Flank openings

Horwitz Defense

1.d4 e6

The Horwitz Defense starts with 1.d4 e6 and is catalogued under ECO A40, in the flank openings half of the book. The catalog indexes 2 lines inside it, grouped into 2 named variations, and the position after those moves has 2 playable continuations to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Horwitz Defense
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1…e6

    Advances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

2 moves
c4Horwitz Defense9 named lines · English Defense · Kangaroo DefenseAdvances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.e4French Defense: Normal Variation1 named line · Rat Defense: Small Center DefenseAdvances to e4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Horwitz Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Horwitz Defense.