1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Nimzo-Indian, Sämisch Variation
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3ECO E24–E29
White forces the trade of Black's bishop for the knight with 4.a3, accepting doubled c-pawns in return for the bishop pair and a big pawn centre. A committal, ambitious line: White plays for a central pawn roller and kingside attack, betting the two bishops outweigh the structural damage.
Key ideas
- The doubled c-pawns support a broad centre (c3-d4-e4) that White wants to advance with f3 and e4.
- White's bishop pair and space are the compensation; Black targets the c4/doubled-pawn weaknesses and plays …c5, …Nc6, …Na5.
- A classic imbalance — bishops and centre versus structure — that rewards understanding over memorisation.
Who it suits
Players who like the bishop pair and a big centre, and don't fear a damaged pawn structure.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Nimzo-Indian, Sämisch Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
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