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.
Opening Name: Nimzo-Indian: Romanishin Variation, 4...c5 5.Nf3 cxd4
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. g3 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4
FEN: rnbqk2r/pp1p1ppp/4pn2/8/1bPp4/2N2NP1/PP2PP1P/R1BQKB1R w KQkq - 0 6
The Romanishin Variation of the Nimzo-Indian is characterized by Black’s immediate challenge of White’s center with 4...c5 followed by 5...cxd4. This move aims to undermine White’s central control early, forcing White to make decisions on recapturing and maintaining central presence.
By exchanging on d4, Black seeks active counterplay and rapid development, putting pressure on White’s center. For Black, this approach is generally considered active and attacking, as it challenges White’s setup and opens lines for Black’s pieces.
White’s setup with 4.g3 signals a more positional and flexible approach, often preparing to fianchetto the bishop and maintain a solid grip on the center. White’s play here is slightly more defensive but aims to solidify control over the central squares, especially after recapturing on d4.
Overall, this variation is very much about contesting the center. Black’s early c5 and cxd4 strikes directly at White’s central pawns, making central tension a key theme of the opening. White, on the other hand, aims to maintain or regain central influence while developing harmoniously.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Indian: Romanishin, 4...c5 5.Nf3 cxd4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian: Romanishin, 4...c5 5.Nf3 cxd4 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.