Nimzo-Indian: Gligorić Exchange Variation

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligorić System, Exchange Variation

Definition

The Gligorić System of the Nimzo-Indian Defense arises after the sequence 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. a3 Bxc3+ 5. bxc3. By playing 4.a3 White forces the immediate exchange of bishop for knight and recaptures with the b-pawn, hence the name “Exchange Variation.” It is called the Gligorić System after the great Yugoslav grandmaster Svetozar Gligorić, who employed it regularly in the 1950s–60s.

Typical Move Order

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e6
3. Nc3 Bb4 (the key Nimzo-Indian moment)
4. a3 Bxc3+
5. bxc3

After 5…d5 or 5…c5 Black strikes at the center, while 5…b6 is a more restrained setup. White usually continues with e3, Bd3, Ne2, and f3 (or e4), building a broad pawn center.

Strategic Ideas

Pawn Structure: White obtains a hanging-pawn duo on c4–d4 or an Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP) on d4 after …d5-c5 pressure. The pawn on c3 controls the d4 square and prepares c4.
Two Bishops: With Black’s dark-squared bishop exchanged, White enjoys the bishop pair and prospects for long-term pressure on both flanks.
King Safety: Because White’s c-pawn is doubled, the c-file can open; both sides must watch out for counterplay against the kings once rooks occupy open files.
Black’s Counterplay: Typical plans include …c5, …d6–d5 breaks, or queenside play with …b6 and …Ba6 to trade White’s powerful light-squared bishop.

Historical Significance

The line gained popularity after Gligorić used it to defeat elite opponents such as Smyslov and Keres. Bobby Fischer added it to his repertoire in the early 1960s, appreciating its clarity of strategic plans. Today it remains a useful weapon for players who enjoy classical development coupled with the initiative of the bishop pair.

Model Game

Gligorić – Smyslov, Belgrade 1959 illustrates the central themes:

Typical Plans & Motifs

Central Expansion: e2-e4 followed by f2-f4 in some lines to steam-roll Black’s setup.
Minor-Piece Manoeuvres: The c1-bishop often lands on a3 or d2, while the f1-bishop goes to d3 or e2 targeting h7.
Open c-file: After cxd5 exd5, White places a rook on c1 and exerts pressure on c6 and c7.
Endgame Edge: The bishop pair and superior pawn structure frequently give White lingering endgame chances.
Black Tactics: Watch for …Nxe4 tactics when White’s queen is poorly placed on c2 or g4.

Interesting Facts

Gligorić scored over 70 % with this system in top-level play.
Kasparov revived the line against Karpov in the late 1980s as a surprise weapon, obtaining promising positions though most games were rapid or blitz.
Grandmaster Michael Adams has used the Gligorić System to quietly outplay many opponents, showcasing its suitability for strategic grinders.
Because the opening forces an early structural commitment, modern engines often show “0.00” evaluations— yet practical winning chances remain rich for both sides.

Further Study

Annotated databases of the following encounters are highly instructive:

Fischer – Uhlmann, Buenos Aires 1960
Karpov – Kasparov, EU-Cup Blitz 1988
Adams – Sokolov, Tilburg 1996

Exploring modern grandmaster games will reveal how today’s players navigate the delicate balance between structure and activity in this venerable system.