A50
Mexican Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Nc6
In the Mexican Defense, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.
The Mexican Defense is a chess opening classified under ECO code A50. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Nc6: 4 moves in, with White to play.
Learn its typical plans and pawn structures rather than memorizing moves — that’s what holds up over the board.
1 named variation branches from this position; the list at the end of the page goes one move deeper into each.
Play the Mexican Defense? See where you go wrong.
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Analyze my games free →Variations of the Mexican Defense
- Horsefly Gambit1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Nc6 3. d5 Ne5 4. f4