ECO code: B00
Nimzowitsch Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Bg4
Moves: 1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Bg4
This variation of the Nimzowitsch Defence is characterized by Black's early ...Bg4 move, which pins White's knight on f3 and applies immediate pressure on White's center and kingside development. Black adopts a flexible and somewhat hypermodern approach, allowing White to occupy the center with pawns while aiming to undermine it later.
From Black's perspective, the move ...Bg4 is somewhat attacking, as it targets White's knight and indirectly challenges White's control of the center by increasing tension. White, on the other hand, maintains central space and can respond aggressively to Black's setup, making this line a dynamic battleground for both sides.
This opening does involve contesting the center: White establishes a strong pawn center with d4 and e4, while Black uses piece pressure and flexible pawn structures (such as ...d6 and ...Nc6) to challenge and undermine that center rather than occupying it directly. So, the opening focuses on indirect control and counterattack in the center.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzowitsch Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Bg4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #6 black