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ECO B00Semi-open game

Nimzowitsch Defense

The knight before the pawns

  • Hypermodern

Black develops the knight to c6 on the very first move and lets White build a big centre. The idea is to undermine that centre later with …d5, …e5 or …d6 instead of occupying the middle at once. It is rarely seen among the very best, but it pulls the opponent out of familiar theory and often steers into Scandinavian or Pirc-type structures.

Interactive Opening Board

5.Be2

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Black
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White
5.Be2
Speed:

Moves

(9 plies • 5 moves)
5.Be2Tabiya
  1. 1–5moves
  2. 1.
  3. 2.
  4. 3.
  5. 4.
  6. 5.

Defining move

1…Nc6 — the knight comes out before the pawn

The move that gives the defence its face

The knight at once eyes d4 and e5 and keeps both …d5 and …e5 in reserve. The price is one thing: the knight blocks the c-pawn, so the usual set-ups with …c6 or …c5 are off. In return White cannot tell how Black will fight for the centre.

Tabiya

White's pawn chain on e5 and d4

The position looks like a French Advance, except that Black's bishop is already out on f5 and the knight is on c6. White has more space and a solid chain. Black looks for counterplay: hit d4 with the knight and the base of the chain, and e5 with the f-pawn.

White’s plan

  • Keep the space and the e5–d4 pawn chain.
  • Develop calmly and castle.
  • Cover d4 in advance so that it does not come under pressure.

Black’s plan

  • Pile up on d4 with the knight and queen.
  • Undermine e5 with …f6.
  • Keep the f5 bishop outside the chain and not hurry with …Nge7.

History

The defence carries the name of Aron Nimzowitsch, who played it in tournaments.

Notable players

Aaron Nimzovich

Legends who played it

Games in the Atlas

No games in the Atlas yet

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