Nimzo-Indian: Classical Variation & Belyavsky Gambit

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation

Definition

The Classical Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2. By placing the queen on c2, White protects the knight on c3, indirectly prepares e2–e4, and avoids the doubled-pawn structure that often follows …Bxc3+. It is one of the most theoretically important and heavily analyzed systems in the entire Nimzo-Indian.

Strategic Ideas

• Central Expansion. White often plays e2–e4, staking out a full pawn center.
• Two Bishops vs. Dynamic Play. By avoiding doubled pawns, White frequently keeps the bishop pair, but Black aims for piece activity, queenside pressure, or timely breaks with …d5 or …c5.
• Flexible Move-Order. Black can choose from several set-ups:
  • 4…0-0, keeping options open (the Karpov line).
  • 4…c5, directly attacking the center and entering the Belyavsky Gambit after 5. d5 b5!? (see next section).
  • 4…d5, returning to Queen’s Gambit-type structures.

Historical Significance

The Classical Variation gained prominence in the 1940s and became a favorite of World Champions such as Mikhail Botvinnik and Anatoly Karpov. Its theoretical richness has kept it at the forefront of elite play for eight decades. Modern engines continue to discover novelties, keeping the line fresh in top tournaments.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Kasparov vs. Karpov, Linares 1993 (notes abridged):

The game shows how quickly tension can build: White keeps the central pawns intact, while Black counters with piece activity and pawn breaks.

Typical Plans for Each Side

• White
  1. e2–e4 to claim space.
  2. g2–g3 and Bg2 for a fianchetto set-up (the Kasparov variation).
  3. Rd1, Nf3, and long-term pressure on the d-file once …d5 is played.
• Black
  1. Timely …c5 or …d5 pawn breaks.
  2. Pressure on c4 and the queenside with …b6 and …Ba6.
  3. Accepting doubled pawns after …Bxc3+ if the structural concession is useful.

Interesting Facts

• The move 4. Qc2 was once considered “overly academic,” yet today it is one of the most popular anti-Nimzo weapons from club level all the way to the Candidates Tournament.
• Garry Kasparov used this variation extensively in his 1990 World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov, scoring critical wins in Games 10 and 22.

Belyavsky Gambit

Definition

The Belyavsky Gambit is an enterprising pawn sacrifice for Black within the Classical Variation of the Nimzo-Indian. After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 c5 5. d5, Black plays 5…b5!?, offering the b-pawn to accelerate queenside counterplay and open lines for the bishop on b7. The line is named after Slovenian-Ukrainian grandmaster Alexander Beliavsky, who brought it to prominence in the 1980s.

How the Gambit Works

• If 6. cxb5 exd5, Black recovers the pawn in many lines while gaining the open a- and c-files for his rooks.
• Key Idea: …a6 will often undermine the b5-pawn, and after recapture Black enjoys rapid development and pressure on the long diagonal a8–h1.
• Pawn Structure: White may acquire an extra pawn but must cope with potential weaknesses on c4 and a2.

Theoretical Assessment

Modern engines rate the gambit as roughly sound: with best play White can maintain a slight edge, but Black obtains excellent practical chances and often dictates the middlegame structure. The line is therefore a popular surprise weapon at all levels.

Model Game

Beliavsky vs. Kasparov, USSR Ch. 1983 (the inventor falls victim!)

[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|e6|Nc3|Bb4|Qc2|c5|d5|b5|dxe6|O-O|exf7+|Rxf7|cxb5|d5|Bd2|d4|Ne4 ]]

Kasparov’s energetic …d5 and …d4 crashed through in only 27 moves, showcasing how dangerous Black’s initiative can become.

Typical Continuations

• 6. Nf3 – sidestepping the pawn grab; Black replies 6…bxc4 7. e4 exd5 with central tension.
• 6. e4 – bolstering d5 before capturing; Black strikes with …b4 or …Qc7, keeping the position sharp.
• 6. cxb5 – the critical test; play may continue 6…exd5 7. Bd2 a6 8. e3 O-O when both sides race to mobilize pieces.

Practical Tips

• Black should avoid passive play; the gambit’s point is active piece pressure, not a long endgame down a pawn.
• White players unfamiliar with the resulting structures often falter in time trouble—study typical Black tactics on the c- and a-files.

Fun Anecdotes

• Alexander Beliavsky introduced the move 5…b5!? in a training session preparing for the 1982 Interzonal. Within a year it appeared on top boards worldwide.
• Despite lending his name to the gambit, Beliavsky’s personal score with Black in this line is below 50 %, illustrating its double-edged nature.