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Nimzowitsch Defense: Mikenas Variation for Black
After 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d6, White is already asking questions and the position is not fully settled. Stockfish rates this +0.86, a clear, lasting advantage for White. That means you need to know what you are aiming for, because the game can become unpleasant fast if you drift. Use the drill below to practise the key reply, recognise the common continuations, and learn how to keep the position playable as Black.
Play the Nimzowitsch Defense: Mikenas Variation against the engine
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Create a free account →The first problem: White already has the edge
The big message from the position after 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d6 is simple: Black is behind. The engine’s +0.86 means White has a clear, lasting advantage, so this opening asks you to defend accurately rather than chase an equal position by force.
That does not mean you must collapse, but it does mean you should value solid moves, piece development, and king safety. If you want this opening in your repertoire, you need to be comfortable playing from a slightly worse position and steering the game into something practical.
The engine’s main answer
The best move here is d5. In the engine line, that continues with d5 Nb8 c4 g6. The point is not to win immediately, but to challenge the centre and keep your position coherent.
For a learner, this is the most useful habit to build: meet White’s space with active central play, then develop calmly. In the drill, try to remember that Black is not looking for tricks first; Black is looking for stability and counterplay.
What White usually plays
At this exact position, White’s most common continuations are d5, Nf3, Bb5, Nc3, c4, and c3. The most played move is d5, and the scores in the database all show White doing well.
That tells you something practical: White often takes space, develops naturally, or keeps the centre flexible. Against those choices, your job is to avoid passive piece placement and keep your setup orderly. If you can stay composed against the popular moves, you give yourself the best chance to survive the opening.
What the numbers are telling you
The database sample is huge: 1,130,150 games at this exact position. White wins 54.4%, draws 3.9%, and Black wins 41.7%.
Those figures match the engine verdict. This is not an opening where you expect comfortable equality out of the gate. If you choose it, do so with open eyes: you are accepting that White starts better, and your practical goal is to handle the pressure well enough to create a game.
Results across 1,130,150 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d5 | 440,949 | 54.5% |
| Nf3 | 340,560 | 54.2% |
| Bb5 | 73,524 | 53.8% |
| Nc3 | 64,461 | 56.3% |
| c4 | 58,901 | 54.6% |
| c3 | 36,773 | 53.0% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Mikenas Variation good for Black?
It is playable, but the position after 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d6 is not equal according to the engine. Stockfish gives +0.86, which is a clear, lasting advantage for White, so you should expect to defend accurately.
What is Black’s best move in this position?
The engine’s best move is d5. The listed continuation is d5 Nb8 c4 g6, which gives you a concrete way to challenge the centre and keep developing.
What should I expect White to play most often?
The most-played continuations are d5, Nf3, Bb5, Nc3, c4, and c3. The most common move is d5, so it is worth getting comfortable against that first.
Does Black score well here in practice?
The practical results are not encouraging for Black. Across 1,130,150 games at this exact position, White scores 54.4%, draws 3.9%, and Black wins 41.7%.
How many games feature the Nimzowitsch Defense: Mikenas Variation?
Over 1 million Lichess games have reached the Nimzowitsch Defense: Mikenas Variation position. White wins 54.4%, Black wins 41.7%, with 3.9% draws — based on real rated games.