Mikenas Defense

1.d4 Nc6

ECO A40

The Mikenas Defense is a chess opening reached after 1.d4 Nc6, catalogued under code A40 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nc6 is chosen by Black on move 1.

3 named continuations branch from this position, including the Cannstatter Variation and the Lithuanian Variation.

Named variations

• Mikenas Defense: Cannstatter Variation — ECO A40
• Mikenas Defense: Lithuanian Variation — ECO A40
• Mikenas Defense: Pozarek Gambit — ECO A40

Do you want to learn openings?

Start with a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent:

• Catalan Opening
• King's Indian Defense with ...e5

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.