1.a3 and/or 1.a4

I was paired against a White opponet with some 200 over my humble 1400 plus rating.

He came out with 1.a4

I ask, is that a standard opening or was he trying to scoff at me due to his higher rating?

I answered with 1 …e4 and 3 …d4 as normal and I am watching what the hell is he trying to do with his rook. Do you think it is OK?

Systems like 1.a4, 2. b3, and 3. Bb2 are playable for white. Who knows what your opponent was thinking? As I said in another thread these kind of off-beat openings can't be automatically busted by black. White can even play 1.f3 and 2. Kf2 without black forcing a win. 1.a4 is not great, but it is OK. By the way if computers ever solve chess, I'll bet that 1.d4 is the best opening move.

Thanks WestofHolliwod You taught me something. . .

Well if he tried to scoff me, finally he paid for his sin. A few moments later he moved his b-Pawn, I had a Bishop in g7 and the diagonal clear and the Rook collapsed without noticing it.