Nimzo-Indian Defense: Dilworth Gambit

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a hypermodern masterpiece where Black controls the center with pieces rather than pawns. By pinning White's knight, you create immediate pressure. The Dilworth Gambit is a sharp, provocative variation where White offers the e4-pawn to seize central space and quick development.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common alternative to e4. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop their pieces behind a solid pawn wall. You have many ways to respond, but the most flexible and popular choice is to develop a knight to challenge White's control immediately.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from immediately playing e4 and keeps your options open for several different defensive setups. It is the most principled way to meet the Queen's Pawn Opening, preparing for a fight over the crucial e4 and d5 squares.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, expanding their central influence and preparing to develop the queen's knight. This is the standard follow-up to d4. White could try the Canard (f4) or the Tartakower Attack (g3), but c4 is the most ambitious try for a long-term advantage in the center.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. This solid move opens the diagonal for your king's bishop and prepares to challenge the center. It is a very flexible choice that can lead to the Queen's Gambit Declined or, as we will see, the Nimzo-Indian Defense depending on White's next move.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, threatening to take full control of the center with e4. This is the main line of the Queen's Pawn Game. White could also choose the Catalan (g3) or the Seirawan Attack (Bg5), but the knight move is the most direct way to contest the center.

Other paths here: g3 (Catalan Opening) · Qb3 (Indian Defense) · g4 (Indian Defense: Devin Gambit) · Bg5 (Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack)

3... Bb4Black · your move

Slide your bishop to b4 to pin the knight to the king. This is the defining move of the Nimzo-Indian Defense. You are neutralizing White's control of the e4 square and creating immediate tactical problems. If White isn't careful, you will damage their pawn structure on c3.

Other paths here: b6 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...b6) · c5 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...c5) · d5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation)

4. e4White

White plays e4, the sharp Dilworth Gambit. Instead of the more common Kmoch Variation (f3) or the Mikenas Attack (Qd3), White sacrifices a pawn to seize the center. You must now decide whether to capture the pawn and weather the storm or continue with solid development.

Other paths here: f3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Kmoch Variation) · Qd3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack) · g3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Romanishin Variation) · Bd2 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.Bd2)

Where you stand

The position is highly unbalanced and tactical. Black usually accepts the gambit with Nxe4, leading to a complex struggle where Black has an extra pawn but White has significant central space and attacking prospects. Both sides must play accurately: White will aim for a kingside attack, while Black will try to consolidate and exploit the doubled pawns.

• f6-e4 Capture the central pawn and accept the gambit.
• d1-c2 Develop the queen to pressure the knight.
• e8-g8 Secure the king before the center opens.
• f1-d3 Develop the bishop to an active diagonal.