Openings
- Chess Atlas Subsections
- VOL. I • Chess HistoryFrom Chaturanga to Neural Engines
- VOL. II • Classic ChessPieces, Notation & Rules
- VOL. III • Legendary PlayersPantheon of Chess Immortals
- VOL. IV • Great GamesInteractive game studies
- VOL. V • OpeningsOriginal CAISSORA Opening Articles
- VOL. VI • Tactics & StrategyForks, Pins & Board Geometry
Paleface Attack
A pawn that takes a square from its own knight
- Offbeat
1.d4 Nf6 2.f3. White prepares e2-e4 and a broad pawn centre. The price: the f3 pawn takes the best square from the g1 knight and loosens the e1-h4 diagonal. It is a rare, offbeat answer to 1…Nf6, and most often it is played for gambit positions, where White gives a pawn for development and attacking chances.
5.Nxf3
Moves
(9 plies • 5 moves)- 1–5moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
Defining move
2.f3 — the pawn moves, the knight waits
The move the whole idea rests on
The f3 pawn supports e4 and keeps Black's knight off that square. But development is put off, and the g1 knight must find another route. If e2-e4 does not work, White is left with an odd set-up. And after e4 White is usually playing a gambit.
Tabiya
The Blackmar–Diemer Gambit by transposition
White has given a pawn and got quick development, the open e- and f-files and hopes of an attack. This is the position of the well-known Blackmar–Diemer Gambit, reached by this route. Black has to develop without losses and test whether White's compensation is enough. White must not let the extra pawn be held in peace.
White’s plan
- Build the centre with e2-e4 and develop with tempo.
- Use the open e- and f-files for an attack.
- Castle quickly and do not leave the king on the loosened diagonal.
Black’s plan
- Take the centre with …d5 and do not let White set up pawns on e4 and d4 easily.
- Develop calmly and test whether White's compensation is enough.
- Remember the weak e1-h4 diagonal: Black's queen can be useful there.
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