This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7
This variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Nd7. Black's 5...Nd7 is a key defensive resource designed to challenge White’s centralized knight on e5 and to support Black's control of the center.
Characteristic of this move: The move 5...Nd7 is thematic in the Russian Game, aiming to undermine White's strong knight on e5 while preparing to recapture on e5 with the knight if exchanged. It also helps Black maintain a solid pawn structure and supports the central tension between pawns and pieces.
Attacking or defensive: From Black’s perspective, this move is mainly defensive, focusing on neutralizing White’s central presence and stabilizing the position. For White, the setup is more attacking as White tries to maintain pressure in the center and leverage piece activity.
Center control: This opening strongly contests the center. Both sides actively fight for central squares—White with pawns and pieces aiming to maintain a foothold, and Black using timely piece moves like 5...Nd7 to challenge and counterattack in the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #8 black
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.