Flank openings

Kangaroo Defense

1.d4 e6 2.c4 Bb4+

The Kangaroo Defense starts with 1.d4 e6 2.c4 Bb4+ and is catalogued under ECO A40, in the flank openings half of the book. The catalog indexes 2 lines inside it, grouped into 2 named variations.

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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1…e6

    Advances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  4. 2…Bb4+

    Develops the bishop to b4, bringing it into the game, forcing the king to answer a check.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  5. 3.Nc3

    Develops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

0 moves
This is the end of the indexed line.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Kangaroo Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Kangaroo Defense.