FENrnbk1bnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RN1QKBNR w KQ -
Queen's Pawn Game: Levitsky Attack: what should White play?
Best move
e3+6.72
By playing e3, you solidify your center and open the diagonal for your f1:white. It creates a rock-solid structure that makes it nearly impossible for Black to find any…
- Games played
- 566K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +6.72
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why e3 is the best move
e3! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing e3, you solidify your center and open the diagonal for your f1:white. It creates a rock-solid structure that makes it nearly impossible for Black to find any counterplay against your d4:white.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| e3 | +6.72 | Solid & Positional: Prioritizes a safe structure and prepares development. |
| Nf3 | +6.67 | Flexible & Classic: Controls e5 and prepares for kingside castling. |
| Nc3 | +6.62 | Active & Pressuring: Puts immediate pressure on the d5 pawn. |
Different paths, same destination: While e3 is the most popular choice among humans (29%), all three moves are objectively winning. Whether you prefer the structural stability of the pawn move or the rapid piece activity of the Knight developments, White maintains a massive +6 advantage due to Black's cramped position.
Your Continuation
After e3:
c5 Nf3 Nf6 Ne5 Ke8
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That Black's King is stuck in the center and their development is lagging. By playing e3, you ensure your own King's safety while preparing to bring your remaining pieces into the game to finish the attack.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple winning paths, trust your style! Whether you choose the solid pawn move or active piece play, maintaining control is key.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 566K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nf3 | +6.67 | 301K | 83% | |
| e3Engine pick | +6.72 | 206K | 81% | |
| Nc3 | +6.62 | 50K | 78% | |
| Nd2 | +6.47 | 6.8K | 83% | |
| a3 | +6.48 | 2.4K | 80% |
More positions in the Queen's Pawn Game
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Queen's Pawn Game: Zukertort Variation140M games
- Best movec5Pawn c7 → c5Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System88M games
- Best movee4Pawn e2 → e4Queen's Pawn Game: Modern Defense62M games
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation46M games
- Best movee3Pawn e2 → e3Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System27M games
- Best movec4Pawn c2 → c4Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation22M games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Queen's Pawn Game: Levitsky Attack?
e3 (+6.72). By playing e3, you solidify your center and open the diagonal for your f1:white. It creates a rock-solid structure that makes it nearly impossible for Black to find any…
Why is e3 the best move here?
By playing e3, you solidify your center and open the diagonal for your f1:white. It creates a rock-solid structure that makes it nearly impossible for Black to find any counterplay against your d4:white.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 566K times in the opening book.