2...e6 3.e4 h6 4.Bxf6 Qxf6 5.Nc3: the big centre is variation 4 of 6 in the Trompowsky Attack course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A45). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 e6 3. e4 h6 4. Bxf6 Qxf6 …. Black gets ready to take back on f6 with the queen. White uses the pinned knight to play e4 at once. After the trade on f6 Black has the two bishops, but White has a big centre and quick development. 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... Nf6 – Black develops.
2. Bg5 – The Trompowsky bishop.
2... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop. If White takes on f6, the queen can take back.
3. e4 – White grabs the centre. The f6 knight is pinned, so it cannot take on e4.
3... h6 – Black asks the bishop what it wants to do.
4. Bxf6 – White gives the bishop for the knight and keeps the big centre.
4... Qxf6 – Black takes back with the queen. Black has the bishop pair.
5. Nc3 – White develops and protects e4.
5... Bb4 – Black pins the c3 knight and puts pressure on e4.
6. Qd2 – White guards the knight and keeps the option of castling long.
6... c5 – Black hits d4.
7. a3 – White asks the bishop to decide.
7... Bxc3 – Black takes the knight.
8. bxc3 – White takes back toward the centre. The c3 pawn guards d4.
8... b6 – Black prepares to put the bishop on b7, aiming at e4.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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