Classical 4.Qc2 d5: The Noa variation is variation 3 of 6 in the Nimzo-Indian Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO E36). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 …. Black answers 4.Qc2 by fighting for e4 with ...d5 and ...Ne4. After ...c5 and ...Nc6 Black gets rapid development and harasses White's queen; White must play carefully because ...Qh4+ and ...Bf5 tricks are everywhere. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – Black develops and stops e4.
2. c4 – White gains space.
2... e6 – Prepares ...Bb4.
3. Nc3 – White prepares e4.
3... Bb4 – Pins the knight.
4. Qc2 – White avoids doubled pawns.
4... d5 – Black stakes a claim in the centre and prepares ...Ne4, making the queen on c2 a target.
5. a3 – White forces the trade on c3 at once.
5... Bxc3+ – Black takes; the bishop would be lost for nothing after retreating.
6. Qxc3 – White recaptures with the queen.
6... Ne4 – The knight jumps forward with tempo, hitting the queen and controlling c3, d2 and g3.
7. Qc2 – The queen keeps an eye on e4 and the c-file.
7... c5 – Black strikes at d4 while White's kingside is undeveloped.
8. dxc5 – White opens the position and takes a pawn that Black will soon regain.
8... Nc6 – Develops with an eye on d4 and e5; Black will win back c5 later.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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