|
Hello and welcome to the page that details the Valkyrie position on a chessboard.
This position is fairly uncommon and difficult to achieve, but may offer substantial
rewards if it is achieved. Do not go out of your way to achieve this position. However,
sometimes the opportunity presents itself, and then you could possibly attain a similar
position to this one. |
 |
Advantages
- A relatively secure position that allows f4 without fear of a diagonal strike on the
King.
- The center pieces compliment each other even though the pawns are non-symmetrical.
- The "Valkyrie" is so named because of the bidirectional attack that can develop, allowing
exponents of this position to shift their attack to either side of the
board.
|
Disadvantages
- The Queen may be exposed too early, but the a-pawn can help to lighten some of that load.
- Only 2 minor pieces protect the Kingside, so this setup should only be used if ...e6
blocks the Bishop.
- Watch out for a possible sacriface on h6, cracking open the King's entire defensive
pawn shield.
|
|
Move Sequence
- d4. The Queen's Pawn Opening.
- c4. The Queen's Gambit.
- Nc3. The popular refrain to either c6 or e6.
- Nf3. Putting the other Knight out early.
- e3. Supporting d4.
- Bd2. A defensive stance.
- Be2. Twinning Bishops in the center.
- 0-0. Castling to safety.
- h3. Against a potential ...Bg4.
- Qb3. Forcing a move to defend b7.
- This works best if the gambit pawn is declined early in the game. Black should also have
made the common e6 to block off his own Bishop from arriving at g4.
|
|
Pitfalls
Throughout the entire opening sequence, black can give white trouble with these moves:
- Na5 drives the Queen away from b3, and it must retreat or risk being over-exposed
- Ba6 is also bad, especially for Be2 and Rf1 who have the most to lose if c4 falls to an attack
- Ne4 is a good spot for the enemy Knight, made better if f5 joins in to support it
|
Similar Openings
1. d4 is the Queen's Pawn Opening.
1... d5 2. c4 is the Queen's Gambit. |
Warkyrie