The Nimzowitsch Attack is a variation of the Petrov's Defense, catalogued as ECO C42. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves. The e-file file is fully open.
On the Petrov's Defense generally: A symmetrical defense known for its solidity. Black mirrors White's moves in the opening.
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The Nimzowitsch Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C42.
The Nimzowitsch Attack is ECO C42. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Petrov's Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3 at +0.32 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.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. The e-file file is fully open.