1. e4 { Standard play by white } 1... d5 { Offers white a pawn } 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 { White gains tempo by threatening the queen. } 3... Qa5 { This is a good square for the queen, out of harm's way but still in a somewhat attacking position. } 4. d4 { Opens up for white's pieces to develop. } 4... Nf6 { Black makes a claim to center squares. }