So the standard max large attack is d4 and is the standard move nowadays. I was wondering if 4.Qe2 is a good idea followed by c3.

http://www.kenilworthchessclub.org/games/java/summer05/horowitz-lange.htm

I think the lad was asking about this line.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Qe2


Estrin does rate this line much saying 4...Be7 and 4...Bc5 are playable and
shoud lead to equality. But 4.Qe2 is OK if you are a looking for something
different and want to get your opponent thinking for themselves ASAP.

In the 4...Bc5 line White should not be tempted to play the Bxf7+ combination.

Originally posted by greenpawn34
I think the lad was asking about this line.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Qe2

[fen]r1bqkb1r/pppp1ppp/2n2n2/4p3/2B1P3/5N2/PPPPQPPP/RNB1K2R b KQkq - 0 4[/fen]
Estrin does rate this line much saying 4...Be7 and 4...Bc5 are playable and
shoud lead to equality. But 4.Qe2 is OK if you are a looking for something
different and want to get your op ...[text shortened]... ...Nc5.} 12... Nc5 13. Qa5 b6 14. Qc3 {14.Qe2 Nxf3+} 14... Na4 {The White Queen is lost.} [/pgn]

Hi Wormer,

I had to mention Bxf7+ before someone else asks what happens if...Bxf7+.
This lot are sac-happy (any excuse for a pseudo sac and they are in there.)

The pseudo sac idea is dormant in the c3 variation.