Chess Opening · A00
Sokolsky Opening
For sub-1000 ELO players
The Sokolsky Opening (ECO A00), also called the Orangutan Opening, begins with the flank move 1. b4. Stockfish 17 at depth 25 evaluates the position at roughly -0.2 after the main line 1. b4 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 e6, giving Black a slight but clear advantage. Sub-1000 ELO players should not panic at this unusual move. Instead, claim the center with d5 and develop pieces naturally to exploit White's neglected central squares.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. b4 d52. Bb2 Nf63. e3 e6White opens with 1. b4, pushing a wing pawn instead of contesting the center. Black responds with 1...d5, immediately occupying the most important central square. White plays 2. Bb2 to put the bishop on the long diagonal, and Black develops with 2...Nf6. After 3. e3 (White tries to develop but blocks in the dark-squared bishop), Black plays 3...e6, building a solid pawn chain and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. b4 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. a3 O-O3 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.
Not claiming the center immediately
Sub-1000 players see the b4 pawn and get distracted by it. They try to attack it or play on the queenside instead of simply occupying the center with d5.
d4Grabbing the b4 pawn and falling into a trap
Beginners instinctively grab free-looking pawns. Taking on b4 opens the a-file for White's rook and gives the Bb2 more scope, which is exactly what the Sokolsky player wants.
c4Developing without a plan
Sub-1000 players often develop pieces to random squares against unusual openings. They move pieces just to move them without coordinating toward central control.
e4Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
The Sokolsky looks strange and sub-1000 players assume 1. b4 must be some kind of tricky gambit. In reality, White is just giving up central control for questionable queenside expansion.
Before Your Next Game
When you see 1. b4, do not overthink it. Play d5, develop your pieces to natural squares (Nf6, e6, Be7, O-O), and you will have a solid, comfortable position with easy play.
What to Study
Practice the response 1. b4 d5 2. Bb2 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. a3 O-O against a bot five times. The goal is to see how simple and natural Black's development is against this opening.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
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