Chess Opening Theory/1. c3

1. c3 · Saragossa Opening
A rarely played move as it takes away the Knight's developing square c3. It is likely to transpose into a London System, Torre attack, Colle system, or Macleod Attack where the pawn structure is generally c3, d4, e3, or e5 depending on black's moves. Another possible idea, following the response 1.c3 c5, is to transpose into the Alapin.

Chess.com master database
The Saragossa Opening was played 494 times in games in the Chess.com master database

Approximate chances

 * White win 30%, Draw 26%, Black win 44%.

Next move popularity

 * Nf6 28%, d5 19%, e5 11%, c5 10%, f5 6%, g6 4%, b6 3%, d6 2%, e6 2%, other moves 2%

Lichess master database
The Saragossa Opening was played 289 times in games in the Lichess master database

Approximate chances

 * White win 31%, Draw 34%, Black win 34%.

Next move popularity

 * Nf6 34%, d5 24%, e5 12%, c5 10%, g6 6%, b6 5%, f5 5%, d6 2%, other moves 2%

Theory table
1.c3