Chessy
Grob Opening: d5 – A Sharp but Risky Choice
This is the Grob Opening: d5, a very unusual way to start the game. After 1.g4 d5 2.g5, Black already has a comfortable position — the engine evaluates this at -1.39, a clear edge for your opponent. That means you are clearly worse right out of the opening. But don't close the tab just yet: this page is here to help you understand what you're fighting for, which moves give you the best fighting chances, and what mistakes to avoid. The interactive drill below will let you try the line against an engine that adapts to your play. Dive in and see if you can outplay your opponent despite the poor start.
Play the Grob Opening: d5 against the engine
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Let's be honest: 1.g4 is not aiming for an objective edge. The Grob Opening: d5 is a provocative, offbeat line that tries to drag your opponent into unfamiliar territory. After 2.g5, White has weakened the kingside and given Black a comfortable centre. Stockfish rates this -1.39, a clear advantage for Black, and across 333,648 games in the Lichess database, Black actually wins 49.4% of the time while White scores 47.0% (with 3.5% draws). That slim difference in winning percentage is smaller than the evaluation suggests — at club level, the psychological shock of facing 1.g4 can level the playing field. Your job is to stay calm, develop sensibly, and hope Black misplaces a piece.
The Engine's Best Move: 3.e5
Facing the position after 1.g4 d5 2.g5, the engine recommends 3.e5. This is the top choice, played 158,332 times (the most popular continuation by far). After 3.e5, the natural line continues 3...d4 4.exd4 Qxd4. You give up the e5 pawn, but the idea is to open lines and create chaos. White scores 47.2% from here — essentially the same as the overall average for the opening. That tells you this isn't a magic fix, but it's the move that keeps the game complicated. In the drill, you can try 3.e5 and see how the engine responds; the resulting positions are rich with tactical possibilities, even if you're fighting from behind.
The Most Common Black Replies (and Your Chances)
Knowing what Black usually plays helps you prepare. Here are the five most-played replies after 2.g5, with White's scoring percentage for each: - e5 (the engine's top move): played 158,332 times — White scores 47.2%. - g6: 36,567 games — White scores 48.6% (the highest White win-rate among all popular replies). - e6: 31,103 games — White scores 47.8%. - Nc6: 26,250 games — White scores 45.1% (toughest for White). - Bf5: 22,937 games — White scores 45.9%. - h6: 15,097 games — White scores 44.7% (worst for White). Notice that g6 actually gives White your best winning chances. That leads to the next section...
A Key Mistake to Punish: g6
According to the engine, g6 is a genuine inaccuracy that loses about 0.9 pawns of Black's advantage. The engine says Black should have played e5 instead. This is important for you: if your opponent plays 2...g6, you've gained some ground back. Your task is to make the most of this small gift — the drill will show you how the engine punishes 3.g6? (or rather, how you can try to punish it). The fact that g6 is actually the second-most-popular reply means many Black players are giving you a helping hand. Keep an eye out for this move and be ready to play energetically.
Results across 333,648 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| e5 | 158,332 | 47.2% |
| g6 | 36,567 | 48.6% |
| e6 | 31,103 | 47.8% |
| Nc6 | 26,250 | 45.1% |
| Bf5 | 22,937 | 45.9% |
| h6 | 15,097 | 44.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Grob Opening: d5 a good opening for beginners?
Objectively, no. The engine gives -1.39, meaning Black is clearly better from move two. White wins only 47.0% of games at this position. That said, if you enjoy unusual, sharp positions and want to avoid prepared lines, you can still have fun with it at club level — just know you're starting at a disadvantage.
What is the best move for White after 1.g4 d5 2.g5?
The engine recommends 3.e5. This is also the most-played move in the Lichess database (158,332 games). After 3...d4 4.exd4 Qxd4, White has opened the centre and can hope for tactical complications.
Should I play 1.g4 if I want to win?
If your goal is the objectively best start, 1.g4 is a poor choice. The evaluation (-1.39) shows Black is clearly better. However, if you want to surprise your opponent and play unconventional positions, the Grob Opening can be a fun occasional weapon.
What is Black's worst move in this position?
According to the statistics, 2...h6 gives White the lowest score (44.7%). However, the engine says the real inaccuracy is 2...g6, which loses about 0.9 pawns compared to the best move 2...e5. If Black plays 2...g6, you have gained some ground back.
How many games feature the Grob Opening: d5?
Over 333K Lichess games have reached the Grob Opening: d5 position. White wins 47.0%, Black wins 49.4%, with 3.5% draws — based on real rated games.