2.c4 e6: the d4 push is variation 3 of 6 in the Against the Réti and King's Indian Attack course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A13). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 e6 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 Be7 …. Black plays 2...e6 and develops simply with ...Nf6, ...Be7 and ...O-O. Against the double fianchetto Black plays ...c5 and ...Nc6. Then the d5 pawn moves to d4 and takes space in the centre. 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... e6 – Black protects d5 with the e-pawn and opens the f8 bishop.
3. g3 – White prepares to put the bishop on g2.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and adds a guard to d5.
4. Bg2 – The bishop aims at d5 and the long diagonal.
4... Be7 – A calm and solid move. Black gets ready to castle.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... O-O – Black castles too.
6. b3 – White prepares the second fianchetto on b2.
6... c5 – Black grabs space and controls the d4 square.
7. Bb2 – The bishop aims at the centre from b2.
7... Nc6 – The knight develops and adds a guard to d4.
8. e3 – White stops the d4 push for a moment.
8... d4 – Black pushes anyway. The pawn on d4 cramps White.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
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