Opening with instinct: The wild logic of playing 1.b4, also called the Orangutan Opening

From zoo-side inspiration to grandmaster execution, the Orangutan Opening walks a curious line. Part myth, part method, it’s a tribute to chess’s rich imagination. And a reminder that every move has a story — even 1.b4.

Written by Shivika Rohilla

Updated: June 16, 2025 04:29 PM IST

3 min read

Chess 101 series by Woman FIDE Master Shivika Rohilla: There are few openings in chess more wonderfully odd than 1.b4, which is called as the Orangutan, or Sokolsky Opening. (Photo courtesy Lichess)

There are few openings in chess more wonderfully odd than 1.b4, which is called as the Orangutan, or Sokolsky Opening. (Photo courtesy Lichess)

EDITOR’s NOTE: Chess 101 is a series on helping strengthen chess fundamentals with breakdowns from Shivika Rohilla, a Woman FIDE Master based in New Delhi, who is also the founder of the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA).

In a game where history meets razor-sharp preparation, few openings are more wonderfully odd than 1.b4 — the Orangutan, or Sokolsky Opening. This flank pawn push, born of humour and analytical curiosity, made its global debut in 1924 when Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower, fresh from a visit to the Bronx Zoo, claimed to have been inspired by an orangutan named Susan. While the narrative is entertaining, the maneuver itself is serious. 1. b4 has evolved into a versatile and creative weapon, avoiding deep theoretical lines while inviting rich, imbalanced positions. Despite its underdog status, world champions such as Magnus Carlsen have resorted to it, demonstrating that in chess, a lesser-traveled course can, however, lead to victory.

Even though the line is mostly seen in faster forms of chess these days, such as bullet or blitz, it has also been played at the higher level by many super GMs, such as Fabiano Caruana and Carlsen, among others. Black’s most popular replies are 1…e5 and 1…d5. Both leading to a very dynamic position. White’s aim with this line is to get the opponent out of his usual preparation early on and invite him to a fierce battle of initiative and tactical play in the middlegame. The following position arises after 1.b4 e5. 2. Bb2 Bxb4 3. Bxe5 Nf6 4. c4, the move c4 is quite rare but interesting.

A look at the Orangutan, or Sokolsky Opening, which starts off as 1.b4 after four moves: 1.b4 e5. 2. Bb2 Bxb4 3. Bxe5 Nf6 4. c4.

Although a Titled Tuesday favourite, Fabiano Caruana’s game with white against Kollars Dmitrij from the NC World Masters, Dortmund, Germany in 2023 is an exception being played during the classical format. A fascinating position arose after 16 moves starting with 1.b4 d5.

A position that arose after 16 moves in a game that started with 1.b4 d5.

You can read previous articles from the Chess 101 series about chess openings here

Shivika Rohilla

Shivika Rohilla is a Woman FIDE Master based in New Delhi. At just 17, she founded the Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA), which she runs alongside her mother, Dr Nidhi Bhasin Rohilla, and national instructor Yogender Sharma. Passionate about both chess and education, Shivika recently passed Class XII with an impressive 95%, scoring a perfect 100 in English. And right on the heels of that, she scored her second Women International Master norm, raising hope that Delhi could get its second WIM after decades-long wait. The 18-year-old firmly believes that excellence in chess and academics can go hand in hand—and is living proof that it’s possible to pursue both with dedication and discipline. Through SRCA, she is also working to promote chess among girls and young women. ... Read More

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