Chessy
Anderssen's Opening: e5 — How to Play 1.a3 e5 2.c4
After the quiet 1.a3, most club players expect a slow game. But Anderssen's Opening has a sting: 2.c4 grabs space in the centre from an unusual angle. The engine rates the position at -0.08, dead level — you are not worse here at all. With 645,948 games in the database and almost 51% wins for White, this is a perfectly playable surprise weapon. Let's look at the key ideas and what to do against Black's most popular replies.
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Create a free account →What Is Anderssen's Opening?
Named after the 19th-century legend Adolf Anderssen, 1.a3 is a flexible waiting move. It does nothing to fight for the centre immediately, but it prevents ...Bc4–b4 ideas and can transpose into English Opening or Sicilian structures after 2.c4. The resulting position after 1.a3 e5 2.c4 is what we care about: White has a solid pawn on c4, Black has his e-pawn advanced, and it's Black to move. Stockfish gives -0.08 — essentially equal. That means you can play this without worrying you are already worse. Your job is to develop naturally and use the c4-pawn to challenge Black's centre.
Black's Most Popular Reply: 2...Nf6
In over 222,000 games Black chose 2...Nf6 — developing the knight and eyeing the e4-square. White scores 49.2% here, close to even. Your best response is 3.d3, supporting your c4-pawn while preparing to develop your kingside. After 3...Nc6 4.Nf3, you reach a solid English-type setup. Don't rush to push d2–d4; Black's knight on f6 keeps an eye on that advance. Instead, develop your bishop to e2 or g5, castle, and aim for a slow, manoeuvring game where your space advantage on the queenside can grow.
The Surprising Stat: 2...Bc5 Is a Mistake
Here is the most useful fact for your repertoire: 2...Bc5 is played in over 93,000 games and White scores a strong 53.5% — but it's actually an inaccuracy. The engine says Bc5 loses about half a pawn compared to the better move 2...g6. Similarly, 2...d5 (56,675 games, White scores 51.6%) is also an inaccuracy, giving White nearly a 0.6-pawn advantage. Why? Both moves commit Black prematurely and allow White to strike in the centre. After 2...Bc5, you can consider 3.d4 or 3.e3 followed by d4, opening lines. After 2...d5, 3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.Nc3 gives you a lead in development.
Good Approach Against 2...Nc6 and Other Moves
Black's third most popular move is 2...Nc6 (92,658 games, White scores 51.5%). Again, solid numbers for White. Your plan stays the same: 3.d3, and then develop normally. Other moves like 2...d6 (White scores 50.4%) or 2...f5 (White scores 50.6%) are also respectable but give White no real problems. In every line, your key idea is to play d3, develop your kingside, and keep the tension. Avoid pushing d4 too early unless Black gives you a clear target. The Anderssen's Opening rewards patience.
Results across 645,948 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 222,725 | 49.2% |
| Bc5 | 93,144 | 53.5% |
| Nc6 | 92,658 | 51.5% |
| d5 | 56,675 | 51.6% |
| d6 | 52,417 | 50.4% |
| f5 | 26,205 | 50.6% |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anderssen's Opening a good surprise weapon for White?
Yes. With a 50.9% win rate for White across 645,948 games and a dead-level engine evaluation, it is a perfectly sound opening. Club players are often unfamiliar with it, and you can score well by simply developing naturally.
What is White's best move after 1.a3 e5 2.c4?
The engine recommends 2...Nf6 as Black's best reply. Against that, White should play 3.d3, followed by Nf3 and normal development. Against weaker moves like 2...Bc5 or 2...d5, White gains a measurable advantage.
Why is 2...Bc5 considered an inaccuracy?
The engine shows 2...Bc5 loses about half a pawn compared to the better move 2...g6. The bishop on c5 can be targeted by a quick d4 advance, and Black loses time moving it again.
How should White handle Black's 2...d5?
After 2...d5, you can take with 3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.Nc3, gaining time by attacking the queen. This gives you a lead in development and an easy, active position.