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

In the Linksspringer Variation of the Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, White's most effective and popular continuation is Nf3. This natural developing move controls central squares, prepares kingside castling, and scores an engine evaluation of +0.67. White commands a spatial advantage in the center thanks to the advanced pawn on d5, leaving Black to reorganize the awkwardly placed knight on e7.

Developing with Nf3

The move Nf3 is White's primary choice, played in 70.5% of games (599K recorded). It develops a minor piece toward the center while defending the e4 pawn. An illustrative engine continuation runs Nf3 Ng6 h4 h5 Nc3 Bb4, where White expands on the kingside to contest Black's knight repositioning before developing the queenside knight.

The Solid Nc3 Alternative

White's second most common continuation is Nc3, occurring in 29.5% of games (250K recorded) with an evaluation of +0.64. By developing the queenside knight immediately, White reinforces the central pawn chain and maintains solid control over the board. A sample continuation is Nc3 d6 a4 h6 Nf3 Nf6, which transitions into a standard pawn-structure setup where White retains a space advantage.

Flank Expansion Options

Engines also evaluate flank pawn advances such as a4 (+0.67) and h4 (+0.66) on par with the main lines. The move a4 can lead to a4 Ng6 Be3 Bb4+ c3 Be7, gaining space on the queenside while restricting Black's minor pieces. Alternatively, the kingside thrust h4 immediately targets Black's potential knight outpost on g6, as seen in the illustrative line h4 Nf6 Bd3 c6 c4 Neg8. White can also consider Ne2 (+0.57), eyeing an eventual relocation via Ne2 d6 Ng3 g6 h4 h5.