Grob Variation
- 1.e4c5
- 2.g4
670 games
An offbeat anti-Sicilian in which White meets 1...c5 with the flank thrust 2. g4, a dubious try that hands Black a slight edge and scores poorly.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Grob Variation
The Grob Variation answers the Sicilian with 2. g4, claiming kingside space at once. The move does nothing to contest d4 and loosens White's kingside. Opening references treat it as a poor move, and the engine rates the position slightly better for Black, who also wins most games online. The usual replies are 2...Nc6, 2...d6 and 2...e6. The engine prefers 2...d5, which strikes at the center while White's development lags.