ECO code: B00
Opening Name: Nimzowitsch Defence: 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5
Moves: 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 Bf5
Description: The Nimzowitsch Defence is an unconventional response to 1.e4 where Black immediately challenges White’s center with 1...Nc6. After 2.d4 d5, Black strikes at the center again. The move 3...Bf5 is characteristic of this line, as Black develops the bishop outside the pawn chain before playing ...e6, aiming to avoid passive positions.
Characteristic: The key feature of 3...Bf5 is that Black actively develops the light-squared bishop early, maintaining pressure on White’s center and preparing for counterplay. It avoids the common problem of the bishop being trapped behind pawns and supports Black’s central tension.
Playing Style: From Black’s perspective, this opening is somewhat flexible but leans towards a counterattacking approach by challenging White’s center early. For White, the setup is more space-gaining and attacking in nature, as White tries to maintain a strong pawn center and restrict Black’s development.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. Both sides fight for central dominance: White with pawns on d4 and e5, Black with pawns on d5 and active piece play. The early bishop development to f5 helps Black to put immediate pressure on White’s 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.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 20 - Move #7 white