2...Ne4 3.Bf4 d5 4.e3: the calm set-up is variation 3 of 6 in the Trompowsky Attack course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A45). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Ne4 3. Bf4 d5 4. e3 c5 …. Black supports the e4 knight with the d-pawn. White plays the calm e3 and challenges the knight with Nd2. After the trades White has a solid centre, easy development and a small edge. 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... Ne4 – The knight attacks the bishop.
3. Bf4 – The bishop drops back to f4.
3... d5 – Black supports the e4 knight with a pawn.
4. e3 – A calm move. White opens the f1 bishop and supports d4.
4... c5 – Black hits d4, the usual plan.
5. Nd2 – White challenges the e4 knight at once.
5... Nxd2 – Black trades knights.
6. Qxd2 – White takes back with the queen and stays well developed.
6... Nc6 – Black develops and adds pressure on d4.
7. Nf3 – The knight guards d4.
7... cxd4 – Black trades pawns in the centre.
8. exd4 – White takes back. The f1 bishop now has an open diagonal.
8... Bf5 – Black develops the bishop before closing it in with the e-pawn.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM