It is named after unofficial World Chess  Champion Adolf Anderssen, who played it three times in his 1858 match against Paul Morphy. While Anderssen was defeated decisively, the games he opened with this novelty scored 1 1/2 0 (one win, one loss, one draw).

This opening does not take the initiative by controlling the center, but rather waits for Black's response first, thus allowing the option of many opening replies that are usually championed with Black. 1.a3 may be useful in some of these openings such as the reversed Sicilian for example.

Some players enjoy the psychological value of this move or to break the opening preparation of a particular adversary, as was the case during Anderssen's match against Morphy.

Common lines:

1.a3 g6

1.a3 e5 2.c4 (a reversed Sicilian)

1.a3 e5 2.e4 Nf6 3.Nc3 (transposing to a Mengarini's Opening)

The impractical named variations:

Polish Gambit 1.a3 a5 2.b4

Creepy Crawly 1.a3 e5 2.h3 d5

Andersspike 1.a3 g6 2.g4