Birds Opening & Myers Defense
Bird’s Opening (1. f4)
Definition
Bird’s Opening is defined by the very first move 1. f4 from White. By advancing the f-pawn two squares, White immediately stakes a claim to the e5–square and signals an aggressive, often kingside-oriented game. Because the structure can transpose into a “Dutch Defence with colors reversed,” it is sometimes nicknamed “The Reversed Dutch.”
Typical Move Orders & Variations
- Main Line: 1. f4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. b3 (classical set-up)
- From’s Gambit: 1. f4 e5!? 2. fxe5 d6 — Black sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances against f4 & e5.
- Leningrad-style: 1. f4 g6 2. Nf3 Bg7 3. g3 d6 — White fianchettoes and aims for a kingside assault.
Strategic Themes
- Control of e5. Placing a pawn on f4 prevents Black’s …e5 advance and supports a potential Ne5-outpost.
- Kingside Initiative. The semi-open f-file often becomes an attacking highway after moves such as g2-g4, Rf1, and Qe1–h4.
- Flexibility vs. Center. Because White delays playing d4 or e4, the central structure is fluid; accurate timing is essential to avoid being squeezed.
- Weakening e1–h4 Diagonal. Early f-pawn movement loosens the white king. Tactics on the a7–g1 or h4–e1 diagonals frequently arise in From’s Gambit.
Historical Significance
The opening is named after the 19th-century English master Henry Edward Bird, who championed it in many exhibitions and tournaments (although he also experimented with 1. e4 and 1. d4!). Bird eagerly pursued unbalanced positions—well before “opening surprise” theory became fashionable. Noteworthy modern adherents include Bent Larsen, Mikhail Gurevich, and correspondence star Jan Timman.
Illustrative Example
The diagram (taken from a Larsen correspondence game, 1968) shows a common middlegame: White’s pieces point menacingly at e5 & h7, while Black enjoys firm central pawns. Both sides have clear plans—an ideal learning position for Bird’s enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- “Beerhouse Trick.” In casual 19th-century cafés, From’s Gambit was considered a quick way to hustle a drink; unwary Bird players often lost instantly to the line 3. d4 Qh4+!.
- Henry Bird employed 1. f4 in 922 recorded games—yet he scored a higher percentage with 1. e4!
- Bent Larsen vs. Boris Spassky, Amsterdam 1970: Larsen shocked the reigning World Champion Candidate with Bird’s Opening and won a fine attacking game, helping cement his reputation as “the Great Dane of originality.”
Myers Defense (1. d4 g5!?)
Definition
The Myers Defense arises after 1. d4 g5!?, an extremely rare reply in which Black flings the g-pawn two squares on the very first move. Named after American master and iconoclast Hugh Edward Myers (1930-2008), the line aims to drag opponents out of familiar theory and into chaotic, off-beat territory.
Why Play …g5?
- Psychological Ambush. Most 1. d4 players expect solid structures like the Queen’s Gambit or the King’s Indian—not a wing-pawn lunge.
- Rapid Space on the Kingside. …g5 supports …g4, challenging White’s knight if it lands on f3 and grabbing kingside territory.
- Avoiding Mainstream Theory. Within one move, reams of opening preparation may be rendered useless.
Theoretical Standing
Strictly speaking, 1…g5 is dubious. Black weakens f6, h6, and the dark squares around the king, and falls behind in development. Nonetheless, with accurate follow-up—often …h6, …Bg7, and a quick …c5 or …d5—Black can steer the game into murky, double-edged channels.
Main Continuations
- 2. Bxg5. The most principled. After 2…c5 (or 2…d5) Black gambits the g-pawn for rapid central play.
- 2. e4. Grabbing central space; play may transpose to a bizarre King’s Gambit-style position with colors reversed.
- 2. c4 h6 3. Nc3 Bg7—Myers’s own pet setup, keeping the pawn and fianchettoing.
Historical & Cultural Notes
Hugh Myers was a prolific author (“Exploring the Chess Openings”, “New Strategy in the Chess Opening”) and a relentless advocate for creative, even eccentric openings. He famously stated, “If it’s legal, it’s playable!” The defense bearing his name epitomizes that philosophy.
Sample Game
H. Myers – R. Jensen, Chicago 1964
Myers sacrificed the g-pawn, rapidly developed his pieces, and uncorked …cxd4 followed by …Bf5, seizing the initiative and eventually winning in 26 moves.
Practical Advice
- For Black: Be prepared to sacrifice material for time and keep the king flexible—castling long is common.
- For White: Grab the pawn if you’re comfortable defending; otherwise, play solidly with c4, Nc3, and e4, punishing the loosened dark squares.
Curiosities
- GM Viktor Korchnoi tried 1…g5 in a 1982 simultaneous exhibition, remarking, “It is bad—but it is my bad!”
- In the 1990s, computer engine “Fritz 4” occasionally recommended 1…g5 as a surprise weapon in blitz, echoing Myers’s belief that shock value can outweigh objective soundness in fast chess.