Nimzo-Indian Defence - Top-Level Repertoire for Black - Part 2
We are happy to announce that GM Arjun Kalyan has released the second and final version of his Nimzo-Indian Defence repertoire. In Part 1, GM Kalyan covered White's most challenging lines against the Nimzo-Indian Defence - 4.e3 and 4.Qc2. The current course deals with all the remaining lines.
True to his analytical approach, the Indian GM gives preference to less explored continuations, which hold huge surprising potential. The current database consists of 10 theoretical chapters, 17 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (2+Hours Running Time).
Preview by GM Arjun Kalyan
The starting position of the current database arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
In Part 1 of this database, we saw the Rubinstein variation (4.e3) and the Classical Variation (4.Qc2). Here, we will take a look at the other options.
The course starts with 4.f3. This is known as the Kmoch Variation and is one of the most enterprising lines for White. White wants to immediately get control over the center with the move e4. It is a very commital move weakening the kingside. My suggestion for Black is 4...d5.
This is the more solid alternative, in line with our general plans. We stop White from getting the move e4 easily. However, we will soon diverge from the usual lines. The main line goes 5.a3 Bxc3 6.bxc3 c6
This is our surprise for the opponent. I like moves that have a conceptual idea in mind. We want to recapture on d5 with the c6 pawn maintaining good control over the center. This takes the sting out of the slow e4 ideas and also opens up the 'c' file. We will take a look at this in the first two chapters.
The next line I deal with starts with 4.a3.
This is the Sämisch Variation which is one of the most aggressive and complicated lines against the Nimzo-Indian Defence. There are several ways for Black to equalize, but the positions are usually quite messy. It has gotten pretty popular in recent times and was also played with success in the 2023 World Championship match.
My suggestion for Black is 4...Bxc3 5.bxc3 d6
This is neither one of the common moves in this position nor one of the top choices of the computer. In these lines, the evaluation does not matter as much as a proper understanding of the ideas. Often, engines underestimate White's play on the kingside. We play a flexible and cunning move without showing our hands. We keep options for both e5 and c5 open.
Another very serious weapon against Nimzo-Indian Defence is 4.Nf3.
This is called the Kasparov Variation, and it is one of the most flexible moves as White retains the option to transpose to many different systems. There is always the transposition to the Ragozin with 4...d5, but it is not everyone's cup of tea. As always, we start with 4...0-0 and decide later. The move 5.Bg5 is the best independent option for White. 4.e3 will transpose to the lines in my previous course. At this point, my suggestion is 5...c5.
This is something that we have not seen so far in any of the lines, but it is a very typical plan to break in the center. It is particularly effective against the Bg5 systems, as White will face some issues along the a5-e1 diagonal. White usually answers with 6.Rc1. This has gotten popular over the last few years. It is a typical modern flexible move, keeping options open. While it keeps an eye on c3, White will still likely have to recapture on c3 with the pawn as the rook will get too exposed.
After dealing with the Kasparov Variation, I examine 4.Bg5.
This is called the Leningrad System, and it is one of the more aggressive options for White. However, in modern times, it has gone out of practice as engines like the resulting positions for Black. As usual, when we see the white bishop appearing on g5, we respond with 4...c5.
Another possibility to consider is 4.g3.
This position can occur via the Catalan with Bb4+ or the Nimzo-Indian Defence. There are many ways for Black to equalize, but we need to be well prepared as we are entering Catalan territory, which may be new for a few players.
The last chapter is dedicated to 4.Qb3.
This has completely gone out of practice, and it makes sense as we have a clear way to punish White for bringing his queen out too early. The advance 4...c5 is very effective here with the queen on b3. The idea Ne4 is in the air and the queen is completely misplaced.
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