Chess Opening Theory/1. g4
| Grob's Attack | |
|---|---|
|
a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h | |
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) | |
| Moves: 1.g4 | |
| ECO code: A00 | |
| Parent: Starting position | |
1. g4? · Grob's Attack
editGrob's Attack is generally considered to be one of the worst starting moves, and is possibly the single worst starting move, for White. However, if White knows enough theory and Black is caught by surprise, this opening can be playable even at relatively high levels. An unprepared player with Black can be led into dangerous territory, especially if they fixate on attempting to win the g4-pawn early.
With decent play from Black and slight inaccuracies by White, Black can establish a relatively large or even decisive advantage. White’s move significantly compromises their kingside's pawn structure, and places the g-pawn on an unusual square that is difficult to defend without giving Black the initiative and compromising the kingside further, as well as making kingside castling severely disadvantageous. Some players argue that, as compensation, White influences more kingside space and can fianchetto the kingside bishop, contributing to influence across the board, as well as discouraging ... Nf6 due to g5 kick. The general plan and idea is similar to the Polish Opening mirrored horizontally. But, kingside space is usually completely ignored since f5, g5, and h5 are rarely played by Black, and Black may just develop the kingside knight to e7, avoiding the kick threat. Also, Black can occupy and take control of the centre, and continually threaten the pawn, gaining initiative.
There are no major lines in Grob’s Attack. Play tends to vary between Grob's Gambit, 1. ... d5 2. h3, e3, g5, or c4, and there are not many officially named lines. As an example for this, one of the most commonly played officially named Grob variations is called the Coca-Cola Gambit.
Statistics
editNo statistics as 1. g4? occurs extremely rarely among serious chess players.
Stockfish Line
editStockfish 17 - 79MB - Depth 22: 1. g4 d5 2. c4 Bxg4 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. cxd5 c6 5. h3 Bh5 6. dxc6 Nxc6 7. Qa4 Rc8 8. Nc3 e5 9. Nf3 Bd6 10. d3 O-O 11. Be3 Bb4 12. O-O Bxc3 13. bxc3 h6 14. Rfe1 b6 15. Rab1 Nd5 16. Bd2 Qd6 17. Qh4 Nf4 18. Bxf4 Bxf3 19. Bd2 Bxg2 20. Kxg2 Ne7 21. c4 Ng6 22. Qe4 f5 23. Qd5+ Qxd5+ 24. cxd5 Rc2 25. Red1 Kf7 -0.4
Theory table
edit| 1. g4 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| g4? d5 |
Bg2 c6 |
h3 e5 |
d4 e4 |
c4 Bd6 |
=/+ | |
| ... ... |
... Bxg4!? |
c4 c6 |
cxd5 cxd5 |
Qb3 | -+ | |
| ... e5 |
d3 d5 |
Bg2 Nc6 |
h3 Nge7 |
-+ |
All possible Black's moves
edit| Quick Navigation |
Na6 a6 a5 |
b6 b5 |
Nc6 c6 c5 |
d6 d5 |
e6 e5 |
Nf6 f6 f5 |
g6 g5 |
Nh6 h6 h5 |
References
edit- Michael Basman (1989). The Killer Grob. Pergamon chess openings. ISBN 0080371310.
- Claude Bloodgood (2010). The Tactical Grob. Ishi Press. ISBN 487187866X.
- Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.
