Hamilton Chess Club

Round 6 was Birds Opening, Kings Fianchetto Defence

1. f4 Nf6 2. e3 g6 3. b3 Bg7 4. Bb2 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O c5

The Bird’s opening has great surprise value! It was popularised by the English master Henry E. Bird towards the end of the 19th century. It has not enjoyed the same popularity as 1.d4 and 1.e4 because it is generally regarded as non developing, does not secure a lasting hold on the centre, and slightly weakens the kings position.  It can however lead to very interesting positions when Black plays a gambit variation (The From gambit) against it with 1. f4 e5 2. fxe5 d6.