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Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit

Black Gambit

Source Lichess

You play
Tough Sellloses more often than it wins at this level
All Ratings
Edge at worst−14.7%

Black isn't shown winning more often than losing at this level

how far wins run ahead of losses, 90% confident

Rating TrendPeak: −19.1% at 1800-1999
1800-19992500+
Win%42.6%
Games619
Breakpoint1800-1999first rating it isn't shown winning more than losing
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Does Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit work for Black at All Ratings?

Snapshot

At All Ratings, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit keeps Black's wins running −14.7% ahead of its losses at worst, 90% confident, from 619 Lichess games. The games don't show this gambit paying at this level. Win rate, draw rate and loss rate come from games played December 2023 to November 2025.

RatingEdge at worstBlack WinDrawBlack LossGames
1800-1999−19.1%46.2%7.6%46.2%71
2000-2199−20.8%44.7%2.9%52.4%154
2200-2499−23.8%38.2%9.1%52.7%301
2500+−28.2%42.6%7.8%49.6%56
Full Opening StatsSee rating/time-control breakdowns for Black on the opening stats page
Analyze Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit PositionsGet move-by-move win rates with the TrueElo analyzer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit sound?

Not shown to be. Black does not come out ahead at any rating we can see: its best Edge at worst, at 1800-1999, is −19.1%.

What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit win rate?

Black wins 42.6% of Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit games, draws 6.5% and loses 50.8%. That rests on 619 games from Lichess.

What is the best rating to play the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit?

No rating in these games shows it paying. Black's Edge at worst is highest at 1800-1999: −19.1%, how far wins run ahead of losses, 90% confident.

Does the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit breakpoint vary by time control?

Yes. The first rating where the games do not show Black coming out ahead is 2000-2199 in Blitz. In Bullet, only 2200-2499 has enough games, and there the games do not show Black coming out ahead.

How sharp is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit?

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit is very sharp: 6.5% of its games are drawn, so 93.5% end with a winner.

Should I play the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit?

Not for the results: Black does not come out ahead at any rating we can see.

How do I defend against the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit?

As White, take the material, then develop fast, castle early, and trade pieces. Give the material back when doing so kills the attack. Black does not come out ahead with it at any rating we can see.

How reliable is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit data?

This rests on 619 games from Lichess. Every figure carries the range it is in, 90% confident, and the table above shows how many games sit behind each rating and each clock — the fewer there are, the wider that range.