Chess Opening Theory/1. b4/1...e5/2. Bb2

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Polish Opening
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8
7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7
6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6
5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4
3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. b4 e5 2. Bb2

Polish Opening[edit | edit source]

2. Bb2[edit | edit source]

White fianchettoes their queen’s bishop right away, attacking e5 (and Black’s kingside) but leaving their own b4-pawn unguarded. White reckons that Black’s central pawn will be worth more than a flank pawn, which generally is the case. This is a relatively uncharted opening. Black can try:

  • 2...Bxb4 which practically forces White to play 3. Bxe5 with an unclear position in practice, though computer analysis has shown this position to very slightly favour White.
  • 2...d6 which protects black's pawn on e5, but removes the attack on b4.
  • 2...d5 which takes full control of the center, but Black must be careful not to fall into the trap 3. Bxe5 Bxb4?? allowing 4. Bxg7 with a winning position for White (Black’s rook will meet its demise next move, with no compensation).
  • 2...Nc6? is a bad move. After 3. b5!, White wins a pawn after the knight moves, with 4. Bxe5.

Theory table[edit | edit source]

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation.

1. b4 e5 2. Bb2

2 3
Polish Opening, Main Line Bb2
Bxb4
Bxe5
Nf6
+/=

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References[edit | edit source]