Indian Game: Spielmann Indian Variation
Indian Game – Spielmann Indian Variation (ECO A46/A47)
Definition
The Spielmann Indian Variation is a branch of the broad family of Indian Games, which begin with the moves 1. d4 Nf6. In the Spielmann system White follows up with an immediate 2. Nc3 (opting for a quick development of the queen’s knight instead of the customary 2. c4), and usually continues 3. Bg5 after …d5 or …g6. The basic move-order is
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 (the key Spielmann idea) • 2…d5 3. Bg5 – main line • 2…g6 3. Bg5 – King’s-Indian style
In ECO the variation is catalogued under A46 when Black replies …d5, and A47 when Black chooses …g6. The system is named after the Austrian attacking genius Rudolf Spielmann (1883-1942), who explored and popularised the set-up in the 1920s and 30s.
Strategic Themes
- Early piece pressure: By deploying Bg5 before committing the c-pawn, White pins the f6-knight and discourages …dxe4 lines typical of the Queen’s Gambit.
- Flexible central structure: White often keeps the c-pawn at home, leaving open the choices c2-c3 (supporting d4) or c2-c4 (striking in the centre) depending on Black’s reaction.
- Rapid development vs. solid pawn structure: Black enjoys a healthy share of central space after …d5 or a solid King’s-Indian shell after …g6, but must beware of direct kingside attacks if he falls behind in piece activity.
- Typical piece plans:
- White: Qd2, 0-0-0 and a pawn storm with f3, g4, h4 in the spirit of the Veresov Attack.
- Black: Timely …h6 and …g5 to break the pin, or …c5 and …Qb6 to challenge the centre.
Historical Significance
The line epitomises Spielmann’s romantic style—eschewing early pawn commitments in favour of piece play and dynamic possibilities. Although it never became mainstream at elite level (supplanted by the more principled Queen’s Gambit and Nimzo-Indian complexes), it remains a sound weapon that can surprise opponents who expect 2. c4. Modern grandmasters such as Alexander Morozevich and Baadur Jobava have occasionally revived the system to avoid heavy theory.
Illustrative Game
Spielmann himself demonstrated the attacking potential in the classic game below:
Spielmann – Felber, Vienna 1926: after 17. h4 White built up a dangerous kingside initiative and eventually scored a memorable attacking win.
Typical Continuations
- 3…e6 4.e4 Be7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.Bxe7 Qxe7 7.f4 – French-Defence structures where White enjoys extra space.
- 3…Bf5 4.Bxf6 exf6 5.e3 – Black obtains the two bishops but must handle the f-pawn weakness.
- (vs. …g6) 3…Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Qd2 c6 6.O-O-O – Opposite-side castling leads to sharp play reminiscent of the Yugoslav Attack in the Sicilian Dragon.
Modern Usage
The variation is popular at club level because it sidesteps huge bodies of Nimzo-Indian and Queen’s-Gambit theory while remaining strategically rich. Online databases show it scoring roughly 52-53 % for White across all rating ranges—on par with mainstream 2. c4 systems. Its surprise value increases in rapid and blitz formats.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Baadur Jobava famously combined the Spielmann set-up with an early Jobava-London idea (Bf4 followed by Nc3) to beat Ding Liren in the 2014 Tashkent Grand Prix, showing the flexibility of 2. Nc3 systems.
- Rudolf Spielmann called his favourite openings “the unorthodox orthodox”— solid enough not to be refuted, yet offbeat enough to create original play.
- Because 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 can transpose to the Chigorin Defence (after …d5 3.c4 Nc6) or the Veresov Attack (after 3.Bg5), many opening manuals list the Spielmann Indian as a gateway to multiple surprise repertoires.
How to Add the Line to Your Repertoire
If you already play the London System or the Veresov Attack, the Spielmann Indian is an easy extension: just remember the core move-order 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 and delay c-pawn commitments. Study typical plans—especially the timely break f2-f3-g4 for White and the freeing manoeuvre …h6 …g5 for Black—and you will be ready to spring a pleasant surprise on unsuspecting opponents.