6.Nxc6 bxc6: the exchange is variation 5 of 6 in the Sicilian Sveshnikov course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B33). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 …. White trades knights at once. Black takes toward the centre with ...bxc6 and pins the c3 knight with ...Bb4. Black castles, wins the bishop pair and uses the half-open b-file. 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 e4.
5. Nc3 – White defends e4.
5... e5 – The Sveshnikov. Black kicks the knight and takes space.
6. Nxc6 – White trades knights to avoid theory.
6... bxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre. The c6 pawn helps to control d5.
7. Bc4 – The bishop takes the active diagonal and looks at f7.
7... Bb4 – Black pins the c3 knight. Now e4 is under pressure.
8. O-O – White castles and offers the e4 pawn.
8... O-O – Black castles too. Taking on e4 now would open lines toward Black's own king.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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