Bird Opening: Horsefly Defense
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Statistics from Lichess
49,720 games: White 43.2% / Draw 5.3% / Black 51.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 31,50932K | ||
| 9,2559,255 | ||
| 2,4762,476 | ||
| 2,0992,099 | ||
| 1,4291,429 | ||
| 954954 | ||
| 874874 | ||
| 350350 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Nov 1, 2026
Engine evaluation
−0.05 The position is about equal
Best play: 2. Nf3 d5 3. d4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. e4 O-O 6. Be3 b6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Bird Opening: Horsefly Defense (ECO A02, Flank Openings) is a variation of the Bird Opening, reached after 1. f4 Nh6 (1 move).
In 49,720 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 43.2%, Black 51.5% and 5.3% were drawn. White's most played move here is 2. Nf3, in 63% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Bird Opening: Horsefly Defense
The most played answer, 2. Nf3, also scores best for White: 46.0%, with White winning 43.3% and Black 51.3% of 32K games. Of the main answers, 2. e4 scores lowest: 45.3%. Stockfish's first choice is also 2. Nf3.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Bird Opening: Horsefly Defense (A02)”. Lichess data as of 1 Nov 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/bird-opening-horsefly-defense