The Complete Chess Course From Beginning To Winning Chess! (2016)

Book Seven

How to Play the e-pawn Openings

Nimzovitch Defense

This is another mediocre defense that has little to recommend it. The immediate development of Black’s queen knight (1…Nc6 in answer to 1.e4) is untimely, and generally leaves White with a substantial lead in development.

(a) 2…d5 Variation

Nimzovitch Defense

White - Black

1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 (D)

Position after 2…d5

White can now push by with 3.e5, but this allows Black to develop comfortably with 3…Bf5. Hence White prefers to try a different way.

3.Nc3 e6

After 3…dxe4, White disrupts his opponent’s position with 4.d5!. Then on 4…Ne5 he can either stop to regain his pawn, or else play a gambit for rapid development with 5.f3!.

4.Nf3 Bb4 5.e5 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Na5

Now White has excellent attacking prospects.

7.a4 Ne7 8.Bd3 b6 9.Nd2! c5 10.Qg4 c4 11.Be2 Nf5 12.Nf3

White has all the play and a clear initiative. His dark-square bishop can take up a strong position at a3.

(b) 2…e5 Variation

Nimzovitch Defense

White - Black

1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 e5 3.dxe5 Nxe5 4.Nc3 Bc5

Another way is 4…Nf6 after which White gets the upper hand with 5.f4 Nc6 6.e5 Ng8 7.Nf3 d6 8.Bb5 etc.

5.f4 Ng6 6.Nf3 d6 7.Bc4 Be6 8.Qe2 Bxc4 9.Qxc4 Qd7 10.f5

White’s pieces are actively posted and his position holds out great promise. Black’s forces are scattered and no good plan of development is available.