Nimzo-Indian Classical: 4...c5, 5.dxc5 Bxc5, 6.Nf3
Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4…c5 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Nf3
Definition
This line is a branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defence that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Nf3. White’s 4.Qc2 characterises the Classical Variation; Black’s immediate break 4…c5 leads to the diagram position below after the forcing sequence 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Nf3:
Black has recaptured the pawn, maintained the pin on c3 indirectly, and created an asymmetrical pawn structure. The position is open, with both sides ready for rapid development and central tension.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: Black challenges the d4-square early by fixing a pawn on c5. White can later try to break with e4 or aim for the minority advance b4.
- Bishop Pair vs. Structure: Compared with other Nimzo branches, Black has already traded the light-squared bishop (on b4) for the c3-knight only if and when desired; here it remains flexible on c5. White often enjoys the bishop pair after an eventual …Bxc3+, but at the cost of a somewhat damaged queenside structure.
- Development Race: Both kings will usually castle short. Black’s usual plan is …Nc6, …0-0, …d5 or …e5, while White looks for g3, Bg2, 0-0, and Rd1 preparing e4.
- Pawn Structure: The absence of a pawn on c4 (captured) gives White a potential minority attack with b4-b5. Black, meanwhile, benefits from a half-open d-file after …d5 breaks.
Main Continuations
- 6…Nc6 7.a3 d5 — the most classical set-up; leads to an IQP (Isolated Queen’s Pawn) structure after cxd5 exd5.
- 6…0-0 7.Bg5 h6 8.Bh4 — Black castles first, reserving the choice between …d5 and …b6.
- 6…b6 7.e4 Nc6 — Black prepares …Bb7, accepting a slight lag in development for long-term pressure on the e4-pawn.
Historical Notes
• The Classical Variation with 4.Qc2 was popularised by World Champion
José Raúl Capablanca in the 1930s as a way to avoid doubled c-pawns.
• The specific counter of 4…c5 gained fame through games by Efim
Geller and later by Anatoly Karpov, who used it to out-prepare
opponents expecting the more traditional 4…0-0.
Illustrative Games
- Magnus Carlsen – Levon Aronian, Bilbao Masters 2012 (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.a3 d5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bg5…) Carlsen steered the game into an IQP middlegame and eventually won a long technical struggle.
- Garry Kasparov – Anatoly Karpov, Linares 1993 Kasparov unleashed the aggressive 7.g4!? idea, showing the dynamic potential for White.
Typical Plans At A Glance
- For White
- Rapid kingside development: g3, Bg2, 0-0.
- Central break with e4, supported by Rd1 and sometimes Bg5.
- Queenside expansion: a3 & b4 harassing Black’s bishop.
- For Black
- Pressure on the center via …d5 or …e5.
- Minor-piece activity: …Nc6, …Bb4 (pin), or a timely …Bxf2+ tactic.
- Using the half-open d-file once the pawn tension is resolved.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 4…c5 violates a Nimzo “taboo” of not committing the c-pawn early, yet statistics show Black scores slightly above average here in master practice.
- Computers once disliked Black’s structure, but modern engines now judge the line as fully playable, leading to its renaissance in elite tournaments after 2010.
- A fashionable side line is 7.g4!?, first played by GM Ivan Sokolov in 1999, which tries to trap the bishop on f6 or disrupt Black’s castling plans.
When To Choose This Line
Select the 4…c5 variation if you:
- Enjoy open positions with tactical possibilities.
- Prefer to keep structural flexibility compared with 4…0-0 and the usual doubled-c-pawn motifs.
- Want to surprise opponents who memorise only the main 4…0-0 systems.
Sample Repertoire Snippet
Black side (vs. 4.Qc2):
4...c5 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Nf3 0-0 7.g3 b6 8.Bg2 Bb7 9.0-0 Be7
This “solid” sub-line keeps the bishop pair and prepares …d5 under optimal circumstances.
Conclusion
The Nimzo-Indian Classical, 4…c5 5.dxc5 Bxc5 6.Nf3, offers a lively alternative to the traditional Nimzo structures. It appeals to players on both sides who appreciate dynamic piece play, strategic flexibility, and a rich supply of historical and modern model games.