Anderssen Opening: 1. a3 (A00)
Anderssen Opening
Definition
The Anderssen Opening is the rare first move 1. a3 by White. Named after the 19th-century German master Adolf Anderssen, it is an irregular opening that steps outside the classical principles of immediate central occupation. In ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) codes it is catalogued as A00, a catch-all section for moves other than 1. a4, 1. b3, 1. c4, etc.
Strategic Ideas
Although 1. a3 does little for development or central control, it has a few practical motives:
- Prepares b4 (the so-called Anderson–Orangutan style expansion) to harass a black piece on c5 or claim queenside space.
- Prevents …Bb4+ in some lines after an eventual c4 or Nc3, because the a-pawn now guards b4.
- Psychological weapon: the surprise factor can knock opponents out of prepared main-line theory as early as move one.
- Transpositional freedom: after 1…d5 2. d4 or 1…e5 2. e4, the position can transpose into mainstream openings, effectively giving White an extra tempo on the flank.
Historical Significance
Anderssen was famous for romantic, sacrificial chess (e.g., the “Immortal Game”), and he occasionally began with 1. a3 as a creative experiment. While never becoming mainstream, the opening has persisted as an off-beat sideline; modern databases contain games by Hikaru Nakamura, Baadur Jobava, and even Magnus Carlsen in blitz and bullet time controls.
Typical Continuations
- 1. a3 e5 2. c4 (aiming for an English-type structure with the extra a-pawn advanced)
- 1. a3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nf3 (transposing to a Queen’s Pawn Game sans the bishop check on b4)
- 1. a3 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. e4 d6 4. Nf3 (heading toward a Pirc/Modern with a3 “thrown in”)
Illustrative Game
Hikaru Nakamura – Vassily Ivanchuk, Blindfold Rapid, Amber 2011
Nakamura used the Anderssen as a surprise weapon in the blindfold portion, eventually winning a rich middlegame after creative queenside play.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- + Surprise value: Forces the opponent to think independently from move one.
- + Flexible transpositions: Can enter English, Queen’s Pawn, or flank-gambit lines with an extra tempo.
- − Slow development: Does not assist piece activation or central claims.
- − Minimal theoretical bite: Objectively grants Black full equality and sometimes the initiative.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Computer engines evaluate 1. a3 at roughly +0.15—less than most main lines but more respectable than its reputation suggests.
- Anderssen likely adopted 1. a3 to avoid Steinitz’s pet defenses in their unofficial 1866 World Championship match; however, Steinitz still prevailed 8–6.
- In online bullet chess, 1. a3 is colloquially called “the Little Orangutan,” a playful reference to 1. b4 (the actual Orangutan Opening).
- Chess legend Tony Miles once joked that the move should be named after Fred Reinfeld because “a3 is neither good nor bad—just indifferent.”
Practical Recommendations
Employ the Anderssen Opening if you:
- Enjoy steering opponents into unfamiliar territory.
- Are comfortable converting small positional trumps (extra queenside space) into long-term advantages.
- Play rapid or blitz and value time spent by your opponent over objective opening edges.
Otherwise, for classical play where theoretical soundness carries more weight, consider sticking to mainstream openings and reserve 1. a3 for special occasions.