Chessy
Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation — Playing as White after 4…
After 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Nf3, you have reached a sharp branch of the Nimzowitsch Defense. Black's bishop on f5 is active outside the pawn chain, but you have a comfortable space advantage and clear development goals. The engine gives you a small edge (+0.38), and the statistics show a balanced fight — White wins 49.1% of games. Your task is to consolidate your space, prevent Black from breaking free, and slowly turn the screw. Ready to try it against a live opponent? The drill below puts you in this exact position.
Play the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation: Bf5 against the engine
Free, no signup — you play white, the engine adapts to your level.
Jump into the interactive drill below and practise meeting 4…e6, 4…Nb4, and every other reply from this exact position. Create a free account and see how your +
Create a free account →The Big Picture: Space and the Pawn Chain
The defining feature of this position is your pawn on e5, which cramps Black's natural development. Black would love to challenge the centre with …c5 or …f6, and the light-squared bishop on f5 already eyes the e4 pawn. Your job as White is to reinforce the centre, complete your development, and keep Black's counterplay in check. The engine's top choice, …e6, shows that Black usually prefers to strengthen their own centre rather than lash out immediately. This steers the game toward a slow manoeuvring battle where your extra space can count.
The Best Reply and How to Meet It
The most popular move by a wide margin is 4…e6 (played in 378,230 games). Black shores up the d5 pawn and prepares to develop the kingside. The engine's recommended continuation runs e6 c3 f6 Nbd2 — you play 5.c3, controlling d4 and preparing to develop your queen's knight. When Black plays …f6, your knight goes to d2 (not c3) to keep the c3 pawn guarding d4. This line gives you a solid structure and keeps the pressure on Black's position. Expect a tense middlegame where you can slowly outplay Black if they mishandle the freeing break.
The One Move to Punish: 4…Nb4
Among the most-played replies, 4…Nb4 stands out — and not in a good way for Black. This move is flagged as a known inaccuracy, losing about 0.7 pawns of evaluation compared to 4…e6. The knight jumps to b4, threatening …Nxd4 and …Bc2, but it wastes time and leaves Black's development behind. You can answer calmly with 5.c3, forcing the knight to retreat (typically to a6 or c6). After that, you continue with Nbd2, Bd3, and 0-0, enjoying a pleasant edge. If you face 4…Nb4 in the drill, you'll get to refute it and collect the bonus.
What the Numbers Tell You
This position is razor-thin: White wins 49.1%, Black wins 47.4%, with only 3.6% draws. That means your small theoretical edge (+0.38) has real practical bite — especially if you know what to do. The most dangerous reply for you is 4…f6 (91,513 games, White scores 51.0% — your best win rate against any common move). Black immediately tries to break the centre, but you can maintain the tension with Nbd2 or even exchange on f6 and keep a good pawn structure. On the flip side, 4…a6 scores only 47.1% for White, so be alert if Black tries this waiting move; your plan stays the same — develop and prepare c3.
Results across 727,419 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| e6 | 378,230 | 48.3% |
| Nb4 | 123,638 | 49.3% |
| f6 | 91,513 | 51.0% |
| Qd7 | 37,579 | 49.9% |
| h6 | 37,096 | 48.5% |
| a6 | 16,170 | 47.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation good for Black?
In this specific line (the Advance Variation with Bf5), Stockfish gives White a small edge of +0.38. That means Black is slightly worse but perfectly playable at club level. White's win rate is 49.1%, so Black can absolutely hold their own.
What should I do if Black plays 4…Nb4?
The move 4…Nb4 is a known inaccuracy that loses about 0.7 pawns of evaluation. Simply play 5.c3, forcing the knight to retreat. After that, develop naturally with Nbd2, Bd3, and castle — you will have a clear advantage.
Which reply to 4.Nf3 is most common?
Black's most popular move is 4…e6, played in 378,230 games. The engine suggests you continue with 5.c3, preparing to meet …f6 with Nbd2. This keeps your centre solid and your advantage intact.
What is White's best continuation after 4…e6?
The engine's top line runs 5.c3, then after Black's …f6 you play Nbd2. This keeps your pawn chain flexible and your knight on d2 supports the centre without blocking the c-pawn. It leads to a safe, space-advantage position.
How many games feature the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation: Bf5?
Over 727K Lichess games have reached the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation: Bf5 position. White wins 49.1%, Black wins 47.4%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.