In this post we consider the American Defense, which is characterized by the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nf6.
The standard line covered in most chess books is 3. cxd5 Nxd5 4. Nf3 since this is considered to lead to an advantage for white. However, most books underestimate the number of options at black’s disposal. And keep in mind this is a defense that you are rarely going to run into.
If you’re a typical chess player who plays 1. d4, you’ve spent a lot of time studying all kinds of standard openings arising from 1. d4 d5. But you may not recall all the intricacies of the American Defense, nor is it worthwhile for 98.5% of chess players to spend a lot of time studying these variations.
Instead of 3. cxd5 consider steering the game back into standard lines. White has two alternatives to 3. cxd5 that are worth considering: 3. Nf3 and 3. Nc3.
3. Nf3 and now 3. … c6 and 3. … e6 and 3. … dxc4 transpose to common openings. Likewise, 3. Nc3 and now 3. … g6 and 3. … e6 and 3. … c6 transpose to common openings. Most players who play the American Defense won’t play 3. … dxc4 but you never know if you’re playing against someone who specializes in the QGA. Preparing a few lines for this situation could be time well spent.