Pickering Defense

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
Pickering Defense
Image:chess zhor 26.png
Image:chess zver 26.png a8 rd b8 nd c8 bd d8 qd e8 kd f8 bd g8 nd h8 rd Image:chess zver 26.png
a7 pd b7 pd c7 pd d7 pd e7 pd f7 pd g7 pd h7
a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 pd
a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 pl f4 g4 h4
a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3
a2 pl b2 pl c2 pl d2 pl e2 f2 pl g2 pl h2 pl
a1 rl b1 nl c1 bl d1 ql e1 kl f1 bl g1 nl h1 rl
Image:chess zhor 26.png
Moves 1. e4 h5
ECO B00
Parent King's Pawn Game
Synonym(s) Goldsmith Defense, Desprez Defense
Chessgames.com opening explorer


The Pickering Defense, Goldsmith Defense or Desprez Defense is a dubious chess opening beginning with the moves:

1. e4 h5?!

This defense is considered a very weak response to the King's Pawn Opening, and is usually considered even worse than the Corn Stalk Defense, as not only does it not open any lines for development and allow White quick and easy development, it additionally weakens Black's king position slightly. Note the development of the rook to h6 can easily be prevented by 2. d4.

[edit] Variations

The only named variation in the Pickering Defense is known as the Picklepuss Defense. It is characterized by the following moves:

  • 2. d4 Nf6

Here is the estimated popularity of White's second moves:

  • 2. d4- 44%
  • 2. Bc4- 33%
  • 2. Be2 (threatening the h5 pawn.) - 22%

[edit] See also

[edit] External Links

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lab/7378/h5.htm (Bill Wall's online games with the Pickering Defense, as White and Black).