Interesting CK Lines: Apocalypse and Hillbilly

Hillbilly attack: 1. e4 c6 2. Bc4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Bb3

Apocalypse attack: 1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Ne5

Interestingly the Apocalypse attack is equal, according to chess.com's engine analysis

The best variation for white in Hillbilly is:

"equal"...according to what line?

http://www.kenilworthchessclub.org/articles/opening/apocalypse/apocalypse.htm

I would assume the next two moves would be e6 and d4.

"White's idea is to play for typical Panov-Botvinnik positions, but with the added tactical threats along the a4-e8 diagonal that the powerful Knight at e5 helps support."

If someone plays the Hillbilly against you, try playing 3... a5. It's guaranteed to get them out of their prepared lines, and it's actually quite strong.

Bramblyspam I've been using the a-pawn push and some people don't know how to react to it

Glad it works for you!

I first discovered 4... a5 when prepping for an opponent who I thought might try the hillbilly. I noticed that the engine gave a5 high marks, even if it wasn't the top choice. So I looked into it a bit further and liked what I saw.

My opponent did indeed play into this line, and I got a very nice position out of the opening. I still ended up losing, but that wasn't the opening's fault. I simply got outplayed by a higher rated player.