ECO code: B00
Opening Name: Nimzowitsch Defence
Moves: 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. Nf3
FEN: r1b1kbnr/ppp1pppp/2n5/3q4/3P4/5N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQKB1R b KQkq - 1 4
The Nimzowitsch Defence is characterized by Black's early ...Nc6 and immediate challenge to White's center with ...d5. By recapturing with the queen on d5 after 3.exd5, Black actively contests the central squares but exposes the queen to potential attacks, giving White opportunities to gain time by developing with tempo.
From Black's perspective, this opening is somewhat aggressive as it seeks to challenge White's control of the center right away. White's 4.Nf3 is a natural developing move that attacks Black's queen, forcing it to move again, while maintaining a strong presence in the center.
Overall, the Nimzowitsch Defence involves early central tension. Both sides are focused on controlling the center: Black's ...d5 strikes at White's pawn center, while White's d4 and piece development aim to maintain and build central dominance.
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.exd5 Qxd5 4.Nf3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 15 - Move #6 black