The Unusual but Effective 3-Check Opening

Almost every 3-Check game you will ever play starts in the same exact way, with white moving the kings pawn two squares and black either moving their pawn 1 square or one of their knights. However you may have noticed that sometimes, white chooses a different approach.

White moves the d pawn two squares, normally a fatal mistake in any 3-Check game, since it provides a direct lane of attack for the opponents bishop. However when played correctly, unique positions that are far from ordinary can ensue, testing the tactics of each player. If you learn how to play this opening, you can catch your opponents off guard.

The next sequence of moves shows the best proceedings for each side. (If you are wondering how i find these moves in this post, or in any of my other recent blogs, i use the analysis board on lichess.org to analyze positions.) White is in a losing position after the first move but is only slightly behind. Black will be in good shape if accurate moves are played, but that almost never happens.

I know, this position doesn't seem like a 3 check game at all. White is a little behind, but is by no means finished. However, the chances of black playing this well are slim; its an uncommon opening that most average players like myself are not very experienced in. The idea of offering a trade of center pawns seems like a blunder to black, considering this never happens in ordinary games of 3-check. Black often plays conservative by moving the kings pawn 1 square, not wanting to make a bold move, especially since the position may be unfamiliar. 

This is a safe option for black, by playing like normal, but white maintains a slight advantage and has a healthy chance at victory. However, especially in games less than 1600, black often decides to match whites move. 

It is already apparent that black's maneuvering will be seriously handicapped in this position, and white should go on to win this game with proper play.

If you are playing as black, it is probably wise to play the first position. Keep your opponent in check and attack the weakness opened up by this opening, and you should do fine. I hope this article helped you discover or at least refreshed the thought process surrounding this opening. Follow my blog for more advice of chess varients.