4.Qc2 c5: the Berlin Variation is variation 3 of 6 in the Against the Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Indian course, a advanced opening course for White (ECO E38). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 c5 …. Black hits d4 with the c-pawn. White takes on c5 and asks the bishop. White puts the bishop on f4 and the rook on d1, and Black's d-pawn has a hard time. 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.
2. c4 – White gains space.
2... e6 – Black opens the bishop.
3. Nc3 – White prepares e4.
3... Bb4 – The Nimzo-Indian pin.
4. Qc2 – The queen guards c3.
4... c5 – Black hits the d4 pawn at once.
5. dxc5 – White takes. The queen on c2 is ready to recapture on c3.
5... O-O – Black castles first. The bishop will take back on c5 later.
6. a3 – White asks the bishop to make a decision.
6... Bxc5 – Black takes the pawn back. White keeps the bishop pair.
7. Nf3 – White develops and keeps an eye on e5.
7... b6 – Black prepares to put the bishop on b7.
8. Bf4 – The bishop takes the long diagonal toward b8. It also guards e5.
8... Bb7 – Black develops the bishop.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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