Ware Defense

The Ware Defense answers the Zukertort Opening with 1...a5, a flank pawn advance that contributes nothing to the center or to development. Black's main replies to 1. Nf3, 1...d5 and 1...Nf6, stop 2. e4, but 1...a5 does not, so White may take both central squares at once. Analysts regard the move as dubious, and the engine gives White a clear advantage in the starting position of the line. Online, White scores well.

With Black having spent a tempo on the rook's pawn, White has little reason to deviate from normal development. The most popular continuation is 2. d4, followed closely by 2. g3, which heads for a King's Indian Attack setup with the bishop on g2. The third most common choice, 2. e4, is also the engine's first preference, building a broad pawn center that Black's first move did nothing to prevent. The engine also rates 2. c4 highly. The line is a rare offbeat choice, ranking far down the list of named openings by frequency.