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The Shestostani Defence (also known as the Shesto–Yakub Defence) is a rare and unconventional chess opening for White, characterized by the early center pawn move e3 followed by Nf3, then d3 and Nc3, finalized by the moves Bd2 and Be2. A typical move order is 1. e3 g6 2. d3 3. Nf3 4. Nc3 5. Be2 6. Bd2, although other sequences are possible. It is considered a hypermodern and provocative system where White deliberately spends a tempo on a defensive move to limit Black's options and prepare a flexible, potentially fortified center.
Notable Games and Practitioners The opening is primarily associated with its creators, Shesto and Yakub, and has been featured in their online games. It has not been adopted by any notable grandmasters in classical play, but it occasionally appears in online content focused on unusual openings.
Example Line A representative line showcasing the Shestostani idea: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. a3 d6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Be2 White has achieved a solid, if somewhat passive, position reminiscent of a slow Pirc/Modern variation, but with the slight peculiarity of the a3 move included
Notable Games and Practitioners The opening is primarily associated with its creators, Shesto and Yakub, and has been featured in their online games. It has not been adopted by any notable grandmasters in classical play, but it occasionally appears in online content focused on unusual openings.
Example Line A representative line showcasing the Shestostani idea: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. a3 d6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Be2 White has achieved a solid, if somewhat passive, position reminiscent of a slow Pirc/Modern variation, but with the slight peculiarity of the a3 move included
by Almazbek January 5, 2026
Get the Shestostani defence mug.The Shestostani Defence (also known as the Shesto–Yakub Defence) is a rare and unconventional chess opening for White, characterized by the early center pawn move e3 followed by Nf3, then d3 and Nc3, finalized by the moves Bd2 and Be2. A typical move order is 1. e3 g6 2. d3 3. Nf3 4. Nc3 5. Be2 6. Bd2, although other sequences are possible. It is considered a hypermodern and provocative system where White deliberately spends a tempo on a defensive move to limit Black's options and prepare a flexible, potentially fortified center.
The Shestostani Defence, played by white Origins and Naming The opening is named for its co-creators, the players Shesto and Yakub, who developed and popularized its use in online and correspondence chess in the early 21st century. It is a deliberate departure from mainline theory, designed to create imbalanced, strategic positions from the very first moves.
Example Line A representative line showcasing the Shestostani idea: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. a3 d6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Be2 White has achieved a solid, if somewhat passive, position reminiscent of a slow Pirc/Modern variation, but with the slight peculiarity of the a3 move included.
The Shestostani Defence, played by white Origins and Naming The opening is named for its co-creators, the players Shesto and Yakub, who developed and popularized its use in online and correspondence chess in the early 21st century. It is a deliberate departure from mainline theory, designed to create imbalanced, strategic positions from the very first moves.
Example Line A representative line showcasing the Shestostani idea: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. a3 d6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Be2 White has achieved a solid, if somewhat passive, position reminiscent of a slow Pirc/Modern variation, but with the slight peculiarity of the a3 move included.
by Almazbek January 5, 2026
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