3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4: the Exchange Variation is variation 1 of 6 in the Philidor Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C41). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 …. Black takes on d4 and develops with ...Nf6, ...Be7 and short castling. White often castles long and attacks. Black trades a pair of knights and gains space on the queenside with ...a6 and ...b5. 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 and opens lines for the queen and the f1 bishop.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks the e5 pawn.
2... d6 – The Philidor Defence. The pawn defends e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
3. d4 – White attacks e5 again and fights for the centre.
3... exd4 – Black gives up the centre for quick, easy development.
4. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight.
4... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks the e4 pawn.
5. Nc3 – White defends e4 and develops.
5... Be7 – A solid move. Black gets ready to castle.
6. Bf4 – White develops the bishop and gets ready to castle long.
6... O-O – Black castles. The king is safe.
7. Qd2 – The queen joins the bishop and makes room to castle long.
7... Nc6 – Black develops the last knight and challenges the d4 knight.
8. O-O-O – White castles long. The rook comes to the d-file.
8... Nxd4 – Black trades knights. Fewer pieces means less danger for Black.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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