3...d5 4.Qa4: the Steinitz Variation is variation 4 of 6 in the Ponziani Opening course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C44). It runs 17 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 f6 …. Black hits back with 3...d5. The queen goes to a4 and pins the c6 knight. Black protects e5 with 4...f6, and White develops quickly, opens the centre with d4 and castles. The most common reply, 4...dxe4, is shown in the traps. 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... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. c3 – The Ponziani. White prepares d4.
3... d5 – Black strikes back in the centre at once.
4. Qa4 – The main answer. The queen pins the c6 knight, so e5 gets weak.
4... f6 – The Steinitz Variation. Black protects e5 with a pawn.
5. Bb5 – White adds pressure on the pinned knight.
5... Ne7 – Black protects the c6 knight a second time.
6. exd5 – White opens the centre.
6... Qxd5 – Black takes back with the queen.
7. d4 – White attacks e5 and opens lines for the pieces.
7... Bd7 – Black unpins the knight.
8. O-O – White castles. The king is safe and the rook can come to e1.
8... exd4 – Black opens the e-file.
The lesson goes on for 1 more moves, each with its explanation.
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