4.Qc2 d5: the Noa Variation is variation 2 of 6 in the Against the Nimzo-Indian and Queen's Indian course, a advanced opening course for White (ECO E35). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 …. Black hits the centre at once. White takes on d5 and pins the knight. After the trades White has healthy pawns and plays on the queenside. 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... d5 – Black hits the centre at once. This is a solid choice.
5. cxd5 – White clears the centre. Black has to decide how to take back.
5... exd5 – Black takes back with the pawn. The c8 bishop can now come out.
6. Bg5 – White pins the f6 knight to the queen.
6... h6 – Black asks the bishop.
7. Bxf6 – White gives up the bishop. Black's queen comes forward, and White gains time on it later.
7... Qxf6 – Black takes back with the queen.
8. a3 – White asks the b4 bishop.
8... Bxc3+ – Black takes the knight.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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