Basque Opening
1. d4 Nf6 2. b3
2… c5−0.20
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Basque Opening (A45), reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. b3, Stockfish 18 recommends 2… c5 for Black. The position is roughly equal (−0.20).
Top engine moves
- −0.202… c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 b5 5. dxe6 fxe6 6. a4 b4 7. Nb5
- −0.192… d5 3. Ba3 Ne4 4. e3 c5 5. dxc5 e5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. b4
- +0.022… g6 3. Bb2 Bg7 4. e3 b6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. c4 c5 7. d5
All Basque Opening variations (0)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Basque Opening?
After 1. d4 Nf6 2. b3, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2… c5 for Black, continuing 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 b5 5. dxe6 fxe6 6. a4 b4 7. Nb5. The position is roughly equal (−0.20). The next best moves are 2… d5 (−0.19) and 2… g6 (+0.02).
Is the Basque Opening a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.20: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Basque Opening?
A45. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; A is the volume for flank openings.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).