The Battambang Opening arises after 1.Nc3 e5 2.a3. ECO code: A00.

Overview

Named after the Cambodian city of Battambang, this rare opening combines the Dunst Opening with an early a3 pawn move. The idea behind 2.a3 is to prevent ...Bb4 pins on the knight while preparing a possible b4 advance.

Strategic Themes & Plans

The move 2.a3 is essentially a waiting move that adds little to White's position. Black should continue with natural developing moves such as 2...d5 or 2...Nf6, seizing the centre while White has wasted a tempo. The opening is not considered theoretically significant and is virtually unseen in serious competition.