ECO B00 · for Black
Nimzowitsch Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
8,152,714 games in this band reached the Nimzowitsch Defense position. From there Black won 46% and drew 4%.
1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 e5 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bxc3
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 e5
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... Nc6
Developing the knight, aiming to gain space in the center with e5 or d5 next.
2. Nf3
Developing the knight and remaining flexible instead of committing to d4.
- 2. d4: Gaining central space and preparing to kick the black knight.
2... e5
Gaining space and fighting back in the center. Black transposes into a normal e4 e5 opening.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6
3. Bc4
Targeting the weak f7 square, which is only defended by the king. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
- 3. Bb5: Threatening the knight on c6, which is a key defender of the e5 pawn. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
- 3. d4: Challenging the center immediately. If black captures, white can recapture with the knight, gaining central control and tempo.
3... Bc5
Developing the bishop to a strong diagonal, aiming to control the center and prepare for kingside castling.
- 3... Nf6: Attacking the e4 pawn and preparing for kingside castling. This move also allows for the possibility of d5, further challenging white's control of the center.
- 3... h6: Preventing any potential Ng5 or Bg5 moves from white, but this move is generally considered slow and does not contribute to piece development or control of the center.
4. c3
Preparing the d4 break for greater control of the center and to threaten the dark squared bishop.
- 4. O-O: Castling kingside with a slight development advantage. Planning to break in the center later probably with c3 and d4.
- 4. d3: Supporting the e4 pawn and allowing to develop the dark squared bishop.
- 4. Nc3: Developing the knight and controlling the center. White will likely continue with d3 and castling.
4... Nf6
Developing the knight while attacking the e4 pawn.
- 4... d6: Protecting the e5 pawn and solidifying the center so that d4 hits with less force when white plays it later.
Moves 5 to 6
5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+
5. d4
Advancing in the center and forcing Black's bishop to retreat.
- 5. d3: Giving the dark squared bishop and the knight on b1 more ability to become active, while also protecting the e4 pawn.
5... exd4
Capturing the d4 pawn and allowing Black to play Bb4+ next move.
6. cxd4
Recapturing the pawn on d4, attacking the bishop and gaining space.
6... Bb4+
Moving the bishop away from the threat and checking the White king.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Nc3 Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3
7. Nc3
7... Nxe4
8. O-O
8... Nxc3
Move 9
9. bxc3 Bxc3
9. bxc3
9... Bxc3
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- Black typically castles kingside
- The bishop on c3 generally captures the rook on a1
- The knight on c6 usually captures the pawn on d4
- The king on e8 often moves to f8
- The knight on c6 often moves to e7
- Common pawn moves are d6 and d5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black