Chessy
Lemming Defense: what Black is trying to do after 1.e4 Na6
The Lemming Defense gives you an unusual starting point: after 1.e4 Na6, it is White to move and the burden is already on your opponent to prove something concrete. The engine and the database both say that White usually does very well here, so this opening is not about easy equality. It is about understanding the first critical position, choosing a sensible setup, and learning how to keep playing when White takes the lead. Use the drill below to practise the move you need most: finding a stable plan when the position is already uncomfortable.
Play the Lemming Defense against the engine
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Create a free account →What the numbers say right away
The first thing to know is that this position is not friendly for Black. Stockfish rates this +1.01, a clear, lasting advantage for White. That means you are already worse, so your job is not to pretend the opening is equal; your job is to stay practical and make White work for every bit of that edge.
The database tells the same story. Across 153,787 games at this exact position, White wins 65.3%, draws 4.8%, and Black wins 29.9%. That is a strong signal that White usually gets the better game if they play well, so your best mindset is calm defence and accurate development.
The engine’s main setup for Black
The engine’s best move here is Nc3, continuing Nc3 e6 Nf3 Be7. That tells you something important: even in a difficult position, Black still needs natural development and piece coordination. Do not chase complications just because the opening looks odd; build a playable structure and get your pieces out.
For a beginner-to-intermediate player, the lesson is simple. In a position like this, you need king safety, central control, and a coherent setup more than surprise value. If you can finish development without creating new weaknesses, you give yourself the best chance to fight on.
What White usually chooses
White has several very common ways to respond, and most of them score well. The most-played continuations are Nf3 (36,857 games, White scores 65.7%), d4 (35,323 games, White scores 66.0%), Bxa6 (34,660 games, White scores 63.1%), Bc4 (14,203 games, White scores 75.0%), Nc3 (8,204 games, White scores 62.8%), and Qf3 (5,023 games, White scores 77.9%).
That spread is useful for training. It shows that White is not relying on one single idea; White can choose development, central space, or direct pressure, and still expect good results. In the drill, try to stay alert to all of these natural plans rather than memorising only one reply.
The mistake to know
There is one known mistake in this position: Qf3 is an inaccuracy. It loses about 0.6 pawns, and the better move was d4.
That does not mean you should relax. Even when White slips, the position still starts from a difficult evaluation for Black, so you still need accurate moves and good piece placement. If White chooses the inaccurate line, your reward is that the fight becomes a little easier — not that the opening suddenly becomes good for you.
Results across 153,787 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf3 | 36,857 | 65.7% |
| d4 | 35,323 | 66.0% |
| Bxa6 | 34,660 | 63.1% |
| Bc4 | 14,203 | 75.0% |
| Nc3 | 8,204 | 62.8% |
| Qf3 | 5,023 | 77.9% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lemming Defense sound for Black?
In this exact position, the results are very poor for Black. Stockfish gives +1.01, which is a clear, lasting advantage for White. The database also shows White scoring heavily, so you should treat this as a difficult opening rather than a reliable equaliser.
What is Black’s best move after 1.e4 Na6?
The engine’s best move here is Nc3, continuing Nc3 e6 Nf3 Be7. That means Black should focus on developing pieces in a sensible way instead of looking for immediate tricks. The goal is to make the position as playable as possible.
Which White replies should I expect most often?
The most-played continuations are Nf3, d4, Bxa6, Bc4, Nc3, and Qf3. Several of them score well for White, which tells you that White has many comfortable choices. In training, it is worth getting used to all of these natural moves.
Is there a common mistake White can make?
Yes: Qf3 is a known inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns, while d4 is better. Even so, the overall position is still good for White, so Black should not rely on mistakes to solve the opening. Play solidly and keep developing.
How many games feature the Lemming Defense?
Over 153K Lichess games have reached the Lemming Defense position. White wins 65.3%, Black wins 29.9%, with 4.8% draws — based on real rated games.