Anderssen's Opening

The opening move 1. a3 is commonly known as the “Anderssen Opening” or sometimes the “Anderssen’s Opening”. As described in the passage you provided, it is considered a somewhat unusual and unambitious move because it doesn’t directly contribute to the central control or piece development, principles that are often emphasized in the opening phase of a chess game.

The idea behind 1. a3 is to make a waiting move that allows White to see Black’s choice of setup before committing to a more specific pawn structure. As mentioned, this move can be used to transpose into other openings where 1. a3 might be a useful move, but playing it as the first move can be considered premature.

The reference to Adolf Anderssen using this opening against Paul Morphy suggests that it might be employed as a surprise weapon, catching the opponent off guard and leading to unconventional positions. However, it’s not a common choice among strong players due to the lack of direct central influence.

Chess openings often involve a delicate balance between controlling the center, developing pieces, and ensuring the king’s safety. While 1. a3 doesn’t conform to the conventional principles, it remains an interesting and occasionally surprising option for players who want to steer the game into less explored territory.