Marienbad System · A47

Berg Variation

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6 3. g3 Bb7 4. Bg2 c5 5. c4 cxd4 6. Qxd4

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal and Black's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the d4 pawn. Theory calls this the Knights Variation.
• 2... b6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b7. Theory calls this the Pseudo Queen's Indian Defense.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 7 more moves in this line, 11 in all.