Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nc6

= A40 Mikenas Defense =

1...Nc6
The Queen's Knight defense (Lundin (Kevitz-Mikenas) Defence) is characterized by 1. d4 Nc6. This move is rarely played, it prepares a possible e5 for Black, however the Black Knight is often exposed to a being moved by White playing d5 at some stage or loses a tempo to pawns moving to occupy the center. On the plus side Black's pawn structure remain flexible.

White has a number of choices.
 * 2. e4 A common reply and transposes into a Nimzowitsch Defence.
 * 2. Nf3 this prevents Black's immediate e5.
 * 2. c4 exerting extra pressure on the d5 square.
 * 2. d5 Moving the pawn again and directly challenging the Knight.

Theory table
1.d4 Nc6