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Train this openingAbout this opening
Instead of defending e5, Black counterattacks e4, which is why this defense has a reputation for being hard to beat. Nc3 is the most played move here and simply defends, transposing toward the Four Knights. Nxe5 is the critical try, but be careful: Nxe5 d6 forces the knight back before you can take on f7, and Nxe5 Nxe4 immediately runs into Qe2, pinning the knight and winning it back. d3 is quiet and keeps the pawn defended without releasing the tension. Look at the scores: Black holds up well here, and the symmetry that follows is exactly what the defense is designed to reach.
Plans
- Defend the pawn with Nc3 and steer toward the Four Knights.
- Play Nxe5 and retreat the knight when Black plays d6.
- Play d4 to open the center against the symmetrical setup.
- Castle short and put a rook on e1 against the pinned knight.
Where the pieces belong
- Knight: c3, defending e4 without committing a pawn
- Rook: e1, aimed down the file at the black king
- Pawn: d4, the break that ends the symmetry
- Bishop: d3, supporting e4 and eyeing the kingside
- King: castled short by move six
Often symmetrical and drawish if you allow the trades. To play for a win you need an imbalance, so keep pieces on and aim for d4 rather than simplifying.