Queens Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation Timman Line
Queen’s Indian Defense
Definition
The Queen’s Indian Defense (abbreviated “QID”) is a hyper-modern opening for Black that arises after the moves:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6
Instead of occupying the centre with pawns immediately, Black prepares to challenge it from a distance with pieces—most notably the fianchettoed queen’s bishop on b7 or a6. The ECO codes E12–E19 are devoted exclusively to this defense.
How It Is Used
- Against 4.g3 (the main Fianchetto Variation) Black may choose 4…Ba6 (the Nimzowitsch Variation), 4…Bb7, or 4…c6.
- Against 4.Nc3 Black can transpose to a Nimzo-Indian with 4…Bb4, stay in pure QID territory with 4…Bb7, or enter the ultra-solid 4…Bb4+ (the “Kasparov–Petrosian line”).
- The opening is prized for flexibility: Black may adopt either closed, hanging-pawn, or IQP structures depending on White’s choices.
Strategic & Historical Significance
Introduced into top-flight practice by Nimzowitsch and Capablanca in the 1920s, the Queen’s Indian soon became a staple of classical repertoires. Anatoly Karpov used it as his main weapon for decades, notably in the 1984–85 and 1985–87 World Championship matches versus Garry Kasparov, who in turn refined many of the attacking ideas for White.
- Typical plans for Black: pressure on the light squares e4 and c4, minority attacks with …a5–a4, and timely breaks with …c5 or …e5.
- Typical plans for White: central expansion with e4 or d5, queenside space with a4 and b4, and long-term pressure against the b-pawn if Black plays …b6 too early.
Illustrative Example
The following position, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7, shows Black’s light-square strategy: the bishop on a6 eyes c4 while the one on e7 supports breaks in the centre.
Interesting Facts
- The name “Queen’s Indian” mirrors the “King’s Indian”; both feature a fianchetto, but on opposite wings.
- Kramnik used the QID to hold a draw in the final game of his 2000 World Championship match against Kasparov, clinching the title.
- Computer engines rate the QID as one of the most resilient answers to 1.d4; it often appears in top engine vs. engine events.
Fianchetto
Definition
“Fianchetto” (Italian for “little flank”) describes the deployment of a bishop on the long diagonal after a pawn advance one square (occasionally two). Typical patterns:
- g-pawn: 1.g3 Bg2 or …g6 …Bg7
- b-pawn: 1.b3 Bb2 or …b6 …Bb7
Usage in Chess
By placing the bishop on the b2-g7 or a2-h7 diagonal, the side employing the fianchetto:
- Exerts distant pressure on the centre (especially e4/e5 and d4/d5).
- Improves king safety when combined with castling.
- Gains control of key color complexes (light squares for a queenside fianchetto, dark squares for a kingside fianchetto).
Strategic & Historical Notes
The concept is ancient—recorded in 16th-century Italian manuscripts—but ascended to prominence with the hyper-modern movement (Nimzowitsch, Réti, and Breyer) in the 1920s. Modern openings like the King’s Indian Defense, Grünfeld, Catalan, and of course the Queen’s Indian all hinge on fianchetto development.
Example Position
After 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O, White’s dark-squared bishop on g2 influences the e4-square, while the king sits safely behind the g-pawn shield.
Interesting Anecdotes
- Garry Kasparov once quipped that a fianchettoed bishop can be “worth a rook” if it becomes a long-range monster, citing Fischer’s famous bishop on b2 versus Panno (Buenos Aires, 1970).
- The double fianchetto—both bishops developed on the long diagonals—is a favourite of modern engine openings because of its built-in flexibility.
Nimzowitsch Variation (in the Queen’s Indian)
Definition
The Nimzowitsch Variation of the Queen’s Indian Defense arises after:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6
Instead of the routine …Bb7, Black immediately places the bishop on a6 to pressure the c4-pawn and hinder White’s natural queenside expansion.
Strategic Ideas
- Light-square pressure: …Ba6 targets c4; later …d5 or …c5 intensifies the squeeze.
- Development advantage: By pinning White’s attention to c4, Black can complete kingside development unimpeded.
- Pawn breaks: Typical plans include …c5, …d5, and sometimes …b5 (facilitated by a6) to undermine White’s centre.
Historical Background
Aron Nimzowitsch introduced the idea in the 1920s, proclaiming that the bishop “does more work on a6 than anywhere else.” The line faded for a time but was revitalized by Karpov and, later, Jan Timman, whose refinements give rise to the Timman Line (see below).
Illustrative Game
Kasparov – Karpov, Tilburg 1991
The game illustrates how Black’s early …Ba6 and …Bb4+ disrupt White’s plans and lead to flexible central counterplay.
Interesting Facts
- The line scores well in correspondence and engine play, where precise defence of c4 proves tricky for White.
- Modern grandmasters sometimes reach the Nimzowitsch Variation by move-order finesse: 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Ba6!?
Timman Line
Definition
The Timman Line is a critical sub-variation of the Nimzowitsch Variation of the Queen’s Indian Defense. A common move-order runs:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 7.Nc3 O-O 8.e4
Named after Dutch grandmaster Jan Timman, the line features an early e4 advance by White, challenging Black’s light-square grip.
Strategic Features
- Central tension: White’s e4–d4 pawn duo seizes space; Black counters with …d5 or …c6 aiming at e4 and c4.
- Bishop dynamics: Black’s a6-bishop remains active, while the g2-bishop eyes the long diagonal. Exchanging on a3 or d2 often decides the middlegame character.
- Piece activity vs. structural anchors: Black accepts a slight space deficit in return for laser-focused piece pressure on c4 and e4.
Historical Context
Timman popularised the line in the late 1970s and 1980s, scoring key victories against Kortchnoi (Bugojno 1980) and Kasparov (Hilversum 1985). His analyses demonstrated that Black, with precise play, can neutralise White’s centre and generate queenside counterplay.
Model Game
Timman – Kortchnoi, Bugojno 1980 (annotated in many opening manuals):
Kortchnoi’s …Qxd4! exchange-sac tactic, a hallmark of the Timman Line, shows the sharp double-edged play both sides must navigate.
Interesting Tidbits
- The line’s reputation swings cyclically: in the 1990s it was considered “refuted” for Black, but modern engine resources have restored its viability.
- Jan Timman trusted this variation so much that he employed it in both colours during Candidates matches—an unusual endorsement of an opening idea.