King's Pawn Game · C20

MacLeod Attack, Norwalde Gambit

1. e4 e5 2. c3 d5 3. Qh5 Bd6

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. Black's pawn on f7 is pinned against the king.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. c3 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the MacLeod Attack.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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