King's Pawn Game · B07

Maróczy Defense

1. e4 d6 2. d4 e5

In the centre, White holds d4 and e4 while Black holds e5.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5. Theory calls this the Pirc Defense.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Maróczy Defense.

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