Advance line: 3.e5 Bf5 is variation 1 of 6 in the Nimzowitsch Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B00). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5 4. Nf3 e6 …. White grabs space with e5. Black develops the bishop to f5 first, then plays the e-pawn to e6. Next the f-pawn attacks White's centre, and Black trades the light-squared bishops. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nc6 – The Nimzowitsch Defence. The knight develops and attacks d4.
2. d4 – White takes more of the centre.
2... d5 – Black attacks e4 and hits d4 a second time.
3. e5 – White gains space and closes the centre.
3... Bf5 – The bishop comes out before the e-pawn moves and blocks it in.
4. Nf3 – White develops and guards d4.
4... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop and supports d5.
5. c3 – White supports d4 with a pawn.
5... f6 – Black attacks the e5 pawn, the head of White's chain.
6. Bb5 – The bishop pins the c6 knight.
6... Ne7 – The knight develops and gets ready to go to g6. The c6 knight stays pinned, so this is the only knight that can reach e7.
7. O-O – White castles.
7... a6 – Black asks the bishop where it wants to go.
8. Ba4 – The bishop keeps the pin.
8... b5 – Black chases the bishop again and gains space.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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