Queen's Pawn: Anti-Nimzo-Indian, 3...d5
Queen's Pawn: Anti-Nimzo-Indian, 3…d5
Definition
The line 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 is known as the “Anti-Nimzo-Indian, 3…d5.” • “Anti-Nimzo-Indian” refers to White’s choice of 3.Nf3, which sidesteps the Nimzo-Indian Defence (3.Nc3 Bb4). • Black’s reply 3…d5 abandons Nimzo-Indian ambitions and transposes into a Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD) with the knight already on f3. ECO codes normally place the position in the D30–D35 range, but many databases still reference it with the “Anti-Nimzo” tag to emphasise the move-order story.
Typical Move Order
A common main line continues:
- 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 — the “Vienna Variation.”
- 4.e3 Be7 5.Nc3 O-O 6.Bd3 c5 7.O-O — a quieter set-up that avoids early pawn captures.
- 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 — a Catalan-flavoured approach.
In every case the opening has stepped past the Nimzo-Indian and settled into symmetrical QGD structures.
Strategic Themes
- Solid centre. Both sides have a pawn on d4/d5 and e6/e3 (often), creating the classical “Queen’s Pawn” tension.
- Minor-piece manoeuvring. Because the c-pawns are still on the board, minority attacks (b2-b4-b5) or breaks with ...c5 are key ideas.
- Carlsbad structure. After the typical exchange on d5, the minority attack, central pawn breaks with e4/e5, and kingside-versus-queenside plans frequently arise.
- Simplified theory. Compared with the highly theoretical Nimzo-Indian, the 3…d5 variation lets both sides rely more on general strategic understanding.
Historical Notes
• José Raúl Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine played the basic structure long before the Nimzo-Indian became fashionable. • In the 1980s Anatoly Karpov used 3.Nf3 extensively to deny Garry Kasparov his beloved Nimzo, steering positions toward the QGD he understood deeply. • Magnus Carlsen revived the line in the 2014 World Championship match, demonstrating its continuing practical value.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen – Anand, World Championship (Game 2), Sochi 2014
The game shows how the Anti-Nimzo move order can lead to a rich, yet relatively non-theoretical, middlegame where understanding outweighs memorisation.
Practical Tips
- For White:
- Use 3.Nf3 when you want to avoid heavy Nimzo-Indian theory or early doubled c-pawns.
- Prepare both the Catalan (g3) and classical QGD (Nc3, e3) plans to stay flexible.
- For Black:
- Choose 3…d5 if you prefer QGD structures over the dynamic but theory-laden Queen’s Indian (3…b6) or Bogo-Indian (3…Bb4+).
- Be ready for the minority attack; timely …c5 and accurate piece placement are essential.
Interesting Facts
- Because the move order avoids an early …Bb4, Black’s dark-squared bishop often stays inside the pawn chain (…Be7), subtly changing the character of the fight for e4/e5 squares.
- The line is a favourite of many correspondence players who rely on deep strategic planning rather than razor-sharp concrete tactics.
- Some databases label 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 as “Capablanca Opening,” honouring Capa’s early adoption of the system.