The Anti-Borg Opening, also known as the Desprez Opening, is an irregular chess opening defined by the move 1.h4. ECO code: A00.

Overview

The move 1.h4 advances the h-pawn two squares, making a rook-pawn move that contributes nothing to development or central control. The "Anti-Borg" name reflects that it is the mirror image of the Borg Defence (1.e4 g5), another dubious opening. The "Desprez" name comes from the French player Marcel Desprez.

Strategic Themes & Plans

White has no coherent plan with 1.h4. The pawn advance slightly weakens the kingside and wastes a tempo. Black responds most effectively with central occupation: 1...d5 or 1...e5. In conjunction with Grob\'s Attack (1.g4), International Master John Watson has noted that 1.g4 and 1.h4 compete for the dubious distinction of being White's worst first move. The opening is never seen in serious competitive play.