2.c4 c6 3.b3: the bishop goes to f5 is variation 2 of 6 in the Against the Réti and King's Indian Attack course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A11). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 c6 3. b3 Nf6 4. Bb2 Bf5 …. White plays b3, Bb2 and g3 with two bishops aimed at the centre. Black puts the bishop on f5 first and then builds a solid wall with ...e6, ...Nbd7 and ...Be7. Black castles and gains space with ...h6 and ...a5. 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 from the side.
2... c6 – Black protects d5 with a pawn.
3. b3 – White prepares to put the bishop on b2.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and guards d5 again.
4. Bb2 – The bishop aims down the long diagonal at the e5 square.
4... Bf5 – Black brings the bishop out before closing it in with ...e6.
5. g3 – White plans a second fianchetto on g2.
5... e6 – Black builds a solid chain and opens the f8 bishop.
6. Bg2 – Both white bishops now look at the centre.
6... Nbd7 – The knight develops and keeps an eye on e5.
7. O-O – White castles.
7... Be7 – A calm square for the bishop. Black gets ready to castle.
8. d3 – White keeps the pawns flexible and covers the e4 square.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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