Theoria
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Four Knights Game

Scotch Variation, Belgrade Gambit, Modern Defense

C47gambittactical

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.d4exd4
  5. 5.Nd5Nxe4
  6. 6.Qe2f5
405 games62%36%

Sharp line of the Belgrade Gambit in which Black props up the pinned e4 knight with 6...f5, keeping two extra pawns against White's initiative.

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About the Modern Defense

Black meets the pin on e4 with 6...f5. The move props up the knight and keeps both extra pawns, but it loosens the kingside while the e-file stays open. By far the most common reply is 7. Ng5, which piles more pressure on e4. The natural 7...Be7 then allows 8. Nxe4 fxe4 9. Qxe4 O-O 10. Bd3, where White wins back a pawn and keeps a strong attack. Engines rate the position as roughly balanced, yet White scores heavily in online games.

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