2...Bb4: trade on c3 and ...f5 is variation 6 of 6 in the Against the English: 1...e5 course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A21). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Bb4 3. g3 Bxc3 4. bxc3 d6 …. Black gives the bishop for the c3 knight at once. Black keeps pawns on dark squares with ...d6 and ...e5. Then Black takes space with ...f5 and brings the queen to the king's side. 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... Bb4 – A sharp choice. Black is happy to give the bishop for the c3 knight.
3. g3 – White goes for the fianchetto.
3... Bxc3 – Black trades and doubles White's pawns.
4. bxc3 – White takes back toward the centre.
4... d6 – Black keeps the dark squares under control with the pawns on d6 and e5.
5. Bg2 – White finishes the fianchetto.
5... f5 – Black takes space on the king's side. The pawn controls e4.
6. d3 – White covers e4.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and adds another guard to e4.
7. Nf3 – White develops.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. O-O – White castles.
8... Nc6 – Black develops the last knight.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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