This rare and unconventional opening The Grob, also known as the Spike Opening, is named after Swiss International Master Henry Grob (1904–1974), who analyzed it deeply and played it in hundreds of correspondence games. It has also seen some success in the hands of Grandmaster Spyridon and International Master Michael Basman.
Why the Grob Invites Chaos and Blunders
The Grob Opening (1.g4), also called the Spike Opening, is not for the faint of heart. Most chess textbooks call it one of White’s worst first moves. IM John Watson went so far as to say it’s “masochistic” to play. But therein lies the beauty, this unorthodox weapon thrives in chaos. It lures opponents into unfamiliar waters where blunders are not just common, they’re practically guaranteed.
Let’s break down why the Grob is a blunder magnet and introduce more common mistakes that players and even masters (on both sides!) tend to make:
The Queen Trap for Black
The Bishop Trap
The Queen Trap for White
Threaten checkmate for Black
The Bishop Trap for White
The Bishop Fork
The Queen Sac
The Queening
Another Bishop Fork
The Two Rook Fork
Last and Least: The Two Move Checkmate
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2200 in chess.com.