Nimzowitsch Defense: Breyer Variation position after 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4 e5. White: pawn on d4, pawn on e4, knight on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, knight on f6, pawn on e5.
Nimzowitsch Defense: Breyer Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4 e5. It is classified B00 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Nimzowitsch Defense develops the queen's knight to c6 on move one, controlling d4 and e5 with a piece rather than a pawn. It is rare at top level but perfectly playable, and it takes many 1.e4 players immediately out of preparation.
Strategic character
Unusual and transpositional. Many lines shift into the Pirc, the Scandinavian, or the French, so much of the value comes from reaching familiar structures by an unfamiliar route.
Who should play it
Players who want a surprise weapon against 1.e4 and are comfortable in positions where general understanding matters more than memorised lines.
This line is a variation within the Nimzowitsch Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4 e5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Breyer Variation?
The Nimzowitsch Defense: Breyer Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4 e5. It is classified B00 in the ECO system. The Nimzowitsch Defense develops the queen's knight to c6 on move one, controlling d4 and e5 with a piece rather than a pawn. It is rare at top level but perfectly playable, and it takes many 1.e4 players immediately out of preparation.
What are the moves of the Nimzowitsch Defense: Breyer Variation?
1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4 e5. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Breyer Variation good for beginners?
Players who want a surprise weapon against 1.e4 and are comfortable in positions where general understanding matters more than memorised lines.