Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c6/2. Bc4/2...d5

Caro-Kann Defence rd nd bd qd kd bd nd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd bl pl pl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl nl bl ql kl nl rl 1.e4 c6 2.Bc4 d5 Hillbilly Attack 2...d5 White has two options: 3. exd5 cxd5 is the more common move in the Lichess database. However, after the pawn trade, White will be down a tempo and a center pawn with little to show for it. 4. Bb5+ can be blocked by the opposing bishop, and if White trades, Black is comfortable. 4. Bb3 keeps a bishop on the f7 diagonal, but does not challenge much. /3. Bb3/ gambits White's e4 pawn in order to gain a tricky, if somewhat dubious, attack. Note that after 3...dxe4 4. Qh5, Scholar's Mate is not threatened yet (after, say, 4...Nf6?! 5. Qxf7+, the king can move to d7), though the f7 pawn is still vulnerable. Any other move loses the bishop or makes the initial 2. Bc4 a waste of time. References