Grob Opening · A00

London Defense

1. g4 e5 2. h3 Nc6

In the centre, Black holds e5.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. g4 Opens the f1-h3 diagonal for the bishop. Theory calls this the Grob Opening.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. h3 A useful waiting move that keeps the structure flexible on the h-file.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn. Theory calls this the London Defense.

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