The Nimzowitsch Variation, Sokolsky Variation is a variation of the Philidor Defense, catalogued as ECO C41. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5 Nxe4 5. Nbd2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.
On the Philidor Defense generally: A solid but somewhat passive defense. Black supports e5 with d6 for a strong center.
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The Nimzowitsch Variation, Sokolsky Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5 Nxe4 5. Nbd2. It is a variation of the Philidor Defense and is catalogued as ECO C41.
The Nimzowitsch Variation, Sokolsky Variation is ECO C41. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Philidor Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5 Nxe4 5. Nbd2 at +0.34 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 e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.