Nimzowitsch Defense · B00
Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, through 3. Nc3
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3
The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure.
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. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Scandinavian Variation.
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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.