Four Knights: 6.Ndb5 Bb4 is variation 4 of 6 in the Sicilian Kalashnikov and Four Knights course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B45). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 …. White's knight heads for d6. Black pins the c3 knight with ...Bb4, gives the bishop for the knight and strikes with ...d5. Black gets an isolated pawn but active pieces. 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 to open the centre.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and watches d4.
3. d4 – White opens the centre.
3... cxd4 – Black takes and gets the half-open c-file.
4. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight.
4... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks the e4 pawn.
5. Nc3 – White defends e4 with the knight.
5... e6 – The Sicilian Four Knights. Black controls d5 and frees the f8 bishop.
6. Ndb5 – The knight eyes the d6 square.
6... Bb4 – The main answer. Black pins the c3 knight and develops quickly.
7. a3 – White asks the bishop to decide.
7... Bxc3+ – Black gives the bishop for the knight.
8. Nxc3 – White takes back with the knight.
8... d5 – Black strikes in the centre at once.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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