Polish Opening: 1...e5 2.Bb2
Polish Opening (Sokolsky): 1. b4 e5 2. Bb2
Definition
The move order 1. b4 e5 2. Bb2 forms the main line of the Polish, or Sokolsky, Opening. The term “Polish” is an older English-language nickname; in most databases you will find the ECO code A00 and the name “Sokolsky Opening,” after the Ukrainian master Alexey Sokolsky, who championed it in the mid-20th century. White advances the b-pawn two squares on move 1, seizing queenside space and preparing to fianchetto the queen’s bishop. Black’s most principled reply is the central thrust 1…e5, after which White almost invariably plays 2.Bb2, completing the fianchetto and placing immediate pressure on the e5-pawn.
How it is used in practice
- Surprise weapon. Because 1.b4 is rare at master level (occurring in well under 1 % of serious games), it is often employed as a sideline to take opponents out of mainstream opening theory.
- Flank strategy. White defers central pawn moves in favor of quick piece development and queenside expansion, hoping to provoke weaknesses as Black occupies the center.
- Psychological test. Many Black players know only the crude 1…e5 2…Bxb4? line, which looks attractive but can backfire. Well-prepared White players try to steer the game into such traps.
Typical continuations
After 1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 the most common choices are:
- 2…Bxb4? (“Poisoned Bishop”)
Grabbing the pawn is tempting, but after 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3 White regains the pawn with a lead in development and a pinned bishop on b4. Many miniature upsets have arisen from this line. - 2…d6 (Modern setup)
Black supports e5, plans …Nf6 and …g6, and keeps the light-squared bishop flexible. The structure often resembles a reversed Pirc/Modern Defense. - 2…f6 (Defending e5 directly)
Solid but slightly loosens Black’s kingside dark squares, giving White long-term pressure along the diagonal a1–h8. - 2…Nc6 transposing to a reversed Queen’s Indian-type position.
Strategic themes
- Diagonal pressure. Bb2 eyes the e5-pawn, the knight on g8, and often the rook on h8 once the diagonal opens.
- Queenside majority. When the b-pawn is not captured, White can follow with a2-a3 and c2-c4, gaining space and play on the a- and b-files.
- Central tension. Because White has not committed central pawns, he can later choose between d2-d4, e2-e3, or even f2-f4, adapting to Black’s setup.
- Lead in development versus material. If Black captures on b4, White sacrifices a pawn (often temporarily) to accelerate piece activity.
Historical significance
The earliest recorded game with 1.b4 dates back to the 19th century, but the line became theoretically respected thanks to Alexey Sokolsky’s 1940 book “The Opening 1 b2–b4.” A famous anecdote claims that Mikhail Tal used the opening in casual games to “relax” because it freed him from memorized theory. In modern times, grandmasters Richard Rapport and Baadur Jobava have scored notable victories with 1.b4, keeping the opening alive.
Illustrative miniature
White regains the pawn on e5, enjoys a lead in development, and targets the loose bishop on b4. Many Black players have fallen into similar traps.
Model game
Rapport – Navara, Biel 2016 (rapid)
1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 Bxb4?! 3.Bxe5 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bb2 d5 6.e3 O-O 7.c4 Re8 8.Be2 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Be6 10.Be2 and White converted the structural plus on move 35.
Plans for both sides
- White
- Pressure the long diagonal a1–h8.
- Use the semi-open a- and b-files (after a3, b4-b5) for rook activity.
- If the pawn on b4 survives, support it with a3 and c4, restricting Black’s queenside.
- If the pawn is sacrificed, exploit the time gained for rapid development and kingside attack.
- Black
- Establish a robust center with …e5, …d6, and …f6 or …Nc6.
- Neutralize the bishop on b2 by blocking the long diagonal (…d6–d5 or …c6).
- Aim for …a5 to undermine White’s queenside pawns.
- If a pawn up after …Bxb4, consolidate quickly; avoid falling behind in development.
Interesting facts
- Grandmaster Boris Spassky once began a Candidates match game with 1.b4, quipping afterward that he wanted “to take his opponent fishing in uncharted waters.”
- The famous “Polish Immortal” (K. Tylkowski – G. Wojciechowski, Poznań 1931) featured a brilliant king hunt after 1.b4 and remains a staple in tactical anthologies.
- Online bullet specialist GM Toms Kantans frequently streams blitz sessions starting with 1.b4, demonstrating cutting-edge ideas in the 1…e5 2.Bb2 lines.
Summary
The move sequence 1. b4 e5 2. Bb2 is the critical battleground of the Polish (Sokolsky) Opening. While objectively sound for Black, it offers White rich dynamic chances, especially against an unprepared opponent who grabs the pawn too greedily. Its rarity, psychological sting, and tactical traps make it an attractive, if slightly offbeat, weapon for players eager to escape mainstream theory.