Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Bc5/3. Nxe5

3. Nxe5

In the sequence 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Bc5, the move 3.Nxe5 is a pawn capture by the white knight. This move is part of a strategy where white aims to gain material advantage early in the game. However, this move can lead to a complex situation.

After 3.Nxe5, black can respond with 3...Bxf2+, a counter-attack that targets the white king¹. This move forces the white king to capture the bishop on f2 (4.Kxf2), leaving the king exposed and potentially vulnerable to further attacks¹.

However, white has options to handle this situation. One way is to play 3.Nc3 instead of 3.Nxe5 if they don't want to take the pawn¹. This move protects the pawn on e4, so if black attacks the pawn and plays Qh4, the pawn on e4 is protected¹.

Another way to prevent this is to keep the knight on f3 to defend the h4 square against the queen, or advancing the g-pawn to g3 (with the intention of a fianchetto)¹.

It's important to note that chess is a game of strategy and every move has potential consequences. The move 3.Nxe5 can lead to interesting and complex positions, and it's up to the player's judgment to decide whether this move aligns with their overall game strategy.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Bc5 3.Nxe5