Tree path 2 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Mikenas Defense
- Chess Codex
- Queen's Pawn Game A40
- Mikenas Defense A40 you are here
Mikenas Defense
Overview
Mikenas Defense is a specific line in the Flank Openings family (ECO A40), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Flank Openings group covers flank openings — systems that delay the central pawn break and instead develop pieces and pawns on the wings.
It is reached after 2 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 Nc6.
The line is a first-level refinement of Queen's Pawn Game.
The line splits into 4 documented sub-systems: Cannstatter Variation, Lithuanian Variation, Pozarek Gambit, and others.
In total, the branch covers 5 sub-variations across all depths.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- A40
- Group
- Flank Openings (A)
- Plies
- 2
- Parent
- Queen's Pawn Game
- Direct variations
- 4
- Total in subtree
- 5
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
4,074,255 games · White 49.4% / Draw 4.6% / Black 46.0%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| c4 | 1,042,560 | |
| Nf3 | 983,678 | |
| d5 | 728,697 | |
| Bf4 | 476,472 | |
| e3 | 292,396 | |
| e4 | 205,953 | |
| Nc3 | 131,445 | |
| c3 | 75,943 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 00:49:06
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