Key ideas
- The most popular reply is 2...Ne4, hitting the bishop. White chooses between 3.Bf4, 3.Bh4 (the Edge Variation) and 3.h4 (the Raptor Variation), where after 3...Nxg5 4.hxg5 White's rook gets the open h-file.
- 2...e6 (the Classical Defense) prepares to recapture on f6 with the queen, so there are no doubled pawns. White can instead play 3.e4, the Big Center Variation, and take the centre.
- Bishop against knight and doubled pawns against the bishop pair are recurring themes. When White takes on f6, it is to damage Black's structure and gain time.
- Once the c1 bishop has left, b2 is a target. ...c5 and ...Qb6 is Black's standard way to attack it.
Plans for White
Decide early whether to take on f6. Follow with e3, c3, Nd2 and Bd3 for a solid setup, or e4 and Nc3 for a sharper centre, and keep an eye on b2.
Plans for Black
Question the bishop with ...Ne4 or ...h6, attack b2 with ...c5 and ...Qb6, and use the bishop pair if White trades on f6.
Watch out
After 2...c5 3.d5 Qb6, White must deal with the threat to b2: 4.Qc1 and 4.Nd2 defend it, while 4.Nc3, the Poisoned Pawn Variation, gives it up, and after 4...Qxb2 5.Bd2 Qb6 6.e4 White has a big centre and fast development for the pawn.