Petrov's Defense · C42
Cochrane Gambit, Bishop Check Line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nxf7 Kxf7 5. Bc4+
Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. Black mirrors with ...Nf6 and meets attack with symmetry: sound, drawish by reputation, and quietly venomous when White overpresses.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Petrov's Defense.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 50 in the Petrov's Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.