Nimzo-Indian: Classical, Noa, Exchange, 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 c5
Nimzo-Indian Defence: Classical Variation (4.Qc2)
Definition
The Classical Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defence arises after the moves:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2
White immediately protects the knight on c3 and the e4-square with the queen, intending to recapture on c3 with the queen if Black exchanges on that square. The line is coded E32–E39 in the ECO.
How it is used
- White keeps an undamaged pawn structure and preserves the bishop pair.
- Black plays for rapid development and pressure on the central dark squares (e4, d4) while exploiting the early queen sortie with tempi such as …d5 or …c5.
- The early queen move often steers positions toward IQP (isolated queen’s-pawn) structures or hanging-pawn positions.
Strategic & Historical Significance
The variation first gained popularity through the play of Akiba Rubinstein in the 1920s. It soon became a mainstay of the Soviet school—Botvinnik, Smyslov and later Karpov—to obtain rich, strategic middlegames from the Nimzo.
Illustrative Example
One of the most famous encounters is Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship (Moscow) 1985, Game 16, which began 4.Qc2 and led to a complex IQP middlegame.
Interesting Facts
- Because the queen blocks the c-pawn, White’s typical pawn break …c4-c5 is delayed; instead, e2-e4 or f2-f3 often become thematic.
- The move 4.Qc2 is sometimes jokingly called the “Rubinstein Insurance Plan” because White insures himself against doubled c-pawns.
Nimzo-Indian: Classical, Noa Variation (4…d5)
Definition
The Noa Variation is the branch of the Classical Variation reached after:
…4.Qc2 d5
Black immediately strikes in the centre, contesting e4 and threatening to develop smoothly with …O-O.
Usage & Typical Move Order
A common sequence is:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5
- 5.Nf3 O-O 6.e3 c5 – the Nimzo-Indian, Classical, Noa proper.
Plans & Ideas
- Black’s d5/c5 pawn duo fights for the light squares and can transpose to Queen’s Gambit–type structures with the bishop already developed to b4.
- White chooses between solid setups (e3, Bd3) or sharper lines involving cxd5 (see Exchange Variation below).
Origins of the Name
The line is named after the Austrian master Max Noa (1896-1923), who analysed the early …d5 idea in post-World-War-I Viennese circles.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen – Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2015 followed the Noa move order and displayed the typical hanging-pawn middlegame.
Nimzo-Indian: Classical, Noa, Exchange Variation (5.cxd5 exd5)
Definition
The Exchange Variation appears when White trades pawns to open the position:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5 5.cxd5 exd5
Strategic Themes
- Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP). Black usually acquires an IQP on d5, accepting a long-term structural weakness for piece activity.
- Bishop Pair vs. Pawn Targets. White keeps the two bishops and tries to exploit d5, while Black uses open lines for active piece play.
Why Players Choose It
- White: Simplifies the structure, gains a clear target (d5) and keeps chances for a small, static advantage.
- Black: Enters a well-studied, dynamic IQP arena where accurate piece placement can fully compensate the pawn weakness.
Historical Highlight
Viswanathan Anand deployed the Exchange line against Levon Aronian in Linares 2009, producing a textbook demonstration of controlling the isolated pawn.
Typical Middlegame Motifs
- Minor-piece pressure on d5 by Nd2-f3, Bg2 (if g3 is played), and Rc1.
- Black counters with …c5 or …Re8 and rook lifts (…Re6-g6) to spearhead kingside activity.
Nimzo-Indian: Classical, Noa, Exchange, 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 c5
Move Order
The critical sequence is:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5
- …h6 7.Bh4 c5
What is Going On?
After 6.Bg5 White pins the knight, increases pressure on d5 and hints at queenside expansion with a later a3. Black reacts with 6…h6, forcing the bishop to commit, and then strikes in the centre with 7…c5.
Strategic Features
- The Pin Unwound. By playing …h6 and …c5, Black intends …c4 or …Nc6 to reduce the effect of the Bg5 pin while gaining space.
- Hanging Pawns vs. IQP. If exchanges occur on c5/c4, structures with hanging pawns on c5-d5 can arise, offering dynamic chances for both sides.
- King-side Weakness? The move …h6 slightly loosens the king, so Black must watch out for tactics based on Nxd5 or Bxf6.
Model Game
Karpov – Kasparov, Linares 1993, featured this very line and ended in a razor-sharp draw.
Why It Is Popular
- Black keeps maximum central tension and has avoided the passive …Be7 lines.
- White still enjoys the bishop pair and tries to prove that …h6 has weakened the dark squares.
Trivia
- Grandmaster John Nunn once called 7…c5 “the Swiss army knife” of the Noa Exchange because it simultaneously frees the c8-bishop, fights for d4, and readies a potential pawn storm with …g5.