Steinitz Defence: 3...d6 is variation 6 of 6 in the Ruy Lopez course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C62). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 …. Black defends e5 directly but gets a cramped position. White builds the centre with d4 and Nc3; Black usually has to give up the centre with ...exd4, and White enjoys more space. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – Develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bb5 – Pressure on the e5 pawn's defender.
3... d6 – The Steinitz Defence: e5 is supported by a pawn, but the f8 bishop is shut in.
4. d4 – Attacks e5 at once; the c6 knight is pinned against the king on e8, so it cannot help with any tactics around e5.
4... Bd7 – Unpins the knight so that e5 is held.
5. Nc3 – Develops and adds a defender to e4 and pressure to d5.
5... Nf6 – Develops and attacks e4.
6. O-O – Castles; White does not mind ...Nxe4 because Nxe4 and Re1 follow.
6... Be7 – Black prepares to castle.
7. Re1 – Defends e4 and prepares Bxc6 and dxe5 to win the e5 pawn.
7... exd4 – Black must give up the centre: e5 could not be held for long.
8. Nxd4 – Recaptures, centralising the knight.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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