Nimzowitsch Defense and Scandinavian Advance Variation
Nimzowitsch Defense
Definition
The Nimzowitsch Defense is an irregular reply to 1. e4 characterized by the move 1…Nc6. Instead of occupying or immediately attacking the center with a pawn, Black develops a piece and adopts a flexible setup that can transpose into a variety of openings (e.g., the French, Pirc, Scotch, or even the Scandinavian). The opening is named after the Latvian–Danish grandmaster and hyper-modern pioneer Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935).
Typical Move Order
1. e4 Nc6 • 2. d4 d5 (Nimzowitsch–Scandinavian hybrid) • 2. Nf3 e5 (transposes to a Vienna-type position) • 2. Nc3 e5 (may enter the Four Knights) • 2. d4 e5 (mirrors a French Defense in reverse)
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility: Because Black has not committed any central pawn, he can choose between …d5, …e5 or even …g6 depending on White’s setup.
- Hyper-modern ideas: Black often attacks the center with pieces before deciding which pawn break (…d5 or …e5) is most favorable.
- Piece Play vs. Space: White usually grabs more central space early; Black counters with rapid piece development and tactical shots on the light squares d4 and e5.
Historical Notes
Nimzowitsch himself employed the line intermittently, but it never fully entered mainstream grandmaster repertoires. In the modern era the defense has been resurrected by creative players such as Richard Rapport, Igor Glek, and occasionally Magnus Carlsen as a surprise weapon in rapid or blitz.
Illustrative Example
A frequently seen branch is the so-called Scandinavian System:
Position after 5…Bb4: Black accepts an isolated queen early but keeps the pieces active, eyeing the d4-square and pressuring c3. Accurate play is required from both sides to avoid tactical pitfalls.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Aron Nimzowitsch popularized the concept of overprotection; fittingly, after 1…Nc6 he often “overprotected” the central e5-square before occupying it.
- In the 2016 Tal Memorial blitz event, Magnus Carlsen unleashed 1…Nc6 against Boris Gelfand and won in only 26 moves, citing “practical surprise value.”
- Because ECO codes classify it as B00, some database filters lump the Nimzowitsch together with other off-beat 1…Nc6 lines such as the Wade or Queen’s Knight Defense to 1.d4.
Scandinavian Defense: Advance Variation
Definition
The Advance Variation of the Scandinavian Defense arises after 1. e4 d5 2. e5. Instead of capturing the d5-pawn (2.exd5) or defending the e-pawn, White simply pushes past, seizing space in the center and preventing Black’s queen from developing to d5 in classical Scandinavian style.
Typical Move Order
1. e4 d5 2. e5
Common replies for Black include:
- 2…c5 – an immediate counter-thrust in true Scandinavian spirit, challenging the d4-square.
- 2…Bf5 – developing the bishop outside the pawn chain before …e6.
- 2…Nc6 – piling pressure on e5 and preparing …f6 or …d4.
Strategic Themes
- Space vs. Development: White gains kingside space and often follows with d4, f4, and Nf3, but delays development of the queenside pieces.
- Dark-square Strategy: By fixing the pawn on e5, White grabs control of f6 and d6, but weakens the d4-square, which Black tries to exploit via …c5 or …Nc6.
- Pawn Breaks: Black’s typical breaks are …c5, …f6, or …e6 (followed by …c5). White’s main plan is supporting the e5-bastion with c3 and d4, then launching a kingside attack with Bd3, Nf3, and h4-h5.
Historical Notes
Although the Scandinavian itself is centuries old—famously used in the 1475 Mallorca match between Francesc de Castellví and Narcís Vinyoles—the Advance Variation gained popularity only in the computer era. Engines found it surprisingly resilient, and it has since become a staple weapon in club play and even occasional grandmaster practice (e.g., Lagarde–Vocaturo, European Teams 2019).
Illustrative Example
After 8…Qb6 Black threatens to undermine White’s center with …cxd4 and …c5-c4. White’s 9.Bxc6+ forces structural concessions but surrenders the bishop pair—a recurring trade-off in this line.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Some databases call 1.e4 d5 2.e5 the “Scandinavian Gambit,” even though no pawn is sacrificed; the term highlights Black’s willingness to concede space for rapid development.
- Grandmaster Sergei Tiviakov, a noted Scandinavian aficionado, has faced the Advance Variation dozens of times yet maintains an outstanding plus-score with 2…Bf5 and a later …e6–c5 setup. He jokingly refers to the line as “the positional player’s Scandinavian.”
- An off-beat sideline is 2…f6!? (the Schlechter Gambit). Although engines give White a solid edge, the gambit can lead to wild positions after 3.d4 Nc6 4.Nf3 Bg4.