Chessy
The Mason Attack: Bf5 – Playing White
The Mason Attack (1.d4 d5 2.f4) is a sharp way to take your opponent out of standard Queen's Pawn territory. When Black answers with 2...Bf5, they develop the bishop early and challenge your f4-pawn's control of the centre. After 3.e3, the position is set: it's Black's turn, and Stockfish rates this -0.54, a slight edge for Black. That means you are slightly worse right from the start — but don't panic. The statistics across nearly half a million games show White scores a healthy 50.9%, so practical chances are real. The drill below will help you navigate this exact position and find the most testing replies.
Play the Queen's Pawn Game: Mason Attack: Bf5 against the engine
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Black's early ...Bf5 is a double-edged choice. By developing the bishop before playing ...e6 or ...Nf6, Black puts immediate pressure on your f4-pawn and the light squares around your kingside. The downside? This bishop can become a target once you open lines or play Bd3. Your job in the Mason Attack is to build a solid centre with e3, then find the right moment to challenge Black's light-squared bishop. If you manage to trade it off or force it to move, Black's kingside can feel a little loose. The engine suggests you should be patient — there's no immediate tactic, but the position rewards careful piece play.
The Engine's Top Reply: 3...e6
Black's most principled continuation is 3...e6, played 218,409 times (the most popular move by far). With this, Black solidifies the centre and prepares to develop the kingside. The engine's recommended follow-up is: 4.Bd3 Bxd3 5.cxd3. Notice that you willingly trade your light-squared bishop for Black's — this is a typical plan. After the recapture cxd3, you get a semi-open c-file for your rook and a solid pawn centre. Your score from this line is 50.3%, nearly even. The key here is not to rush: develop your knights, castle quickly, and aim to use the c-file or push e3-e4 when the time is right.
Watch Out for the h6 Mistake
One of the most common errors Black makes in this position is 3...h6, which has been played 19,144 times. It looks like a useful waiting move, but it's an inaccuracy worth about half a pawn. Why? Because ...h6 does nothing to develop or fight for the centre, and it weakens the g6-square slightly. After 3...h6, your chances improve: White scores 51.4% from there. The engine says Black's better move was 3...e6. If your opponent plays 3...h6, trust your development — bring out your pieces and aim for Bd3 or Nf3 next, punishing the wasted tempo.
How to Handle the Other Replies
Black has several other options, and you should be ready for each. After 3...Nf6 (112,669 games, White scores 50.4%), you can continue with Nf3 or Bd3, keeping the same flexible setup. Against 3...Nc6 (80,643 games, White scores a strong 52.3%), Black puts a knight on c6 early — your plan is similar: develop naturally, and note that Black's knight doesn't threaten much while your centre stays solid. If Black plays 3...a6 (12,697 games, White scores 51.4%), it's another waiting move like ...h6; don't change your plans. The rare 3...c6 (7,766 games, White scores 49.8%) prepares ...e5 but is slightly passive. In every case, your goal is the same: complete development, castle, and decide when to open the centre or trade on d3.
Results across 486,781 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| e6 | 218,409 | 50.3% |
| Nf6 | 112,669 | 50.4% |
| Nc6 | 80,643 | 52.3% |
| h6 | 19,144 | 51.4% |
| a6 | 12,697 | 51.4% |
| c6 | 7,766 | 49.8% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mason Attack good for White?
Stockfish evaluates the position at -0.54, meaning White is slightly worse after 1.d4 d5 2.f4 Bf5 3.e3. However, practical results are close to even: White wins 50.9% of games at this point. You are fighting from a slight disadvantage, but the position is fully playable.
What is the best move for Black in the Mason Attack after 3.e3?
The most-played and engine-approved reply is 3...e6, continuing to 4.Bd3 Bxd3 5.cxd3. This line is solid for Black and has been seen in over 218,000 games. Other popular options include Nf6 and Nc6.
What is Black's biggest mistake in this position?
The move 3...h6 is an inaccuracy that loses about half a pawn. It wastes a tempo without contributing to development or central control. The engine recommends 3...e6 instead.
How should White play against the Mason Attack: Bf5?
Your main plan is to develop normally and challenge Black's light-squared bishop with Bd3. Trading bishops with cxd3 gives you a solid pawn centre and a semi-open c-file. Focus on piece development, king safety, and central control rather than looking for quick tactics.