4.Bb5 Bb4: the Symmetrical Variation is variation 2 of 6 in the Four Knights Game course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C49). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bb4 …. Black copies White with 4...Bb4. Both sides castle and play d3 and d6. White pins the f6 knight with Bg5 and gets the two bishops after Black's trade on c3. Then White builds a centre with d4. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. Nc3 – White develops and protects e4.
3... Nf6 – The Four Knights Game.
4. Bb5 – The Spanish Four Knights. The bishop attacks the c6 knight, a defender of e5.
4... Bb4 – The Symmetrical Variation. Black copies White's move.
5. O-O – White castles first.
5... O-O – Black castles too.
6. d3 – White protects e4 and opens the c1 bishop.
6... d6 – Black does the same.
7. Bg5 – The bishop pins the f6 knight to the queen.
7... Bxc3 – Black gives up the bishop and doubles White's pawns.
8. bxc3 – White takes back. Now White has the two bishops.
8... Qe7 – The queen steps off the pin and protects e5.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM