Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Norwegian Defense: 10 Reasons to Add it to Your Preparation

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
10.09.2020
Category: Openings
Tags: Modern Defense, Norwegian Defense, openings, WGM Raluca Sgîrcea,
Norwegian Defense: 10 Reasons to Add it to Your Preparation

Norwegian Defense: Are you ready to learn it? Creating a repertoire for black is usually a challenge, as your opponent is the one who’s setting the pace and can decide what type of positions to go for. If you are still struggling with putting yours together, then this article is for you! One very interesting option you might want to take a look at if you’re working on a repertoire is an opening that’s been gaining a lot of popularity, the Modern Defense.

We have discussed its advantages in the past and today we’re going to look at one particular line inside it – the Norwegian Defense, also known as the North Sea Variation.

If you don’t know what this is all about, you might want to check it out, since it could be a good addition to your repertoire for a few reasons:

1. Norwegian Defense allows you to take the game in the desired direction

Being able to push the game towards positions you feel most comfortable with as black is an important feature! If you are an attacking player who likes complications, you might have found it difficult to reach the desired positions without some cooperation from your opponent’s side. Here, you can get the types of positions you like without much trouble.

2. It can come as a big surprise to your opponent

The usual scenario for most chess players is to prepare and know very well the main lines and the openings they face most. As this is not a mainstream opening, your opponents will most likely be less equipped to meet it and could go wrong early in the game.

3. Norwegian Defense doesn’t have much classical theory

The theory is not very well developed, which means you won’t have to learn by heart huge files of never-ending lines. You can learn it by seeing many games and understanding the main ideas and set-ups you are aiming for.

4. In Norwegian Defense it is easy to complicate the game

The game can get complicated early on since black is already offering a pawn on move 4 in return for the initiative and attack. If white doesn’t know exactly what they’re doing, the thing could get dangerous very soon.

5. A lot of room for creativity

The not so well-developed theory in this line shows that there is so much left to explore and it leaves a lot of room for creativity. If you study the positions in-depth, you will surely find interesting and dangerous plans that are not easy to meet over the board for someone who hasn’t seen those positions before.

6. It is great as a surprise weapon

It is a great choice for games with fast time control. The time factor could be a great advantage for you if you already know what you’re doing. For someone who meets this opening for the first time, for example, the chances to go wrong are very big, especially with little time on the clock.

7. Norwegian Defense is Top Players approved

It has been the choice of some very strong players. They are well-known for having a varied repertoire that includes less theoretical, but dangerous lines. One of the specialists is Richard Rapport, but this opening has also made it to Magnus Carlsen’s repertoire, who has used it mostly in rapid and blitz games.

8. Positional middlegame, if white survives the opening

If white doesn’t enter the complications (which usually favor black), you get good, solid positions. Over there, black is usually doing fine. The middlegames involve a lot of maneuvering. They could turn into a long, positional battle, where you can slowly outplay your opponent.

9. Norwegian Defense can be played against both 1.e4 and 1.d4

You can employ this universal opening against both 1.e4 and 1.d4, a detail that will ease your work in the opening a lot. It is ambitious and dynamic and can offer black good play.

10. It is a VERY Fun opening

Last but not least, it is an opening where you can have a lot of fun. You can experiment with new plans, but can also unleash beautiful and dangerous attacks.

We also recommend reviewing How to Beat a Club Player.

Ready to learn the Norwegian Defense?

If you’re ready to learn this opening and start CRUSHING the poor souls who try to “refute” it, our friend FM Yuriy Krykun has a brand new course for you.

norwegian_defense

Get Norwegian Defense Secret Weapon 60% off

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Sicilian Dragon: Complete GuideSicilian Dragon: Complete Guide
  • Dominating Weaknesses in the CatalanDominating Weaknesses in the Catalan
  • 5 Reasons to Play Modern Defense5 Reasons to Play Modern Defense
Related Products
5 1 vote
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz