Master the Colle System: Complete White Repertoire for 1.d4

Master the Colle System: A Complete White Repertoire for 1.d4

This course gives you a practical, easy-to-learn system that works against all of Black’s main defenses. Instead of memorizing endless theory, you’ll understand the key plans and ideas that make the Colle so effective at all levels.

Chapter 1: The Classical Lines (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3)

This chapter tackles Black’s most common Queen’s Gambit setups. You’ll learn the aggressive 4.dxc5 approach when Black plays …c5, followed by the critical 5.b4 pawn thrust that gives White dangerous queenside expansion. The main line continues with the powerful a4-b5 pawn chain that cramps Black’s position and creates lasting pressure. You’ll also get complete coverage of all the sidelines: when Black tries the Grünfeld structure with …g6, you respond with c4 and get a favorable version without having your knight on c3; against the London-style …Bf5, you’ll see how to exploit the weakened light squares; and when Black plays the Slav setup with …Bg4, there’s a simple Qb3 trick that immediately targets the b7 pawn. Every variation shows you how to build space advantage and convert it into a concrete attack.

Chapter 2: The King’s Indian (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Nbd2)

Here you get the secret weapon: 3.Nbd2 instead of the usual Nc3. This subtle move avoids all the heavy King’s Indian theory while keeping your attacking chances intact. The key plan revolves around e4, creating a strong pawn center, then regrouping with moves like Bd2-Bc3 and b4 to grab queenside space. Against the Grünfeld setup with …d5, you’ll discover the aggressive h4 idea championed by Alireza and Bulgarian GM Petkov, pushing h4-h5 to trap Black’s bishop on h8 and create kingside threats. The chapter includes detailed explanations of when Black should—and shouldn’t—play …c5 (spoiler: it’s usually too early), and what to do when they get it right. You’ll see how to maneuver your pieces with Nc4, grab space with a4 and b4, and slowly squeeze Black’s position while keeping your king perfectly safe. Real GM games show you exactly how this plays out at the highest level.

Chapter 3: The Dutch Defense (1.d4 f5 and Stonewall structures)

The Dutch can look scary with Black attacking your kingside early, but this chapter shows you how to turn the tables completely. The key is the surprising 3.Nh3 maneuver, heading for f4 where the knight becomes a monster. You’ll then play h4, and when Black stops you with …g6, you go h5 and trap their dark-squared bishop on h8—a recurring theme that leads to crushing positions. The bishop literally can’t escape without Black playing the horrible …g5 and …h6. You’ll also learn how to handle the Stonewall structure where Black plants pawns on d5, e6, and f5. Against everything, your plan is simple and deadly: Nf4, h4-h5-h6, and suddenly Black’s position collapses. The chapter covers all the side variations too, including when Black delays castling or tries to fight on the queenside.