Two Knights Variation

The idea

After 4.Nf3, White has both knights out and a classical center. Black can transpose to the Pirc with 4...Nf6, or keep the Modern character with 4...c6, the Suttles Variation, or 4...a6.

Plans for White

Develop with Be2 or Be3, castle, and keep the center. h3 can stop ...Bg4. White's position is easy to play, and the space advantage lets White prepare e5 or a kingside attack without hurrying.

Plans for Black

Play ...c6 and ...b5, or ...a6 and ...b5, for queenside space, or ...Bg4 to pressure d4. Black wants to make White commit before choosing where to break, with ...c5 or ...e5.

Watch out for

For Black, the pin idea ...Bg4. Trading the bishop on f3 can ease Black's game, but it gives White the bishop pair, so make sure it's worth it.

For White, the queenside. Black's ...b5 and ...b4 can hit the knight on c3 and the e4 pawn.