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

Polish Opening rd nd bd qd kd bd nd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pl pl bl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl nl ql kl bl nl rl Polish Opening 2. Bb2 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 1. b4 e5 2. Bb2 2 3 Polish Opening, Main Line Bb2 Bxb4 Bxe5 Nf6 +/= References