1...e5 2.Bb2 Nc6 3.e3 Nf6 4.Bb5 d6 is variation 2 of 6 in the Nimzo-Larsen Attack course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A01). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bb5 d6 …. Black develops the knight first and then guards e5 with ...d6. White develops the knight to e2, castles and opens the centre with the d-pawn. White gets the queen on d4 and the bishop on the long diagonal. 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. The bishop goes to b2 next.
1... e5 – Black takes the centre.
2. Bb2 – The bishop hits e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop.
3... Nf6 – Black develops the knight. This is the best move here.
4. Bb5 – White pins the c6 knight, the guard of e5.
4... d6 – Black guards e5 with a pawn. This is Black's most common choice.
5. Ne2 – The knight goes to e2. It keeps the f-pawn free and can go to d4 or g3.
5... Bd7 – Black unpins the c6 knight.
6. O-O – White castles.
6... Be7 – Black gets ready to castle.
7. d4 – White opens the centre while Black's king is still in the middle.
7... exd4 – Black takes the pawn.
8. Nxd4 – The knight takes back and attacks the c6 knight.
8... Nxd4 – Black trades knights.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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