Today I thought I would try something a little different.  I will give a bunch of tactics all from the same opening.  In this case, it is one of my favorite openings - The Grob!  1. g4!!

The Grob is filled with all kinds of tactical traps and tricks.

It is funny how I started playing it. 

Years ago, I had a coworker who always wanted to play chess with me at lunch.  I was rated about 1300-1400 at the time, so I was a tournament level player.  His playing strength was probably about 700-800.

So I could beat him pretty easily, and it wasn't that much fun for me.

I wanted to handicap myself, like playing without a rook, but he wouldn't let me do that.  (too insulting)

So I started to play odd and "bad" openings, to try and handicap myself.

But what I found was the opposite of what I expected!  I started to crush him even faster with these odd openings, like The Grob!

I quickly got hooked, and started playing it in tournament games, against other players in the "D" range.  Again, I started seeing really good results.

I will still play it every once in a while as a "surprise weapon", or when I am in the mood.  It can be a lot of fun.  So here are a few sample tactics from The Grob!

All are White to Play

1. Ng5! and Black does not have time to defend against 2. Qxh7# and 2. Bxb7 winning a piece.

1. Qa4+!  There are a lot of tactics involving Qa4+ in the Grob that are great for picking up loose black bishops on both b4 and g4.  1...Nc6 2.e4 traps the Black Bishop.

1. Nd6# is as beautiful as a brand new aluminum festivus pole!  I have given out opening smothered mates on the f6 square as well.

1. h4 traps the poor horse on g5, which will most likely be served to the Grinch as this year's Roast Beast.

1. Qa4+ like I said, this move comes up a lot in Grob Tactics!  1...Nd7 the only good way to get out of check but allowing 2.Nxd5