 FEN: rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/7N/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R |
C)
1.Nh3
C1.1...f6
C2.1...h6
1...e5 2.Ng5 (same as 1.Nf3 e5 2.Ng5) and 1...e6 is also occasionally played when 2.Ng5 f5 is similar (1...f5 2.Ng5 e6 is another move-order)
C1.
1...f6
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/5p2/8/8/7N/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R |
I used to think this was by far the most popular move but perhaps it depends on where you play... Generally Nh3 is a very flexible opening move, which leads to more strategic positions, where tactics are often hidden, but there are some sharp lines as well.
C11.2.Nc3
C12.2.e4
C13.2.e3
C11. 2.Nc3
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/5p2/8/8/2N4N/PPPPPPPP/R1BQKB1R |
White wants to play a sort of 1.Nc3 system having removed black's option of 1...Nf6. This move have become very popular lately due to some strong players playing it and some problems that black sides have been experiencing.
2...c6
2...Nh6!?
The first option seems solid, looks are deceiving, but is by no means safe for black yet, the second is even less safe but brings in a danger value for white also. The line with 2...Nh6!? looks to be more popular right now, but it might change in the future.
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C12. 2.e4 d5
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppp1p1pp/5p2/3p4/4P3/7N/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R |
2...e6 and 2...g6 are also options, black has many different set-ups available due to the unforcing nature of white’s play. Black should start with one of these 3 moves and try to work out a typical set-up against white's 2 main ideas.
3.Na3
3.Nc3!?
The first is quite a popular system, especially on the ICC due to the continued loyalty shown to it by a leading player there. The second is a more ambitious, interesting and generally attacking line which I feel deserves more attention than it has been given so far.
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C13.2.e3
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/5p2/8/8/4P2N/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R |
2...d5!? 3.Ng5 (same as 1.Nf3 f6 2.e3 d5!? 3.Ng5)
2...e6
Again black has a choice. Does he prefer a being material down with an attack or having a solid position to try and outplay his opponent?
After move 2...e6 black must watch out for ideas like Bd3, Ng5 and Qf3...
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C2.
1...h6
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppppppp1/7p/8/8/7N/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R |
C21.2.e3
C22.2.e4
C23.2.Nc3
C21.2.e3 e6
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/pppp1pp1/4p2p/8/8/4P2N/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R |
2...f5 is the only other option but white seems well placed after either 3.Nc3 or 3.Nf4
3.Nf4!
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/pppp1pp1/4p2p/8/5N2/4P3/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R |
3...h5
3...f5
3...g6!
Last one is probably the most critical test of 1...h6 and so is worth some investigation from 1.Nh3 and 1.Nh3 h6 players.
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C22.2.e4
 FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppppppp1/7p/8/4P3/7N/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R |
Again black's set-up is not forced, as in 1...f6 2.e4, but he must be more careful not to become cramped as Nh6 is no longer an option later. Because of the cramping of the knight, 1...h6 have been generally a less popular defence against 1.Nh3.
2...e6
2...d5
Personally I think the second option is better here as black can become squashed if he plays too defensively. Again white normally continues with either Na3 and d4 or Nc3 and d4.
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C23.2.Nc3 e6
2...c6?! would be a natural choice but 3.e3! is too strong.
3.Nb5- most other moves would be answered by 3...Bb4 when black is OK
3...Qh4 4.g3
 FEN: rnb1kbnr/pppp1pp1/4p2p/1N6/7q/6PN/PPPPPP1P/R1BQKB1R |
4...Qe4
4...Qc4
Both seems OK for black although against a strong player it would be hard to win for black in either line.
1.Nc3
1.Nf3
1.e3