Philidor: Nimzowitsch Variation
Philidor Defence: Nimzowitsch Variation
Definition
The Philidor Defence arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6. When White continues 3. d4 and Black answers 3...Nf6 instead of the more classical 3...exd4, the game has entered the Nimzowitsch Variation of the Philidor. The sequence can be summarised:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6
How the Variation Is Used
• Side-step the main line: By delaying ...exd4, Black keeps the central tension and
avoids some well-analysed positions after 3...exd4 4. Nxd4.
• Invite transpositions: After 4. Nc3, play can transpose to a
Pirc-like set-up with ...g6 or even to the Modern Defence if Black fianchettoes the king’s
bishop.
• Flexible pawn structure: Black keeps the option of ...exd4 later or of supporting
the e-pawn with ...Nbd7 and ...e5-e4.
Key Strategic Themes
- Central tension: Both sides leave the pawn on e5 opposed to the pawn on d4, leading to a dynamic struggle over the centre squares e4, d5, e5 and d4.
- Piece activity vs. solidity: White usually develops rapidly (Nc3, Bc4, 0-0, Re1) to pressure e5, while Black aims for solid but slightly cramped positions, planning ...Be7, ...0-0, and possibly ...exd4 later.
- Timing of ...exd4: Capturing on d4 at the right moment can neutralise White’s space advantage; playing it too early may release the tension in White’s favour.
- Minor-piece manoeuvres: Black often re-routes the c6-knight (after ...Nc6) to e7-g6 or d7-f8-g6, echoing ideas from the Hanham lines of the Philidor.
Typical Move Orders & Branches
-
4. Nc3
• 4...exd4 5. Nxd4 Be7 – solid path into equal-ish middlegames.
• 4...Nbd7 followed by ...Be7 and ...0-0, an idea championed by Teimour Radjabov. -
4. Bd3 – a quieter set-up where White maintains the central pawn chain.
Black may reply 4...exd4 5. Nxd4 d5, challenging the centre immediately. -
4. dxe5
After 4...Nxe4 White tries to simplify, but Black gains active piece play on the open lines.
Historical Background
The variation is named after the great Aron Nimzowitsch, a pioneer of hypermodern ideas. In several early-20th-century games he chose 3...Nf6 over the “classical” 3...exd4, preferring flexibility and piece activity to the immediate clarification of the centre. Although never as popular as the Petrov or the main-line Philidor, the Nimzowitsch Variation has appeared intermittently at high levels when players want a sound yet less-travelled response to 1. e4.
Illustrative Game
Radjabov – Svidler, FIDE GP Tashkent 2013
The game continued quietly, illustrating Black’s solid structure. Despite White’s space, Svidler equalised comfortably and later drew.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Nimzowitsch reportedly called 3...Nf6 “the most instructive way to teach the value of tension in the centre.”
- Because the move order can transpose into Pirc, Modern, or even Petrov structures, some repertoire books classify the line under multiple chapters.
- Grandmaster Baadur Jobava has surprised opponents with an ultra-aggressive treatment: 4.Nc3 exd4 5.Qxd4!? threatening e5, a line he used to beat several strong GMs online.
- The engine era has not refuted the variation; modern engines rate the position after 4.Nc3 Nbd7 as roughly equal (≈0.20), supporting its viability at any level.
Summary
The Philidor Nimzowitsch Variation offers Black a flexible, strategically rich alternative to the double-king-pawn main lines. While less common than the Petrov or Ruy Lopez, it appeals to players who relish manoeuvring battles and nuanced central play.