Nimzo-Indian: Botvinnik, 7...c5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Ne2

Nimzo-Indian: Botvinnik, 7…c5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Ne2

Definition

The line arises from the Nimzo-Indian Defence after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5  6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 c5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Ne2. It is known as the Botvinnik System (sometimes Botvinnik Variation) because World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik employed the structure repeatedly in the 1940s and 1950s. By voluntarily doubling the c-pawns with 6.a3 and 7.bxc3, White claims the bishop pair and a strong centre, while Black tries to exploit the long-term weaknesses in White’s pawn structure.

Typical Move-order

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 c5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Ne2

Strategic & Positional Themes

• Bishop pair vs. doubled pawns. White’s bishops on c1 and d3 can become powerful once the central pawns advance.
• Isolated d-pawn. After 9…c4 or 9…b6 Black often locks the centre, hoping the pawn on d5 will be a dynamic asset rather than a weakness.
• e3–d4–c3 pawn chain. White aims for the break f3–e4 to release his bishops and attack the d-file, a plan Botvinnik himself pioneered.
• Piece placement.
  • White usually castles kingside, places the knight on g3 or f4, and keeps rooks on the e- and c-files.
  • Black strives for …Bf5/Bg4, …Re8, and …c4 or …b6 followed by …Ba6 to trade a powerful bishop.

Plans for Both Sides

1. White
   • Play f3 followed by e4 to seize the centre.
   • Reinforce central pawns with Qc2 or Rb1 if Black attacks along the long diagonal.
   • Target the d5-pawn once the position opens (Re1, Bg5, Nf4).
2. Black
   • Blockade: …c4 restricts White’s light-squared bishop.
   • Minor-piece trades to reduce the force of the bishop pair, especially …Ba6.
   • Counterplay on the b- and e-files or by timely breaks …dxc4 or …e3-e4 (after preparation).

Historical Background

Mikhail Botvinnik introduced the system in the mid-1930s and refined it during his World Championship preparations. His victory against Vasily Panov, URS-ch 1939 is often cited as the first model game. Later, grandmasters such as Efim Geller, Yuri Razuvaev, Garry Kasparov, and Magnus Carlsen experimented with the line, showing its enduring strategic depth.

Illustrative Position

After 9.Ne2 the game can reach the following setup:
Black to move.

Sample Games

• Botvinnik – Geller, Moscow 1952 Botvinnik demonstrates the classic f3–e4 break and wins a technical ending.
• Kasparov – Timman, Tilburg 1988 A modern handling where Black equalises with accurate piece play but Kasparov grinds out a win in the endgame.
• Carlsen – Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2012 Carlsen shows a contemporary twist with 10.Ng3 and gains a persistent pull.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The system’s popularity has ebbed and flowed; computers initially frowned on White’s structure, but modern engines often give White a small plus if he times the e4 break correctly.
• Because the centre is blocked, many games see the same pawn structure for 15–20 moves, making long-term planning more important than sharp calculation.
• Botvinnik claimed in his memoirs that he adopted the line to avoid “booked-up” Sämisch preparations from his rivals.
• Despite its positional nature, several brilliancies have sprung from the variation, including a sparkling exchange sacrifice by Boris Gelfand vs. Peter Svidler, Russian Team Ch. 2001.

Practical Tips

• White players should learn typical manoeuvres (Nd2-f1-g3, Bc1-a3) rather than memorising long lines.
• Black must decide early between the solid blockade plan with …c4 and the dynamic …b6/…Ba6 idea; mixing the two often leads to trouble.
• Endgames favouring bishops can tilt toward White, so Black may try to keep at least one knight on the board.