Stoltz Attack
Stoltz Attack
Definition
The Stoltz Attack is an ambitious variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defence that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. e4. Named after the Swedish grandmaster Gösta Stoltz (1904–1963), the line sees White immediately occupy the centre with pawns on d4, c4 and e4, inviting a tense struggle for central and queenside space. In modern opening manuals it is catalogued under ECO codes E20–E21.
Typical Move Order
A model sequence runs:
Strategic Ideas
- Space advantage: The pawn on e4 grabs territory and restricts Black’s minor pieces, especially the g7-bishop when Black eventually plays …b6 and …Bb7.
- Flexible pawn breaks: White can choose between a kingside thrust with f4–f5 or a queenside expansion with cxd5 followed by c4-c5.
- Central tension: Black’s usual plan is to counterattack the base of White’s pawn chain with …c5 or …f6, trying to prove that the advanced e5-pawn is over-extended.
- Piece activity: Because the light-squared bishop remains on c1, White often reroutes it to g5 or h4 to pin the f6-knight, while the queen on c2 eyes the h7-square for potential mating patterns after Bd3.
Historical Background
Gösta Stoltz was a leading Swedish master during the inter-war years. He popularised the 5.e4 plan in the late 1920s, scoring several notable wins against contemporaries who were unprepared for such an aggressive treatment of the Nimzo-Indian. The line gained wider attention after it appeared in high-level events such as the AVRO 1938 tournament, where Mikhail Botvinnik employed it against José Raúl Capablanca. Since then, the Stoltz Attack has periodically resurfaced whenever players seek to avoid the heavily analysed Rubinstein (4.e3) and Classical (4.Qc2 without e4) variations.
Illustrative Game
Botvinnik vs. Capablanca, AVRO 1938 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.e4 d5 6.e5 Ne4 7.Bd3 c5 8.a3 Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 f5 A rich middlegame ensued in which Botvinnik’s space advantage eventually told. (Readers can load the complete score in any database and follow how White gradually converted on move 50.)
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 5.e4 was once considered “anti-positional” because it allows Black to double White’s c-pawns after …Bxc3+. Modern engines, however, show the resulting positions are dynamically balanced and highly playable for both sides.
- World Champion Anatoly Karpov trotted out the Stoltz Attack several times in the 1980s as a surprise weapon, scoring wins against grandmasters who expected his more positional 4.e3 systems.
- Because the queen is developed so early to c2, rapid piece play is obligatory. If White drifts, the queen can become a tactical target after …dxe4 followed by …Qxd4.
- The line appeals to players who enjoy French-like pawn structures but with colours reversed; after 6.e5 c5, the game often resembles a French Advance with an extra tempo for White.