A40
Mikenas Defense
1. d4 Nc6
In the Mikenas Defense, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.
The Mikenas Defense is a chess opening classified under ECO code A40. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 Nc6: 2 moves in, with White to play.
Learn its typical plans and pawn structures rather than memorizing moves — that’s what holds up over the board.
3 named variations branch from this position; the list at the end of the page goes one move deeper into each.
Play the Mikenas Defense? See where you go wrong.
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Analyze my games free →Variations of the Mikenas Defense
- Cannstatter Variation1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nd4
- Lithuanian Variation1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nce7
- Pozarek Gambit1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. Nc3 Nxc4