Queen's Indian Capablanca Nimzowitsch Variation
Queen's Indian Defence: Capablanca, Nimzowitsch Variation
Definition
The Queen’s Indian Defence: Capablanca, Nimzowitsch Variation is a sub-line of the Fianchetto system in the Queen’s Indian Defence (ECO codes E16–E17). It arises after the moves:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7
White has fianchettoed the king’s bishop, while Black answers the check on b4+ (move 5) by retreating the bishop to e7 instead of the more direct …Bxd2 or …a5 lines. The system bears the names of José Raúl Capablanca, who popularised 4.g3, and Aron Nimzowitsch, who advocated the precise retreat 6…Be7.
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nf3 b6
- 4. g3 Bb7
- 5. Bg2 Bb4+
- 6. Bd2 Be7
- 7. Nc3 O-O
- 8. O-O d5
At this point play usually branches into:
- 9. cxd5 exd5 10. Ne5, leading to an IQP structure.
- 9. Ne5 Nbd7 10. cxd5 exd5, keeping pieces on the board.
- 9. Ne5 c5, where Black strives for immediate queenside counterplay.
Strategic Themes
The variation is defined by flexible piece play and a subtle battle over the central dark squares (e4/d5). Key ideas include:
- For White
- Use the g2-bishop to pressure the long diagonal a8–h1.
- Play for an e4 break, often supported by Nc3–e5 or Qc2.
- Exploit the temporary awkwardness of Black’s light-squared bishop on e7, which has spent two tempi (Bb4+, Be7).
- For Black
- Undermine the centre with …d5 followed by …c5, attacking d4 and c4 simultaneously.
- Keep the position fluid; avoid early exchanges to maximise the scope of the fianchettoed bishop on b7.
- Sometimes reroute the light-squared bishop to f6 or g7 after …Nd7-f6.
Historical Background
Although the Queen’s Indian Defence itself was theorised by Aron Nimzowitsch in the 1920s, Capablanca was one of the first world-class players to adopt the immediate 4.g3 idea, hence the “Capablanca Variation.” Nimzowitsch refined the line with 5…Bb4+ 6…Be7, creating a more elastic structure that avoids premature commitments. The system has been employed by champions from Karpov and Spassky to modern greats such as Viswanathan Anand and Anish Giri.
Illustrative Games
-
Capablanca – Tartakower, Budapest 1929
The Cuban legend unveiled the 4.g3 idea, smoothly outplaying Black in a positional masterpiece that highlighted long-diagonal pressure. -
Karpov – Beliavsky, Moscow 1983
Karpov demonstrated the power of 9.Ne5 against …d5, converting a small edge in typical Karpovian fashion. -
Giri – Carlsen, Wijk aan Zee 2017
A modern heavyweight encounter where Carlsen equalised comfortably with precise …c5 timing, illustrating contemporary treatment.
Interactive replay:
Typical Tactics & Motifs
- e4 break – White sacrifices a pawn with dxe5 e4 to unleash the g2-bishop and obtain strong attacking chances.
- Exchange on f6 – Nxd5 or Bxf6 ideas can leave Black’s queenside dark squares vulnerable.
- Minority attack – In structures with c-pawns exchanged, White’s b-pawn advance (b4-b5) can clamp down on Black’s queenside.
Interesting Facts
- Despite its name, Capablanca himself used the line only a handful of times; later generations cemented its theory.
- The retreat 6…Be7 was once considered too passive, but computer engines now rate it as fully playable, giving Black a rock-solid yet dynamic setup.
- Many grandmasters adopt this system as a “universal weapon” because Black’s move order (…Bb4+ …Be7) can transpose into various English and Réti structures when White avoids d4.
When to Use It
Players who like strategically rich, manoeuvring battles with latent tactical possibilities will appreciate the Capablanca, Nimzowitsch Variation. It is especially effective when you wish to:
- Keep the position flexible and avoid heavy theoretical main-line clashes in the Queen’s Indian.
- Create an unbalanced middlegame with multiple pawn breaks.
- Challenge an opponent who relies on memorised forcing sequences; the early …Be7 often steers the game into less-charted waters.