Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack, White plays 1. d4 to control the center and develop their pieces. By advancing the d-pawn two squares, White indirectly supports their pawn on c4 and puts pressure on Black's e4 square, limiting the scope of Black's knight. This move also opens up the possibility of playing e4 in the future, further reinforcing White's control over the center. In sum, 1. d4 is a solid and classical opening move that lays the foundation for White's future plans.

After 1. d4 by White, Black plays Nf6 to control the center and develop their knight. By placing the knight on f6, Black prepares to attack White's pawn on e4 if White chooses to play it. Moreover, Nf6 puts pressure on White's pawn on d4, potentially forcing it to move and allowing Black to occupy the center. This move is also a common response to 1. d4, showcasing Black's intention to fight for control of the board from the very beginning of the game. In sum, Nf6 is an effective and standard move in response to 1. d4.

After 1. d4 Nf6, White plays c4 to further control the center and develop their pieces. This move reinforces White's grip on the d5 square, as the c-pawn supports the d4-pawn. Additionally, c4 opens up a diagonal for White's queen to develop, putting pressure on Black's position. This move can also serve as the beginning of White's plans for a Queenside attack, as it allows the bishop on c1 to be developed outside the pawn chain. In general, c4 is a strong move that expands White's control over the board and sets the stage for future strategic plans.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack, Black plays e6 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 to control the central square d5 and prepare to develop the bishop on c8. By playing e6, Black creates a solid pawn chain, protecting the d5 pawn and limiting the scope of White's pawn on c4. This move also prepares the way for Black's light-squared bishop to be developed to b7 or e6, further reinforcing control over the center. Moreover, e6 can also serve as the initial move in Black's plans to launch a counterattack on the Queenside. Generally, e6 is a flexible and solid move that puts Black in a good position to counter White's developments.

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White plays Nc3 to further control the central squares and develop their pieces. This move puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5 and supports White's pawn on e4, which can often become weak in certain variations of the Nimzo-Indian Defense. Nc3 also prepares the way for White's bishop to be developed to d3 or b5, adding extra pressure to Black's position. Additionally, Nc3 can serve as the prelude to White's plans for a Kingside attack, by allowing the knight to be developed towards the Kingside. In general, Nc3 is a logical and flexible move that continues to develop White's pieces while putting pressure on Black's position.

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3, Black plays Bb4 to attack White's knight and put pressure on White's control over the central squares. By pinning the knight to the queen, Black creates a potential threat to capture the knight and further weaken White's control over the center. Moreover, Bb4 develops the bishop to an active square, adding more minor piece pressure on White's position. Additionally, Bb4 can serve as the beginning of Black's Queen-side counterplay, by targeting the c3 pawn and preparing Queenside castle. In general, Bb4 is a natural and aggressive move that creates tactical opportunities and adds pressure to White's position.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack, White plays Qd3 after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 to prepare for a possible exchange of the dark-squared bishops. By placing the queen on d3, White indirectly supports the e4 pawn, and prepares to take back with the queen in the event of an exchange. This move can also serve as a way to further develop the queen and prepare for future strategic plans. Moreover, Qd3 can also discourage Black from playing the central break d5, as it would allow White to quickly double their pawns on the d-file. In general, Qd3 is a solid and flexible move that can be used in several different variations of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.