Top-Level Repertoire against the Nimzo-Indian Defence - Part 1
We are happy to present the first Modern Chess course by GM Pier Luigi Basso - Top-Level Repertoire against the Nimzo-Indian Defence - Part 1.
The repertoire suggested by GM Basso revolves around 4.Qc2.
This is probably White's most ambitious variation against the Nimzo-Indian Defence. Besides avoiding positions with doubled pawns, White takes control of the important e4-square. Actually, with his last move, White creates the positional threat of e2-e4.
In the first part, GM Basso will deal with the moves 4...0-0, 4...b6, 4...Nc6, and 4...h6. The moves 4...c5, 4...d6, and 4...d5 will be examined in the second installment of this repertoire against the Nimzo-Indian Defence.
The current database consists of 12 theoretical chapters, 4 annotated model games, 14 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (4h Running Time).
Theoretical Preview
The starting position of the current repertoire arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2
This is the starting position of the Classical or Capablanca variation. Historically, this variation is connected to the idea of gaining the bishop pair without ruining the pawn structure (for example after a3-Bxc3-Qxc3). However, as we will see, there are different ways of approaching the position, and very often, thanks to Qc2, White can quickly play e2-e4. The pioneers of this variant were Akiba Rubinstein and the third world champion José Raul Capablanca. From the 1940s onwards, this opening was partially abandoned in favor of 4.e3. It will return to high-level tournaments again in the 1990s, thanks also to the efforts of the Russian GM Alexey Dreev, currently considered the leading expert of the variant. In recent years, among the elite players, it will be Mamedyarov who will give a new interpretation to the variant.
Black's most important option, which is examined in the current database, is 4...0-0.
In the course, you will find the following alternatives: 4...b6, 4...Nc6, and 4...h6.
The move 4...b6 is very fashionable nowadays, often played by those with Black who want to try to unbalance the position to try to play for a win.
The critical position is this line is being reached after 4...b6 5.e4 c5 6.d5 Qe7 7.Nge2 exd5 8.exd5 d6 9.Bd2 0-0 10.0-0-0 Ng4! 11.Be1
This position has been discussed in a number of high-level games. In the database, you will find how to create practical problems for Black.
The main position of the so-called Zurich Variation arises after 4...Nc6 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bd2 0-0 7.a3 Bxc3 8.Bxc3
In this strategic variation, your understanding is more important than your knowledge of concrete theory. GM Basso proves that White's bishop pair and space advantage give him every chance to count on a small advantage.
The move 4...h6 introduces the so-called Krysa Variation. In fact, it could be a useful waiting move as it prevents Bg5 ideas. After the moves 5.e4 c5, the author suggests 6.dxc5!? which is a novelty. In the course, you will learn how to fight for an advantage in the arising fresh positions.
Against 4...0-0, Basso suggests 5.e4.
This is definitely the most ambitious move. The good news is that compared to the lines 5.a3 and 5.Nf3, 5.e4 requires much less study on the part of White.
Even though the author covers 5...d6 as well, 5...d5 has always been considered the main line.
We reach an important crossroads after the moves 6.e5 Ne4 7.Bd3 c5 8.Nf3 cxd4 9.Nxd4
At this point, Black's most popular option is 9...Nd7. Recently, however, Pavel Eljanov introduced the continuation 9...f5!? which is subject to in-depth analysis in the course.
The critical position for the entire variation arises after 9...Nd7 10.Bf4 Qh4! (10...Ndc5 is a more positional approach, but a one that White should be happy to face) 11.g3 Qh5 (11...Qh3?! is dubious but it's very important to know how to meet it) 12.0-0 g5
This is the critical position of the line. Black needs to be very well prepared, while White should show some creativity to pose new problems to the opponent. The last chapter provides an in-depth investigation of this position.