Nimzowitsch Defense: Woodchuck Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
48,258 games: White 57.6% / Draw 3.7% / Black 38.7%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 18,79419K | ||
| 13,90114K | ||
| 4,5394,539 | ||
| 2,7172,717 | ||
| 2,6532,653 | ||
| 1,6721,672 | ||
| 1,0481,048 | ||
| 996996 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.95 White is better
Best play: 3. d5 Nb8 4. Nf3 d6 5. c4 g6 6. Nc3 Bg7 7. h3 Nf6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Nimzowitsch Defense: Woodchuck Variation (ECO B00, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Nimzowitsch Defense, reached after 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 a6 (2 moves).
In 48,258 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 57.6%, Black 38.7% and 3.7% were drawn. White's most played move here is 3. d5, in 39% 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 Nimzowitsch Defense: Woodchuck Variation
The most played answer, 3. d5, also scores best for White: 61.0%, with White winning 59.2% and Black 37.3% of 19K games. Of the main answers, 3. Nf3 scores lowest: 58.4%. Stockfish's first choice is also 3. d5.
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. “Nimzowitsch Defense: Woodchuck Variation (B00)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/nimzowitsch-defense-woodchuck-variation