The Potato

The Potato, 1. Nf3 d5 2. a4, gives up the usual central and fianchetto choices after 1...d5 in favor of a rook-pawn advance that gains queenside space but does little for development or the center. Black can occupy the middle freely: 2...Nc6 is the most common reply and scores well, while 2...Nf6 and 2...c5 follow. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, with Black marginally preferred. It is rarely played.