Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Nimzowitsch Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
6,664 games: White 48.6% / Draw 5.9% / Black 45.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 4,4994,499 | ||
| 1,4151,415 | ||
| 317317 | ||
| 127127 | ||
| 109109 | ||
| 5454 | ||
| 5353 | ||
| 2929 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 31, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.02 White is better
Best play: 5. f3 e3 6. Qc1 Ba6 7. Bxa6 Nxa6 8. Qxe3 c6 9. f4 e6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Nimzowitsch Variation (ECO A83, Flank Openings) is a gambit in the Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, reached after 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 b6 (4 moves).
In 6,664 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 48.6%, Black 45.5% and 5.9% were drawn. White's most played move here is 5. Bxf6, in 68% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Nimzowitsch Variation
5. f3 scores best for White: 60.3%, with White winning 57.5% and Black 37.0% of 1,415 games. The most played answer, 5. Bxf6, scores lowest: 48.6% in 4,499 games. Stockfish's first choice is also 5. f3.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Nimzowitsch Variation (A83)”. Lichess data as of 31 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/dutch-defense-staunton-gambit-nimzowitsch-variation