Grob Opening · A00

Romford Countergambit

1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 Bxg4 3. c4 d4

The structure hands White the half-open g-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. g4 Opens the f1-h3 diagonal for the bishop. Theory calls this the Grob Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Bg2 Fianchettoes the bishop onto the long diagonal, pressuring d5 and e4 from a distance. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Grob Gambit. Fair warning: engines rate this gambit as objectively dubious; it is a practical weapon, not a promise of equality.
• 2... Bxg4 Takes the pawn on g4.

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