Nc3 Attack, Queen Pawn Games

The Nc3 Attack is a strong opening in the Queen Pawn Games. White avoids playing “c4” and all of the Queen’s Gambit systems.

Diagram: Nc3 Attack, Queen Pawn Game

Variations of this attack usually involve playing the “Bg5” move whenever Black plays Nf6. Hence, this opening is similar to, and may transpose to, some of the Bg5 openings:

• Torre Attack
• Veresov Attack
• Trompowski
• Hodgson Attack
• Bg5 attack

Other alternatives than Bg5 for White include:

• London Attack (Bf4 attack)
• Blackmar-Diemer Gambit

Diagram: Nc3 Attack, Anti-Indian Move Order

Transpositions: Anti-Indian Line: The Nc3 attack can be used as a way to avoid many of the Indian Systems. After “1.d4 Nf6, 2.Nc3!?” Black is virtually forced to play “2..d5” to prevent White’s “e4”. Hence, we reach the main position of the Nc3 Attack by transposition, having forced an Indian Defence player into a Queen Pawn Game. See also: Anti-Indian Openings.