Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...Nf6/3. d4

3. d4!?
The Ponziani-Urusov Gambit is a line in which White sacrifices a pawn early in the game. White will occupy the centre at the beginning of the game and challenge Black’s central control.

Black strongest and natural response is to accept the gambit with 3...exd4. If Black try to transpose to the Two Knights Defence with 3...Nc6?!, then White have 4. d5!, which prevent entering in that Defence and will struggle the Black position.

Theory table
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'''1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d4!?'''