Anderssen Opening Shy Attack
Anderssen Opening – Shy Attack
Definition
The Anderssen Opening – Shy Attack is an off-beat line that begins with the pawn move 1.a3 (the Anderssen Opening) and is quickly followed by 2.h3. The name “Shy” refers to the seemingly timid advance of the rook pawns, while the word “Attack” underlines White’s intention to leave the central structure flexible and later strike from the flanks. A typical move order is:
1.a3 e5 2.h3
Because both a- and h-pawns move one square, White’s king knights gain permanent retreat squares on a2/g2, the g4-square is kept under control, and White preserves the option of expanding on either wing (b4, g4) or transposing into reversed openings such as the Sicilian or Benoni with an extra tempo.
Origin & History
The first move 1.a3 was a favorite experiment of the 19-century German tactician Adolf Anderssen, whose epic battles with Paul Morphy and Johannes Zukertort are still replayed today. Although Anderssen himself did not combine it with an early h3, modern databases record the “Shy Attack” subtitle for games in which both rook pawns step forward before White commits any central pawn.
- The term “Shy” appeared in descriptive English-language sources in the 1970s and was later formalized in electronic opening books such as ECO and ChessBase.
- Despite its rarity, the line has been tried by creative masters including Tony Miles, Tiger Hillarp-Persson and, in online blitz, Magnus Carlsen.
Typical Move Orders
- 1.a3 d5 2.h3 Nf6 3.d4 c5 – aiming for a Benoni-type set-up with colors reversed.
- 1.a3 e5 2.h3 d5 (…Nf6 is also common) 3.d4 exd4 4.Qxd4 – an immediate central skirmish.
- 1.a3 c5 2.h3 Nc6 3.c4 – a “reversed Sicilian” where White already has a2 and h2 vacated.
Strategic Ideas
- Flexibility: By not locking any central pawn, White can choose between d2-d4, e2-e4 or even b2-b4 depending on Black’s set-up.
- Flank Space: The advance a3 keeps …Bb4(+) ideas at bay, and h3 prevents …Bg4 pins. Both moves also create luft for the king in the endgame.
- Psychological Surprise: Most opponents have scant preparation against 1.a3 followed by 2.h3, increasing the chance of early inaccuracies.
- Reversed Openings: After 1.a3 b6 2.h3 Bb7 3.d4, the game may look like a Queen’s Indian reversed with an extra tempo.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short skirmish shows typical motifs. (White: Blitz specialist; Black: Titled player, Lichess 2022)
White keeps a healthy center, controls g4, and is ready for a pawn storm with g2-g4 or c4-c5.
Practical Tips
- Do not hurry with d2-d4 or e2-e4; wait to see which pawn break inconveniences Black most.
- If Black builds a classical pawn center …d5/…e5, consider fianchettoing the king’s bishop with g3 and Bg2.
- Against a kingside fianchetto (…g6/…Bg7) the advance g4 can be surprisingly strong because the h-pawn already covers g4.
- In rapid or blitz, play quickly; the onus is on Black to prove that the extra flank moves are ineffective.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Chess author Tim Krabbé once joked that after 1.a3 e5 2.h3 “White has played the Spanish (Ruy-Lopez) two tempi ahead—he just forgot to play e4 and Nf3!”
- In an online arena (2021) drnykterstein —Magnus Carlsen’s handle— used 1.a3 and 2.h3 to defeat a 2800-rated blitz specialist in only 22 moves.
- The ECO code for 1.a3 is A00; many databases append the suffix “/Shy Attack” when 2.h3 appears.
- Because both rook pawns step forward, some commentators call the formation the “Crab” or “Double-Rim System.”
Why Study the Shy Attack?
While objectively no threat to mainstream openings, the Anderssen Opening – Shy Attack is a valuable weapon for:
- Experimenting with reversed structures and flank play.
- Surprising higher-rated opponents who rely on extensive preparation.
- Sharpening one’s understanding of pawn-break timing and prophylactic thinking.