Grob Opening, Gambit Declined, Spike Attack
Grob Opening
Definition
The Grob Opening is the eccentric first move 1. g4 by White. The idea is to seize space on the kingside, prepare a quick fianchetto of the bishop to g2, and launch an immediate flank attack. In most opening manuals the Grob is filed under A00 (“irregular openings”).
Typical Move-order & Usage
After 1. g4 the most common reply is 1…d5, when White continues 2.Bg2, entering the so-called Grob Gambit (see below). Other frequent setups are
- 1…e5 2.Bg2 h5 (Basman Counter-Grob)
- 1…g6 2.Bg2 Bg7, steering for a pseudo-King’s Indian in reverse.
The opening is mainly used as a surprise weapon. Because theoretical coverage is scarce and volatile, a well-prepared Grob player can drag an opponent into unfamiliar, tactical waters as early as move two.
Strategic Features
- Pros: grabs space on the g-file, accelerates Bg2, and can lure Black into materialistic pawn snatching that opens attacking lines for White.
- Cons: weakens both f3 and g3, exposes the own king, and leaves the g-pawn hanging. Computer evaluations typically give Black ≈ –0.70 after best play.
Historical Notes
Named after Swiss International Master Henri Grob (1904-1974), who analysed the move exhaustively in his newspaper column and in the 1942 book “Grob’s Angriff”. Later, English GM Michael Basman adopted and popularised the system, scoring several upsets—even against grandmasters—during the 1970s-1990s.
Illustrative Game
The above miniature (Basman – anonymous club opponent, London 1983) shows the typical flow: Black takes on g4, the game opens, and tactics immediately dominate.
Interesting Facts
- Boris Spassky famously tried 1.g4 against Bobby Fischer (Buenos Aires, 1960)—the game was drawn.
- The engine Stockfish 16 already calls the position after 1.g4 “lost in principle”, yet human practical results in blitz are nearly 50 %. The gap between silicon objectivity and human psychology is rarely so visible.
- When played by Black (…g5 on move 1), the mirror image is humorously called the Borg Defense—“Grob” spelled backwards.
Grob Gambit Declined
Definition
After 1.g4 d5 2.Bg2, Black has the option to accept the gambit by 2…Bxg4 or to decline it with any move that keeps the pawn structure intact. All such non-capturing replies are collectively labelled the Grob Gambit Declined.
Typical Ways to Decline
- 2…c6 – “Quiet Decline”; Black builds a Caro-Kann-like shell.
- 2…e6 – Prepares …Bd6 or …h5, keeping options flexible.
- 2…Nc6 – The “Zilbermints Gambit” counter-offer: after 3.c4 d4!?
- 2…h6 – Prevents g-pawn expansion but concedes tempi.
Plans for Both Sides
White tries to prove that the unchallenged g-pawn gives lasting space and attacking chances: typical set-up is h3, d3, Nd2-f1-g3, castling long, and a pawn storm g4-g5-h4. Black aims for a healthy centre (…e5 or …c5) while exploiting the holes on f3 & h3.
Illustrative Line
White retains a small lead in development and kingside space, whereas Black enjoys a rock-solid centre.
Practical & Historical Observations
- The majority of strong players decline the pawn; computers suggest the capture 2…Bxg4 is best but requires razor-sharp play.
- GM Michael Basman considered 2…c6 “the most annoying” because it sidesteps his favourite prepared traps.
- In correspondence chess, the accepted line scores far better for Black than the decline; in over-the-board rapid & blitz, the difference narrows dramatically.
Spike Attack
Definition
The Spike Attack is a generic name—coined by Grob himself—for any early thrust of the g-pawn supported by a dark-squared bishop, literally “spiking” into the enemy camp. The most frequently cited case is the line:
1.e4 e5 2.g4!?
Here White sacrifices a pawn on g4 to open the g-file and accelerate Bg2, in effect transplanting Grob-style themes into an 1.e4 position. Other openings where the term is occasionally used include:
- Bird’s Opening: 1.f4 e5 2.g4!? (sometimes called the Bird Spike)
- Modern Defence: 1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.g4!? (Spike variation versus the Modern)
Why Play It?
- Psychological Shock – Few opponents expect a pawn sacrifice on move 2.
- Rapid Development – After g4-g5, the f-pawn or knight gets kicked and Bg2/Qh5 ideas appear.
- Trap Potential – Typical motif: 2…d5 3.exd5 Qxd5?? 4.Nc3 winning the queen.
Illustrative Mini-Game
(Internet blitz, 2021) – Black grabs material but soon collapses on the weakened dark squares.
Interesting Tidbits
- Henri Grob referred to the move 2.g4 against nearly anything as “Stachelangriff” (German for “spike attack”).
- The Spike is not recognised by a separate ECO code; instead, it is usually indexed under the parent opening (e.g., C20 for “King’s Pawn Game”).
- IM Tim Harding once called the Spike “the bungee jump of chess openings—thrilling, dangerous, and probably unwise.”