Nf6

Nf6 is a chess move described in algebraic notation by the letter N for knight and f6 as the destination square. The move indicates that a knight travels to the f6 square. In standard positions the knight that reaches f6 is usually the king’s knight from g8 in Black’s camps, but in some positions a White knight or the other Black knight might reach f6 as well. If both knights can reach f6, the notation would include a file or rank qualifier such as Ndf6 or Ngf6.

Purpose and effect: Nf6 develops a knight toward the center, controls key squares, and supports common pawn breaks or recaptures. It also helps contest White’s e4 advance and can prepare …e5 or …d5 depending on the opening. It is a flexible, lightly committal move that can lead to a wide range of pawn structures and middlegame plans.

Opening contexts: In the Alekhine Defense, Black replies 1.e4 Nf6, inviting White to overextend. In Indian defenses, such as the Grunfeld and King’s Indian, Black plays …Nf6 to contest the center and prepare …g6 and …d5 breaks. In the Nimzo-Indian and Queen’s Indian, …Nf6 develops a knight before c5 or d5 breaks. In the Sicilian Sveshnikov, …Nf6 appears after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6. These lines illustrate the move’s flexibility and central influence.

Disambiguation and alternatives: Because two knights could theoretically reach f6 in some positions, algebraic notation would specify the originating knight (for example Ngf6 or Ndf6). The choice of whether to play Nf6, or to develop the knight to e7 or d7 instead, depends on the opening plan and middlegame aims.