ECO code: E20
Opening Name: Nimzo-Indian: 4.f3 c5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 c5
Description: The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a popular and flexible response to 1.d4, with Black pinning the knight on c3 to exert pressure on White's center and queenside. In this line, White plays 4.f3, a move aimed at supporting the central e4 push and preparing to build a strong pawn center. Black immediately challenges the center with 4...c5, striking at White’s d4 pawn and contesting central control.
Characteristic of 4.f3: This move is a direct attempt by White to reinforce the center and prepare for e4, indicating an aggressive stance to claim spatial advantage. However, it slightly weakens White's kingside and delays development of the kingside pieces.
4...c5 by Black: This is a thematic counterattack move in the Nimzo-Indian, putting immediate pressure on White’s central pawns and aiming to undermine White’s intended pawn center before it can become too dominant.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the move 4.f3 is an attacking approach to establish a strong pawn center and prepare for a central breakthrough with e4. As Black, 4...c5 is an attacking move aimed at challenging White’s center and opening lines for counterplay.
Center Control: This opening line is very much about control of the center. White aims to build and maintain a strong pawn center with f3 and e4, while Black actively attacks this center with c5 and pressure on the d4 pawn. The battle for central dominance is a key theme here.
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 Nimzo-Indian: 4.f3 c5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 black