5.e4: the Marshall Gambit is variation 6 of 6 in the Tarrasch Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO D32). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 …. White strikes with 5.e4 and opens the centre. Black takes the pawn, then trades on d4. A check on b4 and a bishop trade let Black castle quickly. Black keeps an extra pawn on d4. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit.
2... e6 – Black supports d5.
3. Nc3 – White attacks d5 again.
3... c5 – The Tarrasch Defence.
4. cxd5 – White takes on d5.
4... exd5 – Black takes back.
5. e4 – The Marshall Gambit. White hits d5 with a pawn and wants to open lines fast.
5... dxe4 – Black takes the pawn. Now White must find play for it.
6. Nxe4 – The most common move. White takes the pawn back.
6... cxd4 – Black takes the d4 pawn. Now Black is a pawn up.
7. Nf3 – White develops and attacks the d4 pawn.
7... Nc6 – The knight defends the d4 pawn.
8. Bd3 – The bishop develops and aims at Black's kingside.
8... Bb4+ – A useful check. Black wants to trade White's good bishop.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM