Hey OP I feel like we're pretty similar, I always contemplated about the viability of 1.e4 with 2.b3. It gains central control and prepares for kingside aggression with the Qbishop.
And we have the same rating as well! Aha hahaha. I'll look into this santa claus opening more. I tried something similar with an English opening with a Qbishop fianchetto, but the structure turned out to be too loose.
Keep us informed man.
Well one of the toughest lines which seems to be engine recommended seems to be the line with 2...Nf6.
It seems to be the only line where an engine believes black has a slight advantage.
However, I have yet to see anyone play it the same way an engine plays it.
I have seen some players play 2...Nf6.
The position's which result after usually are not the same as an engine.
In many cases white and black get an equal position out of the opening with chances for both sides.
Thus, if a person wants a position which is equal or playable.
This line I think is perfectly acceptable.
If a person instead wants a more demanding line well than they can always play some of the more critical lines in chess.
Obviously, The move 2.b3 does not pressure black as fast as 2.Nf3 for example.
Hey OP I feel like we're pretty similar, I always contemplated about the viability of 1.e4 with 2.b3. It gains central control and prepares for kingside aggression with the Qbishop.
And we have the same rating as well! Aha hahaha. I'll look into this santa claus opening more. I tried something similar with an English opening with a Qbishop fianchetto, but the structure turned out to be too loose.
Keep us informed man.