Modern Defence: 3.Nf3 d5 is variation 3 of 5 in the King's Gambit course, a advanced opening course for White (ECO C36). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 d5 4. exd5 Nf6 …. Black gives back the pawn at once to develop quickly. White plays Bb5+, castles and uses the open e-file and pressure on Black's damaged queenside pawns. 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 the centre.
2. f4 – The King's Gambit.
2... exf4 – Black accepts.
3. Nf3 – Develops and stops ...Qh4+.
3... d5 – Black returns the pawn to open lines for the pieces.
4. exd5 – Takes the pawn and opens the e-file.
4... Nf6 – Develops and attacks d5.
5. Bb5+ – Develops with check and forces Black to decide how to handle the d5 pawn.
5... c6 – Black blocks and attacks d5 again.
6. dxc6 – Takes the pawn so Black's queenside pawns become weak.
6... bxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre and opens the b-file.
7. Bc4 – The bishop keeps its strong diagonal aiming at f7.
7... Nd5 – The knight takes a central post and guards f4.
8. O-O – White castles and the f1 rook joins the attack on f4.
8... Bd6 – Black protects the f4 pawn.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM