Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Bogoljubov
Nimzowitsch Defense
Definition
The Nimzowitsch Defense arises after 1. e4 Nc6. Black immediately develops a knight to an un-orthodox square, discouraging White’s normal advance of the c-pawn and reserving the option to strike the centre with …d5 or …e5. The opening is classified under ECO code B00.
Typical Move Orders & Transpositions
Because the knight does not block either the e- or c-pawns, the Nimzowitsch can flow into many other openings:
- 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 → Nimzowitsch, Scandinavian Variation
- 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 e5 → Petrov-style positions
- 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 Nf6 → Pirc-like structures
- 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 e6 → a French Defence set-up without the light-squared bishop being shut in.
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility. Black keeps both central pawns mobile; either …d5 or …e5 can be played when convenient.
- Provocation. The move 1…Nc6 encourages 2.d4, after which Black hopes to undermine the broad pawn centre.
- Piece Play over Pawns. Nimzowitsch believed in blocking and then attacking the enemy pawn mass, an idea that is clearly visible in this defence.
Historical Significance
Although named after Aron Nimzowitsch, he employed it only occasionally. The opening embodies his hyper-modern philosophy of controlling the centre with pieces from the flanks.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Did You Know?
The Nimzowitsch became popular as a surprise weapon in rapid & blitz: Magnus Carlsen tried it three times in Titled Tuesday during 2022, scoring 3/3.
Scandinavian Variation (within the Nimzowitsch Defense)
Definition
This branch begins 1. e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5. Because the queen recaptures on d5, the position is structurally identical to the mainline Scandinavian (1.e4 d5) but arrived at through the Nimzowitsch move order. It is catalogued as ECO B01 when reached directly, or B00 as a sub-line of the Nimzowitsch.
Key Ideas
- Early-Queen Development. After 3…Qxd5 the queen is slightly exposed; White usually gains a tempo with 4.Nc3.
- Central Solidity. Black has already exchanged a central pawn and aims to support the remaining one with …c6, …e6, or …g6.
- Additional Sidelines. Black can dodge standard Scandinavian theory by following up with …Qa5, …Qd6, or even the rare …Qe5.
Example Line
4.Nf3 Bg4 (entering the Bogoljubov Variation; see next heading) 5.Be2 0-0-0. Black castles long and begins kingside activity with …e5 or …Nf6.
Historic Note
The line first appeared in the notes of Aron Nimzowitsch’s book My System, where he praised the queen sortie as “a scientific provocation.”
Bogoljubov Variation
Definition
Several different openings contain a “Bogoljubov Variation,” but in the context of the Nimzowitsch/Scandinavian complex it specifically refers to:
- 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 f6 (Nimzowitsch main line)
- or 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 (Scandinavian variation)
Both approaches—…f6 in the advance line and …Bg4 in the Scandinavian structure—were championed by former World-Title challenger Efim Bogoljubov in the 1920s.
Strategic Points
- Counter-attack the centre. …f6 immediately tests the pawn on e5; …Bg4 pins the knight that supports d4 and e2.
- Imbalance. Black accepts structural weaknesses (light-square holes after …f6) in exchange for rapid piece play.
- Flexible Pawn Structure. After …f6 exf6 Nxf6 Black often places pawns on e6 & c6, obtaining a Caro-Kann-style shell with extra piece activity.
Classic Game
Bogoljubov–Nimzowitsch, Bad Kissingen 1928, followed 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 f6 4.f4 Bf5 5.Nf3 e6, and Bogoljubov eventually prevailed in 46 moves after a protracted manoeuvring battle.
Trivia
The quote “When I’m White I win because I am White; when I’m Black I win because I’m Bogoljubov” was delivered by Efim Bogoljubov himself—an apt reflection of the audacious spirit behind his eponymous variation!
Vehre Variation
Definition
The rarely-seen Vehre Variation occurs after 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2. The German analyst Helmut Vehre investigated 5.Be2 in depth during the 1980s, demonstrating that the retreat keeps the bishop pair and prepares to chase the black queen with c4 or Nc3.
Main Ideas for Both Sides
- White aims for quick development: 0-0, h3, Be3 or c4, and central rooks to d1 & e1.
- Black generally continues 5…0-0-0, planning …e5 and a pawn storm on the kingside (…h5–h4 or …g5).
- As opposite-side castling is common, games tend to become tactical very quickly.
Sample Continuation
Why It Matters
Though still a sideline, the Vehre Variation is a practical weapon for players wishing to avoid the vast body of mainstream Scandinavian theory while keeping rich attacking possibilities on the board.
An Anecdote
During a 1994 German Bundesliga match, Vehre chose his own line and defeated a grandmaster rated 2550 in only 26 moves after a blistering opposite-wing pawn race—cementing his name in opening theory, at least in specialist circles.