Bird Opening · A03
Lasker Variation
1. f4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 c5
In the centre, Black holds d5.
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... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Dutch Variation.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the d5 pawn.
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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.