The Amar Opening: A Deep Dive into 1. Nh3

Introduction

The world of chess openings is filled with well-studied and popular choices such as 1.e4, 1.d4, and 1.c4, but there exist numerous unorthodox openings that offer unique strategic and psychological advantages. One such offbeat opening is the Amar Opening, characterized by the move 1. Nh3.

Named after the French chess master Charles Amar, this opening is unconventional and often surprises opponents. While it may not be a common sight at elite levels, it has been experimented with in various settings, especially in casual, blitz, and online games.

In this article, we will explore the history, strategic ideas, variations, notable players, grandmaster opinions, and famous games featuring the Amar Opening.

Origins and History

The move 1. Nh3 has been played sporadically throughout chess history but has never gained mainstream acceptance. It was named after Charles Amar, a French chess player who used the move in early 20th-century games. The Amar Opening is considered an irregular opening, falling under the category of A00 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

Despite its rarity, the move has intrigued players due to its ability to throw opponents off balance and take them into uncharted territory. The opening has been humorously nicknamed “Drunken Knight Opening”, as the knight on h3 initially appears misplaced and inactive.

Strategic Ideas and Move Order

1. Nh3: The Core Idea

The move 1. Nh3 defies traditional opening principles, which prioritize central control, rapid development, and king safety. The knight on h3 does not immediately influence the center as effectively as the standard knight development (Nf3), nor does it facilitate quick piece coordination.

However, the Amar Opening has some redeeming qualities:

1. Flexibility – White can adopt various pawn structures and transpositions depending on Black’s response.
2. Psychological Edge – Most players are unfamiliar with 1. Nh3, making it a great surprise weapon.
3. Rapid Kingside Development – White often follows up with g3, Bg2, and d3, preparing a fianchetto setup.
4. Avoiding Mainstream Theory – Players who dislike deep theoretical battles can use this opening to steer the game into independent positions.

Key Variations and Responses

Since 1. Nh3 is an unorthodox move, Black has several ways to respond.

1. Nh3 d5 (Classical Response)

Black immediately claims central space with d5. White can continue with:

• 2. g3 – Aiming for a King’s Indian Attack (KIA) setup.
• 2. d4 – Transposing into a Delayed Queen’s Pawn Opening.
• 2. f4 – Attempting to control e5 and steer the game toward Bird’s Opening structures.

1. Nh3 e5 (Direct Central Control)

Black immediately occupies the center with e5, forcing White to justify the knight’s position. White has options such as:

• 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. d3 Be7 – A Pirc-like fianchetto.
• 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qd1 – Leading to an awkward Scandinavian-style game.
• 2. f4 – Aiming for a reversed Dutch structure.

1. Nh3 Nf6 (Flexible Development by Black)

Black develops a knight before committing to a pawn structure. White can respond with:

• 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 e5 – Leading to Pirc-like structures.
• 2. d4 d5 3. g3 – Transitioning into a Reti-like fianchetto system.

1. Nh3 c5 (Sicilian-like Approach)

Black attempts to adopt a Sicilian structure. White can react with:

• 2. g3 Nc6 3. Bg2 d5 – Transitioning into an English Opening setup.
• 2. e4 Nc6 3. d3 g6 – A reversed Pirc/Modern setup.

Notable Grandmasters and Players Who Have Used the Amar Opening

Although the Amar Opening is rarely seen at top levels, some strong players have experimented with it in various settings:

• Savielly Tartakower – The creative Polish grandmaster occasionally employed 1. Nh3 in his games.
• Hikaru Nakamura – A player known for using unusual openings, he has played 1. Nh3 in online blitz and bullet games.
• Richard Rapport – A modern grandmaster known for unconventional openings, he has occasionally experimented with it.
• Bent Larsen – The Danish legend was known for his willingness to try offbeat openings, including 1. Nh3.

Grandmaster Opinions on the Amar Opening

Pros

• Surprise Factor: Since few players study 1. Nh3, it can lead to unfamiliar positions for opponents.
• Transpositional Opportunities: Can lead to setups resembling King’s Indian Attack, English Opening, or Bird’s Opening.
• Psychological Edge: Opponents may underestimate White’s position, leading to overconfidence.

Cons

• Lack of Immediate Center Control: Unlike 1. e4 or 1. d4, White does not establish central dominance early on.
• Knight Misplacement: The knight on h3 may struggle to find an optimal square.
• Not Played at the Highest Level: Rarely seen in elite tournaments due to its passive nature.

Famous Games Featuring the Amar Opening

Game 1: Savielly Tartakower vs. Unknown

1. Nh3 d5 2. g3 e5 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. d3 Nc6 5. O-O Be7 6. f4

Tartakower transitioned into a reversed Leningrad Dutch setup, gaining a solid middlegame position.

Game 2: Hikaru Nakamura (Online Blitz 2020)

1. Nh3 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qd1 d5 5. g3 Nf6 6. Bg2

Nakamura used this structure to steer the game into unfamiliar terrain, eventually outplaying his opponent in a strategic battle.

Conclusion

The Amar Opening (1. Nh3) is a rare and unconventional choice that defies classical opening principles. While it is not a mainstay in elite classical chess, it remains a viable weapon in blitz, bullet, and casual games where surprise value and creativity can yield practical advantages.

For players who enjoy unorthodox strategies and psychological surprises, incorporating the Amar Opening into their repertoire can lead to entertaining and unpredictable battles.