3.d4: the Steinitz Attack is variation 4 of 6 in the Petroff Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO C43). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 …. White opens the centre at once with 3.d4. Black takes on e4, supports the knight with ...d5, and trades White's strong knight on e5. Both sides castle short with a balanced 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... Nf6 – The Petroff: Black attacks e4 in return.
3. d4 – White strikes in the centre and does not defend the e4 pawn.
3... Nxe4 – Black takes the e4 pawn. White can win e5 back, so material stays level.
4. Bd3 – White develops and attacks the e4 knight.
4... d5 – The key move. Black supports the knight with a pawn.
5. Nxe5 – White wins back the pawn. Material is equal.
5... Nd7 – Black challenges the strong knight on e5 at once.
6. Nxd7 – White trades knights.
6... Bxd7 – Black takes back with the bishop, and the bishop is developed.
7. O-O – White castles.
7... Bd6 – The bishop takes an active square and looks at White's kingside.
8. c4 – White attacks d5, the pawn that holds the e4 knight.
8... c6 – Black supports d5 with another pawn. The centre holds.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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