Polish Opening, with d5 · A00

Main line, after 2. Bb2

1. b4 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. Nf3

White's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. b4 Opens the c1-a3 diagonal for the bishop. Theory calls this the Polish Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Bb2 Fianchettoes the bishop onto the long diagonal, pressuring d4 and e5 from a distance.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the d5 pawn.

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