Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. c3

= Centre Pawn Opening/MacLeod Attack/Lopez Opening=

White's second move prepares to push a pawn to d4, establishing a pawn center. However the idea is too slow as Black can respond vigorously with 2...d5 to eliminate transpositional possibilities. After 1. e4 e5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5, there is no 4. Nc3 to chase the queen away and gain a tempo.

Theory table
'''1. e4 e5 2. c3'''