Main lineA40
1. d4 Nc6
In the centre, White holds d4.
A40
Mikenas Defense
4 named lines in this family, ECO A40. Every one of them opens 1. d4 Nc6, so the notes on those moves are written once, just below, instead of once per line. Under each line you get its moves and the sentences it adds that this page has not already printed. A line's own page carries up to its first 4 per-move notes in full.
The moves every line here plays
1. d4 Nc6
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Mikenas Defense.
Cannstatter VariationA40
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nd4
In the centre, White holds d5 while Black holds e5.
- 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
- 2... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
Lithuanian VariationA40
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nce7
Pozarek GambitA40
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. Nc3 Nxc4
Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade.
Walk these lines on a board
An account opens every move's note in this family, the plan behind each line, and a trainer that plays the line back at you. It is free.