I have noticed that a lot of people regard Bird's opening (1. f4) as a poor opening for white. It seems to me that, while inferior to e4 or d4, it would be on par with, say, Nc3 or b3, both perfectly reasonable, if offbeat, openings for white. Is there any reason for the hatred of the opening? Have London system players who hate the Dutch defense started a defamation campaign?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeyJ8xKgpss - The bird is the Word. :]
Because it weakens the king side and it can lead to many tactical traps.
Otherwise, you can play 1.d4 2.e3 3.c3 4.f4 if you like the stonewall dutch
Also, the dutch is an opening for black against 1.d4 and if you play f4 as your first move, the opponent might respond with 1...e5!? (Staunton Gambit) which can destabilise any player who doesn't know the theory of this gambit.
Otherwise, you can play 1.d4 2.e3 3.c3 4.f4 if you like the stonewall dutch
Also, the dutch is an opening for black against 1.d4 and if you play f4 as your first move, the opponent might respond with 1...e5!? (Staunton Gambit) which can destabilise any player who doesn't know the theory of this gambit.
Yes with f4 you weaken your king, block the bishop on c1 and do nothing for development. Plus there is no reason for it, philosophically the dutch at least makes somewhat sense, because your opponet played d4. Its playable but not great.
Bird's opening is one of my favorites -- to play against. The From gambit has a track record just below 50/50, better than most defenses to e4 or d4. It is complete and total fun for Black. So bring on the Bird and make my day.
Most surprising discovery: many players of Bird's do not have a plan to deal with the From (?!) How can someone choose to play 1 f4 and not be prepared to face such a dangerous response? So often I find myself playing against someone who has no idea what they are doing. Often they just decline the second pawn, and think they can just wing it and it will work out.
My one piece of advice for Bird openers -- be ready for the From. No further warning will be given.
Most surprising discovery: many players of Bird's do not have a plan to deal with the From (?!) How can someone choose to play 1 f4 and not be prepared to face such a dangerous response? So often I find myself playing against someone who has no idea what they are doing. Often they just decline the second pawn, and think they can just wing it and it will work out.
My one piece of advice for Bird openers -- be ready for the From. No further warning will be given.
It flies over people's heads.
(Sorry I meant the From Gambit, not the Staunton gambit)
Nc3 and b3 are better i believe.
Nc3 transpose anyway, and b3 seems useful too
According to stockfish, both 1. Nc3 and 1. f4 are -0.2 (1. a3 is as well, but I already know why people hate that one). From's Gambit is actually unsound, if one knows the theory. And if one doesn't know the theory, they can transpose into the King's Gambit (I know this is also unsound, but it is not like it loses for white)
I would disagree with the post about it not having any purpose. It attacks the center and, after castling, it gives the rook some room to operate, in addition to being a good option against players who know lots of opening theory.
I would disagree with the post about it not having any purpose. It attacks the center and, after castling, it gives the rook some room to operate, in addition to being a good option against players who know lots of opening theory.
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