Opening course · A02 to A03
Learn the Bird Opening
The Bird Opening starts with 1.f4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 g6 4.b3 Bg7 5.Bb2. A Dutch Defence with an extra move: f4, Nf3, b3 and Bb2 aim at e5 and the king. Plus how to beat From’s Gambit.
- You play White
- For club players
- Rated about 1000 to 2400
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 4 steps
- 2 Main line 13 steps
- 3 Key variations 5 steps
- 4 Traps 2 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 6 steps
- 6 Test yourself 10 steps
Key ideas
- f4 and Nf3 hold e5.
- e3, b3, Bb2 and Be2.
- Castle, then jump to e5.
Traps you will see
- From’s mate Set by Black
- The caged bishop Set by White
Model games
- Bent Larsen Boris Spassky Amsterdam Interzonal · 1964
- Magnus Carlsen Michael Adams London Chess Classic · 2017
Questions
Is the Bird Opening good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1000 to 2400. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Bird Opening?
1.f4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 g6 4.b3 Bg7 5.Bb2.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 40 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- From’s mate
- The caged bishop