Mikenas Defense
What is the Mikenas Defense?
The Mikenas Defense is a chess opening that begins with 1. d4 Nc6. It is classified under ECO A40 and has 4 named variations. Black chooses it with the move Nc6.
Moves: 1. d4 Nc6
ECO: A40
Chosen by: Black
Main variations
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nd4
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nce7
1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. Nc3 Nxc4
All 4 variations
| ECO | Variation | Moves |
|---|---|---|
| A40 | Main line | 1. d4 Nc6 |
| A40 | Cannstatter Variation | 1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nd4 |
| A40 | Lithuanian Variation | 1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. d5 Nce7 |
| A40 | Pozarek Gambit | 1. d4 Nc6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Nxe5 4. Nc3 Nxc4 |
How to learn an opening
Learn the ideas before the moves: where the pieces go, which pawn breaks matter and what the typical middlegame plans are. Then play it, and after each game look up the point where you or your opponent left the known moves. MentoChess shows that point automatically for every game you import.
Opening lessons: Three golden opening rules · Scholar’s mate and how to stop it · Italian Game: plans, not just moves · Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined · Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 · From moves to structures