Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Linksspringer Variation: what should Black play?

In the Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Linksspringer Variation, the most effective continuation for Black is d6, which aims to stabilize the center and challenge White's space advantage. This move is the overwhelming choice in master-level practice, appearing in 35.1% of the 28,562 recorded games at this position. While the engine evaluation of +0.94 favors White, d6 provides the most solid foundation for Black to develop the kingside and contest the e5 square.

The strategic role of d6

The move d6 serves as the primary theoretical response, chosen in 18,000 recorded games. It prevents further central expansion by the White d5 and prepares the development of the f8. The main line typically continues with d6 h3 Be7 Qc2 c6 Bxa6, where White often chooses to exchange the light-squared bishop for the knight on a6 to compromise Black's queenside pawn structure.

Tactical alternatives and the knight on a6

If Black seeks more immediate piece activity, Nc5 is the second most popular choice, played in 8.5% of games. This move attacks the e4 but allows White to enter a forcing sequence starting with Nc5 Nxe5 Nxe4 Qe2 d6 Qxe4, resulting in an engine evaluation of +1.46. Another frequent approach is f6, played in 6.7% of games, which attempts to undermine the white center immediately, though it leads to a slightly higher evaluation of +1.49 for White after f6 b4 d6 Bb5+ Bd7 a4.

Development of the dark-squared bishop

Less common but theoretically significant is Bd6, appearing in 4.7% of games. This move prioritizes kingside development but often invites White to simplify the position via Bd6 Bxa6 bxa6 O-O Nf6 Nbd2. While this line results in doubled pawns for Black on the a-column, it opens the b-file for potential counterplay. The engine considers this slightly more advantageous for White at +1.66 compared to the main line.