An Oddball Bird
If White intends to play 1.f4, Bird's Opening, he can expect to meet From's Gambit with 1...e5 fairly often. This popular attack guarantees an exciting game with many complicated byways, and both players have to know a bit of theory if they are to fight on equal terms. But if White can early on direct the game into uncharted territory - uncharted for his opponent! - then his chances of success are much improved.
After 1.f4 e5 2.fxe5 d6 3.Nf3 dxe5 4.Nxe5 Bd6 White usually goes 5.Nf3, which returns to a "normal" From's Gambit, each side having used an extra move over the regular sequence 1.f4 e5 2.fxe5 d6 3.exd6 Bxd6 4.Nf3, etc. However, the present order of moves allows White the extra option of 5.Nd3!?, seen in the diagram below.
This strange retreat is either not discussed in opening manuals, or dismissed in footnotes as a simple error. However, a few minutes of analysis should convince skeptics of White's fundamental health in this position. Here we offer one of the few games featuring this variation, with a few notes to stimulate discussion.
"Fascinating", as Spock would say. And should White need more encouragement to try this unexplored system, it should be observed that he holds a slight plus in the handful of 5.Nd3!? games available. So enter the arena unafraid - victory awaits the brave!