Wayward Queen Attack: Definition & Concepts
Wayward Queen Attack
Definition
The Wayward Queen Attack is an aggressive opening system for White that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 (or, against other Black replies, 2. Qh5 immediately after 1. e4). White violates classical opening principles by developing the queen far too early and aims at two immediate threats:
- Qxe5, winning the e5-pawn
- Qxf7#, the so-called “Scholar’s Mate” checkmate on f7
The line is also known as the Danvers Opening or, less commonly, the Patzer Opening.
Typical Usage and Practical Aims
In rapid, blitz, and club play, the Wayward Queen Attack is a psychological weapon. White hopes to:
- Catch an unprepared or inexperienced opponent in a quick tactical trap
- Force Black to spend time defending against an immediate mate threat, thereby falling behind in development
- Steer the game into unfamiliar territory where typical opening theory is sparse
At master level, however, the line is considered objectively dubious because Black can achieve a comfortable—and sometimes superior—position with accurate defense.
Main Defensive Ideas for Black
- 2…Nc6!—The most popular and reliable response, covering e5 and preparing …Nf6 to chase the queen.
- 2…Nf6—Attacks the queen immediately; after 3.Qxe5+ Be7! Black gains tempo.
- 2…d6—Reinforces the e5-pawn and opens a diagonal for the light-squared bishop.
Strategic and Historical Significance
While rarely seen in elite classical games, the Wayward Queen Attack has educational value:
- It illustrates why premature queen sorties can be punished with tempo-gaining moves.
- It provides a concrete example of the importance of the f7 (or f2) pawn in early-game mating threats.
- It demonstrates common defensive motifs such as developing while counter-attacking.
Historically, the opening dates back to the 19th century. One of the earliest recorded games is Hannah – M’Clure, Boston 1874, where the attack was successful. The nickname “Wayward Queen” was popularized in American chess literature to emphasize the queen’s reckless journey.
Illustrative Miniature
The following seven-move game shows both sides’ ideas in pure form:
White threatens mate on f7 and Black’s careless 4…Nf6 allows the classic Scholar’s Mate. Accurate defense with 3…g6 or 3…Qe7 would have avoided disaster.
Modern Examples
Even grandmasters sometimes employ the opening in speed chess:
- Hikaru Nakamura has used it in online bullet to create instant complications.
- Sebastian “Bortnyk” Bortnyk tried the line against Daniel Naroditsky in a 2021 Titled Tuesday event, but Black’s accurate 2…Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6! soon equalized.
Critical Lines to Remember
Players on both sides should study these key continuations:
-
2…Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6!
Black develops and hits the queen, often following up with …d5, gaining space and time. -
2…Nf6 3.Qxe5+ Be7 4.Nf3 d6
Black sacrifices the e-pawn temporarily for rapid development and a lead in activity. -
2…g6 3.Qxe5+ Qe7!
A precise line that forces the queen to retreat; Black soon castles and targets the over-exposed queen.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The attack is a favorite in scholastic tournaments; many youngsters learn it as their first “trick” opening.
- On some online platforms, the line is so common in beginner pools that defensive setups versus 2.Qh5 are featured in tutorial videos.
- Despite its reputation, engines evaluate the position after 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5!? as roughly equal if Black plays accurately—but quickly trending to +2 or better for Black after just one mistake by White.
- It is one of the few mainstream openings where the queen moves on move 2, rivaled only by the Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5) in reverse.
Summary
The Wayward Queen Attack is an off-beat, tactical opening that thrives on surprise and inexperience. While dangerous against the unprepared, it is considered unsound at higher levels because the early queen excursion can be repelled with gain of tempo, leaving White behind in development. Nevertheless, its instructive traps and colorful history ensure that the “wayward queen” will continue to wander across beginner and blitz boards for years to come.