Durkin's Attack, also known as the Sodium Attack, is an irregular chess opening defined by the move 1.Na3. ECO code: A00.

History

The opening is named after Robert T. Durkin (1923–2014) of New Jersey, who played it for decades in tournament and correspondence chess. The nickname "Sodium Attack" derives from the chemical symbol Na (sodium) and the notation for the move (Na3).

Main Lines & Variations

The move 1.Na3 develops a knight, but to the edge of the board where it has limited influence. The knight on a3 can potentially reroute to c4 or b5, but this requires additional tempi. Black responds best with central occupation: 1...d5, 1...e5, or 1...c5 are all strong. White typically continues with c4, transposing into unusual English Opening-type positions, or with e4, reaching unorthodox open game structures.

Strategic Themes & Plans

White relies on surprise value and the knight's eventual rerouting to more active squares. However, the opening violates basic principles of knight placement and development. Black obtains a comfortable position with any natural continuation. The opening is classified among the weakest first moves, though Durkin himself scored respectably with it over many years of dedicated play.