Kangaroo Defense · A40

Main line

1. d4 e6 2. c4 Bb4+

In the centre, White holds d4.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Horwitz Defense.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
• 2... Bb4+ Check from the bishop on b4 - White has to answer with Bd2, Nc3, Nd2 or Qd2. Theory calls this the Kangaroo Defense.

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