Chessy
Anderssen's Opening: play 1.a3 with a clear plan
Anderssen's Opening begins with the modest-looking move 1.a3. It does not grab the centre, so you need a simple, practical approach: stay flexible, develop smoothly, and be ready for Black to choose the direction of the game. The position after 1.a3 is already one where Black can take the initiative if you drift. Use the drill below to get comfortable with the most common replies and to see what the engine wants in the main tabiya.
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Create a free account →What the position tells you
Stockfish rates this -0.20, a small plus for Black. That means you are slightly worse here. The opening is not lost, but it is also not a place to expect an opening edge from White; you need to play accurately and keep your position easy to handle. The big lesson is that 1.a3 is a waiting move, so you should answer Black's central intentions with calm development rather than trying to force something that is not there.
Black's most natural reply
The engine's best move here is c5, continuing c5 e3 Nc6 d4. That tells you the main battle is about central space and piece activity, not a direct tactical fight. If Black chooses this route, stay alert to the centre and make sure your pieces come out smoothly. In the drill, focus on keeping your moves natural and avoiding slow play that lets Black build an easy game.
What the database says
The Lichess database shows this exact position after 2,231,281 games, so there is a very large practical sample to learn from. White wins 46.5%, draws 4.6%, and Black wins 48.8%. In other words, the results are close, but Black scores a little better overall. That fits the engine's verdict: this is a playable opening, yet not one where White should expect immediate comfort just because the first move is unusual.
The replies you will face most often
You should expect Black to answer with one of the main central pawn moves or a kingside setup. The most-played continuations are e5 (946,305 games, White scores 47.1%), d5 (565,538 games, White scores 46.7%), e6 (146,348 games, White scores 47.0%), c5 (111,600 games, White scores 45.4%), Nf6 (108,777 games, White scores 44.8%), and g6 (94,015 games, White scores 44.7%). The exact numbers matter less than the pattern: Black almost always aims to claim the centre and develop normally, so your plan should be equally straightforward.
How to handle this opening as White
The right mindset is to treat 1.a3 as a flexible start, not a statement of advantage. Develop your pieces, keep your king safe, and do not spend time chasing early complications that are not supported by the position. Because Black can meet this opening with several common central choices, your training should be about good habits: solid development, awareness of the centre, and quick adjustment to Black's setup. If you want a practical opening in your repertoire, this one is more about understanding than memorising.
Results across 2,231,281 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| e5 | 946,305 | 47.1% |
| d5 | 565,538 | 46.7% |
| e6 | 146,348 | 47.0% |
| c5 | 111,600 | 45.4% |
| Nf6 | 108,777 | 44.8% |
| g6 | 94,015 | 44.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anderssen's Opening good for White?
It is playable, but it does not give White an opening advantage. Stockfish rates the position -0.20, a small plus for Black, so you should treat it as an offbeat choice rather than a way to press for more from the start.
What is Black's best move against 1.a3?
The engine's best move is c5, and the line given continues c5 e3 Nc6 d4. That shows Black can answer in a very principled way by taking space and fighting for the centre.
What are the most common replies to 1.a3?
The most-played continuations are e5, d5, e6, c5, Nf6, and g6. In every case, Black is aiming for normal development and central control, so White should respond with calm, sensible piece play.
Should I expect tactical traps in Anderssen's Opening?
Not as a rule. The main challenge is not memorising traps, but learning how to handle a position where Black can choose a straightforward central plan and you must stay organised.
How many games feature the Anderssen's Opening?
Over 2 million Lichess games have reached the Anderssen's Opening position. White wins 46.5%, Black wins 48.8%, with 4.6% draws — based on real rated games.