If Black keeps the symmetry by replying 1...e5, the result is an Open Game (Hooper & Whyld 1996:279) (Watson 2006:87–90).

After 3...exd4 White may either recapture with 4.Nxd4, usually leading to an equal game, or play the Scotch Gambit (4.Bc4), a dangerous tactical line against an unprepared opponent.

For this reason, it largely fell out of favor by the early 20th century as Black players sought more dynamic options; however, it is still occasionally seen at grandmaster level.

The Gunderam Defense (2...Qe7) is an offbeat choice which blocks the development of the king's bishop, and has never achieved widespread popularity.

White offers a pawn for speedy development, as well as to attack Black's central outpost.

The early development of the queen in the Danvers Opening, also known as the Parham Attack (2.Qh5), is usually played only by amateurs, though Hikaru Nakamura has experimented with it in grandmaster tournaments and was able to achieve a reasonable position.

[2][3] The Napoleon Opening, 2.Qf3, has even less to recommend it as Black can easily block any mating threats without compromising their development.