Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...Nf6

= Improved Hanham Variation (Nimzowitsch Variation) =

White Strategy
White tries to gain a pawn and exchange queens and stop Black from castling by playing '''3.d4 Nf6 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5. Qd5 Rellstab Variation. This opens up the center and creates opportunities for White to attack Black's pawns. Alternatively, the more popular 4.Nс3 Nbd7 allows White to develop and control the center.

Black Strategy
Black's main strategy is to create a solid pawn structure and launch a counterattack on White's center. The move 3...Nf6 is a common and strong option that puts pressure on White's central pawns and prepares for a future kingside castle.

Black's setup with ...Nbd7 aims to create a solid queenside pawn wall that can be expanded later.

In the Rellstab Variation, Black's move 4...Nxe4 gains a pawn in the center. The knight on e4 also targets weak squares in White's position.

Risks
The main risk for Black in the Improved Hanham Variation (Nimzowitsch Variation) is the need for precise and accurate play, as one slight mistake can give a significant advantage to White. The opening is often considered passive, and White can gain an advantage if Black does not play carefully.

In the Rellstab Variation, Black's queen position can be a weakness, as White can attack it with the bishop after moves like Qd5.

=Theory table=

'''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6'''

! rowspan="5" align="right" |Improved Hanham, Nimzowitsch-Sokolsky Variation
 * dxe5 Nxe4 || Nbd2 Nc5 ||
 * }

Bibliography


 * Kaufman, Larry (2004). The Chess Advantage in Black and White. ISBN 0-8129-3571-3.
 * Panov, Vasily (1973). Teoría de Aperturas, Tomo I: Aperturas Abiertas - Aperturas Semiabiertas. ISBN 84-270-0132-0.
 * Schiller, Eric (2002). Standard Chess Openings. ISBN 1-58042-048-6.