From's Gambit

The Bird Opening is a surprise opening for White that has gained popularity as setting the stage for an intense game for White.  The con is that White weakens their kingside in the process.  Originally demonstrated by English Master H.E. Bird, the game hasn't seen the professional tournament arena in several decades but really should be picked up by GMs of today for a surprise.

Black has many replies:  d5, turning it into a Dutch Defense Reverse, or e5, the infamous From's Gambit.  

In my local club, one of the player's favorite openings is Bird's Opening.  Originally, I struggles against playing it until I stumbled across From's Gambit: a gambit that gives up a pawn for immediate action against White's partially exposed kingside on f2.

Typically, accepting the gambit is White's best choice (I highly advise against 2.Nf3) and Black offers a second pawn with d6.  After White accepts this second piece sacrifice, Black plays Bxd6, followed up typically with White's most natural response, Nf3.  Generally, Black plays Nf6 and White has several main options (the subject for another post).  

If White plays e3, the most common move, Black plays Ng4, threatening the h2 square.  If White ignores this move and instead continues to develop with Be2, Black plays Bxh2!!.  The computer now gives Black a -1.2 advantage and if White continues with Rxh2 (Nxh2 permits Mate in 2),

Black plays Nxh2, aiming for Qh4+ and preparing for a big attack on his opponent's wide-open kingside.  

I hope this short little blog post helps you in your games against f4 as Black.  It is a risky opening but I assure you, no matter what kind of player you are, attacking or defending, you will love this opening.  

I'll post future blogs covering other lines within the From's Gambit.  

Enjoy!

sparklecat