Reversed Krebs

The Reversed Krebs arises when Black meets the Reversed Alekhine, 2. Nf3, by advancing the e-pawn instead of exchanging on d4. The point of 2...e4 is to gain space and make White's knight move a second time, so Black recovers some of the time spent on the provocative 1...e5. The cost is that the e4-pawn becomes a fixed target. White can attack it with pieces, while Black must keep it supported or be ready to trade it off on favorable terms. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and online results are close to even, with Black scoring slightly better.

The knight has three common retreats. 3. Nfd2 is by far the most popular, putting immediate pressure on e4 while keeping the knight near the center. 3. Ne5, the Reversed Mokele Mbembe, sends the knight forward, but it can be chased again. After 3. Ne5 d6 4. Nc4 d5 Black has a comfortable game. 3. Ng1, the Reversed Brooklyn, returns the knight to its starting square and aims to redevelop it elsewhere.