Chessy
Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation as White
After 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3, you reach a sharp early opening where Black is already under a little pressure. Stockfish rates this +0.40, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here. The drill below helps you meet Black’s most common replies and spot the moves that go wrong, so you can turn a simple opening edge into something practical.
Play the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation against the engine
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Play the drill now and practise the key replies until they feel natural. Create a free account to save your progress and come back anytime.
Create a free account →What you are aiming for
This opening starts with a direct fight for the centre. As White, you have a space advantage and an easy plan: keep your development smooth, stay active, and make Black solve problems early. The position is not winning on its own, but it is pleasant for you because Black has to choose carefully. In the drill, focus on the reply the engine likes best and on the moves Black plays most often from this exact position.
The move Black should fear
The engine’s best move here is dxe4, continuing dxe4 d5 Nb8 Bg5. You do not need to memorise a long line; just recognise that this capture is the most accurate answer. When Black takes on e4, your job is to stay calm, develop well, and use the opening of the position to build pressure. This is the main branch the drill will keep bringing you back to.
What the numbers say
Across 720,556 games at this exact position, White wins 48.0%, draws 4.0%, and Black wins 48.0%. That is a very balanced result set, but the engine evaluation still gives White a small edge. In practical terms, this is a playable position for you if you understand the ideas and avoid helping Black equalise too easily.
Common replies to know
The most-played continuation is dxe4, with 440,449 games and White scoring 45.4%. The other major replies are e6, with 133,045 games and White scoring 50.2%; Nf6, with 78,435 games and White scoring 50.6%; e5, with 35,363 games and White scoring 54.7%; Be6, with 8,709 games and White scoring 53.7%; and Nxd4, with 4,665 games and White scoring 74.7%. The drill is useful because these are exactly the moves you are most likely to face in practice.
Moves that go wrong
Black can also misjudge this position. Nf6 is an inaccuracy, and the better move was dxe4. Be6 is a mistake, and the better move was dxe4. Nxd4 is a blunder, and the better move was dxe4. If your opponent chooses one of these, stay alert and keep asking whether you can continue developing with the initiative rather than letting them catch up for free.
Results across 720,556 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| dxe4 | 440,449 | 45.4% |
| e6 | 133,045 | 50.2% |
| Nf6 | 78,435 | 50.6% |
| e5 | 35,363 | 54.7% |
| Be6 | 8,709 | 53.7% |
| Nxd4 | 4,665 | 74.7% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea for White in this opening?
You start with a small edge and a lead in the central struggle. The practical goal is to develop smoothly, keep control, and make Black choose accurately from the start. The drill helps you learn the most important replies in this exact position.
What is Black’s best move here?
The engine’s best move is dxe4. It is the move to respect most, and the continuation given is dxe4 d5 Nb8 Bg5. If Black finds that move, you should expect an accurate fight rather than an easy tactical win.
Which replies are most common in practice?
The most-played continuation is dxe4, and the other common replies are e6, Nf6, e5, Be6, and Nxd4. Several of these are quite playable, but the move choices vary a lot in quality. That is why drilling this exact position is useful.
Which black moves should I punish?
Nf6 is an inaccuracy, Be6 is a mistake, and Nxd4 is a blunder. In each case, the better move was dxe4. If Black chooses one of those replies, you should be ready to keep the initiative and not let them off the hook.
How many games feature the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation?
Over 720K Lichess games have reached the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation position. White wins 48.0%, Black wins 48.0%, with 4.0% draws — based on real rated games.