Nimzowitsch in chess
Have you played the Nimzowitsch Defense? The Nimzo-Indian Defense? Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack? Nimzowitsch Variation of the French? Nimzowitsch Variation of the Sicilian? Nimzowitsch System in the English?
One of the most important players and writers in chess history, Aron Nimzowitsch, was born on November 7, 1886. A true chess pioneer, Nimzowitsch revolutionized the game with his contributions to hypermodern chess theory. “My system”, Nimzowitsch defense, Nimzo-Indian, the “Immortal Zugzwang Game” are just a few of his brainchildren.
Aron Nimzowitsch was a leading figure in the Hypermodern movement, which emphasized controlling the center with pieces rather than occupying it with pawns. Several important chess openings and variations bear his name.
1. Nimzowitsch Defense (1. e4 Nc6)
- Moves:
1. e4 Nc6 - An unorthodox defense to 1.e4.
- Black immediately controls the d4 square and may follow up with d5 or e5.
- Can transpose into the Nimzowitsch Variation of the Scandinavian Defense (after 2. d4 d5).
2. Nimzo-Indian Defense
- Moves:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 - One of the most respected and deeply analyzed defenses against 1.d4.
- Black pins the knight on c3, controlling the center indirectly and preparing to double White’s pawns after …Bxc3+.
- Typical ideas: …d5, …c5, and …b6 with flexible piece play.
- Variations include:
- Classical Variation (4. Qc2)
- Rubinstein System (4. e3)
- Leningrad Variation (4. Bg5)
- Kmoch Variation (4. f3)
- Samisch Variation (4. a3)
3. Nimzowitsch–Larsen Attack (1. b3)
- Moves:
1. b3 - A flank opening popularized by both Nimzowitsch and later Bent Larsen.
- White fianchettos the queenside bishop to control e5 and influence the center indirectly.
- Can transpose into English or Réti-type structures.
4. Nimzowitsch Variation of the French Defense
- Moves:
1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 - In some lines of the Advance French, this is called the Nimzowitsch Variation.
- Black pressures d4 and undermines White’s center.
5. Nimzowitsch Variation of the Sicilian Defense
- Moves:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 - Sometimes called the Nimzowitsch Counterattack, where Black immediately challenges the e4 pawn.
6. Nimzowitsch System in the English Opening
- Moves:
1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. e4 - Leads to dynamic, flexible play where White may transpose into a reversed Nimzo-Indian setup.
7. Nimzowitsch Defense (vs. 1. e4) — Alternative Name
- Moves:
1. e4 Nc6 - Sometimes further subdivided into:
- Nimzowitsch Defense Proper (1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5)
- Kennedy Variation (1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d6)
- Declined System (1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 Nf6)
Would you like me to include the main ideas and plans for each of these openings (e.g. pawn structures, typical piece maneuvers, and strategic goals)? I can make a compact reference table or chart for study.