Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation

Chess players worldwide use the opening move d4 to seize central space and control the board's center. White's d4 is a great first move because it clears the path for the light-squared bishop and prepares an attack on Black's pieces. Playing d4 also prevents Black from getting a pawn to d4, making it possible to control the game. The pawn d4 is the backbone of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Black's move Nf6 is an excellent response to White's move d4 because it immediately stakes a claim to the center of the board. The knight also attacks the pawn on d4, making it harder for White to control the square. By putting the knight on f6, Black is preparing to develop their pieces in a centralized and coordinated manner. Nf6 is a flexible move that allows Black to switch tactics or strategies depending on White's next move.

White's move c4 is a natural follow-up to the pawn move d4 because it also aims to control central squares while simultaneously freeing the queen and knight. By playing c4, White looks to gain space on the board and establish a stronghold in the center, which will offer more mobility and flexibility to their pieces. Additionally, c4 creates a future route for the knight on b1 to jump out to c3, attacking Black's pawn on d5. In sum, c4 is an essential move for White in a wide variety of openings and is an integral part of their strategy for controlling the board.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation, Black's e6 move is a central response that solidifies Black's control over the d5 square and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop. Playing e6 also creates a barrier for White's light-squared bishop and also prevents the knight on f3 from attacking the pawn on d5. By setting up this pawn chain, Black aims to create a strong base from which to launch a counterattack against White's central pawn structure. In sum, e6 is a flexible move that allows Black to continue developing their pieces while simultaneously hindering White's plans.

White's move Nc3 is a natural and logical development move that aims to control the central squares with their knight. Nc3 also prepares the way for the other knight to come to d2 and subsequently be placed on e4 or f3. Additionally, Nc3 supports the pawn on d4 and puts pressure on Black's pawn on e6. By bringing the knight to c3, White also has the option to bring the bishop on c1 out to d3 or e2, influencing the center and counteracting Black's control of the dark squares. In sum, Nc3 is a versatile move that fits into many different opening systems while simultaneously advancing White's development.

Black's Bb4 move is a critical response that puts pressure on White's knight and puts a fork on the queen and knight. Bb4 is a part of the pinning strategy that forces White to either move the knight or trade it off. Additionally, Bb4 prepares the bishop to control the central square of e4, which is strong against White's pawn structure based around d4. By pinning the knight, Black restricts White's development and creates an opportunity to counterattack in the center of the board. In sum, Bb4 is a flexible move that allows Black to react to White's plans while simultaneously continuing the development of their own pieces.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation, White's move Qc2 is a prophylactic move that prevents the knight on c3 from being pinned by the bishop on b4. Additionally, Qc2 indirectly defends the pawn on d4, creating an opportunity for White to push the pawn to d5 in some lines. Qc2 also allows White to potentially double the rooks on the c-file, which can be advantageous in the endgame. By playing Qc2, White also frees the e1 square for the king and prepares to castle on either side of the board. In sum, Qc2 is an important move that aims to solve potential problems for White while simultaneously reinforcing their position in the center.

Black's d5 move is an aggressive attempt to seize space in the center and counter White's control of the board. d5 opens up lines for the bishop on c8 and the queen on d8, and also puts pressure on the pawn on c4 and the knight on c3. Additionally, d5 gains a central square for the knight on f6, which can jump to e4 or d4, putting pressure on White's position. By playing d5, Black improves their pawn structure and gains control over valuable central territory, enabling them to launch an attack against White's position. In sum, d5 is a crucial move that highlights Black's determination to fight for equality in the game.

