Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation & Linksspringer

Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation

Definition

The Kennedy Variation is a branch of the Nimzowitsch Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3. By answering the provocative …Nc6 with the simple development of the king’s knight, White avoids immediate commitments in the center while keeping open the option of transposing to other open-game structures. The line is catalogued under ECO code B00.

Typical Move-Orders

• 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 g6 – a “Pirc-flavored” setup for Black.
• 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 e5 3.Bb5 – often leading back into the Ruy Lopez, but with Black’s queen’s knight already committed to c6.
• 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 f5!? – the sharp Colorado Gambit, in which Black sacrifices a pawn for rapid piece play.

Strategic Themes

• Flexibility for White. By delaying d4, White keeps the possibility of steering the game toward a Closed Sicilian structure (after …e5) or a Pirc/Modern type center (after …d6).
• Central tension. Black’s knight on c6 eyes the d4-square; if Black can achieve …e5 or …d5 under favorable circumstances, the opening can equalize quickly.
• Piece activity for Black. Because the move …Nc6 does not directly fight for e4, Black usually follows up with …d6, …Nf6, and sometimes …g6 and …Bg7, aiming for dynamic counterplay rather than immediate symmetry.

Historical Notes

The variation is named after the 19th-century English player Rev. John O. Kennedy, a sparring partner of Paul Morphy. Kennedy often employed 2.Nf3 against early …Nc6 openings, preferring solid development to direct central occupation. Although the Nimzowitsch Defense itself was championed later by Aron Nimzowitsch, the early Nf3 plan kept Kennedy’s name.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short model shows how the Kennedy Variation can transpose into a Pirc-like position where White enjoys a space advantage but Black retains dynamic chances:

Practical Tips

• Against the Colorado Gambit (…f5), accept the pawn with 3.exf5! It is sound, and accurate play can blunt Black’s initiative.
• If Black opts for …e5 on move 2 or 3, remember that 3.Bb5 is a simple way to steer the game into familiar Spanish waters while keeping the …Nc6 pre-commitment in mind.

Interesting Facts

• Because 2.Nf3 is so flexible, many databases group hundreds of very different middlegames under the Kennedy label, making statistical preparation tricky for both sides.
• World Champion Magnus Carlsen has dabbled in the line online, often transposing to a Closed Sicilian setup with colors reversed to surprise opponents.

Linksspringer Variation

Definition

The word Linksspringer is German for “left-knight.” In the context of the Nimzowitsch Defense the term refers to the position that arises after 1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 d6 3. Nc3. White brings the left-hand knight (from b1) over to c3 very early, reinforcing the e4-pawn and preparing the central advance d4. This sub-line can therefore be seen as a refinement of the Kennedy Variation.

Key Position

After the moves 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6 3.Nc3, the board typically contains:

• White knights on f3 and c3, controlling the center dark squares e4 and d5.
• Black has answered the threat of an immediate d4-d5 by solidly placing pawns on d6 and potentially e5.
• The position is asymmetrical; Black’s queen-side knight is already developed, while White’s queen-side bishop still waits on c1.

Strategic Ideas

1. Immediate central thrust: The move 4.d4 is nearly always on deck. If Black reacts with …e5, structures can transpose to the Closed Sicilian (colors reversed) or the King’s Indian Defense, with White enjoying an extra tempo.
2. Clamp with Bb5. An annoying pin can follow: 3…Nf6 4.Bb5!?, hampering Black’s attempt to play …e5 comfortably.
3. Kingside expansion. Plans with Be3, Qd2, and long castling are common, leaving Black to decide whether to castle short into a pawn storm or steer the game into quieter channels.

Sample Continuation

Historical & Theoretical Significance

The term “Linksspringer” dates back to early 20th-century German opening literature, where the knight from the left side (the queen’s side) was often singled out for its early adventures. Although never a headline-grabbing main line, the variation attracts players who wish to combine sound development with tactical skirmishes. Modern grandmasters such as Vadim Zvjaginsev and Alexander Moskalenko have employed it in rapid and blitz play to dodge deep computer-tested theory.

Practical Pointers

• Against the plan …g6 and …Bg7, consider fianchettoing your own bishop with g3 and Bg2, leading to a reversed Pirc/English structure where an extra tempo can tell.
• Do not hurry with d4-d5 unless it gains something concrete; Black’s knight is already developed to c6, so the pawn thrust can be met by …Ne5 targeting c4 and d3.
• If Black plays …e5 early, 4.Bb5 can be a useful resource, much like the Rosolimo against the Sicilian.

Trivia

• Because the early Nc3 can transpose into the Grand Prix Attack set-up (after …e5 and f4 by White), some repertoire books for Black recommend treating the line as a “reverse Grand Prix” and countering with …g6 instead of …Nf6.
• The variation’s colorful German name often sparks curiosity in club circles, making it a handy surprise weapon for players looking to sidestep mainstream theory.