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

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 e5 A00 Grob's Attack 1. g4 e5 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. There is also 2. Bg2 which attempts to get into a psuedo-King's Indian with the g pawn able to kick out a potential f6 knight. Theory table 1.g4 e5 2 3 4 Grob's Attack d3d5 Bg2Nc6 g5Ng8 =/+ Bg2 d5c4 c6cxd5 cxd5=/+ Bird Opening (transposition) f4??Qh4# 0-1 Barnes Opening (transposition) f3??Qh4# 0-1 Grob's Attack References Michael Basman 1989 The Killer Grob Pergamon chess openings 0080371310