e5 with the bishop and gets ready to castle.
6. Nc3 – White adds more pressure on d5 and e4.
6... d4 – Black gains space and kicks the knight away.
7. Ne2 – The knight turns around. It can go to g3, where it watches f5.
7... c5 – Black grabs more space on the queenside.
8. O-O – White castles. Now the plan is a pawn push to f4.
8... Nc6 – Black develops and protects the d4 pawn.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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