Edge Variation

The Edge Variation arises after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Ne4 3. Bh4. The bishop retreats along its diagonal instead of to f4, keeping an eye on e7 and d8. The cost is that it stands on the rim, where a black pawn thrust can harass it. Black's most frequent answer exploits this with 3...g5, and White usually replies 4. f3 gxh4 5. fxe4 c5. White gives up the bishop for the knight and gains central pawns, while Black's kingside structure is broken. The resulting play is sharp and unbalanced.

The quieter 3...d5 is almost as common. After 4. f3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bf5 6. e4, White reaches the Hergert Gambit, offering a pawn to open lines and speed up development. Black can also strike at the center at once with 3...c5, which scores slightly better for Black than the other main replies. The engine rates the position as level. Results on Lichess are close to even, with White marginally ahead.