Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...Nc6/2. d4/2...e5

The Kennedy variation is a sideline in the Nimzowitsch defence. Black has two attackers on d4 and so threatens to take it next turn.

White has three ways of dealing with the central tension: to push the pawn, take first, or defend the pawn. Both pushing the pawn or taking on e5 are very good for White, and the most testing replies, though defending the pawn may allow a transposition to a more familiar position.

3. d5, the Linksspringer variation, pushes the d-pawn out of the way of the attack, gives White more space, and at the same time kicks Black's knight away to a more passive square: 3...Nce7 or 3...Nb8. After 3...Nce7 4. Nf3 Black's knight must move again to keep defence of the e5 pawn, 4...Ng6.

3. dxe5 is slightly more common. White liquidates the centre and this can lead into a lot of trades and a quick endgame. After 3...Nxe5, White usually plays 4. Nf3, the Paulsen attack, where the knights are traded off (4...Nxf3+ 5. Qxf3) and perhaps the queens too (5...Qf6).

3. Nf3 is a transposition into the Scotch game, usually seen after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4. White allows Black to take on d4 and open the position.

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation.

1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5

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Wikipedia has related information at Nimzowitsch Defence.

• Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.