Nimzowitsch Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6

Nimzowitsch Defence: 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6

Definition

The line 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 is one of the main branches of the Nimzowitsch Defence (ECO code B00). Black meets 1.e4 with the flexible knight first reply 1…Nc6, then steers the game into a Pirc- or Philidor-like setup by playing …d6 and …Nf6 against White’s classical development 2.Nf3 d4. The structure typically leads to rich, unbalanced middlegames in which piece play, rather than early pawn breaks, dictates the struggle for the centre.

Typical Ideas & Usage

• Hyper-modern posture. Black delays committing a pawn to the centre, challenging it later with moves like …e5 or …e6, while keeping the c-pawn mobile for …c5.
• Transpositional flexibility. Depending on White’s replies, Black can transpose to the Philidor Defence, the Pirc Defence, or even certain lines of the French Defence.
• Bishop fianchetto or pin. Plans include …g6 and …Bg7 for a Pirc-style setup, or …Bg4 pinning the knight to create tension on d4.
• Counter-punch with …e5. After preparatory moves (…g6, …Bg7, …0-0), Black strikes in the centre with …e5 or …c5, undermining White’s d4-pawn.

Strategic & Historical Significance

Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch introduced 1…Nc6 in the early 20th century as part of his hyper-modern crusade: control the centre with pieces first, occupy it later. Although never a mainstream reply on the scale of 1…c5 or 1…e5, it has periodically attracted creative players who seek to avoid well-trodden theory and reach original positions.

Notable advocates include Bent Larsen, Jonny Hector, Michael Basman, and more recently GM Richard Rapport, who occasionally chooses it in rapid events to sidestep preparation.

Key Continuations

1. 4.Nc3 Bg4 – Black pins the f-knight and eyes …e5. Typical line: 4.Nc3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.0-0 Be7 reaching a modern Philidor structure with the c6-knight already deployed.
2. 4.Nc3 g6 – Transposes to a Pirc set-up: 5.Be3 Bg7 6.Qd2 0-0 followed by …e5 or …c5.
3. 4.d5 Nb8 – A space-gaining try for White. Black re-routes the knight, aiming for …c6 and …e6 to undermine the advanced pawn.

Illustrative Game

Aron Nimzowitsch – Friedrich Sämisch, Copenhagen 1923 (demonstrating the power of the …Bg4 pin)

Typical Middlegame Themes

• Central tension: The pawn duo d4–e4 versus Black’s d6–e6/e5 often stays locked, making outposts on d5/e5 critical squares for both sides.
• Queenside pawn breaks: …c5 (sometimes …b5) can undermine d4 if White castles queenside.
• Piece pressure: The c6-knight frequently hops to b4 or d4, invading weakened dark squares in White’s camp.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The line was featured in one of the first man-versus-machine matches at master level: Kasparov – Deep Blue (Game 4, 1996 rapid exhibition), where Kasparov used 1.e4 Nc6 successfully to avoid computer preparation.
• Michael Basman employed the variation in dozens of British League games, often combining it with eccentric ideas like …h6 and …g5 to launch kingside pawn storms.
• Because the opening begins with 1…Nc6, it can only be reached after 1.d4 if White plays 2.e4, making it a surprise weapon in Move-Order traps against players who prefer the Closed Game.

Practical Tips

• Study both Pirc and Philidor structures; many plans are identical once …d6 and …Nf6 are on the board.
• If you dislike cramped positions, choose the immediate counter-punch with …e5 on move 4 or 5 instead of slower fianchetto schemes.
• Watch for tactical shots on d4 and e4; the early …Bg4 pin or …Nb4 jump can overload White’s centre.

Further Study

Search databases for games by Bent Larsen (particularly the 1970 Interzonal) and modern rapid games by Richard Rapport for fresh technical ideas. For an in-depth theoretical survey, see the original writings of Aron Nimzowitsch in My System, where he justifies 1…Nc6 philosophically as well as practically.