Against the King's Gambit: 3...d5 is variation 5 of 6 in the 1.e4 e5 for Black course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO C36). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 d5 4. exd5 Nf6 …. Black accepts the pawn and immediately returns it with ...d5, using the time to develop quickly. With the f-pawn gone, White's king is exposed on the e-file and the a7-g1 diagonal, and Black has easy piece play. 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 the centre.
2. f4 – The King's Gambit.
2... exf4 – Black accepts: White has to spend time regaining the pawn.
3. Nf3 – White develops and stops ...Qh4+.
3... d5 – The Modern Defence: Black gives the pawn back to free the pieces and open lines against White's king.
4. exd5 – White takes.
4... Nf6 – Develops and attacks d5.
5. Bb5+ – White develops with check.
5... c6 – Black blocks and attacks d5 a second time.
6. dxc6 – White takes the pawn.
6... Nxc6 – Black recaptures with a piece, gaining a big lead in development.
7. d4 – White takes the centre and opens the c1 bishop.
7... Bd6 – Develops and protects the f4 pawn.
8. O-O – White castles.
8... O-O – Black castles too.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
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