ECO code: C58
Opening Name: Two Knights Defense: Morphy, Polerio Variation, 6...Bd7
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ Bd7
Description: This line arises from the aggressive Two Knights Defense, where Black challenges White’s early initiative after 4.Ng5. The move 6...Bd7 is a key defensive resource, blocking the check from White’s bishop and preparing to recapture on b5 if necessary. It also aims to maintain material balance and reduce White’s attacking prospects on the kingside.
Characteristic of the move 6...Bd7: This move is primarily a defensive measure for Black. It parries White’s check and supports the knight on a5, which puts pressure on White’s bishop and controls important squares on the queenside. It helps Black complete development and prepares to castle.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, 6...Bd7 is a defensive move, aiming to consolidate and neutralize White’s early aggression. For White, the position remains dynamic, with attacking chances centered around Black’s somewhat exposed king and the tension in the center and kingside.
Center Control: The opening contests the center actively. White’s early 4.Ng5 and 5.exd5 challenge Black’s e5 pawn, while Black’s moves like d5 and Na5 (attacking the bishop) aim to counterattack and maintain central tension. Overall, both sides fight for central influence, but Black’s move 6...Bd7 focuses more on defense and piece coordination than direct central occupation.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Two Knights: Morphy, Polerio, 6...Bd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #8 black