McConnell's defense

Hiyo there. For the last week or so I've started seeing this McConnell's defense be played more often then usually (well, more often then never). I'm quite confused as to why would people suddenly start playing this - am I missing on something?

It is just bad: 4 d4 exd4 5 Bg5

Which is why I'm wondering why people play it in the first place

Because they are weak players that either do not know better and think it is good, or they do know better and are playing mind games, especially in blitz.  You do not see that at the top level.

If you really want to improve at chess, you must choose sound openings.  That does not mean you have to play the same as someone else.  You just have to choose amongst a FINITE number of options.  Like if someone says "The Sicilian Najdorf is the only good defense because that is what I play", they are full of bleep!  But, there are a finite number of good options.  Various Sicilians, 1...e5 (2...Nc6, Petroff, etc), French (Winawer, Classical, McCutchen, Rubinstein), Caro-Kann, etc.

Now if you do not care, just want to play shenanigans, and admit you suck, then 1.e4 h6 is fine!  You will trick a few amateurs, but in the long run, you are not improving your game.

Right, the correct move is 3...Nc6. 😎

I really enjoy playing this as white