Chess Opening · A00
Polish Opening
For sub-1000 ELO players
The Polish Opening (ECO A00), also known as the Orangutan Opening, starts with 1. b4, an unusual flank move that gives away a pawn for dubious compensation. Stockfish 17 at depth 25 evaluates the position at -0.3 after 3...Nf6 in the main line, meaning Black is already slightly better. Sub-1000 ELO players often fail to take the free b4 pawn or get confused by the unfamiliar position and play passively instead of seizing the center.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. b4 e52. Bb2 Bxb43. Bxe5 Nf6White plays 1. b4, offering the b-pawn. Black responds with 1...e5, grabbing the center. After 2. Bb2, White targets the e5 pawn, so Black takes the free b4 pawn with the bishop. White captures on e5 with 3. Bxe5, and Black develops the knight to f6 with tempo since it prepares castling and eyes the center.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. b4 e5 2. Bb2 Bxb4 3. Bxe5 Nf6 4. c4 O-O 5. e3 d53 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Refusing the Free Pawn
Many beginners are afraid to capture the b4 pawn because it feels like a trap. They play safe moves and let White develop the bishop to b2 with a comfortable position for free.
Bxc7Trying to Hold e5 at All Costs
After 2. Bb2, some beginners waste tempi trying to defend the e5 pawn with moves like ...f6 or ...Qe7. These moves weaken the kingside or block development. It is better to let e5 go and focus on taking b4 and developing pieces.
Nc3Slow Development After Winning Material
After winning the pawn, beginners relax and make aimless moves. They forget to castle and develop their remaining pieces, giving White time to generate counterplay.
Bxf6Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
Sub-1000 players panic when they see 1. b4. They assume the opponent knows something they do not and play timidly. In reality, 1. b4 is a suboptimal move that hands Black a free pawn and a better position. Confidence and basic development principles are all you need.
Before Your Next Game
When your opponent plays 1. b4, smile. You are getting a free pawn. Take the pawn with your bishop, develop your knights, castle, and push ...d5 to own the center. You are already winning.
What to Study
Memorize the sequence 1...e5 2...Bxb4 3...Nf6 followed by ...O-O and ...d5. This simple plan gives you a solid extra pawn and a comfortable position against any follow-up White tries.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
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