ECO code: E00
Opening Name: Queen's Pawn: Anti-Nimzo-Indian, 3...d5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. a3 d5
Description: This line is an Anti-Nimzo-Indian approach where White tries to avoid the Nimzo-Indian Defense by playing 3.a3, preventing Black's Bb4 pin. Black responds directly with 3...d5, challenging White’s central control immediately.
Characteristic of the Move: The move 3...d5 is a direct and classical strike at the center, aiming to contest White’s pawn on d4 and gain space. Unlike the usual Nimzo-Indian moves that focus on piece pressure and flexibility, this move leads to a structure resembling the Queen’s Gambit Declined.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, 3...d5 is an attacking move in the sense that it actively challenges White’s center and seeks equality or counterplay early. For White, the position remains balanced, but White must be ready to respond to central tension, often adopting a flexible stance.
Center Control: This opening clearly attacks the center. Black contests central squares immediately, leading to a battle for central dominance where both sides can develop harmoniously.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn: Anti-Nimzo-Indian, 3...d5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #7 black