Chess Opening Theory/1. Nc3/1...Nc6

2...Nc6 is a double van geet. Black responds to Nc3 with symmetry. With d4 d5, one can enter a closed opening. Yes, in closed openings it is bad to block the c2-pawn (c7), but since it is blocked for both White and Black, the game is equal. e4 e5 tranposes to the Max Lenge Defense. Nf3 is a very flexible continuation. The game can continue: 2...e5, 2...d5, 2...Nf6, 2...e6, 2...g6. e3 and d3 seem passive at first glance, but this is not so. There is also the move g3, also normal. b3?! allows Black to capture the center and capture the c3-knight.