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Nimzowitsch Defense: all variations and ECO codes

43 named lines across 1 ECO code (B00). Source: the CC0-licensed lichess.org opening database.

The idea

Black develops the knight before committing any pawn move at all, keeping the option to strike back with d5 or e5 later depending on how White reacts. It’s a flexible, somewhat provocative try that trades a slower start for the freedom to choose a central structure only after seeing White’s second move.

The main line

Position after 1.e4 Nc6 (B00). Open this line on Lichess → · Nimzowitsch Defense on Lichess

How the main line scores at your rating

Real Lichess win rates for 1.e4 Nc6, playing as black: the family’s other variations are not separately tracked for win rate yet, main line only.

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Win/draw/loss rate by rating band
Rating bandGamesWhite / draw / BlackScore for black
1400-1600 1,228 White/draw/black: 48.9% / 3.8% / 47.3% 48.9% / 3.8% / 47.3% 49.2%
1600-1800 1,289 White/draw/black: 50.2% / 4.5% / 45.3% 50.2% / 4.5% / 45.3% 47.6%
1800-2000 1,321 White/draw/black: 46.1% / 4.6% / 49.3% 46.1% / 4.6% / 49.3% 51.6%
2000+ 1,127 White/draw/black: 50.6% / 5.4% / 44.0% 50.6% / 5.4% / 44.0% 46.7%

All 43 named variations

Every named line in the Nimzowitsch Defense family, from the CC0-licensed ECO classification: not separately tracked for win rate, but every ECO code and move sequence is real, sourced data.

Browse more

ECO Volume B: Semi-Open Games (other than the French Defense) → · All ECO families → · Search and play every line in the interactive explorer →

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King’s Pawn Game

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