Two Knights Defence: 4.d3 is variation 5 of 6 in the Italian Game course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C55). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Be7 …. The quiet approach: White defends e4 with d3 and plays a Ruy Lopez-style structure with c3, Re1 and Nbd2-f1-g3. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – Develops and hits e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bc4 – Aims at f7.
3... Nf6 – Counter-attacks e4.
4. d3 – Defends e4 calmly and opens the c1 bishop. White avoids the sharp 4.Ng5 theory.
4... Be7 – A modest, solid development; Black prepares ...O-O and ...d6.
5. O-O – White castles quickly.
5... O-O – Black castles too.
6. Re1 – Supports e4 so the f3 knight can later leave.
6... d6 – Supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
7. c3 – Prepares d4 and gives the c4 bishop the retreat route c2.
7... Na5 – Black chases the bishop to gain queenside space.
8. Bb5 – The bishop moves with tempo-neutral pressure, and after ...a6 it goes to a4 and c2.
8... a6 – Kicks the bishop.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM