Mikenas Defense · A40
Lithuanian Variation
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nce7
In the centre, White holds d5 while Black holds e5.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 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.
- 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.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 4 in the Mikenas Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.