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

In the Nimzowitsch Defense: Kennedy Variation, Linksspringer Variation, the position after 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 e5 3. d5 Nce7 4. c3 Nb5 presents White with a significant material and positional advantage. The most effective continuation is Bxb5, which captures the misplaced knight and secures a decisive engine evaluation of +4.82. This move is the overwhelming choice in master-level practice, appearing in 85.3% of the 414,862 recorded games at this position.

The dominance of Bxb5

The move Bxb5 is the primary recommendation because it wins a full piece for no compensation. White scores 71.2% from this position, as Black has no tactical justification for placing the knight on b5. Following the capture, the main line typically proceeds with Bxb5 Nf6 Nf3 Bc5 O-O a6, where White maintains a nearly five-pawn advantage while completing development. The removal of the knight simplifies White's task of controlling the center and preparing for a kingside castle.

Strategic alternatives and engine evaluations

While Bxb5 is the most forcing continuation, other moves exist in the database, though they offer less advantage. The move Qh5 has been played in 10.0% of games (621 recorded) and carries an engine evaluation of +1.55. This line often leads to an early queen exchange after Qh5 Nd6 Qxe5+ Qe7 Qxe7+ Nxe7. Another option is a4, played in 6.9% of games, which forces the knight to move but does not immediately win material, resulting in a lower evaluation of +1.28.

Positional consequences for Black

Black's position is precarious due to the loss of time and material. If White opts for Nf3, which occurs in 2.1% of games, Black usually retreats the knight via Nd6. However, the engine prefers the immediate capture on b5 to maximize the pressure. The lack of development for Black's kingside pieces, combined with the misplaced knight on the queenside, allows White to dictate the pace of the game regardless of whether they choose the immediate capture or a slower developmental move like Bd3.