Mikenas Defense
1. d4 Nc6
2. d5+0.59
White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Mikenas Defense (A40), reached after 1. d4 Nc6, Stockfish 18 recommends 2. d5 for White. White is slightly better (+0.59).
Top engine moves
- +0.592. d5 Ne5 3. f4 Ng6 4. f5 Ne5 5. Nc3 g6 6. e4 gxf5
- +0.572. c4 d5 3. Nf3 e6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Bd2 O-O
- +0.502. Nf3 d5 3. c4 e6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Nbd2 Bd6 6. c5 Be7
All Mikenas Defense variations (3)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Mikenas Defense?
After 1. d4 Nc6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2. d5 for White, continuing Ne5 3. f4 Ng6 4. f5 Ne5 5. Nc3 g6 6. e4 gxf5. White is slightly better (+0.59). The next best moves are 2. c4 (+0.57) and 2. Nf3 (+0.50).
Is the Mikenas Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.59: 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 Mikenas 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+).