Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...c5/3. Nxe5

3. Nxe5!

In the sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 c5, the move 3. Nxe5! is a good move for White. Here's why:

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3, White is attacking the pawn on e5. If Black then plays 2...c5, this does not defend the e5 pawn. Therefore, White can capture this pawn for free with 3. Nxe5!, gaining material advantage early in the game.

This is a basic principle in chess: to take advantage of your opponent's mistakes. In this case, Black's mistake was not defending the e5 pawn, and White can capitalize on this mistake by capturing the pawn with 3. Nxe5!.3...f6

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 c5? 3. Nxe5!