4.d4 exd4 5.e5 is variation 5 of 6 in the Two Knights Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C55). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 …. White pushes 5.e5 to chase the f6 knight. Black answers in the centre with 5...d5 and puts the knight on e4. After the trade on c6 Black has the two bishops and an easy game. 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... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
3... Nf6 – The Two Knights Defence: Black attacks e4.
4. d4 – White opens the centre.
4... exd4 – Black takes the pawn.
5. e5 – White pushes and attacks the f6 knight.
5... d5 – The best answer. Black strikes in the centre instead of retreating.
6. Bb5 – The bishop escapes and pins the c6 knight.
6... Ne4 – The knight jumps to a strong central square.
7. Nxd4 – White wins back the pawn.
7... Bd7 – Black breaks the pin.
8. Bxc6 – White trades on c6.
8... bxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
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