Chess Opening Theory/1. f4/1...f5

The Symmetrical Variation
This is not a very popular line for Black because it can lead to a closed and relatively uneventful game if Black copies White's moves. This opening has only 40 games played by masters in the Lichess Master Database. There are two ways of playing this opening: 1. immediately disrupting the closeness with 2.e4, or 2. playing solidly and developing quietly.

Of note here is the Double Duck Formation, which is when White plays d4 and Black responds with d5.

Statistics

 * Approximate Chances
 * White wins 25%, Draws 43%, Loses 33%