Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d5/2. exd5/2...Nf6/3. c4

As Black didn't recapture the d-pawn straight away, White defends it, hoping to stay up the material.

Black has two main options: to chip away at the pawn chain with 3...c6 or 3...e6.

After 3...c6, White could trade 4. dxc6?! Nxc6=. However, although White is up a pawn, this helps Black to develop and Black is thought to have full compensation.

Better is 4. d4 (or 4. Nc3 which will transpose), and after 4...cxd5 the position has transposed into the Panov-Botvinnik attack in the Caro-Kann. Because this line used to be considered good for White, 3. c4 used to be the overwhelming choice of strong players. There are three reasons this is no longer the case. First, the Panov-Botvinnik is no longer considered good for white. Second, 3. d4 is now considered a serious try at an advantage for White. Third, the rise of 3...e6.

3...e6 is the Icelandic-Palme gambit. After 4. dxe6 Bxe6, Black looks for attacking chances, hoping their development lead and an open position will prove an advantage.

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

1. e4 d5 2. exd6 Nf6 3. c4

When contributing to this Wikibook, please follow the Conventions for organization.