Horwitz Defense
1. d4 e6
2. Nc3+0.43
White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Horwitz Defense (A40), reached after 1. d4 e6, Stockfish 18 recommends 2. Nc3 for White. White is slightly better (+0.43).
Top engine moves
- +0.432. Nc3 d5 3. e4 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 a6
- +0.382. e4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 Nc6
- +0.192. Nf3 d5 3. e3 Nf6 4. Be2 Be7 5. O-O O-O 6. b3 b6
All Horwitz Defense variations (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Horwitz Defense?
After 1. d4 e6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2. Nc3 for White, continuing d5 3. e4 Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. f4 c5 6. Nf3 a6. White is slightly better (+0.43). The next best moves are 2. e4 (+0.38) and 2. Nf3 (+0.19).
Is the Horwitz Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.43: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Horwitz Defense?
A40. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; A is the volume for flank openings.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).