1.e4 — the open games
Two Knights Defence
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6ECO C55–C59
Black meets the Italian bishop with immediate counterattack instead of the quiet …Bc5. The Fried Liver and Lolli after 4.Ng5 lead to wild, forcing play, while 4…Na5 and the Fritz keep the initiative for a pawn.
Key ideas
- 3…Nf6 hits e4 at once and invites the sharp 4.Ng5, attacking f7.
- After 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 Black gives a pawn for a big lead in development and lasting initiative.
- It's one of the oldest and sharpest ways to play for the initiative with Black in the open games.
Who it suits
Attacking players who want to seize the initiative with Black rather than equalise quietly.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Two Knights Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer