Zukertort Opening · A04
St. George Defense
1. Nf3 a6
No pawn stands on d4, e4, d5 or e5 - this line is played with the centre squares empty.
The first 2 moves, explained
- 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
- 1... a6 A useful waiting move that keeps the structure flexible on the a-file. Theory calls this the St. George Defense.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 47 in the Zukertort Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.