3.Nc3: into the Four Knights is variation 5 of 6 in the Petroff Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO C47). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. d4 exd4 …. White defends e4 with 3.Nc3. Black answers 3...Nc6, and the game becomes a Four Knights Game. After 4.d4 Black takes, pins the c3 knight and builds a strong pawn on d5. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nf6 – The Petroff: Black attacks e4 in return.
3. Nc3 – White defends e4 with the knight instead of taking on e5.
3... Nc6 – Black defends e5 and develops. Now it is the Four Knights Game, a calm and solid opening.
4. d4 – The Scotch Four Knights. White opens the centre.
4... exd4 – Black takes the pawn. Now e4 is White's only centre pawn.
5. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight.
5... Bb4 – The bishop pins the c3 knight, which guards e4.
6. Nxc6 – White trades on c6 and gets ready to defend e4 with Bd3.
6... bxc6 – Black takes back toward the centre. The b-file opens for Black's rook.
7. Bd3 – The bishop defends e4 and clears the way for castling.
7... d5 – Black strikes in the centre and frees the c8 bishop.
8. exd5 – White trades the centre pawn.
8... cxd5 – Black takes back and now has a strong pawn on d5.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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