Expert Repertoire against the Nimzo-Indian Defence - Part 2
We are happy to present the second and final part of Roiz's repertoire against the Nimzo-Indian Defence. While Part 1 was dedicated to the position arising after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0, the current database will deal with all the remaining options on move 4.
The database consists of 16 theoretical chapters, 16 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (2h and 50min Running Time).
Now, we shall take a brief look at the different chapters.
The starting position of the current database arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3.
Chapter 1 deals with three minor options that Black has at his disposal - 4...Bxc3, 4...Ne4, and 4...c6. White keeps an advantage against all of them.
The move 4...Nc6 is extensively analyzed in Chapter 2. This is only Black's 6th choice in this position, but it was still seen in no less than 800 games! The main point of this move is that Black can quickly solve the issues with the c8-bishop by pushing ...e6-e5. As demonstrated in the chapter, the setup based on Bd3 and Nge2 provides White with a slight but stable edge.
The following two chapters deal with the position arising after 4...b6 5.Nge2 Bb7 6.a3
White wants to obtain the bishop pair without spoiling his pawn structure. Indeed, Chapter 3 shows that after 6...Bxc3 7.Nxc3 White can rely on a slight but lasting edge.
A more interesting potion is 6...Bd6 which is examined in Chapter 4. This is an artificial retreat that is aimed at putting pressure on White's kingside. However, Black blocks his d-pawn and it makes White's pawn centre very stable. The suggestion of Roiz is 7.Qc2 when the idea is to take the e4-square under control without playing any committing moves.
Chapters 5 and 6 examine the important position arising after 4...b6 5.Nge2 Ba6 6.Qa4
This original queen move is a speciality of GM Aleksej Aleksandorv from Belarus. White attacks the bishop and undirectly covers c4. Black's best choice 6...c5 is discussed in Chapter 6. All the sidelines are covered in Chapter 5. The conclusion is that White can create practical problems for his opponent. Black should handle this line with a lot of precision.
Another important tabiya arises after 4...b6 5.Nge2 c5 6.a3 Ba5 7.Rb1
The most common and aggressive reaction - White is trying to immediately take advantage of awkward a5-bishop. Black has to defend against b2-b4. At this point, Black's main reaction is 7...Na6. All the alternatives are examined in Chapter 7. After 7...Na6, White can just follow with 8.Ng3. Since Black's pieces are not well-coordinated now, White accepts the damage to his pawn structure after the exchange on c3. Further analysis proves that by means of natural moves, White can fight for an advantage.
In Chapter 9, Roiz discusses the line 4...b6 5.Nge2 Ne4
An ambitious choice. Black activates his knight and shows intention to strenghten e4 with ...f7-f5.
The main line goes 6.Qc2 Bb7 7.h4!?
A very rare ambitious idea. White not only deprives Black's queen of h4, but also signals that he is interested in pawn storm, while his king will liekly stay on the queenside. In general, White is happy with forcing the exchange on c3, but in some cases he can save a tempo for a2-a3.
The next two chapters examine the ever solid 4...c5 5.Nge2 d5
A healthy approach - Black starts shooting the enemie's centre to make use of the somewhat awkwardly placed e2-knight. After the obvious 6.a3, Black has two choices - 6...Ba5 and 6...Bxc3+.
These lines are extensively covered in Chapters 10 and 11. In both cases, White can rely on a tiny edge.
The next two chapters are dedicated to the position arising after 4...c5 5.Nge2 cxd4 6.exd4 d5 7.c5
This ambitious continuation is White's 2nd choice. At this point, Black's top choice is by far 7...Ne4. All other moves are considered in Chapter 12. The obvious idea, behind 7...Ne4 is spoiling White's pawn structure. Nevertheless, instead of the usual 8.Bd2, Roiz suggests 8.a3. White doesn't fear of doubled pawns because Black will have to give up his important bishop. As a rule, the bishop pair is very effective in asymmetrical pawn structures. Further analysis shows that White has enough resources to put pressure on his opponent. This position is extensively examined in Chapter 13.
Chapter 14 examines Black's sideslines in the position arising after 4...c5 5.Nge2 cxd4 6.exd4
In this chapter, you will find information about the moves 6...Nc6, 6...b6, and 6...Ne4. Although some of the positions are playable for Black, White always can rely on a slight advantage.
The last two chapters examine the line 6...0-0 7.a3 Be7 8.d5
Roiz finds this advance the most promising - it heavily restricts opponent's minor pieces and prevents ...d7-d5. Black's main response is 8...exd5 9.exd5 Re8
A somewhat provocative move. Black allows the paralyzing ..d5-d6 in order to massively attack White's pawn with few pieces. All the deviations from this tabiya are examined in Chapter 15.
At this point, we will opt for 10.d6 Bf8 11.g3. Fianchetto is essenital, but it is very effective as it makes it even tougher for Black to solve development issues. Even when Black manages to take the d6-pawn, White lead in development will provide a strong initiative. This position is extensively analyzed in the last Chapter 16.
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