Polish Opening: 2...Bxb4 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3
Polish Opening: 1. b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3
Definition
The sequence 1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3 is a sharp branch of the Polish (or Sokolsky / Orangutan) Opening, catalogued under ECO code A00-A04 in some references. Black accepts the offered b-pawn with 2…Bxb4, while White counters by capturing the e-pawn and developing rapidly. The resulting position contains an imbalance of material versus activity: Black is a pawn up but slightly behind in king-side development.
Typical Move-Order
1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3
Strategic Ideas
- White’s aims
- Exploit the centrally-posted bishop on e5, eyeing the sensitive squares d6, f6 and g7.
- Speedy piece deployment (Nf3, e3, c4, Nc3) to seize the centre and open files, often the b-file after a3.
- Regain (or outweigh) the pawn through pressure rather than direct recapture, maintaining initiative.
- Black’s aims
- Consolidate the extra pawn by quick …d6 and …0-0.
- Question the e5-bishop with …Re8 or …Qe7, forcing it to decide between retreat or exchange.
- Use the outside b4-bishop pair to exert long-range pressure once safely tucked back (…Be7 or …Bc5).
Typical Continuations
- 5.e3 0-0 6.c4 d5 7.Nc3 Nc6 – White builds a Maroczy-style bind; Black relies on solid central thrusts.
- 5.c4 0-0 6.Nc3 Re8 7.e3 d5 – play resembles a reversed Sicilian Defence.
Historical Notes
The Polish Opening owes its animal nickname, the “Orangutan,” to Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower, who allegedly conceived the idea after a stroll through the Bronx Zoo during the 1924 New York tournament. The pawn-sac line with 2…Bxb4 has been investigated since the 1930s by Polish and Czech masters such as Sokolsky, Czerniak and Vlastimil Jansa. Although never a main-line weapon, it periodically surfaces in elite rapid events—GM Richard Rapport and GM Baadur Jobava are modern supporters.
Illustrative Game
Boris Spassky – Vlastimil Jansa, Wijk aan Zee 1973
1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3 0-0 5.e3 d5 6.c4 Re8 7.Bb2 c5 8.a3
Ba5 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Qc2 … 1-0 (34) – Spassky’s central pressure overcame
Black’s extra pawn.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- After 4.Nf3, the position is essentially a reversed Nimzowitsch Defence (1.e4 Nc6) with colours switched and an extra tempo for White.
- Database statistics (2024, all time-controls) show roughly 49 % score for White in 1,600+ games—practically equal despite the pawn sacrifice.
- A common tactical trick: 5.a3!? when the bishop retreats to a5, White can hit with 6.Bd6!, trapping it if Black is careless.
Common Pitfalls
- For White: 5.Nc3? allows 5…Nc6, when the e5-bishop becomes a target and Black consolidates.
- For Black: Greedy continuations like 4…Nc6?! 5.Bb2 d5 6.e3 d4? can backfire after 7.Nxd4 Nxd4 8.Bxd4, when White has already recovered material with a lead in development.
Evaluation & Popularity
Engines assess the line at roughly =0.10–0.20 for White after 4.Nf3, indicating dynamic equality. Its rarity and surprise value make it a useful practical weapon, especially in Blitz and Rapid formats.
[[Chart|Popularity|Rapid|2010-2023]]