Theoria
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Italian Game

Two Knights Defense, Paoli Variation

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bc4Nf6
  4. 4.Ng5d5
  5. 5.exd5Na5
  6. 6.Bb5+c6
  7. 7.dxc6bxc6
  8. 8.Qf3Qc7
  9. 9.Bd3
44 games59%36%

A Two Knights Defense line in which White meets the Polerio Defense with 8. Qf3 and, after 8...Qc7, retreats the bishop to d3 to keep the extra pawn.

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About the Paoli Variation

The Paoli Variation arises from the 8. Qf3 line of the Polerio Defense. That move pins the c6-pawn, since ...cxb5 would allow Qxa8, and Nigel Short's win over Mark Hebden made it popular. After 8...Qc7, 9. Bd3 withdraws the attacked bishop, leaving White a pawn up while Black keeps a lead in development. The usual replies are 9...h6, 9...Bd6 and 9...Be7. The engine gives White a slight edge and prefers 9...Bg4 for Black.

Popular continuations