Massachusetts Defense

The Massachusetts Defense replaces the standard 2...d5 with 2...f5, challenging e4 from the other wing. The move weakens the e8–h5 diagonal and the e6-square, and with d7 still blocking the c8-bishop it does nothing for development. Engines give White a large advantage. The usual reply is 3. exf5, which wins a pawn, and White scores well with it. Other common replies are 3. e5, which gains space, and 3. Nc3. The line is seldom played.