The Anderssen's Opening arises after 1.a3 and falls under ECO code A00. This move offers almost nothing in terms of development or central control, and spending a tempo on it so early appears premature. The underlying concept is that White essentially plays as Black but with the extra move a3 already on the board. For example, after 1.a3 e5 2.e4 Nf6 3.Nc3, Black cannot follow the standard Ruy Lopez pattern, and if Black plays 3...Bc5, then 4.Nf3 forces a Two Knights' Defence where White's a3 rules out several options for Black. Named after the German chess master Adolf Anderssen, who used it on occasion against Morphy, this prophylactic waiting move lets Black choose an opening system while White hopes that having a3 already played will prove useful in the resulting position. Black has numerous effective responses available. With 3.8 million Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a moderately popular opening.
Statistics
Based on 3.8 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 46.5%
- Black wins: 48.3%
- Draws: 5.2%
The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Anderssen's Opening is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents that specialize in this opening. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
