Openings
- Chess Atlas Subsections
- VOL. I • Chess HistoryFrom Chaturanga to Neural Engines
- VOL. II • Classic ChessPieces, Notation & Rules
- VOL. III • Legendary PlayersPantheon of Chess Immortals
- VOL. IV • Great GamesInteractive game studies
- VOL. V • OpeningsOriginal CAISSORA Opening Articles
- VOL. VI • Tactics & StrategyForks, Pins & Board Geometry
Zaire Defense
Two knights stepped out and came straight back
- Offbeat
Black plays 1…Nc6, retreats to b8 after 2.d5, develops …Nf6 against 3.e4 and sends it back to g8 after 4.e5. Eight plies in, Black's pieces all stand on their home squares while White has pawns on d5 and e5. This is more joke and curiosity than weapon: White has been handed the centre for free. No material is lost and the game goes on, but Black has to win the lost time back.
4…Ng8
Moves
(8 plies • 4 moves)- 1–4moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
Defining move
4…Ng8 — home again
The move that makes it a curiosity
After 4.e5 the f6 knight is attacked, and Black puts it back on g8, where it started. Both knights are at home now, and White has made four pawn moves. No material is lost, but time and space have been given away.
Tabiya
White has the centre, Black has everything still to do
White has pawns on d5 and e5 and no pieces out. Black has nothing out either, and has less room. White simply develops and guards the chain, while Black looks for ways to undermine it and tries not to be cramped.
White’s plan
- Develop and support the pawn chain with Nf3 and f2-f4.
- Keep the space and stop Black from undermining the centre.
- Stay calm: the d5-e5 chain can become a target too.
Black’s plan
- Undermine the chain with …d6 or …f6.
- Develop knights and bishops and catch up in development.
- Stay calm: material is intact and the game is only beginning.
Games in the Atlas
No games in the Atlas yet