Nimzo-Indian: Spielmann, 4...c5 5.e3

Nimzo-Indian: Spielmann, 4...c5 5.e3

Definition

The line arises from the Nimzo-Indian Defence after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.e3. It is a branch of the classical 4.Qc2 “Spielmann Variation,” named after the Austrian master Rudolf Spielmann, who championed 4.Qc2 in the late 1920s. By replying 4…c5 Black immediately challenges White’s centre, aiming for dynamic play rather than the slower manoeuvring lines with 4…0-0 or 4…d5. 5.e3 is White’s most popular stabilising move, building a broad pawn chain (c4-d4-e3) and preparing rapid development.

Typical Move-Order

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.e3

From here play often continues 5…Nc6 6.Nf3 d5 or 5…0-0 6.a3 Ba5 7.dxc5, each leading to distinct pawn-structures discussed below.

Strategic Ideas

  • Central Tension: Black’s quick …c5 pressures d4 and may transform the position into an Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP) structure if dxc5 or d5 occurs.
  • The Bishop Pair: By playing 5.e3 White keeps the extra bishop (the one on c1) inside the pawn chain, intending to consolidate and later exploit the two bishops if Black exchanges on c3.
  • Development Race: Because White delays Nf3, the f-pawn remains free. After 5…Nc6 6.Nf3 d5 or 5…0-0 6.a3, both sides rush to complete development before the centre opens.
  • Pawn Breaks:
    • White: d4-d5 (space gain) or cxd5 followed by e4 in IQP positions.
    • Black: …d5, …cxd4, and occasionally …b6 aiming for …Ba6 to trade White’s important dark-squared bishop.

Main Branches after 5.e3

  1. 5…Nc6 6.Nf3 d5 7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 0-0 Leads to an IQP where White enjoys the bishop pair and potential kingside play, while Black relies on the d4 target and piece activity.
  2. 5…0-0 6.a3 Ba5 7.dxc5 b6 Black gambits a pawn for rapid development and pressure on the c4 and d4 squares.
  3. 5…cxd4 6.exd4 d5 Direct transposition to a Tarrasch-style structure where the isolated pawn now belongs to White.

Historical & Theoretical Notes

  • The first known instance of 4…c5 was Spielmann – Nimzowitsch, Bad Pistyan 1922, but the system gained real traction in the 1950s through the games of Paul Keres.
  • Modern elite practice was revitalised by Garry Kasparov in the 1980s; he used it against Timman (Tilburg 1988) to score a sharp win.
  • The line remains in top-level repertoires—e.g. Carlsen – Aronian, Tal Memorial 2012, where Aronian equalised comfortably with the 5…Nc6 plan.

Illustrative Mini-Game

[[Pgn| 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Nf3 d5 7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 0-0 9.cxd5 exd5 10.dxc5 Ne4 11.Bd3 Qa5 12.O-O Re8 13.c4 Nb4 14.axb4 Qxa1 15.cxd5 Qc3 16.Bxe4 Qxb4 17.Bxh7+ Kh8 18.Ng5 Re7 19.Bg8 g6 20.Bxf7|]]

This Kasparov-style attacking effort (modelled on several of his games from the late 1980s) shows the latent kingside danger White can create when the bishops spring to life and the f-pawn joins an assault.

Typical Plans & Tricks

  • Exchange Sacrifice on c3: After 5…Nc6 6.Nf3 d5 Black sometimes plays …Bxc3 followed by …dxc4, looking for piece activity rather than material.
  • Backward e-pawn motif: In structures with an IQP, White must watch the backward e-pawn and coordinate rooks on the e-file.
  • …Ba6 resource: In many sub-lines Black manoeuvres the queen’s bishop via d7-a4-a6 or directly …Ba6 to trade White’s dark-squared bishop, dampening the bishops’ impact.
  • Queen manoeuvres: The early White queen on c2 is double-edged—eyeing h7 but also becoming a tactical target after moves like …Nb4 or …Qa5.

Interesting Facts

  • Because 4.Qc2 prevents doubled c-pawns, the variation was once stereotyped as “tame.” The quick 4…c5 flipped that narrative, creating some of the sharpest Nimzo-Indian positions.
  • The structure after 5…Nc6 6.Nf3 d5 often resembles the Semi-Tarrasch, illustrating the Nimzo-Indian’s flexibility in reaching diverse pawn skeletons.
  • Computer engines have shown that Black can even delay castling and play 5…cxd4 6.exd4 d5 7.Nf3 Nc6 8.cxd5 Nxd5, trusting in dynamic equality—an idea nearly impossible to prove over-the-board before silicon assistance.

When to Choose This Line

Players comfortable with isolani positions, piece activity, and unbalanced play will enjoy the 4…c5 variation. It is less suited to those seeking quiet, strategic manoeuvring or symmetrical structures.

Key Takeaways

  • 4…c5 immediately questions White’s central setup, often yielding an IQP.
  • 5.e3 is the main tabiya move, preserving solidity at the cost of some central tension.
  • Both sides must master typical plans—Black’s …d5 or …cxd4 breaks, and White’s d4-d5 pawn storm or kingside bishop-fueled attacks.
  • The variation has stood the test of time and remains fully viable at every rating level.
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Last updated 2025-07-05