White's move a3 is a prophylactic move that aims to force the bishop on b4 to reveal its intentions and either retreat to a7 or trade itself for the knight on c3. a3 also prevents the bishop from pinning the knight on c3 by moving it to safety on b3. Additionally, a3 prepares to create a potential escape route for the white king on the queenside via b3 and a2. By playing a3, White secures the queenside and attempts to gain more space and force Black's pieces backwards. In sum, a3 is an important move that aims to restrict Black's mobility while simultaneously improving White's position.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation, Black's Bxc3+ move is a tactical idea that aims to eliminate the white knight on c3, which is defending the pawn on d5. By capturing the knight with the bishop, Black hopes to damage White's pawn structure and gain control of the center of the board. Bxc3+ is also useful because it creates an open b-file for Black's rook and forces White to recapture with the b-pawn, which further weakens their pawn structure. Additionally, Bxc3+ frees up the dark-squared bishop by removing it from the threat of capture by the knight on c3. In sum, Bxc3+ is an aggressive move that aims to disrupt White's position and seize control of the board.

White's move Qxc3 is a logical recapture that aims to regain control of the b4-d6 diagonal and prepare to castle kingside. Qxc3 also leaves the b2 square open for the bishop to move to c4, putting pressure on Black's pawn on d5 and supporting White's central pawn on e4. Furthermore, Qxc3 allows the queen to be brought into play more quickly, with possibilities of targeting the uncastled black king or supporting the advancement of the g-pawn. In sum, Qxc3 is an important move that allows White to regain control of a central file and improve their piece placement without weakening their position further.

Black's Ne4 move is a strong attacking move that aims to put pressure on White's pawns and potentially gain control over the d4 square. By placing the knight on e4, Black puts pressure on White's queen and opens up lines for the bishop on c8. Additionally, Ne4 supports the pawn on d5 and attacks White's weak pawn on c4. By playing Ne4, Black takes advantage of the fact that White's knight on f3 has been moved in order to recapture on c3 and cannot immediately defend against this threat. In sum, Ne4 is a proactive move that aims to create tactical opportunities and seize control of the board.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation, White's Qc2 move is a useful retreat that allows White's queen to escape the pressure of the knight on e4. Qc2 indirectly defends the pawn on d4, prepares for a future kingside castle, and aims to double the rooks on the c-file. Additionally, Qc2 puts pressure on Black's knight and inhibits the possibility of the knight advancing to d6. By playing Qc2, White takes a defensive stance while preparing to strike back with potential counterattacks, and aims to diminish Black's attacking prospects while gaining initiative in the center of the board. In sum, Qc2 is an important move in this line that balances the need for defense and counterattack in a typical Nimzo-Indian setup

Black's Nc6 move is aimed at developing the knight and attacking White's queen on c2. By moving the knight to c6, Black is eyeing the d4 square and preparing to put additional pressure on White's central pawns. Additionally, Nc6 protects the pawn on e5 and prepares to castle kingside. Nc6 also frees the light-squared bishop on c8, which can be developed to f5 or g4 in some lines. By playing Nc6, Black continues to take an aggressive stance in this variation and looks to disrupt White's position while improving their own. In sum, Nc6 is a flexible move that prepares for future development while simultaneously attacking White's central pawn structure.

White's e3 move is a solid attempt to fortify the pawn on d4 and prevent the knight on e4 from gaining control over d2. e3 also prepares for a future central push with d5 and prevents Black's knight on f6 from jumping to d5. Additionally, e3 creates a path for the bishop on c1 to develop to e3 or d2, improving its position and potentially creating a battery on the diagonal. By moving the pawn to e3, White creates a firm structure and prepares to develop their pieces to the optimal squares. In sum, e3 is a prophylactic move that aims to secure the center while preparing for future possibilities in the game.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation, Black's e5 move is a central pawn push that aims to gain additional space and counter White's control of the center. e5 also frees up the light-squared bishop on c8, providing it with an opportunity to be developed to f5 or g4 in some cases. Additionally, e5 challenges White's pawn on d4 and opens up lines for the black pieces, particularly the queen and bishop, to become more active. By playing e5, Black looks to seize control of the center and create new attacking opportunities. In sum, e5 is a strong move that aims to disrupt White's position and create tactical chances.