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Grob Opening

Keene Defense, Main Line

A00offbeatpositional

  1. 1.g4d5
  2. 2.h3e5
  3. 3.Bg2c6
  4. 4.d4e4
  5. 5.c4Bd6
  6. 6.Nc3Ne7
15 games60%40%

Main line of the Grob's Keene Defense, where 6...Ne7 completes a reversed French setup that the engine rates clearly in Black's favor.

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About the Main Line

The main line of the Keene Defense continues 6...Ne7. This completes a reversed French structure in which Black's e4-pawn restricts the g2-bishop while White strikes at d5 with c4. The knight goes to e7 rather than f6, leaving the f-pawn free and adding a defender to d5. White usually chooses between 7. Bg5 and 7. Qb3, the latter pressing on d5 and b7. The engine considers Black clearly better, and the position is seldom reached.

Popular continuations