Sodium Attack (1.Na3)

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Ashvapathi
Hadron wrote:

I don't think anyone could argue that Na3 is a very good move in terms of getting a strong position, least of all me.

But I would like to ask a question? 1.Na3 is only 1 move, the first move by White, just how can you conclude just how good or bad a move is if the other side has not moved?

 

I liked your line in first post where you played Na3 and then shifted to english with c4. So, it is basically English with an Na3. Then, castled on queenside. Nice!

followthebuzzard
Ashvapathi wrote:

It is interesting opening with lots of transposition possibilities. No obvious weakening. I do wonder , how would white proceed after Na3 e5(with the threat of Bxa3). Maybe play b3?

I too think it is an interesting opening.

If you have the time and the resources to read pgn files then downloading the database book "A New Knightmare" (based upon Durkin's book of the same name) is worth your time.

As to how to proceed after 1.Na3 e5

It would depend on whether or not you would class Bxa3 as a threat and whether or not there is a chance of it happening anyway.

As a regular player of Na3 in blitz (and sometimes standard), I have noticed that the higher one's opponent is rated the less likely that Bxa3 happens. I would hazard a guess, it is believed that it is more prudent to hold on to the dark squared bishop to defend said squares rather than simply exchange it off for inflicting a perceived disadvantage of doubled pawns.

I used to play 1.Na3 e5 2.Nc4 but now I have largely shelved that because 1.Na3 e5 2.Nc4 e4! intending d5 is just simply over powering for Black

I am still out if Bxa3 is an actual issue for White but as I don't like 2.Nc4 I am trying 2.e3 at the moment and if Bxa3 does occur, you have the open b file for both your rook and Bishop b2

It is noted on a couple of website that Durkin has also mentioned 2.g3 2.c4 2.b3 and even 2.d4 as being playable (this last one, I really not sure about)

Ashvapathi
followthebuzzard wrote:
Ashvapathi wrote:

It is interesting opening with lots of transposition possibilities. No obvious weakening. I do wonder , how would white proceed after Na3 e5(with the threat of Bxa3). Maybe play b3?

I too think it is an interesting opening.

If you have the time and the resources to read pgn files then downloading the database book "A New Knightmare" (based upon Durkin's book of the same name) is worth your time.

As to how to proceed after 1.Na3 e5

It would depend on whether or not you would class Bxa3 as a threat and whether or not there is a chance of it happening anyway.

As a regular player of Na3 in blitz (and sometimes standard), I have noticed that the higher one's opponent is rated the less likely that Bxa3 happens. I would hazard a guess, it is believed that it is more prudent to hold on to the dark squared bishop to defend said squares rather than simply exchange it off for inflicting a perceived disadvantage of doubled pawns.

I used to play 1.Na3 e5 2.Nc4 but now I have largely shelved that because 1.Na3 e5 2.Nc4 e4! intending d5 is just simply over powering for Black

I am still out if Bxa3 is an actual issue for White but as I don't like 2.Nc4 I am trying 2.e3 at the moment and if Bxa3 does occur, you have the open b file for both your rook and Bishop b2

It is noted on a couple of website that Durkin has also mentioned 2.g3 2.c4 2.b3 and even 2.d4 as being playable (this last one, I really not sure about)

Interesting! Did you try Na3 in blitz or rapid? I like the idea of playing Na3 and then possibilities of transposing to English, Larsen, king side fianchetto. Very cool!

I like Na3 better than Nc3.

followthebuzzard
YoungBoyBigC wrote:
Hadron wrote:

I don't think anyone could argue that Na3 is a very good move in terms of getting a strong position, least of all me.

But I would like to ask a question? 1.Na3 is only 1 move, the first move by White, just how can you conclude just how good or bad a move is if the other side has not moved?

By evaluating the position at hand.  Duh

 

OOOOH....kay.....it is awesome you count mind reading among your many skills. 

Elroch
Ashvapathi wrote:

It is interesting opening with lots of transposition possibilities. No obvious weakening. I do wonder , how would white proceed after Na3 e5(with the threat of Bxa3). Maybe play b3?

This is surely the mainline response. The most amusing and thematic follow-up for white would be Nc4.

Hadron
Elroch wrote:
Ashvapathi wrote:

It is interesting opening with lots of transposition possibilities. No obvious weakening. I do wonder , how would white proceed after Na3 e5(with the threat of Bxa3). Maybe play b3?

This is surely the mainline response. The most amusing and thematic follow-up for white would be Nc4.

Thematic? Thematic is not always the best.

 

 

Elroch

Given that black had at least equality after white's first move, black continuing to have equality does not make a white choice inferior. Nc4, slightly comical as it is, is one of white's best follow-ups after 1. Na3 e5.

followthebuzzard
Elroch wrote:

>Given that black had at least equality after white's first move, black continuing to have equality does not make a white choice inferior. <

A reasonable answer but I would ask how do you know that Black will have continuing equality (based on one move)?

Elroch

Well, like every assessment of an opening position, that can only be a combination of never 100% certain judgement and analysis.

ChessFreak2020

I like to call the drunken opening.

Luke-H44

I looked at the win ratios and white wins 70% of the time ! It can't be that bad right?

monkey

The Sodium Attack isn't that bad as long as your opponent doesn't punish the opening. Na3 can work if it surprises your opponent and they don't respond correctly.

RedLynX209

I believe that this opening is an odd and interesting hypermodern way to deal with players who play d5. This falls apart if black plays 1. ... e5. I personally believe that this (1. Na3?!) is a risky play, but worth it if you know what you're doing. This is my opinion, though since I am still a growing player, take this as you will.