Petrov's Defense · C42

Main line, after 3. Nxe5, through 3. Nxe5

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5

The structure hands Black the half-open e-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it. 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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