Kalashnikov: 5.Nxc6 bxc6 is variation 3 of 6 in the Sicilian Kalashnikov and Four Knights course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B32). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 …. White trades knights on move five. Black takes toward the centre, and after 7.O-O takes the e4 pawn. White wins it back with Re1 and Rxe5, and Black castles with two good bishops. 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... e5 – The Kalashnikov. Black kicks the knight at once.
5. Nxc6 – White trades knights, a small inaccuracy. It helps Black's pawns toward the centre.
5... bxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre. The c6 and e5 pawns control d5 and d4.
6. Bc4 – The bishop takes the active diagonal and looks at f7.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks the e4 pawn.
7. O-O – White castles and offers the e4 pawn.
7... Nxe4 – Black takes the pawn. White will win a pawn back, and the game stays equal.
8. Re1 – The rook attacks the e4 knight.
8... Nf6 – The knight goes back to safety.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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