2

I had the following in a game


  [FEN ""]
1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 d5

expecting White to follow with Nc3 leading to the Two Knight's Variation of the French

Instead, the game continuing with:


  [FEN ""]
1. e4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4

transposing, I guess to some form of the exchange variation although the typical "exchange variation" happens in the French's main line: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5. Anyhow, is there a name for this opening and how should Black continue? (e.g. with 4....Bb4+ maybe?). Alternatively, might there be any merit in the adventurous 3...Qxd5 which loses a tempo for Black if followed by 4.Nc3?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
5

The game has transposed to a standard exchange variation, a variation pretty well explained on Wikipedia. You could try a setup with 4... Bd6, 5... Ne7, with the idea that if white puts his best bishop on Bd3, you can play Bf5 to change it off. Black is very comfortable.

The move 4... Bb4+ is not to be recommended, since it only helps white, giving them the free move 5.c3.

3...Qxd5 should be avoided since in the Scandinavian positions that arise, it is important to develop the c8 bishop before playing e6.

Improve this answer
2
  • I like the idea of exchanging Black's bad bishop for White's good bishop. However, and not wanting to be pedantic I still maintain that the game has not transposed to the standard exchange variation as White does not have a knight in f3 in the standard exchange.
    – Marcus Junius Brutus
    Commented Feb 1, 2014 at 17:27
  • @MarcusJuniusBrutus, it has transposed to the French Exchange where White has opted for 4.Nf3 instead of 4.Bd3. I find 38,649 games in my database that reach the position after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 exd5. While 4.Bd3 is the most popular next move (played 42.2% of the time), 4.Nf3 is second (played 34.8% of the time), with all other choices well behind. So Dag's referring to this position as "a standard exchange variation" seems accurate.
    – ETD
    Commented Feb 1, 2014 at 21:58

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.