2...Qe7: the Gunderam Defence is variation 6 of 6 in the Beating the Latvian, Elephant and other 2nd-move tries course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C40). It runs 17 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Qe7 3. Bc4 d6 4. d4 Bg4 …. Black defends e5 with the queen. The queen blocks Black's f8 bishop. White develops, opens the centre with d4 and gets the better pawns and the freer game. 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... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Qe7 – The queen guards e5. It is a playable move, but it blocks the f8 bishop.
3. Bc4 – White develops the bishop to its best square.
3... d6 – Black supports e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
4. d4 – White opens the centre at once.
4... Bg4 – Black pins the f3 knight.
5. Nc3 – White develops another piece.
5... Nc6 – Black defends e5 once more.
6. Bb5 – The bishop pins the c6 knight and puts pressure on e5.
6... a6 – Black asks the bishop what it wants.
7. Bxc6+ – White trades and damages Black's pawns.
7... bxc6 – Black takes back. Now Black has doubled c-pawns.
8. dxe5 – White opens the d-file.
8... dxe5 – Black takes back.
The lesson goes on for 1 more moves, each with its explanation.
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