Modern 7.Bc4: 8...a5 and 9...d5 is variation 1 of 5 in the Accelerated Dragon course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B35). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 …. White develops the bishop to c4 and retreats it to b3. Black pushes the a-pawn toward the bishop. When White plays f3, Black strikes with ...d5 in one go and gets free play. 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 frees the queen and the f1 bishop.
1... c5 – The Sicilian. Black fights for d4 from the side.
2. Nf3 – White develops the knight and prepares d4.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and keeps an eye on d4.
3. d4 – White opens the centre.
3... cxd4 – Black trades a side pawn for a centre pawn.
4. Nxd4 – The knight takes back and stands in the centre.
4... g6 – The Accelerated Dragon. The bishop goes to g7 before the d-pawn moves.
5. Nc3 – The main move. White develops and guards e4.
5... Bg7 – The Dragon bishop. It eyes d4 and the c3 knight.
6. Be3 – White develops and adds a guard to d4.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
7. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
7... O-O – Black castles. The king is safe behind the g7 bishop.
8. Bb3 – The best retreat. On b3 the bishop is safe from tricks on e4.
8... a5 – Black pushes the a-pawn toward the b3 bishop. Next it can go to a4.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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