Chess Opening Theory/1. Na3

Durkin Opening
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/N7/PPPPPPPP/R1BQKBNR b
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.

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)