The Symmetrical Defense (or Austrian Defense) is a chess opening that begins 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 Austrian chess players including Hans Haberditz (c. 1901–57), Hans Müller (1896–1971), 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 at best Black is playing for a draw.[2]
Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura employed the unusual opening a few times in 2023 and 2024. With the opening, he drew former world champion Magnus Carlsen in the Champions Chess Tour 2023 finals and beat reining world champion Ding Liren in Norway Chess 2024.[3][4] He employed a similar opening in the Candidates Tournament 2024, beating R Praggnanandhaa with the black pieces in a game beginning with 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 c5.[5]
This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.
^Hooper, David; Whyld, Kenneth (1996), "Austrian Defence", The Oxford Companion to Chess, Oxford University, ISBN 0-19-280049-3
^Korn, Walter (1982), "Queen's Gambit Declined", Modern Chess Openings (Twelfth ed.), David McKay, p. 266, ISBN 0-679-13500-6
^Anthony Levin (11 December 2023). "Carlsen Beats World Numbers 2 And 3 Back To Back". Chess.com.
^Colin McGourty (1 June 2024). "Nakamura Crosses 2800, World No. 2 As Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa Also Win". Chess.com.
^Anthony Levin (18 April 2024). "Nepomniachtchi, Tan Regain Sole Lead, Nakamura Beats Praggnanandhaa". Chess.com.
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