Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...f6/3. Nxe5

3. Nxe5!! - Damiano Defence
The critical move that refutes the Damiano Defense after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f6? is '''3. Nxe5!!''' This move allows White to seize a pawn and gain a tempo, instantly activating White's pieces.

If Black takes back with 3... fxe5?, Black would be struck with the move 4. Qh5+ and after 4... g6, White wins the exchange with 5. Qxe5+ and then 6. Qxh8. (You may refer to the Sample Game).

When Black responds with 3... Qe7, the most resilient move in this situation, The only way to regain the pawn is 3...Qe7, but after 4. Nf3 Qxe4+ 5. Be2, white would have a large lead in development with no weaknesses. This sequence results in a substantial lead in development for White and greater control of the board. The underlying issue for Black in the Damiano Defense is the hindrance of piece development, especially the knight, which is blocked from its natural square at f6 by the pawn moved to f6. This results in a compromised kingside defense for Black.

Theory table
'''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f6? 3. Nxe5!'''