Two Knights Defense (for Black)

The Two Knights Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6) is Black's most active answer to the Italian Game: instead of copying White, Black develops the king's knight and counterattacks the e4 pawn.

The principle

Black puts pressure on White's center right away. White must choose: play calmly and protect the e4 pawn, or attack the f7 square.

The main line: the slow Italian

4.d3 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.Re1 d6 7.a4 Na5 8.Ba2 c5. White protects the pawn and maneuvers; Black chases the bishop and gains queenside space. This is the most popular line today.

Main variations

• Polerio Defense: 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 6.Bb5+ c6 7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Be2 h6 9.Nf3 e4 10.Ne5 Bd6. Black sacrifices a pawn for quick development: this is the right way to meet the attack on f7.
• Scotch Gambit: 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1 d5 7.Bxd5 Qxd5 8.Nc3 Qa5 9.Nxe4 Be6. A very open game in which Black returns material at the right moment.

Typical mistakes

Against the knight attack on f7, taking back the d5 pawn with the knight is tempting but dangerous: White can sacrifice on f7 and attack the king. Remember the knight jump to a5 instead.

Coach's advice

The Two Knights is perfect if you like active play with Black. Remember the Polerio Defense against the attack on f7. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.Re1 d6 7.a4 Na5 8.Ba2 c5