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= Barnes Opening: Hammerschlag Variation =

The Barnes Opening: Hammerschlag Variation (sometimes called the Fried Fox Attack, the Wandering King Opening, the Tumbleweed, the Pork Chop Opening, the Half Bird, or the Schmoe Attack) is a variation of the chess opening "Barnes Opening" that arises after:
 * 1. f3 e5 2. Kf2

Along with several other uncommon first moves, it is classified under the code A00 (irregular openings or unusual openings) in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings.

Strategy
The move 2.Kf2?! is called various things in various parts of the world. This opening is most commonly known as the Fried Fox/Pork Chop Opening but is also known throughout much of Europe as the Hammerschlag. In the United States some theory has been published to award-winning praise under the name Schmoe Attack..

On 29 September 2020, World Champion GM Magnus Carlsen (as of 28 April 2022) played this opening against GM Wesley So in the Banter Series and defeated him with it. The latter claimed the loss to be "humiliating". 

In 2001 a "mystery GM" playing at the I.C.C. was beating all Grandmasters and International Masters with this opening for several months. GM Nigel Short lost several games to this mystery player using the Hammerschlag. He had a theory from chats he and this player had had after their games that this was in fact World Champion Bobby Fischer, trying to prove that you can win at the highest levels in chess even with random openings and in this way promoting Fischer Random Chess.

There is a competing rumor told by GM Larry Evans and others in the chess community that someone using a chess interface engine that plays the moves straight to the game instead of the cumbersome process of transferring moves from the chess engine to the online game was playing a trick on the online chess community. Fischer is not on record as having ever commented on the matter.

Positional Ideas
White wants to calmly trade off pieces to lessen the chances of a successful attack against his king. As pieces come off the board white's king will be in a good position to control the center and help in a king and pawn ending.

Psychological Ideas
The shock and awe factor of facing this opening may lead to overconfidence and reckless play from black, in this way, the game may reach atypical positions with chances for creative and energetic play.

Opening Idea
Controlling the center with f3 and often an early pawn advance to c3. An active king who if handled properly can assist in both attack and defense in the late opening and early middle-game.

Mainline
2...d5 Taking firm control of the center and opening line to develop black's pieces. In the game between the two masters Williams, Simon Kim (2421) vs. Simons, Martin (2264)11.08.1999 - Chessbase Mega Database 2010 play continued 3.e3 Nf6 4.d4!? Nc6 5.Bb5 Bd6! 6.Ne2 O-O 7.Re1?! e4 8.Ng3 h5!? 9.f4 Bg4 10.Be2 g6?! and white went on to win a wild game.

Swedish Variation
2...Qh4+ Giving a sideline check trying to deliver checkmate after 3. Ke3 Qd4#. Play continued 3. g3 Bc5+ 4. e3 Qf6 leaving White with an equal position.

Portuguese Variation
2...Bb4 Named after the offbeat "Portuguese Opening". 4. c3 Ba5 d4 d5 (Welsh Gambit sacrificing the e-pawn) 5. e3 leaving Black with a semi-winning position.