Opening Overview

Nimzowitsch Defense

43 lines
black repertoire

About This Opening

Black uses an unconventional approach to challenge White's center from afar.

These structures usually reward accurate development, good piece coordination, and patience before committing to pawn breaks.

The practical edge often comes from knowing the main pawn structures and where each side wants counterplay, rather than memorizing long forcing lines.

Key ideas
  • Typical theme: sound structure and flexible plans.
  • Most plans revolve around piece activity and pawn breaks at the right moment.
  • Best for players who want reliable positions and clear structure.
  • Learn the standard middlegame plans, not just the first moves.

Choose a variation

Nimzowitsch Defense: Hornung Gambit
B00 5 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Be3
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation
B00 4 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Bielefelder Gambit
B00 6 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Bc5
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Hammer Gambit
B00 6 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 f6
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Herford Gambit
B00 6 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Qh4
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Keres Attack
B00 7 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. Nc3
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Linksspringer Variation
B00 5 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. d5
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Main Line
B00 8 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. f4 Ng6
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Paulsen Attack
B00 7 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. Nf3
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense
B00 8 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. f4 Nc6
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, de Smet Gambit
B00 6 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 d6
Nimzowitsch Defense: Mikenas Variation
B00 4 plies
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d6
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