Nimzo Indian Defense: Three Knights, Duchamp Modern Line
Nimzo-Indian Defense, Three Knights Variation, Duchamp Modern Line
Definition
The Nimzo-Indian Defense, Three Knights Variation, Duchamp Modern Line is a
branch of the Nimzo-Indian that arises after the moves:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 0-0 5. Qc2 d5.
The name combines several descriptors:
- Three Knights Variation – after 4.Nf3, three knights (White’s Nc3 & Nf3 and Black’s Nf6) are in play.
- Duchamp Variation – the early Qc2 is associated with the French-American artist and strong master Marcel Duchamp, who employed it in master play during the 1920s–30s.
- Modern Line – Black responds with the currently most popular …d5, aiming for rapid central counterplay.
Typical Move-Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Bb4
- 4. Nf3 0-0
- 5. Qc2 d5 (Modern Line)
- 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. Qxc3 dxc4 (one of Black’s main continuations)
Strategic Ideas
- White’s goals
- Avoid doubled c-pawns in the event of …Bxc3+ by recapturing with the queen.
- Maintain flexibility: Qc2 supports a later e2–e4 break, reinforces the c4-pawn after …dxc4, and keeps the d-pawn supported.
- After 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.Qxc3, claim the bishop pair and use central space (often with e2–e4 or Rd1).
- Black’s counterplay
- Immediate central tension with …d5 and/or …c5, pressuring d4 and c4.
- Quick development and piece activity while White’s queen is slightly exposed on c3 or c2.
- Structural targets: if White plays e2–e4 too early, Black aims at the d4 square; if White delays, …c5, …Nc6, and …e5 are thematic breaks.
Historical Context
Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) is better known for his Dadaist and Surrealist art, yet he held a master-level chess strength and even represented France in Olympiads. His frequent use of the early Qc2 line led to the opening bearing his name. The “Modern” qualifier reflects improvements in Black’s handling of the centre (…d5 instead of the older …c5 or …b6 plans).
Representative Game
The following miniature shows the main ideas in action:
[[Pgn|d4|Nf6|c4|e6|Nc3|Bb4|Nf3|O-O|Qc2|d5|a3|Bxc3+|Qxc3|dxc4|Qxc4|b6|Bg5|Ba6|Qc2|Nbd7|e4|Bxf1|Kxf1|c5|e5|h6|exf6|hxg5|Nxg5|Nxf6|dxc5|bxc5|Rd1|Qe7|h4|Rfd8|] ]Example Position to Visualize
After 7…dxc4 the diagram below (coordinates only) is typical:
White: King e1; Queen c3; Rooks a1, h1; Bishops c1, f1; Knights f3, c3;
Pawns a3, b2, c4, d4, e2, f2, g2, h2.
Black: King g8; Queen d8; Rooks a8, f8; Bishops c8, b4; Knights f6, b8;
Pawns a7, b7, c7, d5, e6, f7, g7, h7.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- e4-e5 break – When Black’s knight sits on f6 blocking the e-file, White can sacrifice a pawn to open lines toward the king.
- Exchange on c6 – If Black plays …Nc6, White may capture to damage Black’s structure and free the c-file for rooks.
- Bishop pair in semi-open centre – After …dxc4, White’s light- squared bishop becomes powerful along the long diagonal.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- World Champion Magnus Carlsen has repeatedly used 5.Qc2 d5 with the White pieces, notably beating Karjakin (London 2012) in a long endgame grind.
- Vladimir Kramnik employed the line against Garry Kasparov in their 2000 World Championship match (Game 10), steering the game toward a quiet positional draw to preserve his lead.
- Duchamp’s passion for chess was so deep that he once said, “While all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists.” His namesake opening reflects the artistry of subtle positional play.
Practical Tips
- If you play White, be ready to meet …c5 with dxc5 or e2-e3 depending on your style. Move-order nuances matter: delaying a3 can invite …dxc4 followed by …b5.
- As Black, remember the timing of …c5: inserting …h6 or …b6 first can prevent bothersome Bg5 pins or shore up the queenside before tension explodes in the centre.