Ask Coach Jessica: The Nimzo Indian, Classical Variation

Good day ChessKids! There are a lot of great questions on our forum. Many of you have questions about the opening. In general, I suggest just doing CDC and not becoming too overwhelmed with the plethora of possible openings you might have to memorize. Nevertheless, I would be happy to show you a great game played by an amazing former World Champion Garry Kasparov.

CapableCobra asked about the Nimzo-Indian Defense, so here you will see some ideas for both White and Black. Kasparov is rated more than 200 points higher than his opponent, and as usual, doesn't give him a chance! That does NOT make the opening bad. Tons of people play it and the chances are fairly evenly split, statistically speaking, between White winning, Black winning, or drawing. By, Mrs Jessica E Prescott (aka BoundingOwl).

The Nimzo-Indian is an opening for Black, if White allows it! White must start with 1. d4 and Black will play 1...Nf6. Watch below.

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The idea in the Nimzo is that Black will attack the center with pieces, pin the knight on c3, and if he exchanges bishop for knight, creates doubled pawns for White (which can be a weakness later on). 4.Qc2 avoids doubled pawns, but means White will be slower to castle.

Here is Kaspy's game! He has White. Click on the arrows and read the comments!
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Black resigned! If the queens are traded, White will be up a lot of pawns.

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What if ...Kh8?
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What if ...Kh7?

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Superb! I hope you enjoyed this Nimzo-Indian game with the great attacker Kasparov. Remember that all openings have pros and cons; try a few out and see what suits you best. The Nimzo-Indian can give Black great chances in response to 1.d4. What do you like best about it in your games? Send me your questions here!

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