Opening Fork Trick

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Nxe4 d5, I read that black has an advantage, but what is it? Does it apply to other similar positions?

Originally posted by Dejection
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Nxe4 d5, I read that black has an advantage, but what is it? Does it apply to other similar positions?

there is also a line in the ruy lopez

Originally posted by Dejection
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Nxe4 d5, I read that black has an advantage, but what is it? Does it apply to other similar positions?

His advantage is that after 5. Bxd5 (to equalize material) Qxd5 black is the only one with a central pawn, so he immediately occupies and controls more of the center. Also his Q is strongly posted on the central d5 where it can not easily be chased away. And lastly, black now has the B pair on an open board.

White can also try instead 4. Bxf7+ Kxf7 but this isn't any better since black's K is in no danger in this particular position and the f7 pawn is worth less than the d pawn.

Originally posted by Dejection
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Nxe4 d5, I read that black has an advantage, but what is it? Does it apply to other similar positions?

4.Qh5 is the critical line.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Nxe4!? 5.Nxe4? d5