Four Knights: 4.d4 exd4 is variation 3 of 6 in the Against the English: 1...e5 course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A28). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. d4 exd4 …. White opens the centre like an Open Sicilian. Black pins with ...Bb4, takes back on c6 with the b-pawn and builds a strong centre with ...d5. The rook uses the open b-file. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. c4 – The English Opening.
1... e5 – Black takes the centre.
2. Nc3 – White guards d5.
2... Nf6 – Black develops.
3. Nf3 – White attacks e5.
3... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
4. d4 – White opens the centre, as in an Open Sicilian.
4... exd4 – Black takes. The game opens up.
5. Nxd4 – White takes back in the centre.
5... Bb4 – The pin. The bishop puts pressure on c3 and e4.
6. Nxc6 – The most common move. White trades knights before the pin hurts.
6... bxc6 – Black takes toward the centre. The b-file opens for the rook.
7. Bd2 – White breaks the pin.
7... O-O – Black castles first.
8. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop.
8... d5 – Black builds a strong pawn centre with the pawns on c6 and d5.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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