Chess Openings Lab
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Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation

The Nimzowitsch Variation is 2.Nf3 Nf6, attacking e4 with the knight and inviting White to push. White can gain space with 3.e5, defend with Nc3, or play calmly with Bd3, while Black aims to show the advanced pawn is a target.

Moves
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6
ECO
B29
Engine
+0.52 · a slight edge for White (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
1,837 games in our lichess sample
White scores
48.7%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • 3.e5 kicks the knight to d5, then Nc3 and Ne4 chase it and gain more space.
  • c4 after Ne4 adds pressure, forcing Black to commit the knight.
  • 3.Nc3 defends e4 and keeps an Open Sicilian with d4 possible.
  • 3.Bd3 is a quieter option with castling and Re1.

Black

  • After 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nc3, ...e6 supports the knight and prepares ...d6 or ...Nc6.
  • ...f5 hits the e4 knight and challenges White's central grip.
  • Against Nc3, play ...d6 and enter an Open Sicilian after d4.
  • Avoid leaving the knight on d5 without support; it can be chased.

Plans and pawn structure

If White pushes e5, the fight centers on Black's knight and White's advanced pawn. White wants Nc3, Ne4 and c4 to gain space and chase the knight. Black responds with ...e6, ...Nc6 and ...d6 or ...f5 to undermine the center. If White's pawn chain holds, White has more space. If Black breaks with ...d6 or ...f6, the e5 pawn can become a weakness.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.52: a slight edge for White. Its three top choices for White:

  1. +0.52 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nc3 e6 5.Ne4 Nc6
  2. +0.26 3.Nc3 d6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 a6
  3. −0.02 3.Bd3 Nc6 4.O-O d6 5.Re1 Bg4

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

1,837 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 48.7%.

under 120050.8%
1200–159952.6%
1600–199949.7%
2000 and up42.5%

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

Where it goes next

How to play against it

As White, play 3.e5 and chase the knight with Nc3 and Ne4. Avoid overextending if Black hits the center with ...d6 or ...f5. If you prefer a calmer game, 3.Nc3 keeps an Open Sicilian possible.

Questions

What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation?

The Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation starts 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6. Its ECO code is B29.

Is the Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation good for Black?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.52 at depth 20, which is a slight edge for White. In 1,837 lichess games from our sample, White scored 48.7%. A provocative choice for Black players who like counterattacking, while White can gain space with simple play.

What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation?

Black attacks e4 with the knight and invites White to push e5. White gains space and chases the knight, while Black counters with ...e6, ...d6 or ...f5.

What should White play next?

The engine's first choice is e5, with Nc3 and Bd3 close behind. 3.e5 gains space and kicks the knight, starting a fight over the center.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.