Nimzo-Indian Defense: Romanishin-Kasparov System
Nimzo-Indian Defense – Romanishin-Kasparov System
Definition
The Romanishin-Kasparov System is a sharp branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defense that begins with an early …Nc6 and …d5 against the Classical Variation 4.Qc2. The most common move-order is:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 Nc6 (the Romanishin move) 5. Nf3 d5 (Kasparov’s key refinement) 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. Qxc3
– after which Black will usually follow with …O-O, …Ne4 or …dxc4, trying to exploit the slightly awkward placement of White’s queen and the imbalance of an isolated or hanging c/d-pawn pair.
How It Is Used in Play
- Early …Nc6 (4…Nc6) prevents White from calmly building the normal centre with e2–e3 and Ng1–f3 because …d5 will strike in the middle.
- 5…d5! – Kasparov’s contribution – immediately challenges the centre, often leading to a Benoni-style structure after 6…dxc4 or hanging pawns after cxd5 exd5.
- Black is willing to give up the bishop pair (6.a3 Bxc3+) because the resulting open position favours piece activity and the exposed white queen on c3 can become a tactical target.
- Typical middlegames feature piece pressure on the light squares (e4, c4, d3) and dynamic pawn breaks …e5 or …c5.
Strategic Themes
- Hanging Pawns vs. Piece Activity
After 8.cxd5 exd5 White may obtain the characteristic c4-d4 pawns. Black’s plan is to provoke their advance, blockade, and counter-attack them. - Isolated d-Pawn Positions
In other lines Black captures on c4 and leaves White with an IQP on d4, then piles up on d4 while keeping an eye on the e3-square. - Dark-Square Control
Because White’s dark-squared bishop is usually exchanged on c3, the squares e4 and c4 often become permanent outposts for Black knights.
Historical Background
• GM Oleg Romanishin pioneered 4…Nc6 in the mid-1970s, looking for a
dynamic alternative to the heavily-analysed main lines with …O-O.
• Garry Kasparov adopted the line during his World Championship matches
with Anatoly Karpov (1984-85). Kasparov’s refinement 5…d5 gave Black
quicker central counterplay and the system became known under
both players’ names.
• Since the 1990s it has been a favourite surprise weapon at top level,
used by players such as Ivanchuk, Shirov, and more recently
by Ding Liren and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
Illustrative Game
Kasparov – Timman, Tilburg 1991. Black’s energetic piece play on the dark squares and central breaks illustrate the system’s core ideas. Note how the queen sortie to d3/e4 exploited the exposed white monarch.
Interesting Facts
- The ECO code range is E32–E34. Strictly speaking, E33 (4.Qc2 Nc6) is Romanishin, while the move 5…d5 that usually follows is attributed to Kasparov.
- Kasparov gained his first classical win against Karpov in Moscow, 1985 (game 11) with this very system, a psychological turning point in their rivalry.
- Although Black voluntarily gives up the bishop pair, modern engines show that the resulting activity offers fully adequate play – debunking the once-popular myth that “bishops are always better.”
- Many players transpose into the Romanishin-Kasparov line via 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Qc2 d5 to dodge heavily-prepared 4.Qc2 specialists.
Practical Tips for the Tournament Player
- If you play White, be ready for both hanging-pawn and isolated-pawn structures; choose 8.e3 to keep flexibility.
- Black players should memorise the forcing 7…Ne4/9…e5 lines and learn typical tactical motifs such as the …Nxf2 exchange sacrifice on e3.
- Endgames with opposite-colour bishops often arise; Black’s knight usually outclasses White’s bad dark-squared bishop, so avoid premature exchanges if you are White.