Mikenas Defense · A40
Pozarek Gambit
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.
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.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 4 more moves in this line, 8 in all.
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.