A40

Polish Defense

1. d4 b5
♜♞♝♛♚♝♞♜♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♜♞♝♛♚♝♞♜
The position after 1. d4 b5, White to move.

In the Polish Defense, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.

See how you play it

The Polish Defense is a chess opening classified under ECO code A40. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 b5: 2 moves in, with White to play.

Learn its typical plans and pawn structures rather than memorizing moves — that’s what holds up over the board.

1 named variation branches from this position; the list at the end of the page goes one move deeper into each.

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Variations of the Polish Defense

Related openings

Queen's Pawn GameAustralian DefenseBenoni Defense: Franco-Sicilian HybridBorg Defense: Borg GambitColle System: Pterodactyl VariationColle System: Siroccopteryx VariationEnglish DefenseEnglish DefenseEnglish Defense: Eastbourne GambitEnglish Defense: Hartlaub Gambit Accepted

See how you play this opening