Nimzo-Indian DefenseE23

Spielmann Variation, Romanovsky Gambit

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qb3 c5 5. dxc5 Nc6

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Occupy the center, develop quickly, castle, then pick a wing.

Black's plan

Contest the center before White occupies all of it.

The line, move by move

1. d4d4 occupies the center.
... Nf6Nf6 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
2. c4c4 controls d5.
... e6e6 controls d5.
3. Nc3Nc3 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
... Bb4Bb4 pins an enemy piece against its king, develops the bishop.
4. Qb3Qb3 repositions the queen.
... c5c5 strikes at the center.
5. dxc5dxc5 captures a pawn, gains space.
... Nc6Nc6 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.

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Other major variations

The complete Nimzo-Indian Defense guide See all 99 variations in the branch map

Spielmann Variation, Romanovsky Gambit (E23) · Nimzo-Indian Defense · OpeningMate