King's Pawn Game: Napoleon Attack

King's Pawn Game: Napoleon Attack

Definition

The Napoleon Attack is a sub-variation of the King’s Pawn Game that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Qf3. By bringing the queen out on move two, White eyes the vulnerable f7-square, hinting at a possible Scholar’s-Mate idea with Bc4 and Qxf7#. In modern theory the line is considered dubious because the premature queen sortie allows Black easy development with tempo-gaining moves such as …Nc6, …Nf6, or …d5. The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) classifies it under code C20.

Typical Move Order

Most games begin:

1. e4  e5
2. Qf3 (Napoleon Attack)

After 2.Qf3, some of Black’s most reliable replies are

• 2…Nc6 – developing with tempo and preparing …Nf6.
• 2…Nf6 – immediately counter-attacking e4.
• 2…d5 3.exd5 Nf6 – opening the centre while gaining time on the queen.

Strategic Ideas for White

• Target f7 with Bc4 and Qxf7#, hoping to catch an inattentive opponent.
• Maintain the e-pawn with d3 or Nc3 so that the queen is not harassed by an …Nf6 fork.
• Quickly castle kingside (usually with g1-knight going to e2 or h3) to avoid tactical shots against an exposed king and queen.

Strategic Ideas for Black

• Develop pieces while attacking the queen: …Nc6, …Nf6, and …d5 often come with tempo.
• Control the centre; after gaining time on the queen, Black can seize the initiative with …d5 or …f5.
• Aim for rapid castling and open lines—White’s misplaced queen can become a tactical liability.

Common Tactical Motifs

• Tempo-gaining knight moves: …Nc6 and …Nf6 force the white queen to find safety or guard the e4-pawn.
• Counter-strike …d5: Exploits the queen on f3 by opening the centre and revealing threats along the a5–e1 or c8–h3 diagonals.
• Traps vs. inattentive Black: If Black forgets about f7, White can still deliver a Scholar-Mate in four moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Qf3 Nc6? 3.Bc4 Nd4?? 4.Qxf7#.

Historical Background

The line is named after Napoléon Bonaparte, who allegedly used it in casual games in the early 19th century. While the authenticity of many “Napoleon” scores is debated, the romantic association stuck. The opening later became a favourite of coffee-house players seeking quick tactical shots, but it never gained respect in top-level practice.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Below is a short, representative skirmish:

Black’s simple development leaves White’s queen awkwardly placed, while Black enjoys harmonious piece activity.

Famous (or Infamous) Examples

• Napoléon Bonaparte – Count Berthier, Paris 1804 – One of the earliest recorded uses; although historical accuracy is questioned, the game features the classic 2.Qf3 idea followed by a swift attack on f7.
• Anderssen – Unknown, Breslau 1851 – Anderssen demonstrates Black’s refutation with …d5, highlighting the fragility of early queen adventures.

Modern Evaluation

Contemporary engines and theory rate the Napoleon Attack as =/- (slightly better for Black). At master level it is rarely seen, but it remains a useful opening to study for

• Understanding the dangers of premature queen development.
• Practicing central counter-punches like …d5.
• Learning to exploit (or defend) Scholar-Mate threats in scholastic play.

Interesting Facts

• The ECO code C20 groups many offbeat 2nd-move sidelines after 1.e4 e5; the Napoleon Attack is one of the few with its own celebrity name.
• “Napoleon Opening” is sometimes used as a humorous label for any unsound queen adventure early in the game.
• The line is a favorite in online bullet chess, where pragmatic traps can outweigh strategic drawbacks.

Practical Tips

1. As White, be ready to retreat the queen promptly—do not cling to f3 if Black gains tempi.
2. As Black, strike the centre immediately with …d5 or …Nf6; do not waste time guarding f7 with passive moves like …Ke7.
3. Study the refutation lines so you can punish the opening without falling into Scholar-Mate.