2...Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 is variation 4 of 5 in the Vienna Game course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C28). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bb4 …. A calm, strategic Vienna. White supports e4 with d3 and keeps f2-f4 in reserve; after the typical ...Bb4 pin, Bg5xf6 gives White a solid centre and a kingside plan. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black mirrors.
2. Nc3 – Guards e4 and d5, keeping the f-pawn flexible.
2... Nc6 – Develops and protects e5.
3. Bc4 – Points the bishop at f7.
3... Nf6 – Develops and attacks e4.
4. d3 – Solidly protects e4 and opens the c1 bishop. f2-f4 can come later.
4... Bb4 – Pins the c3 knight to make e4 weaker.
5. Bg5 – Pins the f6 knight in return and prepares to remove the main defender of d5 and h7.
5... h6 – Asks the bishop to decide.
6. Bxf6 – Takes the knight so White's centre is no longer attacked by it.
6... Bxc3+ – Black damages White's pawns before taking back on f6.
7. bxc3 – White recaptures toward the centre; the pawns on c3 and d3 control d4, and the b-file opens.
7... Qxf6 – Black regains the piece with a well-placed queen.
8. Ne2 – Develops without blocking the f-pawn so that f2-f4 is possible.
8... d6 – Protects e5 and opens the c8 bishop.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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