Rat Defense: all variations and ECO codes
11 named lines across 5 ECO codes (A41–C00), spanning ECO volumes A, B, C. Source: the CC0-licensed lichess.org opening database.
The idea
Black plays a flexible, non-committal setup with an early d6, and White answers with an aggressive f4 push to grab extra central space immediately. It’s a rare combination that mixes the Pirc/Modern’s patient fianchetto plan with a sharper, more space-grabbing reply from White than those openings usually see.
The main line
How the main line scores at your rating
Real Lichess win rates for 1.e4 d6 2.f4, playing as white: the family’s other variations are not separately tracked for win rate yet, main line only.
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| Rating band | Games | White / draw / Black | Score for white | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1400-1600 | 197 | Not enough games at this band yet. | |||
| 1600-1800 | 251 | Not enough games at this band yet. | |||
| 1800-2000 | 268 | Not enough games at this band yet. | |||
| 2000+ | 138 | Not enough games at this band yet. | |||
All 11 named variations
Every named line in the Rat Defense family, from the CC0-licensed ECO classification: not separately tracked for win rate, but every ECO code and move sequence is real, sourced data.
- A41English Rat1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5
- A41Lisbon Gambit1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Nc6
- A41Pounds Gambit1.d4 d6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Be6
- A82Balogh Defense1.e4 d6 2.d4 f5
- B00Antal Defense1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nd7
- B00Fuller Gambit1.e4 d6 2.f4 d5 3.exd5 Nf6
- B00Harmonist1.e4 d6 2.f4
- B00Petruccioli Attack1.e4 d6 2.h4
- B00Spike Attack1.e4 d6 2.g4
- B06Accelerated Gurgenidze1.e4 g6 2.d4 d6 3.Nc3 c6
- C00Small Center Defense1.d4 e6 2.e4 d6
Browse more
ECO Volume B: Semi-Open Games (other than the French Defense) → · All ECO families → · Search and play every line in the interactive explorer →
Related
Alekhine Defense
56 named lines, ECO B02
Caro-Kann Defense
110 named lines, ECO B10
King’s Pawn Game
38 named lines, ECO B00