Three Knights Variation, Korchnoi Variation
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nc3Bb4
- 4.Nf3c5
- 5.d5
647 games
The Korchnoi Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Three Knights meets 4...c5 with 5. d5, a space-gaining advance that leaves a balanced, unbalanced fight.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Korchnoi Variation
The Korchnoi Variation, 5. d5, answers 4...c5 by advancing the d-pawn rather than exchanging it or supporting it with e3, gaining space while the pin on c3 remains. The most common reply is 5...exd5, challenging the advanced pawn at once; 5...d6 and 5...O-O are the main alternatives. 5...Ne4 is the Euwe Variation, and 5...b5 the Shocron Gambit. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, though White scores slightly better online.
Popular continuations
- 5... exd5 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Korchnoi Variation 42% 274
- 5... d6 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Korchnoi Variation 20% 129
- 5... O-O Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Korchnoi Variation 16% 102
- 5... Ne4 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Euwe Variation 6% 36
- 5... b5 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit