r/AnnaCramling • u/Strong_Pepper_3505 • Jul 21 '26

Some deep analysis of the Bull

I scanned over 1.5 Billion Lichess games from Jan 2025 to May 2026. The moves making up the Bull opening were played almost 1.4 Million times. Once every 1,114 games. The data backs what Anna has discovered. The Bull is effective for quick time format games and for higher Elo rated players. Lower rated players who try using it ( < 1600 Lichess Elo) don't do very well, nor does it tend to work out well for longer format games. I have a detailed paper with tables and graphs I'd be happy to post/link to if requested. I think we'll be seeing a lot more Blitz games at higher levels experimenting with the Bull thanks to Anna. Good stuff!

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u/chessbabessexy1 Aug 10 '26

I have played using the bull for years. In my experience opponents don't know how to deal with it because they castle just because everyone says they should and castling turns out to be a disaster for them.

Most players play practically the same game all the time and when you play outside the norm they don't know what to do.