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.

Statistics

No statistics as 1. Na3 is very rarely played.

References

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