The Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E21. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nc3 c5 5. d5 b5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.
On the Nimzo-Indian Defense generally: One of the most respected defenses to 1.d4. Black pins the knight and fights for central control.
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The Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nc3 c5 5. d5 b5. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E21.
The Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit is ECO E21. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nc3 c5 5. d5 b5 at +0.44 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on d5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.