2...Qf6: the McConnell Defence is variation 2 of 6 in the Beating the Latvian, Elephant and other 2nd-move tries course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C40). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Qf6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. Nc3 Ne7 …. Black defends e5 with the queen. White develops quickly, castles and opens the centre with d4. The queen on f6 takes the best square from Black's knight. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Qf6 – A dubious move. The queen defends e5. But it takes the f6 square from the g8 knight.
3. Bc4 – White develops and aims at f7. The queen on f6 cannot be in two places at once.
3... Bc5 – Black develops the bishop to an active square.
4. Nc3 – White develops and controls d5.
4... Ne7 – The knight has to go to e7, since the queen blocks f6.
5. O-O – White castles first. The king is safe before the centre opens.
5... d6 – Black defends e5 again and opens the c8 bishop.
6. d4 – White opens the centre while Black's king is still in the middle.
6... Bxd4 – Black takes, since the pawn attacks both the bishop and e5.
7. Nxd4 – White takes back and opens the d-file.
7... exd4 – Black wins a pawn for the moment.
8. Nb5 – The knight jumps to b5. It attacks c7 and the d4 pawn.
8... Na6 – Black defends c7.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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