Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nf6/3. Nxe5

=Petrov Defence=

3. Nxe5
Black has to drive the white knight away before attacking.
 * The natural move /3...Nxe4/ is a bad move, containing a deadly trap and variations that put White into a superior position. After White plays 4. Qe2, Black loses a pawn after 4... d5 or 4... d6, and 4... Nf6?? is a blunder that loses a queen. 4... Qe7 is the best move after which Black will likely win back the pawn, but White retains a stable advantage larger than the main line.
 * /3...d6/ is the main line.
 * /3...Nc6/ the Stafford Gambit

=Theory table= .

'''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5'''