Instead of copying the centre, the reply comes from the side. Both kings come under fire early, so one slip decides it. Of the four central squares, pawns stand on e4. 2 pieces have left the board. Neither side has castled yet.
The position
Length
8 moves
To move
White
Legal replies
42
Minor pieces out
White 1 · Black 1
Material
level
Castling rights left
KQkq
FEN
r1bqkbnr/pp1ppp1p/2n3p1/8/3NP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 5
Move by move
Each move spelled out: which piece went from where to where.