The Ware Opening

Hi Guys, I am Jennie! If you don't know me, then you should check out my profile description. 😀

Today, I'll be talking about the Ware Opening, also known as the Meadow Hay Opening. I'll give some interesting insights on this uncommon opening. 😉

The Ware Opening begins with

1 a4

The Ware Opening attacks the b5-square and prepares to bring the a1-rook into the game. The b5-square is non-essential and if Black plays 1. ...e5, the f8-bishop prevents the development of the white rook for the moment. The reply 1. ...e5 also gains space for Black in the center, a typical objective of most openings but one completely ignored by the Ware Opening. Noting all this, the Ware Opening is normally seen played only by players completely new to chess.

An experienced player using the Ware Opening will usually meet a response of 1...d5 or 1...e5 with 2.d4 or 2.e4, respectively, since a reversed Scandinavian or Englund Gambit would be unsound here. After 1...d5 2.Nf3, 2...Nf6 is recommended, since a reversed Fajarowicz can arise after 2...c5 3.e4!? dxe4 4.Ne5 where a4 has some utility. At some point the move a5 will be played, followed by Ra4 (as Ra3?? invites ...Bxa3 leaving Black up the exchange).

I hope I have given you some insight to the Ware Opening. 🤗

Thanks for reading this and comment below what you thought of this opening. 🙂