Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...dxc4/4. e3

This is considered to be the best move as white:

• Keeps the e4-square free for the c3-knight to retreat to incase of a b7-b5-b4 advance.
• Gains control of the center with pawns on e3 and d4.
• Prepares to capture the c4 pawn with Bxc4.

Black should prevent the capture of the c-pawn with 4...b5. This also sets a deep trap for white. This usually leads to very complicated variations on the queenside where white attempts to undermine Black's defence of the c-pawn with moves like a4. If white can successfully recapture the pawn, white is better.

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e3