Petrov's Defense · C42
Three Knights Game
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3
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.