Cow Opening - (MEME Opening Theory) A00

 

“Those who say they understand chess, understand nothing.” – Robert Hübner

Moo-ve Over, Theory:

The Udderly Unconventional Chess Cow Opening

The world of chess openings is a hallowed hall, echoing with the whispers of strategic titans and the clash of theoretical titans. We speak of the Queen's Gambit, the Ruy Lopez, openings with lineages as long and noble as a knight's first move. Then there's the Cow Opening.

Mooing into the Unknown

The Cow Opening, a brainchild of streamer Anna Cramling, is the chess equivalent of showing up to a black-tie event in jeans and a funny hat. It's a playful, unorthodox opening that flings tradition out the window like a hay bale in a hurricane.

So what exactly is this bovine beast? Forget the rock-solid principles of early central control. The Cow Opening is all about delayed gratification, letting your opponent gobble up the center squares while you develop your pieces in the leisurely manner of a cow chewing its cud.

Is it good? That depends on your definition of "good." If you're aiming to become the next Magnus Carlsen, this might not be your pasture. But for those seeking a fun, unpredictable way to start a game, the Cow Opening offers a delightful dash of chaos.

Think of it as a strategic troll. Your opponent, expecting a theoretical battle, is instead met with...a cow? The sheer confusion can be a potent weapon, especially against players who rely heavily on memorized lines.

But here's the shocking truth, folks: The Cow Opening can actually be surprisingly playable. By keeping your options open, you can adapt to your opponent's strategy, morphing from a docile grazer into a charging bull when the moment is moo-ve.

So, the next time you're feeling adventurous, ditch the dry old theory books and embrace the bovine spirit. Who knows, you might just udderly surprise yourself (and your opponent) with the results!

Bonus points awarded for:

• Playing it with a strategically placed cowbell on the table.
• Saying "moo" after every move.
• Challenging a Grandmaster to a Cow Opening duel (and maybe even winning...gasp!)
  
  
  
  

  Holy Cow!
  A Cow Opening Resource Roundup

 

A00 Van't Kruijs Opening Wikipedia Page
1.e3
As this opening move is rarely played, it is considered an irregular opening, and thus it is classified under the A00 code 

Variations
 

• 1.e3 d5 2.d3 e5 (The Cow)
• 1.e3 e5 2.d3 d5 (The Cow)
• 1.e3 d5 2.d3 e5 3.Ne2 Bd6 4.Ng3 Nf6 5.Nd2 O-O 6.Nb3 (The Cow: Bull Variation)

 

 

Chess.com Page 

The Cow

1.e3 d5 2.d3

 

Cow Opening resources are rarer than getting a perfectly cooked steak at Ben Finegold's house. 

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Cow Opening Chess Articles

• THE COW OPENING AND HOW TO PLAY - Attacking Chess - The Cow Opening, popularized by WFM Anna Cramling, is a unique chess strategy that disrupts opponents' pawn structure with moves like c4 or f4. It's more about psychological impact than immediate advantage, aiming to take opponents out of their comfort zone. Effective for faster time controls and players below 1600 rating, it offers a surprising element and saves time for white.
  
  

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Cow Opening LiChess Studies

• The Cow Opening - 6 Chapter Study - Kind of a Tongue and Cheek Study 

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Cow Opening Chess Videos

• I Invented a BRAND NEW Chess Opening: The Cow Opening!!! - 26 Min - Anna Crammling - Learn the fun & surprising Cow Opening with streamer Anna Cramling! This beginner-friendly video explores the opening's moves & strategic concepts through real games.
  
  
• My Thoughts on Anna Cramling's COW OPENING - 7 Min - Johnathan Schrantz - Lighthearted review of the Cow Opening! Join Johnathan Schrantz for a fun & sarcastic analysis of the opening's moves and a sample game.

Playing Against The Cow

•  DESTROY THE COW OPENING!!! - 10 Min - The Chess Giant - Udderly defeat the Cow Opening! Learn anti-Cow strategies from The Chess Giant, focusing on pawn structure & piece activity to gain the advantage.

Game Videos w/ Analysis

• My Grandmaster Dad FINALLY Played The Cow Opening - 13 Min - Anna Crammling - A GM plays the Cow? Hilarity ensues! Watch Anna Cramling convince her GM dad to play the Cow Opening in a fun & entertaining video.  
• GM Pia Cramling Plays THE COW OPENING!! - 12 Min - Anna Crammling - She plays an unrated game against a German opponent, navigating the opening with guidance. Despite initial uncertainty, Pia finds her footing, making strategic moves and gaining a comfortable position.
  
  
• GM Plays THE COW vs Anna Cramling!! - 15 Min - GM Nakamura - The video discusses a chess game from the Rovic Open in Iceland, focusing on the “Cow Opening,” played by Anna Cramling. Hikaru, the presenter, analyzes the game’s moves, highlighting strategic decisions and mistakes. He explains the opening’s principles, its reception as a meme, and its effectiveness in different scenarios.
  
  
• Levy Gives Up And Plays The Cow Opening - 10 Min -  Levy Rozman, also known as GothamChess, experiments with unconventional chess openings he dubs the “Cow Opening” and the “Egg Opening.”
  
  
• Titled Tuesday. Cow Opening EVERY Game. Shocking Result. - 1hr 45 Min - IM Eric Rosen - I promised @AnnaCramling to play the Cow Opening in every game in Titled Tuesday. In this video, I deliver on that promise and surprised myself with the end result. Cow vs. 3 GM's , 3 IM's 3 FM's and 2 NM's (Final Score 6 1/2)