Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6

ECO C41

The Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation is a chess opening line in the Philidor Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6.

It is catalogued under code C41 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nf6 is chosen by Black on move 3.

3 named continuations branch from this position, including the Klein Variation and the Rellstab Variation.

Named variations

• Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Klein Variation — ECO C41
• Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation — ECO C41
• Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Sokolsky Variation — ECO C41

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.