Chess Opening Theory/1. g4/1...e5

Grob's Attack
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.g4 e5
ECO code: A00

Grob's Attack edit

1. g4 e5 edit

This move is interesting not because it is a commonly-played move, nor because it gives an advantage to either player (though Black should still be far better), but because White has not one, but two moves that lead to an early checkmate for Black. 2. f4?? transposes to the From Gambit of the Bird’s Opening, but this matters little because black can easily mate. 2. f3?? leads to the same early demise for white, this time transposing to the Barnes Opening. Both these blunders are called Fool's Mate, and tie for the fastest possible checkmate for black.

Although Grob's Attack is itself rarely used among serious players, 2. d3 is a more serious alternative. White will still be objectively worse, but can put up a good fight in spite of their weak kingside, and lack of resistance in the centre.

Theory table edit

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

1.g4 e5

2 3 4
Grob's Attack d3
d5
Bg2
Nc6
h3
Nge7
-+
Bird Opening (transposition) f4??
Qh4#


0-1
Barnes Opening (transposition) f3??
Qh4#


0-1

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References edit

  • Michael Basman (1989). The Killer Grob. Pergamon chess openings. ISBN 0080371310.
  • Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.