ECO A45 · Paleface Attack

Paleface Attack

1. d4 Nf6 2. f3

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Black to move. The arrow shows Stockfish’s best move.
Best move

2… d5−0.53

Black is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Paleface Attack (A45), reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. f3, Stockfish 18 recommends 2… d5 for Black. Black is slightly better (−0.53).

Top engine moves

  1. −0.532… d5 3. Nc3 c5 4. e4 e6 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. Nxd5 exd5 7. Bb5+
  2. −0.032… e6 3. e4 d5 4. e5 Ng8 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nh6 7. Bd3
  3. +0.292… c5 3. d5 e6 4. e4 exd5 5. exd5 d6 6. c4 Be7 7. Nc3

All Paleface Attack variations (0)

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the best move in the Paleface Attack?
    After 1. d4 Nf6 2. f3, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2… d5 for Black, continuing 3. Nc3 c5 4. e4 e6 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. Nxd5 exd5 7. Bb5+. Black is slightly better (−0.53). The next best moves are 2… e6 (−0.03) and 2… c5 (+0.29).
    Is the Paleface Attack a good opening?
    Stockfish rates the position at −0.53: black is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
    What is the ECO code of the Paleface Attack?
    A45. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; A is the volume for flank openings.

    Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).