Grob Opening: Double Grob
Grob Opening: Double Grob
Definition
The Double Grob is a rare, mirror-image opening that begins with the moves 1. g4 g5. White initiates the Grob Opening (also called the Spike or Ahlhausen Attack) by advancing the g-pawn two squares, and Black immediately responds in kind, creating an identical pawn structure on the opposite flank. The result is a highly unorthodox, double-edged position in which both sides simultaneously weaken the squares in front of their own kings while staking early space on the wing.
Typical Move Order
The purest form is:
- g4 g5
- Bg2 Bg7
- d4 d5 (or …h6)
Other transpositions are possible. For example, after 1. g4 d5 2. Bg2 g5, Black delays the symmetrical thrust by one move but still reaches a Double Grob structure.
Strategic Themes & Ideas
- King-side Weakness: Advancing the g-pawn exposes the h4/h5 and f4/f5 squares. Castling short becomes dangerous for both players, so queenside castling or leaving the king in the centre is common.
- Open g-file Potential: If either side captures on g4/g5, the half-open g-file can be exploited by rooks and queens for direct attacks.
- Central Breaks: Because flank pawns have moved, the centre (especially the e- and d-files) is unstable. Moves like d4, e4 (for White) or …d5, …e5 (for Black) strike back and can seize the initiative from the opponent’s wing play.
- Psychological Weapon: The Double Grob is rarely prepared for, making it a favourite in blitz and rapid time controls where surprise value can outweigh its theoretical shortcomings.
Historical Notes
The opening is named after the Swiss player and problem composer Henri Grob (1904-1974), who analysed and played 1. g4 extensively in correspondence and over-the-board events. The mirror reply …g5 received occasional attention from English IM Michael Basman in the 1970s-1990s, an advocate of off-beat openings such as the St. George Defence. Because top grandmasters seldom venture the Grob, notable Double Grob games are found mostly in exhibition, blitz, or club play rather than elite tournaments.
Illustrative Line
The following sample continuation demonstrates typical tactical motifs and the unbalanced nature of the opening:
In this line both sides intentionally open files and trade pieces with the kings still in relative peril, underscoring the tactical richness (and risk) of the Double Grob.
Sample Game Reference
Although seldom played at master level, one entertaining example is Basman – Southcott, London (rapid) 1981, which began 1. g4 g5 2. Bg2 Bg7 3. h4 gxh4 4. Rxh4 and led to a whirlwind of sacrifices ending in perpetual check on move 26.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Henri Grob reportedly played 1. g4 in more than 1,300 correspondence games, scoring an impressive +72 % despite its dubious reputation.
- In some online platforms, the quirky mirror reply …g5 is jokingly called “Running with Scissors” because both players slice open their own king-side safety in the very first move.
- Computer engines evaluate the starting Double Grob position as roughly +0.80 in White’s favour—significant, but not instantly decisive. Precise play can often equalise for Black, making it a viable surprise weapon.
- The opening code in ECO is B00—the section reserved for “irregular” king’s pawn defences and assorted flank openings outside mainstream theory.
Practical Tips
- If you adopt the Double Grob, be ready to castle long or keep your king in the centre, and aim to exploit open lines on the g- and h-files.
- Study thematic tactics such as Bxg5/Bxg4 sacrifices and rook lifts via Rh1-h3-g3 or Rh8-h6-g6.
- Be prepared for early central thrusts (…d5, …e5 or d4, e4) from the opponent; meeting them accurately is essential to avoid ending up with nothing but a weakened king.