Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Modern Variation

Recapturing with the knight on move six, instead of with the e-pawn as in the Classical Variation, leaves the b7-bishop's diagonal unobstructed and sets Black's e6-pawn against White's d4, with half-open c- and d-files. White's most frequent choice is 7. Qc2, the Kasparov Attack, followed by 7. e3, the Petrosian Attack, which scores better for White. The pawn offer 7. e4, the Polovodin Gambit, is rarer. The engine rates the position roughly balanced, and Black scores slightly better overall in the database.