Nc6

Nc6 is a chess move notation indicating that a knight has moved to the square c6. In algebraic notation, N stands for knight and c6 is the destination square. If a capture occurs on c6, the move is written as Nxc6. If two knights could legally reach c6, the originating file or rank is added to resolve the ambiguity (for example, Nbc6 or Ndc6). In most standard opening positions, Nc6 is unambiguous.

The move is most commonly played by Black with the queen’s knight, moving from b8 to c6, and it also appears as a first move in some openings such as the Nimzowitsch Defense (1...Nc6) and in the Four Knights Game (2...Nc6). Nc6 develops a knight to a central square, supports control over d4, and prepares flexible plans such as ...d5 or ...e5 depending on the pawn structure. From c6, the knight exerts pressure on d4 and b4 and helps Black coordinate development with other pieces.

Strategic considerations: Nc6 often aims to contest White’s early central intentions and to prepare pawn breaks or piece redeployments that reinforce Black’s central and queenside structure. Its usefulness depends on the chosen opening and the ensuing pawn configuration. As with all knight moves, the value of Nc6 rests on how well it harmonizes with Black’s overall plan and development.