Mikenas Attack

The Mikenas Attack, also called the Mikenas Variation, takes its name from Vladas Mikėnas and arises after 4. Qd3. The queen supports the pinned knight, so White can answer ...Bxc3 without doubled pawns, and it stands on a central square. On d3, however, it is exposed to harassment, which keeps the line rare. Black usually replies 4...O-O, 4...d5 or 4...c5. The position is roughly balanced, and results are close to even.