The Hammerschlag arises after 1.f3 e5 2.Kf2 and falls under ECO code A00. The audacious 2.Kf2?! goes by many names depending on the region — it is most widely known as the Fried Fox or Pork Chop Opening, referred to throughout much of Europe as the Hammerschlag, and has even been published under the name Schmoe Attack in the United States. Despite its dubious nature, it has appeared at the highest levels: in September 2020, then-World Champion Magnus Carlsen used it to defeat GM Wesley So in the Banter Series, with So calling the loss "humiliating." The opening gained further notoriety in 2001 when an anonymous player on the Internet Chess Club spent months defeating GMs and IMs with this system. GM Nigel Short, who lost several games to this mystery player, speculated based on their post-game conversations that it was Bobby Fischer, attempting to demonstrate that top-level chess could be won with unconventional openings as an argument for Fischer Random Chess. An alternative account, relayed by GM Larry Evans and others, suggested the player was using a chess engine interface to automate moves. Fischer himself never publicly addressed the speculation. With 171,559 Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a rarely played opening.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Gedult's Opening.
Statistics
Based on 171,559 Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 45.3%
- Black wins: 50.7%
- Draws: 4%
Interestingly, Black scores well in this opening, suggesting it offers strong counterplay.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Hammerschlag 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.
