Hodgson Attack: 2...c6

Before the first move

The Hodgson Attack is a provocative sideline where White develops the dark-squared bishop early to annoy the Black kingside. By playing Bg5 on move two, you force Black to decide immediately how to handle the pin on the e-pawn and the pressure on their development, leading to unconventional and sharp positions.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens pathways for your queen and your dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for many solid and aggressive systems, allowing you to control the flow of the game from the very first step.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, meeting d4 head-on in a classical struggle for the center. While d5 is the most solid response, Black could also try the sharp Englund Gambit with e5, the English Defense with b6, or the flexible Horwitz Defense with e6.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. Bg5White · your move

Develop your bishop to g5. This is the Hodgson Attack. You are immediately putting pressure on Black's position and making it difficult for them to develop their kingside naturally. It is a psychological and tactical way to steer the game into less familiar territory.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... c6Black

Black chooses c6, a solid response that prepares to challenge the center or develop the queen. This is often seen in Caro-Kann or Slav structures. Alternatively, Black could challenge the bishop immediately with h6 or f6, or even develop their own bishop with Bg4.

Other paths here: h6 (Hodgson Attack, 2...h6) · f6 (Hodgson Attack: 2...f6) · g6 (Hodgson Attack: 2...g6) · Bg4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Levitsky Attack, Welling Variation)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of tension. White will likely continue development with Nd2 and e3, while Black aims to challenge the center with c5 or solidify with f6. Both sides must be careful; White's bishop on g5 is active but can become a target, while Black must ensure their kingside development isn't permanently stunted.

• b1-d2 Develop the knight to d2 to support e4
• e2-e3 Open the path for the light-squared bishop
• c6-c5 Challenge the center with a c5 pawn break
• f7-f6 Kick the bishop and free the kingside