Chess Opening Theory/1. Na3

Durkin Opening
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. Na3
ECO code: A00
Parent: Starting position


1. Na3?! - Durkin Opening

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

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. black could also play 1... b5? but white should just take it with Nxb5 and black doesn't have any clear compensation.

Statistics

No statistics as 1. Na3 is very rarely played.

All possible Black's moves

Quick
Navigation
Na6
a6
a5

b6
b5
Nc6
c6
c5

d6
d5

e6
e5
Nf6
f6
f5

g6
g5
Nh6
h6
h5

References

  • 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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Chess openings quick reference
1. e4
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:
Four knights: ()
Italian game: ()
Spanish game: ()

With other 2nd moves:
2. Other
1... other
1. d4
Flank
Unorthodox