3...Nf6 4.dxe5 Nxe4: the early capture is variation 4 of 6 in the Philidor Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C41). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5 Nxe4 …. White takes on e5 at once. Black must take back on e4 with the knight, not on e5 with the pawn. After 5.exd6 Bxd6 Black develops fast and the game is equal. 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... d6 – Black defends e5 with a pawn.
3. d4 – White attacks e5 again.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
4. dxe5 – White takes on e5 at once.
4... Nxe4 – The right answer. The knight takes the e4 pawn.
5. exd6 – White takes the d6 pawn.
5... Bxd6 – Black takes back and develops the bishop.
6. Bd3 – White develops and attacks the e4 knight.
6... Nc5 – The knight steps back and attacks the d3 bishop.
7. Be2 – White keeps the bishop.
7... O-O – Black castles. The king is safe.
8. O-O – White castles too.
8... Nc6 – Black develops the second knight.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM