The Nimzowitsch Variation, Main Line is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B29. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 e6 5. Nxd5 exd5 6. d4 Nc6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.
On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.
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The Nimzowitsch Variation, Main Line goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 e6 5. Nxd5 exd5 6. d4 Nc6. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B29.
The Nimzowitsch Variation, Main Line is ECO B29. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 e6 5. Nxd5 exd5 6. d4 Nc6 at +0.53 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e5, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.