Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e6/2. d4/2...d5/3. exd5/3...exd5

=Exchange Variation= After Black's natural response (exd5) there is a symmetric position on the board, and whatever kind of an advantage White hopes to get from their next moves Black can usually attain that very same kind of an advantage in response, by simply copying White's moves. Although this variation has a reputation of being dull and drawish, both White and Black players have found ways to unbalance the game. This is namely done by White if they choose to play with an isolated d-pawn in exchange for some space advantage, in which case White can play 4.c4. The traditional approach, however, is rapid development by playing moves like 4.Bd3, 4.Nf3 or - in case White prefers castling to the queenside - 4.Be3.

Theory table
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