Chess Opening Theory/1. g4

__NOTOC__ Grob's Attack rd nd bd qd kd bd nd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pl pl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl nl bl ql kl bl nl rl 1.g4 A00 Starting position 1...d5 1...e5 1...g5 - Double Grob 1...f5 - Alessi Gambit 1. g4? · Grob's Attack Grob'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. It is named after Swiss IM Henry Grob (1904-1971) who analysed it in great depth and played hundreds of correspondence games with it.Grob's Attack 2026-03-13 https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grob%27s_Attack&oldid=1343256264 Wikipedia 2026-03-28 en 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. After the most common 1...d5, 2. h3, e3, g5, and c4 are notable continuations. Grob's Attack can often lead to 'meme' openings, such as a series of increasingly bold gambits named after fizzy drinks following on from the Double Grob 1...g5 Grob Opening: Double Grob, Coca-Cola Gambit https://lichess.org/opening/Grob_Opening_Double_Grob_Coca-Cola_Gambit/g4_g5_f4 2026-03-28 lichess.org en-USGrob Opening: Double Grob, Coca-Cola Gambit - Chess Openings https://www.chess.com/openings/Grob-Opening-Double-Grob-Coca-Cola-Gambit 2026-03-28 Chess.com en-US Theory table 1. g4 1 2 3 45Eval Grob Gambit g4?d5 Bg2c6 h3e5 d4e4 c4Bd6 =/+ ...... ...Bxg4!? c4c6 cxd5cxd5 Qb3 -+ Basman Gambit... ...... h5=/+ ...e5 d3d5 Bg2Nc6 h3Nge7 -+Alessi Gambit... f5?! -/+Double Grob... g5 +/=Coca-Cola Gambit... ...f4? -+ References Michael Basman 1989 The Killer Grob Pergamon chess openings 0080371310 Claude Bloodgood 2010 The Tactical Grob Ishi Press 487187866X Grob's Attack fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. g4