Main defense: 3...g6 and 4...Nf6
1.e4 e5 2.Qh5 2...Nc6 3.Bc4 g6 4.Qf3 Nf6

The standard plan. 2...Nc6 guards e5, 3...g6 kicks the queen, and when 4.Qf3 renews the threat on f7, 4...Nf6 blocks the f-file while developing. Black continues with ...Bg7, ...d6 and castles; White usually settles for Ne2, Nbc3 and d3, and Black is at least equal.


