2.c4 d4: the space grab is variation 4 of 6 in the Against the Réti and King's Indian Attack course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A09). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. e3 Nc6 4. exd4 Nxd4 …. Black pushes 2...d4 and grabs space. Against 3.e3 Black develops the knight to c6 and takes back on d4 with pieces. Black's queen and pawn on e5 give an active, equal game. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. Nf3 – White develops a knight.
1... d5 – Black takes a share of the centre.
2. c4 – The Réti. White attacks d5.
2... d4 – Black pushes the pawn past the attack and grabs space.
3. e3 – White attacks the d4 pawn at once.
3... Nc6 – Black defends d4 with a piece and develops.
4. exd4 – White trades the pawns.
4... Nxd4 – Black takes back with the knight, which stands well in the centre.
5. Nxd4 – White trades the knights.
5... Qxd4 – Black takes back. The queen is active in the middle of the board.
6. Nc3 – White develops. The knight can jump to b5 later.
6... e5 – Black builds a strong centre with the pawn on e5.
7. d3 – White opens the c1 bishop.
7... Bc5 – The bishop develops and backs up the queen.
8. Be3 – White attacks the queen.
8... Qd6 – The queen steps back and still guards the c5 bishop.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM