One of the first requests on the message board was for coverage of what I have called the Gunderam Defense: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Qe7. The poster recognized that it's not the best opening, but it certainly would surprise most opponents. I confess that I have never personally faced it.
But there are some interesting games in the database, and my experience against Philador's Defense offers a bit of insight. I offer two annotated games here. Both are interesting by themselves, but it's even more interesting to compare the two diagrams that follow. The game in the Gunderam Defense fares very poorly precisely because the Qe7 inhibits Black's development... which permits an interesting tactic by white.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Qe7?! Counter-positional. The Qe7 does protect the e-pawn, but more importantly it blocks the Bf8. This opening, the Gudaram or the Brazil Opening, is less good than the similar Philador's Defense because the Be7 loses a natural path of development. 3.Nc3 The most natural move, developing the QN to c3 where it helps to control the center and threatens Nd5. 3...c6 The first concession (Qe7) forces a second concession. The c6 pawn prevents Nd5 but also presents Black from naturally developing another piece, the QN. 4.d4 The most natural move, seeking further control over the center and opening lines for the QB. 4...d6 Two attacks on e5, now two defenses. Note that the Nb8 was unable to assist the defense of the e5-pawn. 5.Bc4 Yet another natural developing move, preparing 0-0 5...h6 Played undoubtedly to prevent 5...Nf6 6.Bg5, but Black's backward development cannot afford yet another preventative move. 6.a4 Inhibiting queenside expansion (...b5) and in some lines, readying a queensaide assault withg a5-a6. 6...Nf6 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.h3 Stronger than black's ...h6. Where is Black to develop the Bc8? 8...Qc7 A sign of capitulation. The queen moves for a second time to release the Bf8 and to allow ...0-0. 9.0-0 Be7 10.Qe2 Nbd7 All very similar to Philador's Defense, but Black cannot afford to lose time (Qe7-c7). 11.Be3 Nc5? Diagram
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.0-0 h6 7.a4 c6 8.Qe2 Qc7 Diagram
