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Nimzowitsch Defense

Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Erben Gambit

B00gambitoffbeat

  1. 1.e4Nc6
  2. 2.d4d5
  3. 3.Nc3g6
47 games51%45%

A rare gambit in the Nimzowitsch Defense where Black plays 3...g6, preparing a kingside fianchetto and leaving the d5-pawn to be captured.

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About the Erben Gambit

The Erben Gambit, 3...g6, meets White's pressure on d5 by preparing a kingside fianchetto instead of resolving the central tension. The d5-pawn is left to be taken by 4. exd5 or 4. Nxd5. The engine rates White clearly better. Even so, Black has scored well in the few recorded games after 4. exd5, the most frequent reply. 4. e5 and 4. Nf3 are the main alternatives. The line is seldom played.

Popular continuations