Boleslavsky: 6.Be2 e5 is variation 2 of 6 in the Sicilian Classical and Scheveningen course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B58). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 …. Against the quiet bishop move Black pushes the e-pawn two squares and kicks the knight. The fight is about d5. Black guards it with the e6 bishop and trades the knight when it lands there. 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 and keeps the game unbalanced.
2. Nf3 – White develops the knight and prepares d4.
2... d6 – Black covers e5 and opens a path for the c8 bishop.
3. d4 – White opens the centre to use the lead in development.
3... cxd4 – Black trades a wing pawn for a centre pawn. The c-file is now half open for Black.
4. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight, which now stands in the centre.
4... Nf6 – Black develops with an attack on e4, so White must defend it.
5. Nc3 – White guards e4 and develops another piece.
5... Nc6 – The Classical Variation. The knight develops and challenges the d4 knight.
6. Be2 – A quiet developing move. White plans to castle short.
6... e5 – The Boleslavsky. Black gains space and kicks the d4 knight out of the centre. The d5 square gets weaker, so Black must watch it.
7. Nb3 – The main retreat. The knight keeps away from tricks on d4.
7... Be7 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
8. O-O – White castles.
8... O-O – Black castles too.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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