Pin Variation, Jaffe Variation

The Jaffe Variation answers the quiet 6. Bd3 with 6...e5. The move gains time against the d4-knight and stakes out central space, while the pin on c3 keeps up the pressure on e4. The price is a lasting hole on d5 and a backward d-pawn on the half-open file. White's most common reply is 7. Nf5. Among the main choices, 7. Nf3 scores best for White in practice, and 7. Ne2 is among the engine's preferred moves. The engine gives White a slight edge.