Main line, through 3. Nc3C46
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3
In the centre, White holds e4 while Black holds e5.
C46
Three Knights Opening
6 named lines in this family, ECO C46. Every one of them opens 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, so the notes on those moves are written once, just below, instead of once per line. Under each line you get its moves and the sentences it adds that this page has not already printed. A line's own page carries up to its first 4 per-move notes in full.
The moves every line here plays
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
- 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... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.
Main line, after 3... Bb4C46
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Bb4
Steinitz DefenseC46
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6
Winawer DefenseC46
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 f5
Schlechter VariationC46
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nd5 Nf6
White's pawn on d2 is pinned against the king.
Steinitz-Rosenthal VariationC46
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5
An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black comes out ahead on material - White needs concrete play to justify it.
Walk these lines on a board
An account opens every move's note in this family, the plan behind each line, and a trainer that plays the line back at you. It is free.