Nimzowitsch Defense · B00
El Columpio Defense, Exchange Variation
1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Ng4 4. d4 d6 5. h3 Nh6 6. exd6
An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White has doubled pawns on the d-file.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Nimzowitsch Defense.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Declined Variation.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 43 in the Nimzowitsch Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.