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Opinions on the Grob opening (1. g4) ?

Opinions on the Grob opening (1. g4) ?

Only Chess

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I've had to play against this opening several times and it looks very trappy for black. Also it seems several GMs used it with success.

What do you think about it ? (do you play it? which lines?)

Thanks in advance!

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Yes,it's weird and I don't know the idea behind it.😕

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Originally posted by vrenardias

I've had to play against this opening several times and it looks very trappy for black. Also it seems several GMs used it with success.

What do you think about it ? (do you play it? which lines?)

Thanks in advance!
What are the following moves?

Olav

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There are many possible lines it seems!
Here are some I've seen :

1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 c6 3. c4 dxc4
1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 c6 3. g5 e5
1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 c6 3. h3 e5
1. g4 e5 2. Bg2 d5 3. c4 c6

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Originally posted by vrenardias
There are many possible lines it seems!
Here are some I've seen :

1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 c6 3. c4 dxc4
1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 c6 3. g5 e5
1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 c6 3. h3 e5
1. g4 e5 2. Bg2 d5 3. c4 c6
Seems to be oke...but it's hard to defend the flank!

Olav

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1.g4 e5! 2. Bg2?! h5! seems to be better for black already!

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Originally posted by !~TONY~!
1.g4 e5! 2. Bg2?! h5! seems to be better for black already!
Haha, I'll shall set up a game...I was thinking about h5 too: no, black can't play h5....that's wrong!

Olav

p.s. kinda rude just to challenge you but...

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Go to Amazon, type in "Killer Grob". And Mr. Basman will answer all your questions.🙄

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How good can it be for white if after move 1 he, in effect, commits to castle on the queenside (if at all)
Why would you intentionally lose such a great amount of flexibility?!

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My understanding is that the grob is most effective in OTB games at the amateur/intermediate level, where your opponent probably has not given much thought to their responses to this opening. You can force your opponent to use up a lot of time at the beginning of the game, and if white can find a way to equalize, will have a time advantage in the end game.

I'll be curious to see how the games turn out - it does not seem to provide a solid foundation for white to control the center, and as has already been pointed out, the kingside pawn structure is irreparably weakened on the first move, meaning it's either play a "king out" style of attack or force a queenside castle.

-mike