Orangutan Opening (1. b4) – Sokolsky / Polish Opening

Orangutan Opening

Definition

The Orangutan Opening is the off-beat first move 1. b4 by White. Also known as the Sokolsky Opening or the Polish Opening, it aims to seize space on the queenside, fianchetto the bishop to b2, and create asymmetrical, strategic jungles that can take an unprepared opponent out of mainstream opening theory.

Origins & Name

The most popular story credits Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower, who supposedly named the opening after a visit to the Bronx Zoo during the 1924 New York International. He allegedly consulted an orangutan named “Susan,” drew inspiration from her agile arm-swings, and decided to play 1. b4 against Géza Maróczy the next day, scoring a memorable win. While the tale is undoubtedly tongue-in-cheek, the name stuck.

Typical Move Order

The baseline position arises after:

• 1. b4 … (Black’s reply varies: 1…e5, 1…d5, 1…Nf6, or 1…c5 are common)
• 2. Bb2 gunning at the long diagonal a1–h8

The bishop often lands on b2 early; White may support the b-pawn with a2–a3 or push it further with b4–b5 to disrupt Black’s queenside development.

Strategic Themes

• Queenside space grab: The pawn on b4 restrains …c5 and …a6 …b5 ideas.
• Diagonal pressure: The bishop on b2 eyes g7 and potentially e5/c6 squares.
• Central counterpunch: Because White neglects the center initially, timely c4 or e3/e4 breaks are essential to avoid falling behind.
• Asymmetry: Positions often resemble a Reverse Dutch or Benoni with colors flipped.

Plans for White

1. Quick kingside castling and a later rook lift (Rf1–f3–h3) if Black weakens dark squares.
2. Undermine the center with c4 (Queenside Benoni structure) or e4 (Reverse French).
3. Push b5 to clamp down on …c5 and gain space.
4. Exchange on f6 via Bxf6 followed by b5–b6 in some lines, undermining Black’s queenside pawns.

Plans for Black

1. Central occupation: Immediate 1…e5 or 1…d5 grabs space and challenges White’s omission.
2. Counter-fianchetto: 1…g6 2.Bb2 Nf6 3.Nf3 Bg7 steering into a symmetrical, flexible set-up.
3. Queenside blockade: …a5 followed by …axb4 prevents b5 and fixes the pawn as a target.
4. Benko-style pressure: After 1…c5, Black treats the game as a reversed Benko Gambit.

Illustrative Game

Tartakower’s legendary “zoo” victory:

[[Pgn| 1.b4|e5 2.Bb2|Bxb4 3.Bxe5|Nf6 4.Nf3|O-O 5.e3|d5 6.c4|Nc6 7.Bb2|Re8 8.Be2|dxc4 9.Bxc4|Be6 10.Bxe6|Rxe6 11.O-O|Qd3 12.Nc3|Rd8 13.Qb3|Qa6 14.d4|Bd6 15.d5|Na5 16.Qc2|Ree8 17.e4| Nc4 18.Rfe1|Nxb2 19.Qxb2|Nd7 20.Nb5|Ne5 21.Nxd6|cxd6 22.Nd4|Nd3 23.Qc3|Nxe1 24.Nf5|f6 25.Rxe1|Rc8 26.Qg3|Rc7 27.Nxd6|Re5 28.f4|Qb6+ 29.Kh1|Qxd6 30.fxe5|Qxe5 31.Qxe5|fxe5 32.Kg1|Kf7 33.Re2|Rc4 34.Kf2|Ke7 35.Ke3|b5 36.Kd3|a5 37.Rb2|Rf8 38.Rxb5|Rd4+ 39.Ke3|Ra4 40.Rb7+|Kd6 41.Rxg7|Ra3+ 42.Kf2|Rxa2+ 43.Kg3||fen|8/6R1/3k1p2/4p3/p7/r7/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 43|arrows|b4b5|squares|b4,b5 ]]

Notable Practitioners

• Savielly Tartakower – popularised it with panache and witty commentary.
• Viktor Kupreichik – wielded it regularly in the 1970s–80s, scoring several GM scalps.
• Baadur Jobava – modern creative GM who uses 1. b4 in rapid & blitz.
• Hikaru Nakamura – springs it as a surprise weapon in online events.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The ECO code for 1. b4 is A00, lumped in the “irregular” category.
• In some languages the opening is nicknamed the Polish; confusingly, the Polish Defense (…b5) is the mirror image for Black.
• Because the first move pushes a rook pawn two squares, it is sometimes humorously compared to flinging a wing at Black’s center.
• Computer engines initially scoffed at 1. b4, but neural-network evaluations (e.g., Leela) consider it respectable if followed up accurately.

When to Use the Orangutan

Ideal for rapid/blitz or when facing a heavily booked opponent. It can also serve as a full-blooded main weapon if you enjoy maneuvering battles and unbalanced pawn structures. Beware, however, that inaccurate central play can see White drift into an inferior position.

Summary

The Orangutan Opening swings into the game from an unusual angle, testing Black’s flexibility and theoretical memory. While objectively balanced, its quirky character offers rich winning chances for the well-prepared adventurer—proof that sometimes, stepping off the beaten path is the most human (or primate!) way to play chess.