Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Main Line
A dynamic and aggressive chess opening that leads to imbalanced positions and sharp play, often favored by players seeking to create winning chances.
1. e4 2. e5 3. d4 4. Nc6 5. dxe5 6. Nxe5 7. f4 8. Ng6The opening is an offbeat and aggressive choice that can lead to sharp and imbalanced positions. It is named after the Latvian-born Danish chess player and theoretician Aron Nimzowitsch, who was one of the most influential chess thinkers of the 20th century. The opening is characterized by an early d4 push by White, which is met by Black's e5 pawn break. White then captures on e5, and Black develops the knight to c6, recapturing the pawn on e5.
The main line continues with White playing f4, attacking Black's centralized knight, which then retreats to the g6 square. This leads to a position where both sides have chances for active play and winning opportunities. White has a space advantage and can potentially launch a kingside attack, while Black can counterattack in the center or on the queenside.
The opening is not as popular or well-studied as some other defenses to 1.e4, which can be an advantage for Black players who are well-prepared and looking to surprise their opponents. However, it can also lead to sharp positions where accurate play is required from both sides. Overall, this opening is an interesting and challenging choice for players seeking to create winning chances and avoid well-trodden theoretical paths.
Rate | White | Black |
---|---|---|
0...1800 | 60.5 | 45.4 |
1800...2000 | 64.4 | 46.6 |
2000...2200 | 61.3 | 48.7 |
2200...2500 | 62.8 | 48.4 |
2500... | 55.4 | 47 |