Four Knights: 4.e3 Bb4 5.Qc2 is variation 2 of 6 in the Against the English: 1...e5 course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A28). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Bb4 …. White plays the quiet 4.e3 and the tricky 7.Qf5. Black answers with ...d6 and takes back on f6 with the g-pawn. Black gets two bishops and a big centre. 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. e3 – The quiet line. White wants to play d4 with pawn support.
4... Bb4 – The pin again. Black wants to trade on c3 and fight for e4.
5. Qc2 – The main move. The queen guards c3 and watches e4.
5... O-O – Black castles first.
6. Nd5 – White attacks the b4 bishop and the f6 knight.
6... Re8 – Black protects e5 and keeps the bishop on b4 for now.
7. Qf5 – A tricky queen move. White eyes the f6 knight and the h7 square.
7... d6 – The only good answer. Black defends e5 and hits the queen with the c8 bishop.
8. Nxf6+ – White trades the knight with check.
8... gxf6 – Black takes back toward the centre. The king is open, but the g-file is useful.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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