Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense position after 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 e5 3.dxe5 Nxe5 4.f4 Nc6. White: pawn on e4, pawn on f4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, 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, knight on g8, 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.
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 e5 3.dxe5 Nxe5 4.f4 Nc6. 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.d4 e5 3.dxe5 Nxe5 4.f4 Nc6.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense?
The Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 e5 3.dxe5 Nxe5 4.f4 Nc6. 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: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense?
1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 e5 3.dxe5 Nxe5 4.f4 Nc6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Riemann Defense 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.