Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad, 4...h6 5.Bh4
Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad, 4…h6 5.Bh4
Definition
The line arises from the Nimzo-Indian Defence after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5 h6 5.Bh4. Because 4.Bg5 was popularised during the 1934 Soviet Championship held in Leningrad, the whole 4.Bg5 system is called the Leningrad Variation. Black’s immediate 4…h6 is the “Keres move,” discouraging the pin and testing White’s willingness to retreat the bishop. After 5.Bh4 the position is catalogued as ECO E30–E31.
Typical Move-Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Bb4 (the Nimzo-Indian Defence)
- 4. Bg5 (Leningrad Variation)
- 4…h6 (challenging the bishop)
- 5. Bh4 (main line) • Other tries: 5.Bxf6, 5.Bd2
Strategic Ideas
White’s 4.Bg5 pin tries to hinder …d5 by tying the f6-knight to the queen. Black’s 4…h6 breaks the pin before it becomes uncomfortable.
- For White
- Maintain the bishop pair and threaten an eventual e2-e4 break.
- Use the pin on the c3–knight (after …Bxc3) to build pressure on the centre and kingside.
- Keep options open: f2-f3–e4 setups, or queenside expansion with Rb1 & b2-b4.
- For Black
- Drive the bishop to h4, preparing …c5 or …d5 without the pin.
- Decide when (or whether) to exchange on c3, doubling White’s pawns.
- Counterattack the centre: common plans include …c5, …d5, and the flexible …g5 break chasing the h4-bishop again.
Historical Significance
The variation was refined by Estonian grandmaster Paul Keres, who believed that asking the bishop an early question was more precise than the immediate 4…c5. Botvinnik, Bronstein, and later Kasparov tested both sides of the line, contributing to a rich body of theory that is still evolving.
Model Game
A crisp illustration of modern handling:
Petrosian – Tal, USSR Team Championship 1954 (notes abridged).
The game shows Black’s idea of exchanging on c3 followed by
…gxf6 to keep a flexible pawn structure, while White uses the bishop pair
and central space to maintain equality.
Typical Continuations After 5.Bh4
- 5…c5 6.e3 cxd4 7.exd4 – Botvinnik’s main line. Leads to IQP structures rich in middlegame tactics.
- 5…d5 6.e3 c5 – Keres System, solid but slightly passive.
- 5…g5 6.Bg3 – A sharp alternative, grabbing space on the kingside at the cost of weakening the dark squares.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 4…h6 looks “pawn-wasting” to newcomers, it has been nicknamed the “nervous pawn” by club players, yet modern engines confirm its soundness.
- When Garry Kasparov began playing the Nimzo-Indian as Black in the 1980s, he preferred 4…h6 over the classical 4…c5 because it gave him “dynamic imbalance without immediate commitment.”
- The move 5.Bh4 preserves the bishop, but some grandmasters (e.g.
Shirov) occasionally surprise opponents with the provocative
5.Bxf6!? gxf6 6.e3, aiming for a long-term
light-square squeeze
.
Practical Tips
- If you play White, memorise the key tactical trick Bxf6 Qxf6? Nd5!, exploiting the pinned f6-queen.
- Black players should be ready to transpose into Hedgehog-type structures after …c5 and …b6, where the early …h6 prevents Bg5 ideas later.
- Endgames with the doubled f-pawns (after …Bxc3 and gxf6) are normally satisfactory for Black because the king quickly marches to f5.