Kings Pawn Opening MacLeod Attack

King's Pawn Opening: MacLeod Attack (1. e4 e5 2. c3)

Definition

The MacLeod Attack is a sideline of the King’s Pawn Game that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. c3. By advancing the c-pawn on the second move, White prepares the central thrust d4, aiming to establish a broad pawn duo (c3–d4–e4) while sidestepping the heavily analysed Ruy Lopez, Italian, and Scotch openings that follow 2.Nf3.

Historical Background

The line is named after the Canadian-born master Nicholas MacLeod (1870 – 1965), who championed the idea in the late 19^th century to avoid his opponents’ preparation in mainline Open Games. Although never part of elite opening repertoire, it has periodically resurfaced as a surprise weapon, especially in club and rapid play.

Typical Move Order & Plans

After 1.e4 e5 2.c3, the game can branch in several directions:

• 2…d5 – Black immediately challenges the centre. Play may continue 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 exd4 5.cxd4, when White has an isolated d-pawn but rapid development.
• 2…Nf6 – Preparing …d5 while attacking e4. After 3.d4 Nxe4?! 4.Qe2 White already threatens mate on e5, a common trap.
• 2…Nc6 – A flexible reply; now 3.d4 d5 4.dxe5 often resembles a French Exchange structure with colours reversed.

Strategic Themes

• Central Expansion: The move c3 supports d4, emulating a delayed Advance variation of the French with an extra tempo.
• Flexibility: Depending on Black’s second move, White can choose between quiet development (Nf3, d3) or sharper gambits (d4, exd5).
• Surprise Value: Because it is rarely encountered in top-level play, even experienced opponents may be uncertain of exact move-order subtleties.

Model Game

A short but instructive miniature played by the opening’s namesake:

MacLeod quickly achieves his ideal pawn center. After 13.Bd3 White enjoys a space advantage and easier development, illustrating the opening’s core idea.

Modern Usage

The MacLeod Attack surfaces occasionally in blitz and correspondence chess as a transpositional tool:

1. Transposing to the Ponziani: 1.e4 e5 2.c3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.d4! reaches a Ponziani-type structure without allowing Black the ultra-solid 2…Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6 move order.
2. Anti-Petroff Try: After 2…Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4?! 4.Qe2 White wins back the pawn with pressure on e5 and a lead in development.

Notable Facts

• Because it begins with 2.c3, some databases list it under "Centre Opening: MacLeod Attack" while others group it as a King’s Pawn Game sub-variation (ECO C20).
• GM Baadur Jobava used the set-up successfully in online speed chess, demonstrating its viability even at 2700+ level.
• Nicholas MacLeod himself was a prodigy, winning the Canadian Championship at age 16 and later defeating Emanuel Lasker in a casual game—hence the early naming honour.

When to Play It

Choose the MacLeod Attack if you:

• Want a sound, off-beat alternative to mainstream 2.Nf3 lines.
• Enjoy steering the game toward French-style pawn structures with reversed colours and extra space.
• Prefer to keep theory light while retaining positional solidity.