Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4) - Main Line

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

The Main line (term by Alexey Sokolsky) is a very frequent variation of the 1. b4 opening where Black uses d5 supported by Nf6 and e6.

There are two fundamental variations in the Main line I'd like to show you.

I. 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 d5 3. e3 e6 - the easiest and one of the best defenses for Black:

Depending on Black's response White can either attack in the center with d4, or play a restrained d3 followed by Nbd2, or continue a pawn storm on the queenside with a2-a4-a5.

II. 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 e6 3. b5 a6 - a most unusual line where the queenside rooks are exchanged very quickly in the opening:

The absence of symmetry in this line and the unusual set-up will attract all lovers of everything novel in chess.

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

More about the Sokolsky:
Exchange variation
Czech Defense
Outflank Variation
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
Birmingham Gambit
Symmetrical Variation
Grigorian Variation