Exercise 8.1Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. White has just taken a pawn on d5. Punish it.
8
Your First Openings · Kapilash Chess Academy
Black against 1.d4
A simple setup and the Elephant Trap
In this lesson you will learn
- A solid setup with ...d5, ...e6 and ...♘f6
- The Queen’s Gambit Declined
- The Elephant Trap
- Why Black often plays ...c6 or ...c5 later
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8.1 A Solid Wall
Against 1.d4 the simplest plan is 1...d5, followed by ...e6, ...♘f6, ...♗e7 and castling. After 2.c4 this is the Queen’s Gambit Declined: Black keeps a strong pawn on d5 and develops calmly.
Diagram 8.1White to move
The Queen’s Gambit Declined
Black has developed and castled. Now Black frees the position with ...c6 and ...dxc4.
Black exchanges pieces to free the game. Later ...e5 or ...c5 will open lines for the bishop on c8 — the one problem piece in this opening.
Diagram 8.2White to move
The Elephant Trap
The knight on f6 looks pinned, so White grabs the d5-pawn.
Black gives the queen but wins it back with a check, and ends up a whole piece ahead. Again: a pin against the queen is not absolute.
Remember
- Against 1.d4: ...d5, ...e6, ...♘f6, ...♗e7, castle.
- Free the position later with ...c6/...dxc4 or ...c5.
- Know the Elephant Trap.
- The light-squared bishop needs an open line.
Exercises · Lesson 8
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right answer.
Exercise 8.2Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 8.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 8.4Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 8.5Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 8.6Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 8.7Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 8.8Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.