8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Start
Starting position
Start
1. e4
e6
2. d4
d5
3. e5
About This Opening
A solid, strategic defense that creates a strong pawn chain. Favored by positional players.
Why Play It?
Very solid structure. Black can counter-attack the center with c5 and f6 later.
Key Ideas
- Build a strong pawn chain e6-d5
- Challenge White's center with c5
- The light-squared bishop is often a problem piece
- Break with f6 in the endgame