Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is one of Black's most reliable responses to the Queen's Pawn Game. In the Spielmann Variation, White brings the queen out early to b3 to challenge your bishop on b4 immediately. This creates a sharp battle for the center where White aims for the bishop pair while you focus on rapid development and piece activity.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, a move that immediately stakes a claim in the center and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop. While e4 is just as common, d4 leads to more strategic, closed positions where understanding pawn structures is key.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from playing e4 immediately and keeps your options open for several different defensive setups against the d4 pawn.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, the standard follow-up to d4. By challenging d5, White prepares to build a large pawn center. You might also see White try the London System with Bf4 or the Fianchetto with g3 at this stage.

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 opens the diagonal for your king's bishop to enter the game, preparing for the Nimzo-Indian setup.

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, intending to dominate the center with e4. This invitation to the Nimzo-Indian is the main line, though White could also choose the Catalan with g3 or the Seirawan Attack with Bg5.

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, neutralizing White's control over the e4 square through piece pressure.

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. Qb3White

White plays Qb3, the Spielmann Variation. By attacking the bishop, White avoids the doubled pawns that often occur in the Nimzo-Indian. White could also try the Rubinstein with e3 or the Three Knights with Nf3.

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 tense and strategically rich. White has gained the bishop pair if Black chooses to trade on c3, but Black is ahead in development. Black will typically strike at the center with c5 or d5, while White will look to consolidate their space advantage and utilize their long-term power of the two bishops.

• c7-c5 Strike at the center with c5
• b4-c3 Trade the bishop for the knight
• g1-f3 Develop the kingside knight naturally
• e1-g1 Secure the king via kingside castling