Montevideo Defense · A40

Main line

1. d4 Nc6 2. d5 Nb8

In the centre, White holds d5.

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. d5 Puts the question to the knight on c6 - retreat, trade, or be taken.
• 2... Nb8 Repositions the knight to b8. It backs up the pawn on d7. Theory calls this the Montevideo Defense.

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