Tree path 4 levels King's Pawn Game › Nimzowitsch Defense › Nimzowitsch Defense › Kennedy Variation
- Chess Codex
- King's Pawn Game B00
- Nimzowitsch Defense B00
- Nimzowitsch Defense B00
- Kennedy Variation B00 you are here
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation
Overview
Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation is a specific line in the Semi-Open Games family (ECO B00), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Semi-Open Games group covers semi-open games — replies to 1.e4 where Black declines the symmetrical 1…e5 in favour of an asymmetric pawn structure.
The line arises from 4 plies — specifically the moves 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5.
The line refines Nimzowitsch Defense, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.
The line has 9 documented children — Bielefelder Gambit, de Smet Gambit, Hammer Gambit, and others being widely played.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- B00
- Group
- Semi-Open Games (B)
- Plies
- 4
- Parent
- Nimzowitsch Defense
- Direct variations
- 9
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
6,870,873 games · White 48.6% / Draw 3.9% / Black 47.5%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| d5 | 4,444,951 | |
| Nf3 | 1,066,101 | |
| dxe5 | 817,096 | |
| c3 | 401,935 | |
| Bc4 | 75,209 | |
| f4 | 27,364 | |
| Nc3 | 9,878 | |
| Bd3 | 6,739 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 00:58:10
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Submissions are reviewed before publishing.