Nimzo-Indian: Normal Variation, Schlechter Defense
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Schlechter Defense
Definition
The Nimzo-Indian Defense arises after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4. The Normal Variation continues with the solid move 4. e3, reinforcing the d4‐pawn and preparing Nf3 and Bd3. When Black replies 4…d5, the game enters the Schlechter Defense (ECO code E51), named after the early-20th-century Austrian grandmaster Carl Schlechter.
Typical Move-Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Bb4 (Nimzo-Indian)
- 4. e3 (Normal Variation)
- 4…d5 (Schlechter Defense)
The immediate central strike 4…d5 challenges White to clarify the tension in the center before completing development.
Strategic Themes
- Center vs. Activity – White often accepts doubled c-pawns after 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3, gaining the bishop pair and central majority. Black relies on rapid development and pressure on the light squares.
- Minority Attack Setup – The pawn structure c4-c3-d4 for White and …c5/…d5 for Black can resemble a Queen’s Gambit position; Black may later aim for …b6 and …Ba6 to target c4.
- Piece Play – Black’s dark-squared bishop is exchanged early, so control of dark squares must be maintained by pawns and knights (…c5, …Nc6, …dxc4 ideas).
- Endgame Considerations – With symmetrical pawns and reduced material, the two bishops can give White long-term chances, but the weak c-pawn can become a lasting target.
Historical Significance
Carl Schlechter (1874-1918) experimented with early …d5 systems against the Nimzo-Indian’s forerunners. His ideas were later refined by Rubinstein and, in the modern era, by players such as Anatoly Karpov and Lev Psakhis. The line’s solid character made it a favorite of positionalists who wanted Nimzo-Indian flexibility without entering sharp 4…c5 complications.
Model Game
Short–Kasparov, Sarajevo 1999, is often quoted as a textbook illustration:
Kasparov neutralized Short’s bishops and proved that Black’s structure can hold even into an endgame.
Common Continuations After 4…d5
- 5. Nf3 – Avoids doubled pawns; leads to calmer play similar to the Queen’s Gambit Declined.
- 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 – Main line; White embraces the bishop pair.
- 5. cxd5 – Immediate capture; Black recaptures 5…exd5 and plans …c5.
Tactical Motifs to Know
- c-file Pins – After bxc3, White’s queen can pin a knight on c6; conversely Black may pin the c4-pawn against the queen on d1.
- …Ba6 Skewer – A thematic resource hitting c4 and d3 simultaneously.
- e-file Pressure – Because White’s dark-squared bishop is bottled behind e3, Black breaks with …e5 in some lines (often prepared by …Re8 and …b6).
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Carl Schlechter drew a 10-game World Championship match with Emanuel Lasker in 1910; his name lives on in several solid defensive systems such as this one.
- Despite its sober reputation, the Schlechter Defense has been used as a surprise weapon in rapid and blitz by aggressive players like Alexander Grischuk; the early tension often provokes opponents to over-extend.
- The line’s ECO classification migrated from E50 to E51 in later editions as theory distinguished 4…d5 from other 4…lines.
When to Choose the Schlechter Defense
Select 4…d5 if you:
- Prefer structural clarity to dynamic imbalance.
- Are comfortable with positions akin to the Queen’s Gambit Declined but want the option of giving White doubled c-pawns.
- Intend to play for long-term endgame equality rather than sharp middlegame tactics.
Summary
The Nimzo-Indian Normal Variation with 4…d5 (Schlechter Defense) offers Black a rock-solid route to equality, trading early bishop activity for structural stability. White retains chances through the bishop pair and central space, but must solve the enduring headache of doubled c-pawns. Understanding the key pawn breaks …c5, …e5, and the maneuver …Ba6 helps both sides navigate this classical battleground.