Why You Shoudn't Play Bird Opening

1. It sucks. Just play e4 or d4 like a normal person.

2. It allows for this:

This is probably the quickest unscripted 7-day game ever played.

3. Doesn't control the centre too much.

4. It might be a surprise to you opponent, but they can just play d5, Nc6, or Nf6, and they will have an advantage.

5. It moves the pawn on f2, weakening your kingside.

6. If you still don't want to play e4 or d4 or even Nf3/Nc3, just play the Englund Gambit (1. c4). It's a more solid move that doesn't weaken your defense as much.

The bird isn't that bad against lower level players (due to not having much Theory, having some attacking chances, it's flexibility and for confusing the opponent) but when you get to Higher level players, the bird is really weak.

The trap you showed, can simply be avoided if the Pawn didn't capture the queen, It's just that you have to aware of this trap, White here, Was a beginner, so he wouldn't care to look for a split second to find there was mate.

All in all, I do consider the bird as a really bad opening, But if you want to play with a bunch of newbies, You can choose to play the bird.

Is it truly weak? And what's meant by"Higher Levels"?

I know of some strong club players (OTB 1800-2100 USCF) who play it. Having dabbled in it...I know that the From's Gambit is bad the Black side.

Again what is meant as "Higher levels" ... Imo making an assessment on an opening based off what Elite GMs play is IMO not the way.

Playing an opening that is way above your skill to actually understand vs playing an opening you understand and are able to put the tactics and themes in play (rather that flail about and roll the chance dice playing an opening you don't understand ...) and No....... I DON'T believe one can grow with an opening or defense and eventually learn the thematics. I believe the average person will plateau.... at a level, and if you are attempting to play an opening or defense that is above that level.... you are at a disadvantage playing against someone who is playing a less complicated opening or defense but understands the thematics... In summary... I believe the Bird is playable for 99% of the chess population

There are so many other counters to the Bird's Opening, not just the From's Gambit; I just created this forum post to troll on the opening. 1. ...d5 is (I think) a better response, since my opponent was lower rated than me, I decided to play From's.

I feel that the Bird's Opening is kinda weird, and adds an element of surprise, but it doesn't control the centre a lot. Control the centre = control the game, and the Bird's Opening doesn't do that. That's why I feel like the Bird's Opening sucks; If you want a surprising opening, try King's Gambit, Reti/Van Geet Opening, London System, EVEN ENGLISH OPENING (1. c4) WORKS BETTER THAN THIS.

I think that means higher elo?

Also i still don't understand 99% of the things you said but I guess I accept with whatever you said

That's a nice free pawn for white. If black always played that, everyone would play Bird's.

What no it's not... 1. ...e5 is the free pawn, not d5.

1. c4 is the English Opening. Not the Englund Gambit

Isn’t the whole point of the London System that you just make the same moves every time??? How is that a surprising opening???

He's actually right, because the point of the London is that there are many variations and transpositions, if it's well-played.

You're a bit mixed up. After that continuation with the queen check, white plays g3 and is won. Black can't recover the pawn and white has better development. g3 ... Be7 would just be follwed by Nf3 and black is lost.

Very true. I just played the From's Gambit, hoping my opponent didn't know the trap, and they didn't. If it were a higher rated opponent playing this opening, I would have responded with 1. ...d5

But if they had the slightest idea of how to play, then white would have had a totally winning position due to you playing for a trap. It loses for black.

I played e5 in the actual game, but if the opponent had been higher rated, I would've played d5. FOR THE LAST TIME, I DON'T NORMALLY PLAY THIS GAMBIT.

How interesting. But why play badly against a weak opponent? You're just giving them a chance.

Transpose my post to capitals in your imagination?

King's Gambit is garbage. Bird is better.

why is everyone defending the bird I was not expecting this T-T