Barnes

Just looking the Openings book trying to find something different than 1.e4, I found myself with the Barnes Opening (1.f3).

Is it really a good opening? It's common variations include a checkmate (the typical fool's mate) and 2.Kf2(!!!).

WHAT

Although 1.e4, f6 was played successfully by Barnes against Morphy, I don't believe anybody has had the courage to try it again against a strong opponent since.  I don't play it and I don't recommend it (except, maybe in blitz).  For those who don't have the game, here it is.

Nice game! The "Barnes" is new to me!

1.f3 is one of worst openings; when followed by 2.Kf2 it is totally stupid but has its own fans here in the Bongcloud clan.

I'd say it's the worst possible opening.

 It can compete with 1.Nh3, for example.

Hey, Hammerschlag works in Bullet games! I defeated a 1446 with it(you win by time, of course, the position you get with Hammerschlag is horrible)