Exchange line: 3.exd5 Qxd5 is variation 3 of 6 in the Nimzowitsch Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B00). It runs 16 moves and begins 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. Nf3 Bg4 …. White trades in the centre. Black takes back with the queen and pins the f3 knight. Black castles long and hits the centre with the e-pawn. 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 knight develops and attacks d4.
2. d4 – White takes more of the centre.
2... d5 – Black attacks e4.
3. exd5 – White trades the pawns.
3... Qxd5 – The queen takes back and attacks d4 together with the knight.
4. Nf3 – White develops and defends d4.
4... Bg4 – The bishop pins the f3 knight, so it cannot guard d4 well.
5. Be2 – White breaks the pin.
5... O-O-O – Black castles long. The rook goes straight to the d-file and hits d4.
6. c3 – White supports d4 with a pawn.
6... e5 – Black hits d4 once more and opens the f8 bishop.
7. h3 – White asks the bishop to decide.
7... Bh5 – The bishop keeps the pin.
8. O-O – White castles.
8... exd4 – Black opens the centre. Black's pieces are active and the game is equal.