Exchange: 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.Qd4 is variation 4 of 5 in the Accelerated Dragon course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B34). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 …. White trades on c6 and attacks the h8 rook with the queen. Black blocks with ...Nf6. After e5 the knight jumps to d5, and Black answers e6 with ...f6. Black gets a good centre and quick development. 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... c5 – The Sicilian. Black fights for d4 from the side.
2. Nf3 – White develops and prepares d4.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and watches d4.
3. d4 – White opens the centre.
3... cxd4 – Black trades a side pawn for a centre pawn.
4. Nxd4 – The knight takes back.
4... g6 – The Accelerated Dragon. The bishop goes to g7 at once.
5. Nxc6 – White trades knights at once.
5... bxc6 – Black takes toward the centre. The b-file opens for the rook.
6. Qd4 – The queen attacks the h8 rook.
6... Nf6 – The knight blocks the long diagonal and guards h8.
7. e5 – White chases the knight.
7... Nd5 – The knight jumps to the centre.
8. e6 – A sharp try. White gives a pawn to break up the black pawns.
8... f6 – Black keeps the f-file closed and guards e5.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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