Mikenas Variation

The Mikenas Variation arises after 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d6. Instead of striking at the center at once with 2...d5 or 2...e5, Black supports a later ...e5 with a pawn and keeps the position closed for the time being. The cost is passivity. White keeps both central pawns in place, takes the initiative, and can choose between gaining space, advancing in the center, and simple development. The engine gives White a slight edge, and White scores somewhat better than Black in practice.

The most frequent reply is 3. d5, which hits the knight on c6 and gains space before Black can play ...e5 with tempo. The second most popular is 3. Nf3. It develops quietly and reaches the same position as the Williams Variation, 1. e4 Nc6 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4, so the two move orders lead to the same lines. 3. Nc3 is a less common developing alternative. Engines also rate 3. c4 highly. That move builds an even larger center and asks Black to show how the knight on c6 and the restraining pawn on d6 will put pressure on it.