Zaire Defense · A40
Main line
1. d4 Nc6 2. d5 Nb8 3. e4 Nf6 4. e5 Ng8
In the centre, White holds d5 and 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. 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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Where this fits
This line is one of 1 in the Zaire Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.