Nimzo-Indian: Nimzowitsch, 5.Nf3 Bb7
Nimzo-Indian: Nimzowitsch, 5.Nf3 Bb7
Definition
The line commonly written as 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Nf3 Bb7 is called the Nimzo-Indian, Nimzowitsch Variation with 5.Nf3 Bb7. • “Nimzo-Indian” denotes the family of defences beginning with 3…Bb4 against 1.d4. • “Nimzowitsch” in this context refers to Black’s early …c5 thrust after 4.e3, an idea championed by Aron Nimzowitsch himself. • “5.Nf3 Bb7” describes White’s fifth move (developing the king’s knight) and Black’s immediate reply (fianchettoing the c8-bishop on the long diagonal).
Typical Move Order
The most common early sequence is:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Bb4 (“Nimzo-Indian Defence”)
- 4. e3 c5 (the …c5 pawn-break defines the Nimzowitsch Variation)
- 5. Nf3 Bb7
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Plan
- Counter-attack the centre with …c5 and later …d5 or …cxd4, undermining White’s pawn on d4.
- Place the light-squared bishop on b7 to pressurise the e4 square and the long a8-h1 diagonal.
- Maintain flexibility: the bishop on b4 is ready to double White’s c-pawns with …Bxc3 when convenient.
- White’s Plan
- Complete development smoothly (Bd3, O-O) while keeping a firm grip on the d4-e3-f2 pawn chain.
- Aim for an eventual e3-e4 break or queenside expansion with a2-a3 & b2-b4 if Black delays …d5.
- Because 5.Nf3 does not protect the c4-pawn, White must be ready for the IQP positions after …cxd4 exd4.
Historical Context
Aron Nimzowitsch popularised the early …c5 idea in the 1920s, challenging the classical dogma that Black had to react passively to White’s broad pawn centre. The specific move 5…Bb7 gained traction later, notably in the 1970s–80s through the games of grandmasters such as Ulf Andersson, Efim Geller and John Nunn. Today the variation carries ECO code E34.
Illustrative Line
A modern main line might continue:
After 17…Bf8 Black has an isolated d-pawn but active pieces; White enjoys a slight structural edge and the safer king.
Famous Examples
- Kasparov – Nunn, Wijk aan Zee 1985
Kasparov sacrificed a pawn for rapid piece play, showcasing the dynamic potential for White. - Karpov – Andersson, Milan 1975
Andersson’s precise manoeuvring with …Qa5 and …Rac8 demonstrated Black’s counter-play along the c-file.
Practical Tips
- When playing Black, time the break …d5 carefully; premature exchanges can leave the d-pawn weak without compensation.
- White should watch out for the tactic …Bxf3 followed by …cxd4, hitting both c4 and e3.
- Piece activity often outweighs the isolated pawn’s weakness, so both sides must judge transitions to endgames accurately.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the variation appears after 4.e3, some club players nickname it “The calm Nimzo,” yet the ensuing positions can become razor-sharp.
- In his notes to My System, Nimzowitsch called the move …c5 “a slap in the face of the classical centre,” delighting in its shock value at the time.
- Grandmaster Ulf Andersson scored over 70 % with Black in this line during the 1980s, earning him the informal title “Bishop-on-b7 specialist.”