Kaufmann Attack
Named after chess author Arthur Kaufmann, this aggressive variation features the early c4 advance. White immediately expands in the center and aims to drive away Black's centralized knight while gaining space and development tempo.
ECO Code
C42
Difficulty
Advanced
Style
Aggressive/Central
Key Players
Kaufmann, Bronstein, Tal
Strategic Ideas for White
- Central expansion: The c4 pawn gains space and attacks the knight
- Development tempo: Force Black's pieces to move while developing
- Space advantage: Control more central territory
- Initiative maintenance: Keep constant pressure on Black's position
- Piece activity: Create active piece play through central control
Black's Main Responses
Knight Retreat
Black retreats the knight and develops naturally, seeking solid piece coordination.
Central Challenge
Black keeps the knight centralized and challenges White's central expansion.
Active Defense
Black creates central activity and prepares active piece development.
The Kaufmann Concept
The Kaufmann Attack represents an aggressive approach to the Petrov Defense. By playing c4 early, White immediately challenges Black's central knight and gains space advantage. This approach sacrifices some development tempo for lasting central control and space advantage.
Key Strategic Themes
For White
- Space utilization: Use the space advantage for piece maneuvering
- Central dominance: Control key central squares with pawns
- Development coordination: Harmonize piece development behind pawns
- Long-term pressure: Build lasting positional advantages
For Black
- Central equality: Challenge White's central dominance
- Piece activity: Develop pieces to active squares
- Counterplay creation: Look for active piece play opportunities
- Space fighting: Contest White's space advantage
Typical Continuations
White's Build-up
White develops naturally while maintaining central control and space advantage.
Black's Counterplay
Black develops harmoniously and prepares central action when the opportunity arises.
Strategic Guidelines
For White: Don't overextend in the center. Build slowly and maintain the space advantage.
For Black: Create central tension early to prevent White from consolidating the advantage.
Modern Assessment
The Kaufmann Attack offers White an interesting alternative to the main theoretical lines. While it may not promise a significant advantage against best play, it creates different types of positions and offers good practical chances. The resulting positions often favor players with good understanding of space advantage and central control.
Master the Kaufmann Attack
Learn this aggressive central expansion approach to the Petrov Defense that creates space advantage and lasting pressure.
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