Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3

Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3

Definition

The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3 is a branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defence in which White declines the more popular 4.Qc2, 4.e3 a6, or 4.f3 lines and instead heads for a modest development setup. The key position arises after Black’s immediate break 4…c5 and White’s flexible retreat 5.Bd3, reinforcing control of the e4-square and steering the game toward rich middlegame structures that combine ideas from the Rubinstein and Classical systems.

Typical Move Order

A representative sequence is:
where Black captures on d4 and strikes in the center with …d5, aiming for dynamic piece play against White’s pawn majority.

Strategic Themes

• e4 Break vs. Minority Attack: White often prepares the central thrust e3–e4, while Black may direct pressure with …b6, …Ba6, or a minority attack on the c-file.
• Isolated or Hanging Pawns: After …cxd4 exd4, the resulting pawn trio (c4–d4–e3) can leave White with an isolated queen’s pawn if the c-pawn is exchanged, or hanging pawns after cxd5 exd5.
• Piece Activity: Black’s light-squared bishop on b4 and knight on f6 coordinate to hinder e4. White’s Bd3 eyes h7 and adds latent pressure on the g6-square once the position opens.

Historical Background

The line was fashionable in the mid-20^th century, featuring in games of Smyslov, Gligorić, and Polugayevsky. Its practicality lies in avoiding the heavy theory of 4.Qc2 while still fighting for an opening edge. Modern grandmasters such as Alexei Shirov and Levon Aronian have re-introduced it as a surprise weapon to sidestep the well-analyzed 4.e3 b6 and 4.e3 d5 ecosystems.

Model Games

• Smyslov – Gligorić, Candidates 1953 — White demonstrated the power of a delayed e4 break, eventually converting a kingside initiative.
• Aronian – Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2014 — Aronian’s precise handling of the hanging pawns showed the line’s latent positional venom.
• Shirov – Korneev, León 1997 — An attacking masterpiece where 5.Bd3 led to a sacrificial breakthrough on h7.

Common Plans for White

1. Re-route the queen’s knight to e2 and prepare f2–f4 or e3–e4.
2. Castle kingside quickly; place rooks on c1 and e1 to support central breaks.
3. Use the light-squared bishop aggressively: Bd3-c2-d3 maneuver to over-protect e4 and target h7.
4. If Black plays …d5 early, aim for cxd5 exd5 followed by Bg5 or Qf3 to harass the d5-pawn.

Common Plans for Black

1. Exchange on d4 and fix White’s pawn structure, then attack it with …d5, …Nc6, and pressure on c4.
2. Maintain the pin on c3 by delaying …Bxc3, forcing White to reconcile development vs. pawn structure.
3. Fianchetto the queen’s bishop with …b6 and …Bb7 if central tension is unresolved.
4. Seek dynamic play with an early …e5 pawn sacrifice, leveraging rapid piece activity against White’s king.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• Pin on the c-file: …cxd4 exd4 Bb4-xc3 ideas leading to doubled c-pawns followed by …Rc8.
• Bishop Sacrifice Bxh7+ once the e4 push opens the diagonal c2–h7 and Black’s king is under-defended.
• Forks on e4: Black’s knight or bishop exploiting a premature e3–e4 to win material.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Vasily Smyslov reportedly liked 5.Bd3 because “it asks Black a concrete question on move five” – a philosophy he applied in many of his opening choices.
• Computer engines originally dismissed the line as “equal at best,” but neural-network evaluations now give White a small pull thanks to long-term central space.
• The move 5.Bd3 was dubbed the “Nimzo-Larsen System” in some Soviet sources, honoring Bent Larsen’s frequent use of flexible bishop placements.

Related Systems

The position may transpose to:

• The Rubinstein System (4.e3), if Black plays …d5 without …c5.
• The Hübner Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, after …cxd4 exd4 and …d5.
• Lines of the Bogo-Indian when Black retreats the bishop to e7 or d6.