4.Nc3: the fork trick is variation 6 of 6 in the Two Knights Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C55). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nxe4 …. Against 4.Nc3 Black can take on e4 at once. After 5.Nxe4 d5 a pawn fork wins the piece back. Black gets the two bishops and an equal, open game. 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... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
3... Nf6 – The Two Knights Defence: Black attacks e4.
4. Nc3 – White defends e4 with a knight. This is the Italian Four Knights.
4... Nxe4 – The fork trick. Black takes the pawn and will win the piece back at once.
5. Nxe4 – White takes the knight.
5... d5 – The fork. One pawn attacks the bishop and the knight at the same time.
6. Bd3 – White saves the bishop and keeps defending the knight.
6... dxe4 – Black wins the piece back.
7. Bxe4 – White takes the pawn. Material is equal.
7... Bd6 – Black develops and defends e5.
8. d4 – White opens the centre.
8... exd4 – Black takes the pawn.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM