Chess Opening Tutorial : English - 1...e5

2.Nc3 d6++

Since White threatens nothing after 2.Nc3, shown in the diagram, Black has more options than developing one of the Knights.

2...d6 is a flexible move which can easily transpose into other opening systems like the Dutch (after ...f5) or the Old Indian (after d2-d4).

• 3.Nf3 f5 (3...Bg4) 4.d4 e4 5.Ng5.
• 3.g3 Nc6 (3...g6) 4.Bg2 and Black has a free hand in the development of the Kingside.
• 3.d4 exd4 4.Qxd4 Nc6 5.Qd2 is interesting.

If 2...Bb4, White again has many possible moves.

• 3.g3 Bxc3 4.bxc3, capturing toward the center, of course!
• 3.Qb3 or 3.Qc2.
• 3.Nd5 Ba5 4.Nf3. Black doesn't worry about 4.b4 c6 (or 4...Bb6 5.c5 c6).
• 3.Nf3 and 3.e3.

2...f5 is also likely to steer into a Dutch system.

Index: Chess Opening Tutorial : English - 1...e5

1. Introduction
2. Reversed Sicilian
3. 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 d5
4. 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4
5. 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.e3
6. 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4++ (plus 4.g3 Nd4++)
7. 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3
8. 2.Nc3 Nc6
9. 2.Nc3 d6++
10. 2.g3