Symmetrical Defense

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
Image:chess zhor 26.png
Image:chess zver 26.png a8 rd b8 nd c8 bd d8 qd e8 kd f8 bd g8 nd h8 rd Image:chess zver 26.png
a7 pd b7 pd c7 d7 e7 pd f7 pd g7 pd h7 pd
a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 pd d5 pd e5 f5 g5 h5
a4 b4 c4 pl d4 pl e4 f4 g4 h4
a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3
a2 pl b2 pl c2 d2 e2 pl f2 pl g2 pl h2 pl
a1 rl b1 nl c1 bl d1 ql e1 kl f1 bl g1 nl h1 rl
Image:chess zhor 26.png

The Symmetrical Defense or Austrian Defense is a chess opening that starts with the moves

1.d4 d5
2.c4 c5

First described in print by Alessandro Salvio in 1604, the opening is often called the Austrian Defense because it was studied by some chess players from Austria including Hans Haberditz (c. 1901–1957), Hans Müller (1896–1901), and GM Ernst Grünfeld.[1]

The Symmetrical Defense is an uncommon variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. It poses the purest test of Queen's Gambit theory—whether Black can equalize by simply copying White's moves. Most opening theoreticians believe that White should gain the advantage and that at best Black is playing for a draw.[2]

White often replies 3.cxd5, but other moves are playable and may lead to transpositions into more well-known variations such as the Queen's Gambit Accepted and the Tarrasch Defense. After 3.cxd5 it is not advisable for Black to play 3...Qxd5, because 4.Nf3 cxd4 5.Nc3 Qa5 6.Nxd4 or 5...Qd8 6.Qxd4 Qxd4 7.Nxd4 gives White a big lead in development.[3] Instead Black should play 3...Nf6 intending to recapture on d5 with his knight. White should be able to maintain the advantage with either 4.Nf3 or 4.e4. Possible continuations are 4.Nf3 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nxd5 6.e4 Nc7 or 4.e4 Nxe4 5.dxc5 Nxc5 6.Nc3 e6.[4][5]


[edit] See Also


[edit] References

  1. ^ Hooper, David and Kenneth Whyld (1996). "Austrian Defence", The Oxford Companion To Chess. Oxford University. ISBN 0-19-280049-3. 
  2. ^ Korn, Walter (1982). "Queen's Gambit Declined", Modern Chess Openings, Twelfth Edition, David McKay, p. 266. ISBN 0-679-13500-6. 
  3. ^ Pachman, Luděk (1982). The Opening Game in Chess. Routledge & Kegan Paul, p. 140. ISBN 0-7100-9222-9. 
  4. ^ Nunn, John (ed.), et al. (1999). "1 d4 d5 and Unusual Replies to the Queen's Gambit", Nunn's Chess Openings. Everyman Chess, p. 365. ISBN 1-8574-4221-0. 
  5. ^ Kasparov, Garry, and Raymond Keene (1989, 1994). "Queen's Gambit", Batsford Chess Openings 2. Henry Holt, p. 80. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.