Nimzo-Indian: Gligorić & Bernstein
Nimzo-Indian Defense
Definition
The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a hypermodern opening that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Black immediately pins the knight on c3, threatens to double White’s c-pawns, and delays the advance …d5 until the circumstances are favourable. It is classified in the ECO codes E20–E59.
How It Is Used in Play
- Black aims for rapid development and king safety (…O-O) while exerting long-term pressure on the e4 and c4 squares.
- White must choose between maintaining the pawn structure (e.g., 4.Qc2, 4.e3) or accepting doubled pawns in return for the bishop pair (e.g., 4.a3, 4.Bg5).
- Typical middlegames feature battles over isolated or hanging c-/d-pawns, minority attacks on the queenside, and the latent strength of White’s bishops versus the solidity of Black’s knight blockades.
Strategic & Historical Significance
Introduced by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s, the opening epitomises his “hypermodern” ideas: control of the centre with pieces rather than occupying it with pawns. It has been trusted by world champions from Capablanca and Alekhine to Karpov, Kasparov, Anand, and Carlsen.
Illustrative Game
Garry Kasparov used the Classical (4.Qc2) system to pressure Karpov’s queenside pawns; the game illustrates the typical fight over pawn structure and bishop pair.
Interesting Facts
- Nimzowitsch famously wrote, “The threat is stronger than the execution,” and the Nimzo-Indian embodies this: Black delays the centre pawn break but maintains the threat.
- It was the first opening in which Black routinely gave up the two bishops voluntarily—revolutionary thinking in the 1920s.
- Computer engines still rank the Nimzo-Indian among Black’s most reliable weapons against 1.d4.
Gligorić System (Nimzo-Indian: 4.Qc2)
Definition
The Gligorić System, also called the Classical Variation, is defined by the move 4.Qc2 against the Nimzo-Indian: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2. By interposing the queen, White protects the knight on c3 and therefore discourages the doubling of the c-pawns.
Strategic Ideas
- Preserve the Bishop Pair: If Black captures on c3 later, White will recapture with the queen, keeping pawn structure intact.
- Prepare e4: The queen bolsters the e4 square, allowing an early central expansion.
- Flexible Development: White can choose setups with Nf3 and g3 (fianchetto), or the aggressive 5.e4 lines.
Key Tabiyas
After 4…O-O 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 the position features:
- White: bishop pair, central pawn duo (d4 & e2/e3), semi-open b-file for rook lifts.
- Black: lead in development, pressure on c4, chances for …d5 or …c5 pawn breaks.
Famous Games
- Gligorić – Fischer, Stockholm Interzonal 1962 – the system’s namesake defeated Fischer, showing the power of the bishops after 6.Qxc3.
- Anand – Kramnik, WCh Bonn 2008 (Game 3) – Anand uncorked the sharp 11.e4! novelty in the Qc2 line, seizing the match initiative.
Interesting Tidbits
- GM Svetozar Gligorić popularised 4.Qc2 in the 1950s, dismantling several Soviet specialists—hence the variation’s name.
- Because the move Qc2 often signals a long strategic battle, some grandmasters jokingly call it “the grown-up’s answer” to the Nimzo-Indian.
Bernstein Defense (Nimzo-Indian: 4.Qc2 Nc6)
Definition
The Bernstein Defense is a counter-variation within the Gligorić System, characterised by Black’s move 4…Nc6:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 Nc6
Named after the Russian-French master Ossip Bernstein, the idea is to increase pressure on the d4 square, accelerate queenside development, and sometimes recapture on c3 with a knight instead of the bishop.
Typical Continuations
- 5.Nf3 d6 aiming for …e5 (a King’s Indian-flavoured structure).
- 5.Nf3 O-O 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.Qxc3 d5 leading to an IQP or hanging-pawns centre.
- 5.e3 O-O 6.Bd2 d5 when the c6-knight reinforces the central pawn break.
Strategic Themes
- Piece Pressure vs. Bishop Pair: Black willingly concedes the two bishops but gains time and central influence.
- Flexible Pawn Breaks: Depending on White’s setup, Black can choose …d5, …e5, or …c5 to challenge the centre.
- Dynamic Development: The early …Nc6 sometimes supports a quick …b6 and …Ba6, exchanging light-squared bishops.
Historic & Modern Practice
Although played by Bernstein in the 1920s, the line was later adopted by grandmasters such as Vlastimil Hort and more recently by Peter Leko as a surprise weapon. Because 4…Nc6 commits a knight before confirming where the c-pawn belongs, many modern players view it as slightly risky but absolutely playable.
Example Miniature
This off-beat skirmish (Short – Hort, Biel 1989) shows how quickly tactical complications can arise when Black opts for …d6/…e5 setups.
Interesting Facts
- Ossip Bernstein was once sentenced to death during the Russian Civil War and reputedly saved by his chess reputation—making it fitting that an enterprising defense carries his name.
- The Bernstein Defense often transposes into positions that resemble the Bogo-Indian or even the Old Indian, offering the surprise-seeker plenty of move-order tricks.