Chess Opening Theory/1. g4/1...e5

Grob's Attack
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/6P1/8/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKBNR w
Moves: 1.g4 e5
ECO code: A00

Grob's Attack

1. g4 e5

This move is interesting not because it is a commonly-played move, nor because it gives an advantage to either player (though Black should still be far better), but because White has not one, but two moves that lead to an early checkmate for Black. 2. f4?? transposes to the From Gambit of the Bird’s Opening, but this matters little because black can easily mate. 2. f3?? leads to the same early demise for white, this time transposing to the Barnes Opening. Both these blunders are called Fool's Mate, and tie for the fastest possible checkmate for black.

Although Grob's Attack is itself rarely used among serious players, 2. d3 is a more serious alternative. White will still be objectively worse, but can put up a good fight in spite of their weak kingside, and lack of resistance in the centre.

There is also 2. Bg2 which attempts to get into a psuedo-King's Indian with the g pawn able to kick out a potential f6 knight.

Win percentages

Masters

White wins: 36% | Draw: 15% | Black wins: 48%

Lichess

White wins: 48% | Draw: 3% | Black wins: 49%

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation.

1.g4 e5

	2	3	4
Grob's Attack	d3 d5	Bg2 Nc6	g5 Ng8	=/+
	Bg2 d5	c4 c6	cxd5 cxd5	=/+
Bird Opening (transposition)	f4?? Qh4#			0-1
Barnes Opening (transposition)	f3?? Qh4#			0-1

References

• Michael Basman (1989). The Killer Grob. Pergamon chess openings. ISBN 0080371310.
• Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.