Nimzowitsch Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bg4 5.d5

Nimzowitsch Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bg4 5.d5

Definition

This line arises from the Nimzowitsch Defence to 1.e4, in which Black replies 1…Nc6 instead of the more customary 1…e5, 1…c5, or 1…e6. After the moves 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bg4 5.d5, White seizes space in the centre and gains a tempo by driving the knight on c6 out of its ideal post, while Black aims for a flexible, hyper-modern set-up inspired by the ideas of Aron Nimzowitsch: restraining, overprotecting, and later undermining White’s pawn centre.

Move Order & Basic Position

The position after 5.d5 can be reached by several transpositions, but the typical sequence is:

1. e4 Nc6
2. Nf3 d6
3. d4 Nf6
4. Nc3 Bg4
5. d5

A snapshot of the board:

• White pawns: a2, b2, c2, d5, e4, f2, g2, h2
• Black pawns: a7, b7, c7, d6, e7, f7, g7, h7
• White pieces: King g1, Queen d1, Rooks a1/h1, Knights f3/c3, Bishops c1/f1
• Black pieces: King e8, Queen d8, Rooks a8/h8, Knights c6/f6, Bishop g4/c8

Notice how the thrust 5.d5 locks the c6-knight and claims space on the queenside, creating a structure similar to some King’s Indian Defence positions, but with colours reversed.

Strategic Themes

• Space Advantage: The pawn on d5 gives White extra room and can cramp Black’s queenside development. In return, Black tries to attack the pawn chain with …e6 or …c6.
• Piece Placement: Black’s dark-squared bishop on g4 pins the f3-knight, occasionally enabling …e5 breaks. White, however, may blunt this bishop with h3, Be2 or even take away its defender with 6.Bb5.
• Minor-Piece Battle: The c3-knight eyes b5 and d5. Black often manoeuvres the f6-knight to d7 and the c6-knight to e5 or b8–d7, rerouting to the kingside.
• Pawn Breaks: Critical structural decisions include White advancing f4 or even h3–g4 to expel the bishop; Black strives for …c6 or …e6 at the right moment to dismantle White’s centre.
• Transposition Potential: The game may transpose to Pirc/Modern or Philidor-type structures if Black plays …g6 and …Bg7, or even to the King’s Indian after …g6, …Bg7, and …0-0.

Theoretical Status

While the Nimzowitsch Defence is less common at the elite level than the Sicilian or 1…e5, it remains theoretically sound. The 5.d5 line is currently considered promising but not refutational for White. Engines give White a small edge (≈ +0.40) assuming optimal play; however, the resulting positions are rich in tension and far from forced.

Illustrative Games

• G. Sargissian – J. van Foreest, European Teams 2017: White adopted 6.Bb5 to increase pressure on c6, eventually steering the game into a favourable endgame after Black mistimed …e6.
• Nimzowitsch – Johner, Dresden 1926: An early example where Nimzowitsch, with Black, executed the typical …c6 break and later undermined White’s centre, showcasing the opening’s strategic foundations.
• Giri – Rapport, Tata Steel Blitz 2019: Demonstrated modern handling; Rapport equalised comfortably by delaying castling and hitting back with …e6 and dynamic piece play.

To study the main line firsthand, try loading this short PGN in a viewer:

Practical Tips for Both Sides

• For White
  • Consider 6.Bb5 pinning the c6-knight, or 6.Be2 unpinning your own knight and preparing h3.
  • If Black delays …c6, a well-timed dxc6 can open lines toward the black king.
  • Watch for …Nxe4 tactics exploiting the pin on f3; prophylaxis with Be2 is common.
• For Black
  • Counterattack the centre promptly—either …c6 or …e6 followed by …exd5.
  • Do not hurry with castling; sometimes …Qd7 and long castling suits a kingside pawn storm.
  • If cramped, remember the Nimzowitsch mantra: blockade first, then strike at the base of the pawn chain.

Trivia & Historical Notes

• The move 1…Nc6 was championed by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s as an antidote to classical symmetry, propagating hyper-modern principles before they became mainstream.
• Because the line can transpose to the Pirc Defence, some databases group 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 under ECO code B00, but others place later positions in the B06/B07 range.
• Grandmasters Jobava and Rapport have used the Nimzowitsch Defence as surprise weapons in elite tournaments, often steering games into uncharted territory after 4…Bg4.
• Computer engines originally disliked 1…Nc6, but Neural Network–based engines (Leela & Stockfish NNUE) have upgraded its evaluation in recent years, encouraging fresh theoretical work.

Key Takeaways

The variation 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bg4 5.d5 is a combative choice that:

1. Gives White spatial control and direct questions to the knight on c6.
2. Leaves Black with a flexible but slightly cramped setup demanding accurate pawn breaks.
3. Encourages creative play, making it an excellent weapon for club players seeking fresh positions outside mainstream theory.