(1) The Open Variation [C80]

In the Open Variation, Black captures the e4-pawn, giving up the pawn ate e5 in return. The Knight has a powerful post at e4, controlling important squares such as d2 and f2. On the other hand, White can create pressure at d5, and has a variety of attacking plans. Viktor Korchnoi has long bee a leading advocate of the Black side. Bent Larsen was also known for his aggressive handling of the defense. More recently, Viswanathan Anand has taken up the torch.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4