ECO code: D00
Opening Name: Queen's Pawn Game: Levitsky Attack
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. Bg5
Description: The Levitsky Attack is an uncommon and somewhat offbeat continuation in the Queen's Pawn Game. By developing the bishop early to g5, White immediately pins Black’s knight on f6 (if it appears later) and puts psychological pressure on Black's position. This move aims to provoke weaknesses or inaccuracies from Black rather than directly contest the center right away.
Characteristic: The early bishop development to g5 is characteristic of a subtle pin and positional pressure rather than an outright attempt to seize the center immediately.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this move is mildly attacking in a positional sense, aiming to disrupt Black's typical development and create opportunities. For Black, it represents a challenge to respond precisely to avoid passive positions.
Center Control: While White’s first move (d4) stakes a claim in the center, the second move (Bg5) does not directly attack or reinforce the center. Instead, it focuses on piece activity and pinning tactics rather than central confrontation.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn Game: Levitsky Attack, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 54 - Move #2 black