Petrov's Defense: Paulsen Attack

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nc4 · ECO C42 · Black to move

1 of 6
Track this line:

What Petrov's Defense: Paulsen Attack puts on the board

White has a one-pawn material edge; black is to move.

White has central pawns on e4.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The e-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders