Paulsen Variation

The Paulsen Variation answers the Max Lange Defense with 3. g3, preparing Bg2 instead of the gambit with 3. f4 or the direct 3. Bc4. The bishop on the long diagonal supports e4 and bears on d5, and the f-pawn stays free, so a later f4 remains possible once the king is safe. The name comes from Louis Paulsen, who played the move five times at Vienna 1873. It is the same fianchetto idea as the Mieses Variation against 2...Nf6, and the two lines frequently transpose.

Black's most common reply is 3...Nf6, ahead of 3...Bc5 and 3...d6. The engine considers the position balanced, though White scores well in practice. Two sharp gambits branch off. In the Mariotti Gambit, 3...Bc5 4. Bg2 h5 5. Nf3 h4, Black advances the h-pawn to break open the kingside fianchetto. The Pollock Gambit, given under the move order 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 Bc5 4. Bg2 Nc6 5. Nge2 d5 6. exd5, has Black giving up the d-pawn for quick development and open lines.