Bird Opening: Horsefly Defense

ECO A02

Move order

1. f4 Nh6

Bird Opening: Horsefly Defense (A02)abcdefgh12345678

Ideas

ECO A covers irregular and flank openings—systems that skip the main e4/d4 fight early. White contests the center aggressively from the flank—the Bird family. This entry names the opening after the first moves. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.

Play this opening against Maia