Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. Square for the bishop
1. e41... d5After 1... d5The opponent offers an exchange on the first move—what should we do? We won’t be original: we capture ♙e4xd5 to lure Black’s strongest piece into an attack.
2. exd52... Qxd5After 2... Qxd5Every chess player knows the rule: you shouldn’t bring out the heavy pieces in the opening, as they become too large a target for the enemy pieces. Let’s develop ♘b1-c3
3. Nc33... Qa5After 3... Qa5Main continuation. We will secure control of the center with ♙d2-d4, then take care of developing the kingside pieces.
4. d4
After 4... Nf6White to move. At the board4... Nf6After 4... Nf6Which piece should be developed first? ♗f1-c4 is a sensible move, but in moments like these, it is best to remember the rule: the best squares for knights are almost always c3 and f3, while the best square for a bishop is not immediately apparent. We develop ♘g1-f3 first.
5. Nf35... Bf5After 5... Bf5Here we immediately occupy the center with ♘e5, hoping to play ♘c4 at the right moment if the ♛ has no retreating squares on c7 and d8.
6. Ne56... Nbd7After 6... Nbd7If Black does not open a path for the ♛, the queen’s days will be numbered.
7. Nc47... Qa6After 7... Qa6The hunt has begun; when the ♛ is on the edge of the board, expect nothing good. We attack with the bishop!
8. Ne3After 8... Qe6White to move. At the board8... Qe6After 8... Qe6We develop a new piece with tempo ♗c4
9. Bc49... Qc6After 9... Qc6♗ is under attack, we won’t leave it in trouble—we’ll attack!
10. Bb510... Qe6After 10... Qe6And a new piece joins the hunt—more precisely, ♙d4-d5
11. d511... Qe5After 11... Qe5The attacks are over for now; let’s take care of the king.
12. O-OAfter 12... Bg6White to move. At the board12... Bg6After 12... Bg6And now the rook helps ♙f2-f4 harass the ♛ even more.
13. f413... Qh5After 13... Qh5We will capture ♞d7 with check, with the idea of exchanging pieces and removing the defense of the kingside
14. Bxd7+14... Kxd7After 14... Kxd7We won’t win the ♛, but we’ll definitely win the ♝g6!
15. g415... Qh4After 15... Qh4We close the trap for the bishop
After 16. f5Black to move. At the board16. f5
2. Rook – a trap for the queen! (1)
1. e41... d5After 1... d5The opponent offers an exchange on the first move—what should we do? We won’t be original: we take ♙e4xd5 to lure Black’s strongest piece into an attack.
2. exd52... Qxd5After 2... Qxd5Every chess player knows the rule: you should not bring out the heavy pieces in the opening, as they become too big a target for the opponent’s pieces. Let’s develop ♘b1-c3
3. Nc33... Qa5After 3... Qa5Main continuation. We will secure control of the center with ♙d2-d4, then take care of developing the kingside pieces.
4. d4After 4... Nf6White to move. At the board4... Nf6After 4... Nf6Which piece should you develop first? ♗f1-c4 is a sensible move, but in positions like this, it is best to remember the rule: the best squares for knights are almost always c3 and f3, while the best square for the bishop is not immediately apparent. We develop ♘g1-f3 first.
5. Nf35... Bg4After 5... Bg4Black has pinned ♘f3, but there is no danger. On the contrary, ♝g4 is the one with problems, and a real chase begins. We drive it away with ♙h2-h3.
6. h36... Qh5After 6... Qh5Sometimes Black likes to test things this way. You can play either ♗e2 or 0-0; the advantage will be quite significant, but there is also the tactical possibility ♙h3xg4.
7. hxg4After 7... Qxh1White to move. At the board7... Qxh1After 7... Qxh1We begin hunting the queen. We play ♘e2, threatening to go ♘g3 and trap the ♛.
8. Ne28... Ne4After 8... Ne4Our task is to drive away the ♞ so that the g3 square is cleared for the ♘. None of Black’s pieces can defend it.
9. Qd39... Nd6After 9... Nd6Life for ♛ is over!
10. Ng310... Qh6After 10... Qh6We capture the queen ♗c1xh6
After 11. Bxh6Black to move. At the board11. Bxh6
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.