8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Start
Starting position
Start
1. d4
Nf6
2. c4
e6
3. Nc3
Bb4
About This Opening
One of the most respected openings in chess. Black pins White's knight with Bb4, creating immediate tension. Played by nearly every world champion.
Why Play It?
Black gets excellent piece play and structural pressure. The Bb4 pin disrupts White's plans and often leads to doubled c-pawns.
Key Ideas
- Pin the knight on c3 with Bb4
- Double White's c-pawns after Bxc3
- Control the e4 square
- Flexible pawn structure - can play d5, d6, or b6 setups