Nimzo-Indian: Spielmann, 4...c5 5.dxc5
Nimzo-Indian: Spielmann Variation (4…c5 5.dxc5)
Definition & Move Order
The Spielmann Variation is a branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defence that arises after the moves:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.dxc5
With 5.dxc5 White immediately captures the c-pawn, temporarily gaining material and opening the queenside. The name honours the creative Austrian grandmaster Rudolf Spielmann (1883-1942), who was the first elite player to champion this idea in tournament practice.
Strategic Ideas
- White’s aims
- Maintain the extra pawn (c5) or force Black to spend tempi recovering it.
- Keep the two bishops—especially the light-squared bishop, which often finds good diagonals after b2-b4-b5.
- Use the semi-open d-file to pressure d7/d6 once Black plays …d6 or …d5.
- Black’s counterplay
- Rapid development: …Bxc3+, …0-0, and piece activity against White’s queenside pawns.
- Pawn breaks such as …d5 or …b6 to undermine the c5-pawn.
- Queenside pressure: …Qa5, …Na6-c5, or …Qe7 with …Qxc5 to recover the pawn with tactical means.
- Structural targets: if White recaptures with bxc3 after …Bxc3+, the doubled c-pawns can become long-term weaknesses.
Typical Continuations
Because 5.dxc5 provokes an immediate crisis, several move orders are possible:
- 5…Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Na6 (or 6…0-0) aiming for …Nxc5.
- 5…0-0 6.Bd3 (or 6.Nge2) Na6 7.Nf3 Nxc5—Black regains the pawn but lags in development.
- 5…Nc6 6.Bd2 Bxc5 7.Nf3 0-0 8.a3—White keeps the bishop pair and a space advantage.
A modern tabiya after 6.Nge2 is illustrated here:
Historical Background
Rudolf Spielmann introduced 5.dxc5 against several contemporaries in the 1920s, most notably in games versus Akiba Rubinstein (Karlsbad 1923) and Alexander Alekhine. At that time the standard reply to 4.e3 was 4…0-0 or 4…d5; Spielmann’s early capture on c5 caught many opponents unprepared.
The line later entered opening theory via the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings codes E20–E22. World champions from Botvinnik to Karpov have investigated it from both sides, but it has never become the absolute main line, giving it a reputation as a dynamic sideline suitable for surprise value.
Illustrative Games
- Spielmann – Rubinstein, Karlsbad 1923
Spielmann showcased the strength of the bishop pair and a queenside pawn majority, winning a rich strategic battle. - Karpov – Hübner, Linares 1983
Karpov demonstrated a modern treatment with 6.Nge2 followed by a2-a4 and b2-b4, maintaining the extra pawn for a long time. - Kasparov – Psakhis, USSR Ch. 1981
Black’s active piece play (…Qa5 and …Nxc5) equalised smoothly, underlining Black’s dynamic resources.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation fits Spielmann’s romantic style—he preferred dynamic imbalances over static equality. His nickname, “The Last Knight of the King’s Gambit,” contrasts amusingly with his contributions to a queen-pawn opening!
- Computer engines originally valued the extra pawn highly for White, but modern neural-net engines often indicate full compensation for Black, revitalising interest at the top level.
- Many Nimzo specialists (e.g., Viktor Korchnoi, Peter Leko) deliberately steer games into this line when they need winning chances with Black, trusting the latent activity.
Practical Tips
- For White: Do not rush to protect the c5-pawn with b4 unless your king is safe; premature expansion invites …a5 breaks.
- For Black: Decide early whether to capture on c3; keeping the tension may coax White into weakening moves like a2-a3.
- Always calculate tactical motifs around …Qa5+, forks on e4/c3, and discovered attacks after …Nxc5.
Summary
The Spielmann Variation (4…c5 5.dxc5) offers both sides rich, unbalanced play. White accepts structural risk in return for an extra pawn and the bishop pair, while Black relies on fast development and central pressure to seize the initiative. Its historical pedigree and practical complexity make it a valuable weapon for ambitious players looking to sidestep the heavily-analysed Classical and Rubinstein systems of the Nimzo-Indian.