Bird Opening · A02
Batavo-Polish Attack
1. f4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. b4
No pawn stands on d4, e4, d5 or e5 - this line is played with the centre squares empty.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. f4 Fights for e5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Bird Opening.
- 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... g6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g7.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 1 more move in this line, 5 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 28 in the Bird Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.