When white wimps out in the Petrov

As black, how do you respond to 3.Nc3?

Originally posted by Kunsoo
As black, how do you respond to 3.Nc3?

That's a wimpy move too!

Originally posted by Kunsoo
As black, how do you respond to 3.Nc3?

3... Nc6 transposing into a four knights game, where white will usually play 4. Bb5 (spanish four knights) or 4. d4 (scottish four knights)
Both openings arent extremely dangerous for black though

3. ..... Nc6 seems to be the only reply at the GM level.

Originally posted by sannevssr
3... Nc6 transposing into a four knights game, where white will usually play 4. Bb5 (spanish four knights) or 4. d4 (scottish four knights)
Both openings arent extremely dangerous for black though

This has been my experience on this site. I find the scottish a little harder to deal with than the spanish. I have also seen 4. Bc4 a lot when Nxe4 gives black a good game.

Originally posted by gambit3
3. ..... Nc6 seems to be the only reply at the GM level.

3....Bb4 is playable too.

How about 3...d5?

Originally posted by Korch
3....Bb4 is playable too.

agreed

Originally posted by sannevssr
3... Nc6 transposing into a four knights game, where white will usually play 4. Bb5 (spanish four knights) or 4. d4 (scottish four knights)
Both openings arent extremely dangerous for black though

After 3. ... Nc6 4. Nxe5 (Halloween gambit) is also possible, which definitely is dangerous for black.

Originally posted by DeepThought
After 3. ... Nc6 4. Nxe5 (Halloween gambit) is also possible, which definitely is dangerous for black.

In my opinion Halloween gambit is harmless if black know how to play.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.Nxe5 Nxe5 5.d4 Nc6 6.d5 Ne5 7.f4 Ng6 8.e5 black can play 8...Bb4! giving back extra piece, for obviously better position.

Originally posted by Kunsoo
As black, how do you respond to 3.Nc3?

I transpose into the Lion defense...

1.e4 ..e5
2.Nf3 ..Nf6
3.Nc3 ..d6
4.d4 ..Nd7

From here the opening spiral into multiple variations but by far the most common response is 5.Bc4 at which point you must play 5..h6. This opening is NOT for the uninitiated!! You need to study some theory as you can get quite cramped if you're not careful. This transposition works for me as I have played the Lion for about 3 years now. I think the four knights is more common... 😉

Originally posted by Korch
3....Bb4 is playable too.

The move that I offered was from a data base of GM games. I only looked at the names I knew such as Karpov, Shirov, ect. I did not see 3. .... Bb4. 3. ... Bb4 is a move I would prefer because I do not like the Four Knights or Two knights for that matter.

I have a book that say black eqaulizes after 3....d5

Originally posted by Korch
3....Bb4 is playable too.

Give me the line after:

3...Bb4 4.Nxe5 ____

Would you play 3...Bb4 or 3...Nc6?

Originally posted by rotk
I have a book that say black eqaulizes after 3....d5

That's the move I would lean towards.