Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. d3

Leonardis Variation
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/3P4/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR b
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d3
ECO code: C20
Parent: Open Game

Leonardis Variation

2. d3

2. d3 is known as the Leonardis Variation. The Leonardis Variation is inferior to most other responses to the Open Game (like 2. Nf3 or 2. Bc4) because it is very passive and blocks off the light-squared bishop (hems it to a defensive role on e2). Also, this is a very quiet move and allows Black easy equality with 2...Nf6 followed by 3...d5. However, this can be taken as a reversed Philidor Defense, and in that case, it is quite playable for White (this still results in equal positions, but Black has a small first-move advantage). There are also plans involving an early f4, which are still equal, but less popular than the plan in the line below. Nevertheless, as told before, this move does effectively give up White's first move advantage to Black, so is not played very commonly.

Theory Table

1. e4 e5 2. d3

2	3	4	5	6	7
- Nf6	Be2 d5	exd5 Nxd5	Nf3 Nc6	O-O Bd6	Nbd2 O-O	=