Lemming Defense: Mainline & Rodent Variation

Let me explain, as it’s quite simple. Ill also include some links to my blog posts about the Lemming Defense below.

Lemming Defense: Mainline

•Takes tempo immediately from white by establishing how the game will be played (versus white having a starting advantage on development, white has instantly traded pieces leading to a possible drawn position which is better for black)

•Puts a direct line of attack on the King after white short castles with Bb7

•Keeps a closed, tough-to-penetrate position while opening both vertical files with Bg7

•Nf6 allows castling without any present attackers, as well as utilizes the “rodent” pawn on a6 for a potential push to have a discovered attack on the a1 rook

And here is a real game, winning example of the Lemming Defense: Rodent Variation I played today in a rated game. The Rodent Variation utilizes the rodent pawn on a6 quicker to try to move the b2 pawn, which will allow Bb7 to take the rook on a1;