Chessy
Nimzowitsch Defense: Colorado Countergambit Accepted as White
After 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 f5 3.exf5, you have already accepted the challenge and reached the critical position of the Nimzowitsch Defense: Colorado Countergambit Accepted. Stockfish rates this +0.88, a clear edge for White. That means you are clearly better here, but only if you keep the initiative and play the position with care. The drill below lets you practise the key ideas against an adapting engine, so you can turn the opening pull into something concrete.
Play the Nimzowitsch Defense: Colorado Countergambit Accepted against the engine
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Create a free account →Why White is better here
This position is pleasant for White because Black has weakened the kingside and handed you a lead in development chances. The evaluation is not just a small pull: the engine gives +0.88, a clear edge for White. That means you should play for the advantage, not drift. Your job is simple: stay active, keep Black under pressure, and make the extra kingside looseness count.
The engine’s main answer
The engine’s best move here is d5, and the listed continuation is d5 Bb5 Bxf5 Ne5. That tells you the most serious resistance is direct central play, not hesitation. As White, you should be ready for Black to strike in the centre and respond with moves that keep your lead in development and your extra space working for you.
What the database says
This exact position has been reached in 215,677 games in the Lichess database, so it is a real practical battleground. The results are still favorable for White: White wins 46.2%, draws 3.3%, and Black wins 50.4%. Those numbers show that the position is playable and sharp, but also that you should not relax just because you are better according to the engine. You still need to convert the initiative move by move.
The replies you will meet most often
The most-played continuation is d5, with 182,485 games and White scoring 45.4%. Other common choices are Nf6, d6, Nh6, e5, and e6. Among these, Nh6 is a mistake, while e5 and e6 are inaccuracies. The practical lesson is to know the main central reply first, then recognise which side moves lose time or make Black’s position worse.
How to punish the mistakes
The listed mistakes are valuable because they show where Black’s position can slip quickly. Nh6 is a mistake and loses about 1.3 pawns; better was d5. e5 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns; better was d5. e6 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns; better was d5. In practice, this means you should stay alert for offbeat king-side knight moves and pawn pushes that do not solve Black’s main problem.
Results across 215,677 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d5 | 182,485 | 45.4% |
| Nf6 | 17,976 | 49.7% |
| d6 | 9,831 | 49.5% |
| Nh6 | 1,940 | 46.2% |
| e5 | 1,348 | 55.6% |
| e6 | 752 | 64.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Colorado Countergambit Accepted good for White?
Yes. In this exact position, Stockfish gives +0.88, which is a clear edge for White. You are better, so the goal is to keep control and not let Black equalise easily.
What is the best move for Black in this position?
The engine’s best move is d5. The listed continuation is d5 Bb5 Bxf5 Ne5, so Black’s most reliable try is to hit the centre immediately.
Which replies are most common after 3.exf5?
The most-played continuation is d5, and the other common choices are Nf6, d6, Nh6, e5, and e6. If you know how to meet the central reply and stay alert for the weaker alternatives, you will be ready for most practical games.
Which moves should I watch out for as White?
Nh6 is a mistake, while e5 and e6 are inaccuracies. The engine says d5 was better in all three cases, so those moves are your cue to keep the pressure on and use Black’s loose position.
How many games feature the Nimzowitsch Defense: Colorado Countergambit Accepted?
Over 215K Lichess games have reached the Nimzowitsch Defense: Colorado Countergambit Accepted position. White wins 46.2%, Black wins 50.4%, with 3.3% draws — based on real rated games.