Polish Opening · A00

German Defense

1. b4 d5 2. Bb2 Qd6

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... Qd6 Brings the queen out with a concrete threat - the b4 pawn is suddenly hanging. It also props up the d5 pawn. Theory calls this the German Defense.

Create a free account to train this line — every note in it is already on this page; an account puts it on a board, with the plan and a drill that walks it.