Lemming Defense: tempo gambit and psychology

Lemming Defense

Definition

The term “Lemming Defense” is an informal, slightly tongue-in-cheek label most often applied to the line 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Ng8!? of Alekhine’s Defense (ECO B02) – and, by extension, to any opening sequence in which Black develops a piece only to retreat it straight back to its original square on the very next move, surrendering a full tempo. The image of the knight “running off a cliff like a lemming” before promptly returning inspired the nickname.

How It Is Used in Chess

As a psychological weapon in blitz and bullet games, where the surprise value can disturb an opponent’s opening preparation.
As a tempo gambit: Black deliberately falls behind in development with the hope of steering the game into less-explored positions or provoking over-confidence in White.
Occasionally seen in chess problem composition and humorous commentary to illustrate the dangers of wasting tempi.

Typical Move Orders

The two most common ways the idea appears over-the-board are:

Alekhine’s Defense version (Lemming or Brooklyn Variation):
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Ng8!? – Black’s knight retreats, conceding a tempo but avoiding the main lines after 2…Nd5 and challenging White to prove an advantage.
Indian Game echo: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Ng8!? – A rarer sister idea sometimes called the “Reverse Lemming.”

Strategic Considerations

Loss of time: By undeveloping, Black virtually gifts White an extra move. If White occupies the centre quickly with d4 and c4 (or c3) the advantage can become tangible.
Flexibility: Because Black’s position is almost untouched, a variety of pawn structures remain possible (French-, Caro-Kann-, or Scandinavian-style set-ups).
Psychology over theory: In classical time-controls the line is objectively dubious, but in rapid formats its shock value has scored practical upsets.

Historical Notes

The name cropped up in the late 20^th century on informal bulletin boards and in Tim Krabbé’s famous Open Chess Diary. Earlier databases show sporadic use by English innovator Michael Basman, who relished quirky openings, and by blitz specialists on the Internet Chess Club (ICC) in the 1990s. Grandmaster Henrik Danielsen has also experimented with it in online play.

Illustrative Game

The following rapid game (names withheld by request; Internet, 2021) illustrates typical play – White gains space but later over-extends:

After 14.Rhf1 Black eventually broke in the centre with …f6 and …e5, demonstrating that the extra tempo is not automatically decisive.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

Tim Krabbé coined the phrase “A developing move followed immediately by a lemming move” in a 1999 diary entry that popularised the term.
In some club circles the line is jokingly called the “Boomerang Knight” – it goes out and comes straight back.
Computer engines rate 2…Ng8 at roughly +1.0 for White, yet in blitz human conversion rates hover closer to +0.3, reflecting practical complexity.
Legendary hustler GM Roman Dzindzichashvili once used the idea in a casual Central Park game, remarking: “If my opponent feels insulted, that’s already half a point.”

The Verdict

From a theoretical standpoint the Lemming Defense is objectively inferior; giving up a full tempo contradicts classical opening principles. Nevertheless, it remains a colorful illustration of how psychology, surprise, and flexibility can sometimes offset strict evaluation – particularly in fast time controls.