Bird Opening · A02
Hobbs Gambit
1. f4 g5
No pawn stands on d4, e4, d5 or e5 - this line is played with the centre squares empty.
The first 2 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... g5 Challenges the pawn on f4 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Hobbs Gambit: development and initiative over material.
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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.