Chess Openings Lab
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English Opening: King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation

The Nimzowitsch Variation is 2.Nf3 against 1...e5, attacking the e5 pawn before White's queen's knight is out. Black's best answer is 2...e4, a reversed Alekhine that drives the knight to d4, and White then has to prove the advanced pawn is a target rather than a space gain.

Moves
1.c4 e5 2.Nf3
ECO
A20
Engine
−0.11 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
487 games in our lichess sample
White scores
50.5%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • After 2...e4, the knight goes to d4. Support it with e3 and Nc3, as in the top engine line.
  • When Black's knight lands on e5, kick it with f4 and gain kingside space.
  • A later d3 attacks the e4 pawn from the front and opens lines for White's bishops.
  • Against 2...Nc6, play Nc3 and g3 to reach Four Knights positions with ...Bb4 ideas.

Black

  • 2...e4 gains time on the knight and is the engine's first choice, slightly favoring Black.
  • Follow with ...Nc6 to challenge the d4 knight, then ...Nf6.
  • ...Ne5 centralizes a knight and eyes d3 and c4, the squares White weakened.
  • 2...d6 with ...f5 is a slower setup that keeps a broad pawn center.

Plans and pawn structure

After 2...e4 3.Nd4 Nc6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Ne5, Black has space, and White aims to undermine e4 with d3 or to chase pieces with f4. White's c4 pawn and light squares like d3 can become targets for Black's knights. If White trades on c6 or breaks with d3 in good conditions, the e4 pawn turns into a weakness. Black should keep pieces active rather than lean on the pawn.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position −0.11: level. Its three top choices for Black:

  1. −0.11 2...e4 3.Nd4 Nc6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nc3
  2. +0.04 2...Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.g3 Bb4 5.Bg2
  3. +0.27 2...d6 3.g3 f5 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nc3

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

487 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 50.5%.

under 120051.5%
1200–159946.4%
1600–199952.4%
2000 and up52.3%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

Where it goes next

  • King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch-Flohr Variation2...e4 · rare

How to play against it

As Black, play 2...e4 and develop with ...Nc6 and ...Nf6. Do not leave e4 unsupported. As White, know that the knight goes to d4, and do not rush f4 before your pieces are out.

Questions

What are the moves of the English Opening: King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation?

The English Opening: King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation starts 1.c4 e5 2.Nf3. Its ECO code is A20.

Is the English Opening: King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation good for White?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position −0.11 at depth 20, which is level. In 487 lichess games from our sample, White scored 50.5%. A provocative move for White that suits players who enjoy reversed Alekhine positions, but Black equalizes comfortably with 2...e4.

What is the main idea of the English Opening: King's English Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation?

White hits e5 with the knight, and Black answers 2...e4 to gain time. The game turns on whether White can undermine that pawn with d3 or f4.

What should Black play next?

The engine's first choice is e4, with Nc6 and d6 close behind. 2...e4 kicks the knight and grabs space, a reversed Alekhine.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.