Quiet line: 2.Nf3 d6 is variation 6 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. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bg4 …. White develops calmly with the knight. Black plays the d-pawn to d6 and the knight to f6. Black pins the f3 knight, takes it and puts a knight on d4. 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. Nf3 – The most common answer. White develops and controls d4.
2... d6 – Black prepares to develop the c8 bishop and keeps the game flexible.
3. d4 – White takes the centre.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
4. Nc3 – White defends e4.
4... Bg4 – The bishop pins the f3 knight, which guards d4.
5. Be2 – White breaks the pin.
5... e5 – Black strikes in the centre.
6. d5 – White gains space and chases the knight.
6... Bxf3 – Black takes the knight, so the d4 square has one guard less.
7. Bxf3 – The bishop takes back.
7... Nd4 – The knight lands on a fine central square.
8. O-O – White castles.
8... c6 – Black hits the d5 pawn and opens the queen's path. Black has a sound position.
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