FENrnbqk1nr/1pp1ppbp/p2p2p1/8/3PP3/3B1N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQ1RK1 b kq -
Modern Defense: Wind Gambit: what should Black play?
Best move
Nf6+0.76
By playing Nf6, you are following the most principled path of development. You immediately challenge the center by putting pressure on the e4 pawn and prepare to get your King to…
- Games played
- 12K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.76
- Depth
- 22
Why Nf6 is the best move
Nf6! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 5 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Nf6, you are following the most principled path of development. You immediately challenge the center by putting pressure on the e4 pawn and prepare to get your King to safety via O-O.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is rich with possibilities. While many players at your level reflexively play b5, you found a much more precise continuation.
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | +0.76 | Classical: Develops a piece and prepares castling. |
| e5 | +0.80 | Aggressive: Directly challenges the d4 center. |
| Nc6 | +0.83 | Flexible: Develops the other knight to pressure d4. |
| h6 | +0.84 | Prophylactic: A waiting move that prevents g5 pins. |
| e6 | +0.89 | Solid: Prepares a central break while reinforcing d5. |
Different paths, same destination: Whether you prefer the direct central strike of e5 or the patient development of Nf6, the engine confirms your intuition is spot on. You avoided the common mistake of overextending on the queenside and focused on piece activity instead.
Your Continuation
After Nf6:
Re1 O-O h3 c5 dxc5
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the g8 needed a home before White could consolidate their space advantage. While 44% of humans play the premature b5, only 8% find your move. You prioritized the "King first" principle, ensuring that Black remains flexible and ready to react to White's next plan.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style—whether you choose the solid Nf6 or the sharp e5, both are masters' choices!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 12K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | +0.83 | 5.8K | 0% | |
| Nf6Engine pick | +0.76 | 4.5K | 0% | |
| e6 | +0.89 | 1.3K | 0% | |
| h6 | +0.84 | 550 | 0% | |
| e5 | +0.80 | 227 | 0% |
More positions in the Modern Defense
All Modern Defense positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Modern Defense: Wind Gambit?
Nf6 (+0.76). By playing Nf6, you are following the most principled path of development. You immediately challenge the center by putting pressure on the e4 pawn and prepare to get your King to…
Why is Nf6 the best move here?
By playing Nf6, you are following the most principled path of development. You immediately challenge the center by putting pressure on the e4 pawn and prepare to get your King to safety via O-O.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 12K times in the opening book.