73 English Rat - 2 c4 3 Nc3

73 - Updated 11 November 2025

In the English Rat (1 d4 e6 2 c4 e5), 3 Nc3 is the popular choice against me. I should mention, this line is also possible from the English Opening, via 1 c4 e5 2 Nc3 d6 3 d4. Regardless, I think Black has good play after 3..exd4 4 Qxd4 Nc6, gaining a tempo on the White queen.

Good Chess! Keith