Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...Nd7/4. Bc4/4...Be7/5. dxe5
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
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| Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 Be7 5. dxe5 | |
| ECO code: C41 | |
| Parent: Philidor defence → Hanham variation → 4...Be7? | |
5. dxe5
[edit | edit source]White opens the centre to capitalise on Black's passive development. This move comes with a specific tactical threat: by opening the d-file, White hopes to threaten f7, and so force Black to make material concessions.
5. dxe5?? is therefore a mistake, because it allows White to play 6. Qd5!, forming a battery and threatening Qxf7#.
5. Nxd5? is little better: after 6. Nxe5 dxe5 White could trade queens, but better is 7. Qh5 (threatening Qxf7+) g6 8. Qxe5 Nf6□, winning two pawns.
The engine line is for Black to give up on recovering the pawn for now and focus on activating their pieces.
Theory table
[edit | edit source]
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dxe5 | Qd5 | +- | ||
| dxe5 | Nxe5
dxe5 |
Qh5
g6 |
Qxe5 | +/- |
References
[edit | edit source]See also
[edit | edit source]
With 2...g6:
With other 2nd moves for Black:
Dutch defence