Bird’s Opening

Bird’s Opening (or the Dutch Attack) is a chess opening characterised by the move: 1. f4

Named after 19th century English player Henry Bird, Bird’s opening is a standard flank opening. White’s strategic ideas involve control of the e5-square, offering good attacking chances at the expense of slightly weakening their own kingside.

It is a standard but never really popular flank opening. White’s strategic ideas involve control of the e5-square without occupying it, but his first move is also non-developing and slightly weakening his kingside. Black may challenge White’s plan to control e5 immediately by playing From’s gambit (1…e5!?). However, the From’s gambit is notoriously double edged and should only be played after significant study.