B00intermediate

Nimzowitsch Defense

An unorthodox defense where Black develops the knight to c6 on move one. Aims for an asymmetric game and to avoid mainstream theory.

42%
White wins
26%
Draw
32%
Black wins

Main Line Moves

1.e4Nc62.d4d53.e5Bf54.Nf3e65.Be2Nge76.O-ONg6

Key Ideas

  • 1Avoid mainstream e4 theory entirely
  • 2The knight on c6 fights for the center
  • 3Black can transpose to various openings
  • 4Surprise value is the main weapon

Variations

Scandinavian Variation

e4Nc6d4d5e5Bf5Nf3e6c3

White builds a solid center with c3, maintaining the space advantage

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Related Openings