The Potato Variation
Do you want to play like a potato? Well, we have a solution for you.
Introducing: THE POTATO VARIATION
The Potato Variation starts with the Reti opening 1.Nf3 1.e5. And now The Potato Variation starts with 2.a4.. truly a sophisticated opening.
It's a fun variation for begginers and intermediates and the interesting thing is that this move isn't that bad after all. According to Stockfish is about -0.1, so it's playable. It's important to play Nf3 first, because if 1.a4 e5, 2.Nf3 doesn't work anymore because of 2.e4 kicking the knight. It looks like reverse Alekhine's Defense.
Playing 2.a4 is an unconventional move aimed at disrupting Black's typical responses and potentially gaining space on the queenside. It aims to direct the game into less explored territory and catch Black off guard.
Here is an amusing potato line after 2.c5, 3.e4 attacking the d pawn:
If Black defends with e6, then Bb5+, after Bd7, White's bishop is protected so we can take on d5 and castle. Now if they take on b5, we first give a check with Re1+, and after they defend, we retake on b5. The idea is that now Black has difficulties developing the Knight. If Nf6, we simply have a strong battery with Qe2 preventing Black's castling:
But if Black takes on e4, we have Ng5 (similar to Tennison Gambit). Nf6, Bc4 and we we are threatening to sacrifice the bishop with check. Black defends with e6, but it blocked his own light-squared bishop. White develops with Nc3 putting pressure on e4. White is going to capture the pawn and castle:
Here is an example of a high level game played in Titled Tuesday starting with the Potato Variation:
