1...e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 d5 4.Bb5 Bd6 5.f4 is variation 1 of 6 in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A01). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 d5 4. Bb5 Bd6 …. Black builds a big centre and guards e5 with the bishop. White pins the c6 knight and hits e5 with the f-pawn. Black must defend with ...f6, because taking on f4 or pushing the e-pawn opens the long diagonal to g7. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. b3 – The Nimzo-Larsen Attack. White prepares to put the bishop on b2.
1... e5 – Black takes the centre. This is Black's most popular answer.
2. Bb2 – The bishop hits the e5 pawn at once.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5 and develops a knight.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop and gets ready for the bishop to b5.
3... d5 – Black's most popular move. Black builds a big pawn centre.
4. Bb5 – White pins the c6 knight. The knight is the main guard of e5.
4... Bd6 – Black defends e5 with the bishop. This is the main line.
5. f4 – White attacks e5 a third time and opens the f-file.
5... f6 – The best defence. The pawn guards e5 and blocks the long diagonal.
6. Qh5+ – White checks first, to weaken Black's kingside.
6... g6 – Black blocks with the g-pawn.
7. Qh4 – The queen steps back. It hits f6 and keeps the pressure on e5.
7... Bd7 – Black unpins the c6 knight.
8. Bxc6 – White gives up the bishop. Now the knight cannot help e5.
8... Bxc6 – Black takes back with the bishop.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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