Larsen: 1.b3 e5 is variation 4 of 6 in the Against the Bird, Larsen, Polish and Grob course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A01). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. b3 e5 2. Bb2 Nc6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bb5 Bd6 …. Black takes the centre with ...e5 and ...Nc6, then plays ...Nf6 and ...Bd6. Against Nf3 the pawn push to e4 gains space, and Black castles with an easy game. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. b3 – The Larsen Opening. White prepares to put the bishop on b2.
1... e5 – Black takes the centre. The pawn on e5 blocks the long diagonal.
2. Bb2 – The bishop attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5 and develops.
3. e3 – White opens the f1 bishop.
3... Nf6 – The best set-up. Black develops and guards e4 and d5.
4. Bb5 – White pins the c6 knight, which guards e5.
4... Bd6 – Black guards e5 with the bishop.
5. Nf3 – White attacks e5 a second time.
5... e4 – Black gains space and kicks the knight.
6. Nd4 – The knight jumps to the centre.
6... Nxd4 – Black trades knights.
7. Bxd4 – White takes back with the bishop.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. O-O – White castles.
8... Qe7 – The queen guards the e4 pawn.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
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