Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation
Definition
The Leningrad Variation is a branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defense characterized by the early sortie of White’s dark-squared bishop to g5, pinning the knight on f6:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5 …
It is catalogued in the ECO as E20–E21. The name “Leningrad” honors the group of Soviet masters from Leningrad (today’s St Petersburg) who analyzed and popularized the line in the 1920s–30s.
How the Variation Is Used
Unlike many other Nimzo systems in which White accepts doubled c-pawns, the Leningrad aims to keep the pawn structure intact while exerting long-term pressure on the f6-knight and the e4-square. Typical continuations are:
- 4…d5 – the classical Leningrad. Black reinforces the center, often following with …c5, …h6, and/or …Nbd7.
- 4…c5 – an immediate challenge to the center. Play may transpose to positions reminiscent of the Tarrasch Defense after dxc5.
- 4…h6 5.Bh4 c5 – the “Petersburg” sub-line, forcing the bishop to h4 before striking in the center.
Strategic Themes
- For White
- Maintain the pin on f6 as long as practical to impede …Ne4 and …d5 setups.
- Prepare e2-e3, Ng1-f3, and potentially Qd1-c2 or Qd1-b3 to increase central and kingside pressure.
- Keep the option of c4-cxd5 to open files once Black commits to …c5 or …d5.
- For Black
- Break the pin by …h6 followed by …g5 or by …c5 and …Bxc3+ if tactics favor capturing on f6 in return.
- Counterattack in the center with …d5 or …c5, often sacrificing the bishop pair for structural or dynamic advantages.
- Exploit the fact that White’s bishop has committed to g5, sometimes with …h6-g5-Ne4 gaining time.
Historical Significance
The line was a favorite of Soviet greats such as Grigory Levenfish, Andor Lilienthal, and later Boris Spassky. It appeared in several World Championship matches—most memorably Spassky–Petrosian (1966) where Game 10 featured the main line with 4…d5. The variation also served as an early testing ground for Botvinnik’s scientific opening preparation approach.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following 15-move fragment shows many typical motifs:
Key points:
- White keeps the bishop pair, but Black gains space with …g5 and active play on the kingside.
- The pawn break cxd5–exd5 leaves Black with an isolated but mobile d-pawn.
Famous Games Featuring the Leningrad
- Spassky – Petrosian, World Championship 1966, Game 10 – A textbook demonstration of Black’s …h6 and …c5 plan.
- Kasparov – Korchnoi, Linares 1993 – Kasparov used the Leningrad as White to create long-term bishop-pair pressure and eventually win a technical ending.
- Fischer – Gligorić, Havana (ct) 1965 – Fischer employed a quiet system (5.e3) leading to a dynamic middlegame rich with tactical shots on the e-file.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation’s name predates the better-known Leningrad Dutch; the common thread is that both innovations emerged from the same city’s school of analysis.
- Although regarded as a “safer” anti-Nimzo weapon, modern engines occasionally prefer Black in the sharp 4…c5 lines, keeping the opening theoretically alive for both colors.
- Grandmaster Alexei Shirov famously defeated the Fritz computer (Rostock 1995) from the Black side of the Leningrad, highlighting the line’s rich human-style complexity.
Practical Tips
- White players should memorize concrete tactical resources after …h6-g5 as the pin on f6 can turn into a liability if mishandled.
- Black players must time …c5 accurately; playing it too soon can concede the center, while too late allows White to consolidate the bishop pair without counterplay.
- Both sides benefit from studying typical endgames with an isolated d-pawn, as they occur frequently from main-line exchanges.