♔ Master Chess Openings
OpeningsTrainingPricingLog inStart Free
← Back to Library

Horwitz Attack (5.Nb5)

Named after Bernhard Horwitz. White immediately targets c7.

Move-by-Move Analysis

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 - See Steinitz Variation introduction.

5.Nb5 - Horwitz Attack. White immediately targets c7, creating a double attack on c7 and the queen.

5...Bb4+ - Black gives check to gain a tempo and disrupt White's coordination.

6.Bd2 - White blocks the check while developing the bishop. The bishop can later exchange on b4.

White's plan: Create immediate threats against c7, force Black to defend, win material or gain initiative.

Black's plan: Develop after the check with ...Nf6 or ...a6, counter-attack in the center, seek active piece play.

Assessment: Sharp and tactical. Both sides need accurate play. White often gets a small advantage.

Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.

Move: 0 / 0