King's Pawn Game · C20
Mengarini's Opening
1. e4 e5 2. a3
In the centre, White holds e4 while Black holds e5.
The first 3 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. a3 Takes b4 away from Black's bishop. Theory calls this the Mengarini's Opening.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 38 in the King's Pawn Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.