Anderssen Opening new variations Vol 1: The Prussian Gambit

The Anderssen Opening, 1. a3,  is an uncommon move that first gained prominence when Adolf Anderssen famously played the move against Paul Morphy.  While it isn't considered the top move for white, it is far from the worst. Since the Anderssen Opening is one of my favorite openings, I decided to explore some opening theory regarding it.

The named variations

The Anderssen Opening currently has 5 named variations,

1. The Andersspike (which for some reason isn't currently listed in the opening database on Chess.com or Lichess)

2. The Creepy Crawly Formation

3. The Polish Gambit

4. The Hippopotamus Attack

5. The Shy Attack

There are also many instances where an Anderssen Opening can morph into a more common opening, such as a King's Pawn Opening: Mengarini Opening if the sequence of moves is 1. a3 e5 2. e4, or a English Opening: King's English variation if the sequence of moves is 1. a3 e5 2. c4.

But what if Black responds with 2... d5? Well, that's where the fun begins.

The new variations and theory

1. The Prussian Gambit

This is a gambit that goads Black into taking the center pawn on e4. For if they don't, they'll not only enter into the Prussian gambit declined, but also be at a slight disadvantage to White.

2. Prussian Gambit Declined: Villersexel Defense

Named after both the city of Villersexel and the Battle of Villersexel in which French forces defeated German forces led by General August von Werder, this is one of the best defenses if Black chooses to decline the gambit.

3. Prussian Gambit Declined: Saint-Quentin Defense

Named after the city of Saint-Quentin, this is listed as another top choice should Black decline the gambit.

4. Prussian Gambit Declined: Bitche Defense

Named after the city of Bitche, and YES it is a real city, this is probably the most common response I've seen should Black choose to decline the gambit.

5. Prussian Gambit Declined: Verdun Defense

Named after the city of Verdun, this defense is ok-ish., but gives White a slight advantage should they capture.

6. Prussian Gambit Declined: Croissant Countergambit

Why "Croissant"? Because that's what it looks like; a croissant in the middle of the board.

7. Prussian Gambit Declined: Bouffon Attack

Why counter with a pawn to f5 when you could move a bishop there instead? Easily Black's worst response, but who knows maybe Magnus or Hikaru could win with it.

Now what if Black decides to make the best move and accept the gambit? Well then you get...

8. Prussian Gambit Accepted

Simple enough, but what now? Well, the engine says that Nc3 is the best follow up move.  But what if I told you there was something even better.

9. Prussian Gambit Accepted: Baron Buster Gambit

Ultimate 10/10 disrespect move. Now just make sure you've got Magnus/Hikaru-level skill and you can wreck anyone from 100-2800 elo with this opening.

And that's pretty much all the opening variations stemming from the Prussian Gambit I wish to talk about. But before I end this, I'll show you one final new variation of the Anderssen Opening.

10. Anderssen-Důras Gambit

It's essentially White's version of the Důras Gambit.