Nimzo-Indian Defense: Romanishin Variation

Before the first move

The Romanishin Variation of the Nimzo-Indian is a sophisticated blend of classical and modern ideas. White aims for a kingside fianchetto to exert long-range pressure, while Black uses the bishop on b4 to pin the knight and challenge the center. It leads to strategic battles where piece placement and pawn structure are paramount.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common alternative to e4. This move signals a preference for closed, strategic battles rather than open tactical melees. Black has many ways to respond, but the most popular is to develop the kingside knight to prevent White from following up with a quick e4.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the most flexible response to d4, controlling the e4 square and preparing to fight for the center. It keeps your options open, allowing you to choose between several different defensive setups depending on White's next few moves.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, the cornerstone of the Queen's Gambit and Indian systems. By attacking d5 from the flank, White seeks to dominate the middle of the board. Other tries like f4 (Canard) or g3 (Tartakower) are rarer and less direct than this classical expansion.

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

Move your pawn to e6. This solidifies your control over d5 and prepares to develop your dark-squared bishop. It is a quiet but essential move that sets up the Nimzo-Indian or Queen's Indian structures, depending on how White proceeds.

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, developing a piece and threatening to seize the center with e4. This is the main line, though White could also choose the Catalan with g3 or the Seirawan Attack with Bg5. By playing Nc3, White invites the Nimzo-Indian, one of the most respected defenses in chess.

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 against the king. This is the defining move of the Nimzo-Indian. You are neutralizing White's pressure on e4 and preparing to trade your bishop for the knight to damage White's pawn structure if necessary.

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. g3White

White plays g3, the Romanishin Variation, opting for a kingside fianchetto. This is a sophisticated alternative to the more common 4.e3 (Rubinstein) or 4.Qc2 (Classical). White aims for a solid setup where the bishop on g2 will eventually challenge Black's control of the dark squares.

Other paths here: f3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Kmoch Variation) · Qd3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack) · Bd2 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.Bd2) · Nf3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. Black will likely castle soon and challenge the center with d5 or c5. White will develop the bishop to g2 and the knight to f3, aiming for a solid setup. The battle revolves around whether White's bishop pair can eventually outweigh Black's better pawn structure if the bishop on b4 trades for the knight on c3.

• e8-g8 Castle kingside to ensure king safety.
• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to the long diagonal.
• d7-d5 Strike at the center with d5.
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to its most natural square.