Classical System 4.Nf3 is variation 4 of 5 in the Pirc and Modern Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B08). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 …. White develops quietly with Nf3, Be2 and O-O. Black castles, pins the f3 knight with ...Bg4, develops ...Nc6 and strikes with ...e5. After d5 the knight goes to e7 and Black prepares ...c6 or ...f5. 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... d6 – The Pirc.
2. d4 – White builds the centre.
2... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
3. Nc3 – White defends e4.
3... g6 – Black prepares ...Bg7.
4. Nf3 – The Classical System: solid development without overextending.
4... Bg7 – Black completes the fianchetto.
5. Be2 – White develops and prepares to castle.
5... O-O – Black castles to safety.
6. O-O – White castles too.
6... Bg4 – Black pins the f3 knight, reducing White's control of d4 and e5.
7. Be3 – White protects d4 and develops.
7... Nc6 – Black adds pressure on d4 and prepares ...e5.
8. Qd2 – White connects the rooks and eyes Bh6.
8... e5 – Black strikes in the centre. Now d4 is attacked by the pawn, knight and bishop.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM