Classical Defense

The Classical Defense is Black's most straightforward answer to the Creepy Crawly Formation, also called the Global Opening. This is Michael Basman's flank scheme built on 1. h3 and 2. a3. White's first two moves do nothing to contest the center, so after 1. h3 d5 2. a3 e5 Black simply occupies it with the d- and e-pawns. Both bishops are left free to develop, and Black gains space without spending a tempo on prophylaxis. White's intended plan is a later c2-c4 that undermines the black center from the side. In the meantime h3 has at least taken g4 away from Black's light-squared bishop. The engine rates the position as a slight edge for Black. In online games the results are close to level, with Black scoring marginally better.

The most common reply is 3. e3, a modest move that keeps the options of c2-c4 and d2-d4 open. In practice it gives White the best results of the main continuations. Next is 3. d3, which keeps the structure compact and covers e4 before any queenside expansion. The more direct 3. d4 strikes at the e5-pawn at once and opens the game while Black is better developed. It is played less often, and Black scores well against it. All three moves are among the engine's preferred choices.