Chess Analysis Move by Move: 1...d5 (D00: Double Queen Pawn Opening)

 1...d5 (D00: Double Queen Pawn Opening)

Why play d4 d5 Queen Pawn Opening?

  • This position can be reached by 1.d4 d5.
  • Essentially, black trying to gain same advantage like White by moving pawn in front of queen.
  • Also, by playing 1...d5 Black trying to discourage White to play 2.e4.
  • Because if White insisted playing 2.e4, then Black capture e pawn with 2...dxe4 gaining free pawn.
  • The result of 2...dxe4 lead to Blackmar-Diemer Gambit position.
  • Blackmar-Diemer Gambit is gambit move, in which White offer free pawn for quick development and aggressive attacking chance.
  • Blackmar-Diemer Gambit is considered too risky if played in professional level.
  • But, it can be used as surprise weapon against unprepared opponent.


White responses

2.c4 (D06: Queen Gambit)

1.d4 d5 2.c4 Queen Gambit

  • By seeing Black last move, White conclude that Black plan is to control the center square and discourage White to play 2.e4 immediately.
  • So, White trying to interfere Black plan by offering c pawn for free.
  • If Black capture c pawn, then Black plan ruined.
  • Because, Black release his/her control in the center square (Black pawn didn't guard e4 square anymore and his/her pawn move into c file ) and White has chance again to play e4 immediately.
  • If Black didn't capture c pawn, then Black need to protect d pawn from possible capture by White in the next move.

2.Nf3 (D02: Queen Pawn Game, Nf3)

  • White develop Knight into best starting development square while at the same time moving piece required to castle in the kingside.
  • White Knight guard center square (e5 square).
  • Also, it give protection to pawn in d4 square.
  • This move very flexible and can lead into Queen Gambit, London System or Colle System.

2.Bg5 (D00: Levitsky Attack)

  • Since Black last move discourage White to play 2.e4 immediately, therefore White playing 2.Bg5 instead.
  • By playing 2.Bg5, White try to pinning e pawn against Black Queen.
  • Pin is chess tactic which put opponent piece in a situation should not move or it will risk more valuable piece captured.
  • In this position e pawn should not move or it will risk Black Queen captured by White.
  • To nullify Levitsky Attack, Black can play h6.
  • If White continue attack e pawn by playing 3.Bh4, then Black can play 3...c6 followed by Qb6, in order to counter attack against White by attacking b pawn.  

2.Bf4 (D00: Mason Variation/London System)

  • White using his/her bishop in order to guard center square (e5 square) and g3-c7 diagonal.
  • This move has another name and best known as London System.
  • London System is system in which White develop his pieces regardless Black response.
  • White sequence move in London System either by playing 1.d4 2.Bf4 or 1.d4 2.Nf3 and 3.Bf4.

2.e4 (D00: Blackmar-Diemer Gambit)

  • White insist to playing 2.e4 immediately regardless Black discourage it.
  • White plan by playing this move is offering free pawn to Black in exchange for quick development and aggressive attacking chance.
  • Blackmar-Diemer Gambit is considered too risky if played in professional level.
  • But, it can be used as surprise weapon against unprepared opponent.