3.Nf3 Bg4 4.e3 e5 is variation 3 of 6 in the Chigorin Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO D07). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. e3 e5 …. White calmly defends d4 with 4.e3. Black hits the centre with 4...e5, takes back on d5 with the queen and pins the c3 knight. After the trade on c3 Black pushes ...e4 and gains space. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit.
2... Nc6 – The Chigorin Defence.
3. Nf3 – White develops and defends d4.
3... Bg4 – Black pins the knight.
4. e3 – A calm move. White supports d4 with a pawn.
4... e5 – Black strikes in the centre at once.
5. cxd5 – White takes on d5 and wins a pawn for the moment.
5... Qxd5 – The queen takes back and attacks the f3 knight.
6. Nc3 – White develops with an attack on the queen.
6... Bb4 – The bishop pins the knight, so the queen stays in the centre.
7. Bd2 – The best move. White breaks the pin.
7... Bxc3 – Black trades the bishop for the knight.
8. bxc3 – White takes back with the pawn.
8... Nf6 – Black develops and defends the centre.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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