Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4) - Grigorian Variation

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<

The Grigorian Variation in the Sokolsky opening distantly resembles the Alekhine Defense in the 1. e4 opening (an immediate attack on an unprotected pawn with a knight). However it is not popular at all and unlike the Alekhine Defense it doesn't enjoy good reputation. You can see the initial set-up of this defense in the following diagram:

While the Alekhine defense invites White to overextend in the center, the Grigorian Variation seems to invite White to gain advantage and initiative as early as possible. After the advance of White's pawn to b5 Black has several options of his Knight move: 2... Nd4, 2... Ne5 and 2... Na5.

According to some databases White's winning chances in this rare continuation are twice as much as Black's chances. 

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<

More about the Sokolsky:
Exchange variation
Czech Defense
Outflank Variation
Main Line
Baltic Defense
King's Indian Variation
German Defense
Ware Defense
Bugayev Advance Variation
Sokolsky Gambit (Accepted)
Sokolsky Gambit (Declined)
Queen's Indian Variation
Dutch Defense
Advance Variation
Birmingham Gambit
Symmetrical Variation