The Wayward Queen Attack, Mellon Gambit is a variation of the King's Pawn Game, catalogued as ECO C20. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nh6 4. d3 g6 5. Qf3 f6 6. Ne2 d5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves.
On the King's Pawn Game generally: ECO B00. A chess opening with 38 known variations.
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See all 4 King's Pawn Game variations →
The Wayward Queen Attack, Mellon Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nh6 4. d3 g6 5. Qf3 f6 6. Ne2 d5. It is a variation of the King's Pawn Game and is catalogued as ECO C20.
The Wayward Queen Attack, Mellon Gambit is ECO C20. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Pawn Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nh6 4. d3 g6 5. Qf3 f6 6. Ne2 d5 at +1.51 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.