Polish Opening · A00

Czech Defense

1. b4 e5 2. Bb2 d6

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... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Bb2 Fianchettoes the bishop onto the long diagonal, pressuring d4 and e5 from a distance.
• 2... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5. Theory calls this the Czech Defense.

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