Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Ne2 c5 7.O-O
Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Ne2 c5 7.O-O
Definition
This move sequence is a branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defence that arises after
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4.
White chooses the solid Rubinstein System with 4.e3; Black castles (4…O-O), and
White develops the queen’s bishop to d3 (5.Bd3), entering the Kmoch Variation.
The continuation 5…d5 6.Ne2 c5 7.O-O reaches the position that is the
focus of this definition. The key features are:
- White keeps a flexible pawn structure with c2–c4 still guarded by the knight on c3.
- Black occupies the centre with …d5 and …c5, aiming for dynamic counterplay.
- The early Ne2 avoids doubled c-pawns but temporarily blocks the f1-rook.
Typical Usage in Play
Players adopt this line when they want a strategic middlegame where both sides have clear but non-forcing plans. It is popular at club level because:
- White sidesteps the heavily analysed 4.Qc2 and 4.a3 main lines.
- Black is given a straightforward central scheme (…d5, …c5, …Nc6) without memorising long forcing variations.
- Piece play is more important than concrete tactical memory, rewarding understanding.
Strategic Themes
For each side:
- White
- Prepare e3-e4 breaks supported by f2-f3 or Ng3.
- Exploit the bishop pair; Bd3 and Bc1 often point menacingly at h7 and g6 after a future Qc2.
- Maintain a flexible queenside; c4 can be delayed or played to challenge Black’s d5-pawn.
- Black
- Create queenside tension with …cxd4 or …b6 & …Ba6, pressuring c4/d4.
- Use the half-open e-file (after …dxc4 and …e5) for rook activity.
- Sometimes exchange on c3 to damage White’s structure if the moment is ripe.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Rubinstein System (4.e3) was one of the earliest ways to meet the Nimzo-Indian, used by Akiba Rubinstein himself in the 1920s. The specific 5.Bd3 branch was championed by the Austrian master Hans Kmoch, giving it his name. While once considered modest, modern engines show the line to be fully respectable. Top grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, and Levon Aronian have employed it when they wanted a “risk-managed” weapon to keep winning chances without conceding equality.
Illustrative Game
V. Kramnik – L. Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2008
Kramnik’s 8.dxc4 followed by 10.Bg5 shows a typical way for White to fight for the initiative, yet Aronian’s counterplay on the queenside and central files ultimately prevailed. The game illustrates the double-edged nature of the variation: one slip can swing the evaluation.
Example Position to Visualise
After 7…c5 the pieces stand as follows (White to move):
- White: King g1, Queen d1, Rooks a1 f1, Knights c3 e2, Bishops d3 c1, pawns a2 b2 c4 d4 e3 f2 g2 h2.
- Black: King g8, Queen d8, Rooks a8 f8, Knights b8 f6, Bishop b4, dark-squared bishop c8, pawns a7 b7 c5 d5 e6 f7 g7 h7.
White must decide between 8.a3 (kicking the bishop), 8.cxd5 (clarifying the centre), or 8.a3 Bxc3 9.Nxc3 dxc4 when both sides obtain imbalanced structures.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 6.Ne2 was described by Kmoch as “a peasant’s move with a banker’s soul” – it looks humble but is strategically sound.
- Computer engines initially disliked 5.Bd3, preferring 5.Nf3, until deeper horizons revealed its latent attacking potential.
- Kasparov used the order 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 in casual blitz against Deep Blue during testing sessions, claiming it “kept the machine guessing.”
When to Choose This Line
Consider adding the Kmoch Variation with 6.Ne2 c5 7.O-O to your repertoire if:
- You enjoy strategic manoeuvring more than early tactical skirmishes.
- You want to avoid the heavily analysed 4.f3 Sämisch or 4.Qc2 Classical lines.
- You are comfortable playing middlegames where the bishop pair and subtle pawn breaks are paramount.