Thoughts on Bird's Opening...

So for the past month or so I've been playing f4 almost exclusively as White. (And it has been fun)

While I've grown to like it and been pleased with my results; ie: Reached a new highest rating. I feel I've almost reached my peak as far as self-analysis of lines and positions of importance.

So what are your all's thoughts on:
What to watch out for, ways to attack this opening, ways to defend etc.

Any links to games on RHP of top players using it are appreciated. (I have already perused the bird's opening tourny games)

I'll look forward to any feedback you chess-book-readers out there have to say.

Thanks in advance,
Tim

P.S. I don't have time to read chess books, anytime I get to read, has to go to computer books.....they pay the bills....

P.P.S. I could research this elsewhere on the net, but why should I when all I really need is RHP and the knowledgeable people here.

P.P.P.S. Anybody out there that thinks this opening sucks and wants to demolish me, feel free to send a challenge.

Every opening falls with my unorthodox openings! Sure...I'll play you. ^__^;;

Have any of your opponents played 1...e5,the From Gambit vs. your Bird? That's the acid test for the opening.

I often play Dutch for black, but I never had any desire to play Bird. Psychology?:-)

For some reason, I do well with the bird when I can open up the game. With a closed position, however, I eventually end up with too much pressure being placed on the f pawn, losing or trading it, and then getting giant gaping holes ripped into my kingside.


The from gambit? Pshaw. Transposition into the king's gambit you mean :-) Now, d4 f4 e4, THAT'S testing, to the dutch...

Originally posted by paultopia
For some reason, I do well with the bird when I can open up the game. With a closed position, however, I eventually end up with too much pressure being placed on the f pawn, losing or trading it, and then getting giant gaping holes ripped into my kingside.


The from gambit? Pshaw. Transposition into the king's gambit you mean :-) Now, d4 f4 e4, THAT'S testing, to the dutch...

Ok, now that I have a little more time.....I figured its only fair if I put down my own uneducated thoughts.

1. My biggest problem with this opening is from people that attack quickly. I've found myself in trouble too many times, usually from lower-rated players. However, the players that take the time and setup their position first, I usually do better in the end...

2. Them getting their knight into my zone on e4 (usually backed up by a pawn) I've found myself putting my queen pawn on d3 early to prevent this..

3. I like to set up my defensive postion with Knight on f3, Bishop on g2 (pawn on g3) and castling...seems to setup a nice offensive "defensive position"....I like how that sounds...

4. After setting up my defense, I start attacking on the queenside, pawn on a3 and b4 (trying to take that black line away from their bishop and knight....

5. If my opponent is a "trader" this usually ends up in a very open position, then I try to make sure to bring my white knight into the game and control the diagonal.

If my opponent is NOT a "trader" the game usually ends up a very, very complicated position, in which case I try not to be the first to screw up.

Well thats it for now...

Tim

Originally posted by sundown316
Have any of your opponents played 1...e5,the From Gambit vs. your Bird? That's the acid test for the opening.

Originally posted by gambit3
I see no reason for White to fear that gambit.

Yea, I like the Bird, tho I'v e never played it here, I have OTB. The funny thing is I've never been able to get a book on the opening so I'm stuck with a couple of lines from MCO, not enough, really. Anybody know of any (English) book on the Bird????

sundown316: e5? sure a few have, but I don't remember there being any problems for me from it? In fact after I setup and castle to the king side it seems to give my rook a nice open file. (after I take their e5 pawn that is)

Edit on earlier comment: I meant "white bishop on #5", not "white knight"

Tim

The great thing about the bird, I think, is surprise value, especially against opponents who always play book lines. There IS no bird theory! (well, not much) so haha you can't be outbooked.

Originally posted by buddy2
Yea, I like the Bird, tho I'v e never played it here, I have OTB. The funny thing is I've never been able to get a book on the opening so I'm stuck with a couple of lines from MCO, not enough, really. Anybody know of any (English) book on the Bird????

Right, sundown, Soltis did do a pamphlet on the Bird, about 80 odd pages for Chess Digest years ago. There's also a cd out on the opening called the Big Bird, which is easy to obtain as it is new. I doubt however if i can get my hands on that pamphlet, which of course is out of print. these chess writers churn out enormous books on some esoteric Sicilian variation, but completely ignore the Bird. A good reason for some enterprising player to do his own research and bury a few higher rated players.

This may shock some people, but against the bird's opening, I play 1...c5

Nothing is more satisfying then seeing my opponent play the Bird's, thinking I'll be surprised, but the second he sees c5 as a response, he suddenly pauses for a whole 2 min in a blitz game! 😲