Amazon-Attack: Early Queen Attack in Chess

Amazon-Attack

Definition

The Amazon-Attack is an informal name used by some players and databases for offbeat opening attempts in which the queen charges out very early—often to h5—to launch a direct assault on the opponent’s king before development has finished. The most common move orders associated with the term are 1. e4 followed by an immediate Qh5 against ...e5 or ...c5 (the Sicilian). While not a standardized, universally recognized opening name, “Amazon-Attack” broadly captures the idea of an aggressive early-queen foray designed to provoke weaknesses and tactical mistakes.

The nickname evokes the “Amazon,” a powerful fairy-chess piece that combines the moves of a queen and a knight. In practical chess, an early queen joined by a knight can create threats reminiscent of that combined power—but this approach runs counter to classical principles and is objectively dubious at master level.

How it is used in chess

In practice, the Amazon-Attack appears most often in rapid and blitz games as a surprise weapon. Typical ideas include:

• Qh5 aiming at f7/f2, sometimes combined with Bc4 or Ng5 to create immediate mates or tactical forks.
• Provoking pawn moves like ...g6 and ...h6 to induce structural weaknesses or dark-square holes.
• Relying on opponent inaccuracy; if the defender knows standard refutations, the early queen usually becomes a target.

From the defender’s perspective, the plan is simple: develop with tempo by hitting the queen (...Nc6, ...Nf6, ...g6), occupy the center, and catch up on (or seize) development while the attacker loses time retreating the queen.

Strategic and historical significance

Strategically, the Amazon-Attack is a case study in the principles of development and time. Bringing the queen out too early invites harassment and loss of tempo. This is why classical teaching discourages early queen sorties unless they create concrete, forcing gains. The line’s enduring popularity in casual and fast chess formats stems from its trap potential: it can punish careless replies very quickly.

Historically, early-queen attacks have appeared since the Romantic era, and you’ll see related ideas in patterns like the Wayward Queen approach (2. Qh5 against 1...e5). Naming conventions vary across sources; some databases label 1. e4 c5 2. Qh5 as “Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack,” but the terminology is far from universal.

Typical move orders

• 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5?! intending Bc4 and a quick strike on f7.
• 1. e4 c5 2. Qh5?! trying to pick off c5 or provoke ...g6 at an early stage.

In both cases, “?!” reflects that the move is provocative and risky: it can work against unprepared opponents, but sound defense usually neutralizes it and gains time.

Typical ideas for the attacker (pros and cons)

• Pros:
  • Immediate pressure on sensitive squares (f7/f2).
  • Potential to induce weakening pawn moves (...g6, ...h6).
  • Practical effectiveness in blitz/rapid versus unprepared opponents.
• Cons:
  • Violates development principles; the queen becomes a target.
  • Defender gains tempi by attacking the queen with developing moves.
  • Often leads to an inferior middlegame if the early attack is repelled.

How to play against it

• Develop with tempo: ...Nc6 and ...Nf6 hit the queen while helping you castle.
• Challenge the center: ...d5 or ...e5/e6 (for Black) or analogous central breaks for White if facing a mirrored idea.
• Avoid the one big blunder: after 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4, do not play 3...Nf6?? because 4. Qxf7# is mate.
• Don’t overreact with weakening pawn moves; prioritize safe development and king safety.

Examples

1) A classic cheapo that shows why this approach can be dangerous if Black is careless. White threatens f7 after planting the queen on h5 and bishop on c4:

Position after 3. Bc4: White’s queen on h5 and bishop on c4 both target f7; Black is uncastled and must avoid ...Nf6.

2) A more typical outcome against the Sicilian where Black gains tempi and central control after the premature queen foray:

After 1. e4 c5 2. Qh5, Black plays ...Nf6 hitting the queen; if White grabs on c5, Black strikes in the center and out-develops.

Interesting facts and anecdotes

• The name “Amazon” also denotes a fairy-chess piece that combines a queen’s and knight’s powers. The queen-and-knight duo in standard chess can sometimes mimic this dominance, which is one reason the label “Amazon-Attack” resonates with the motif of an early queen supported by a knight (e.g., ideas with Qh5 and Ng5).
• Naming in offbeat openings is inconsistent. You may see the same early-queen ideas recorded as the “Wayward Queen Attack” against 1...e5, while some sources specifically use “Amazon Attack” when it’s aimed at the Sicilian (1. e4 c5 2. Qh5).
• Educationally, the line is valuable for both sides: attackers learn to calculate forcing moves around f7/f2, while defenders practice gaining tempi and converting a lead in development.

Related terms

• Wayward Queen Attack
• Queen and Knight coordination
• Fairy chess “Amazon” piece (queen + knight power)