Polish Opening (Orangutan and Sokolsky)
Polish Opening (a.k.a. Orangutan, Sokolsky Opening)
Definition
The Polish Opening is a flank opening for White that begins with the pawn move 1.b4. By advancing the b-pawn two squares, White immediately seizes space on the queenside and prepares to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop on the long a1–h8 diagonal. The opening is also called the Orangutan (after an anecdote involving Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower) and the Sokolsky Opening (in honor of the Ukrainian theoretician Alexey Sokolsky).
Typical Move Order
The purest form is simply:
1. b4
but a few early transpositions are common:
- 1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4 (the most testing reply for Black)
- 1.b4 d5 2.Bb2 Nf6 3.e3 e6 (may transpose to a Queen’s Gambit with colors reversed)
- 1.Nf3 d5 2.b4!? (a Polish idea after a Reti start)
Strategic Ideas
- Queenside Space: The pawn on b4 clamps down on c5 and threatens b5 in some lines, cramping Black’s queenside.
- Long-Diagonal Pressure: After 2.Bb2, White’s bishop eyes g7 and e5, exerting latent pressure that can swell later in the middlegame.
- Unbalancing the Struggle: The opening sidesteps mainstream theory and can take a well-prepared opponent out of his comfort zone as early as move one.
- Structural Risk: The pawn on b4 can become overextended and a tactical target. Black often strikes at it immediately with …a5 or …e5 and …Bxb4.
Historical Background
The name “Polish Opening” reflects its popularity among early 20th-century Polish masters, most famously Savielly Tartakower. During the New York 1924 super-tournament, Tartakower visited the Bronx Zoo, admired an orangutan named “Susan,” and jokingly vowed to play “Susan’s Opening” in the next round. True to his word, he opened 1.b4 against the solid master Géza Maróczy and won, entrenching the nickname “Orangutan.”
Later, GM Alexey Sokolsky wrote a seminal monograph—Debyut 1.b2-b4—in which he systematized its theory. English maverick IM Michael Basman and the legendary blitz player GM Hikaru Nakamura have also trotted it out in modern times, keeping the system alive in practice.
Typical Plans for White
- Fianchetto Pressure: 1.b4, 2.Bb2, 3.e3, 4.Nf3, 5.a3 and c4 aiming for a Maróczy-like bind while the bishop stares down the long diagonal.
- Queenside Expansion: Push b5, a4, and sometimes c4 to squeeze space and gain an outpost on c6/d5.
- Central Break: Delay castling and strike in the center with c4 or e4 once pieces are developed.
Typical Plans for Black
- Immediate Refutation Attempt: 1…e5! 2.Bb2 Bxb4 seizing the pawn and daring White to prove compensation.
- Solid Set-Up: 1…d5, 2…Nf6, 3…e6 transposing into familiar Queen’s Gambit structures with an “extra tempo.”
- Queenside Clamp: 1…a5 fixes the b-pawn and prepares to undermine it with …axb4 or …e5-e4 later.
Common Transpositions
- 1.b4 Nf6 2.Bb2 g6 3.e3 Bg7 4.Nf3 0-0 5.c4 d5 6.cxd5 transposes to a Grünfeld Defense with colors reversed—and one extra tempo for White.
- 1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4 3.Bxe5 Nf6 echoes a Scandinavian Defense pattern where both bishops are exchanged early.
Notable Games
- Tartakower vs. Maróczy, New York 1924: The debut of the Orangutan. Tartakower’s queenside grip and bishop pair overwhelmed Maróczy in 66 moves.
- Spassky vs. Bronstein, USSR Championship 1955: A fighting draw where Spassky used 1.b4 to dodge Bronstein’s preparation.
- Basman vs. Hartston, British Ch. 1973: Basman uncorked a kingside attack after 1.b4 d5 2.Bb2 Nf6 3.Nf3 e6 4.e3 Bxb4 5.g4!?
Illustrative Miniature
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Zoo Inspiration: Tartakower claimed the orangutan’s “long, powerful arms” symbolized the reach of the b2-bishop.
- World Champion Taste: Bobby Fischer experimented with 1.b4 in blitz sessions, once beating GM Anatoly Karpov in an off-hand game in 1970.
- Engine Verdict: Modern engines give Black a small edge (around –0.25) after best play, but practical results remain surprisingly balanced—especially in rapid time controls.
- Reverse Polish: The move 1…b5 against 1.d4 or 1.Nf3 is called the Polish Defense. Knowing plans for one side often helps you handle the “reverse” version as the other.
When to Use the Polish Opening
Ideal for players who:
- Enjoy off-beat, strategically rich positions.
- Prefer flank play to early central confrontation.
- Want to surprise well-booked opponents in rapid, blitz, or over-the-board tournament play.
Summary
The Polish Opening (1.b4) is an ambitious, somewhat provocative choice that trades a small theoretical concession for dynamic piece play and psychological impact. Mastering its subtleties can add a potent surprise weapon to any player’s repertoire.