Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit (B00)

The Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit is a variation of the Nimzowitsch Defense, catalogued as ECO B00. The line runs 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. d5 Nb8 5. f3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5, Black on e4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.

On the Nimzowitsch Defense generally: An unusual defense (1.e4 Nc6) that can transpose into many other openings.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit — position after f3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. d5 Nb8 5. f3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4Nc6
2d4d5
3Nc3dxe4
4d5Nb8
5f3

ECO: B00

Stockfish: -0.05 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Nimzowitsch Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit?

The Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit goes 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. d5 Nb8 5. f3. It is a variation of the Nimzowitsch Defense and is catalogued as ECO B00.

What is the ECO code for the Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit?

The Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit is ECO B00. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzowitsch Defense.

Is the Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. d5 Nb8 5. f3 at -0.05 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.

What kind of position does the Scandinavian Variation, Bogoljubow Variation, Richter Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5, Black on e4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.