Chess Opening Theory/1. a4/1...a5

=Ware Opening - Symmetric Variation=

1...a5

 * This move is an unusual response to 1. a4, but it is not without merit. If an informed player is playing White, he will not try to develop the rook from a1 to a3 (as ...e5 will prevent it), but will instead wait for a chance to play a5 followed by Ra4. An early 1...a5 by Black prevents this tactic and helps to negate any value of playing 1. a4.