Russian System: Smyslov 7...Bg4 is variation 4 of 6 in the Grünfeld Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D97). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 …. In the Russian System Black pins the f3 knight with ...Bg4, retreats the f6 knight to b6 to hit the queen, and then trades on f3 to win control of e5 and the light squares. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White occupies the centre.
1... Nf6 – Develops and controls e4.
2. c4 – Gains space.
2... g6 – Prepares ...Bg7.
3. Nc3 – Develops and prepares e4.
3... d5 – The Grünfeld.
4. Nf3 – Develops.
4... Bg7 – Fianchettoes.
5. Qb3 – The Russian System.
5... dxc4 – Takes, so the queen must spend another move to recapture.
6. Qxc4 – Regains the pawn.
6... O-O – Castles.
7. e4 – Builds the centre.
7... Bg4 – The Smyslov System: pins the f3 knight, one of d4's defenders.
8. Be3 – Defends d4 again and develops.
8... Nfd7 – Unpins and prepares ...Nb6, hitting the queen, and lets the g7 bishop see d4.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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