Sicilian Defense · B21

McDonnell Attack, Tal Gambit

1. e4 c5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 Nf6

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. f4 Fights for e5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the McDonnell Attack.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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