The St. George Defense

Important variations are animated at the bottom of the page.

This is not a very commonly used defense for black, but it isn't a bad one.  It breaks a few opening rules for a nice attack.  It goes as so: 1. e4, a6  2. d4, b5.  We don't suggest it for tournament play, but for a fun game and a few laughs, you might enjoy this.  Plus, this is an average-rated opening meaning that it has the same win/loss record as many of the common openings. 

The St. George Defense   A B C D E F G H 8 7     6               5               4             3                 2     1

You can see a diagram of the St. George Defense to the left.  The reasoning behind this opening is to set up a queenside strong enough to challenge both the center and the kingside.  Black's goal is to double his bishops on b7 and a7 or b6.  There are no real variations to this, just a plan for black.  This can turn into a fun game.  This can also be a good counter-plan to the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game).