Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4) - Birmingham Gambit

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<

The following diagram displays the initial position of the Birmingham Gambitin the 1. b4 opening, a rare choice for Black:

Unfortunately it is unclear which Birmingham gave the name to this variation. Except for famous Birmingham in England there are a lot of Birminghams in the USA and maybe in other countries 

So after 1. b4 c5 it is recommended for White to capture the c-pawn. Other responses give Black chances.

Now there are two main options for Black he can choose from: 2... e5 and  2... Qa5.

I. 2... e5 - the most popular:

II. 2... Qa5:

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<

More about the Sokolsky:
Exchange variation
Czech Defense
Outflank Variation
Main Line
Baltic Defense
King's Indian Variation
German Defense
Ware Defense
Bugayev Advance Variation
Sokolsky Gambit (Accepted)
Sokolsky Gambit (Declined)
Queen's Indian Variation
Dutch Defense
Advance Variation
Symmetrical Variation
Grigorian Variation