Botvinnik System vs ...e5 and ...g6 is variation 5 of 6 in the English Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A26). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 …. White builds a pawn wall on c4 and e4 with a fianchettoed bishop and the knight on e2. The d5 square becomes a fortress for White's knight, and the play continues on either wing. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. c4 – Takes control of d5, the square White will rely on.
1... e5 – Black takes central space.
2. Nc3 – Develops and adds control of d5.
2... Nc6 – Develops and supports e5 and d4.
3. g3 – Prepares Bg2 for long-diagonal pressure.
3... g6 – The Closed English: Black mirrors with a kingside fianchetto.
4. Bg2 – The bishop takes the long diagonal toward b7 and supports d5.
4... Bg7 – Black's bishop also takes the long diagonal, toward b2.
5. e4 – The Botvinnik System: the c4-e4 pawns clamp d5 and blunt Black's g7 bishop at the cost of the d4 square.
5... d6 – Supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
6. Nge2 – The knight goes to e2 so the f-pawn stays free for f4, and the knight can reach d4 or c3 later.
6... Nge7 – Black also develops behind his f-pawn, preparing ...f5.
7. d3 – Supports e4 and c4 and opens the c1 bishop's diagonal.
7... O-O – Black castles before starting operations.
8. O-O – White castles; now plans with Be3, Qd2 and Nd5 or f4 are possible.
8... Be6 – Develops and covers d5 and c4.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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