Chess Opening Theory/1. Na3

Durkin Opening
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8
7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7
6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6
5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4
3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. Na3
ECO code: A00
Parent: Starting position

1. Na3?! - Durkin Opening edit

The Durkin Opening or Sodium Attack ("Sodium" due to the algebraic notation Na3, Na being the chemical symbol for sodium) is rarely played. The move does little to enhance the White position, although some sources consider it to be better than its reputation.

Black's responses edit

Black's best response is 1... d5, although 1... e5 is sometimes seen. White may continue with 2. b3, preparing to fianchetto with 3. Bb2, or with 2. c4. Alternatively, if Black plays 1... e5, White may choose 2. Nc4 to put pressure on the e5-pawn. 1...Na6!? could lead to a drawish game.

Statistics edit

No statistics as 1. Na3 is very rarely played.

All possible Black's moves edit

Quick
Navigation
Na6
a6
a5

b6
b5
Nc6
c6
c5

d6
d5

e6
e5
Nf6
f6
f5

g6
g5
Nh6
h6
h5

References edit

  • Eric Schiller (2002). Unorthodox Chess Openings (Second Edition ed.). Cardoza. ISBN 1-58042-072-9. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)

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