ECO code: E30
Opening Name: Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad Variation, 4...c5 5.d5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 c5 5. d5
Description: The Leningrad Variation of the Nimzo-Indian arises after Black challenges White’s center with ...c5 on move 4. White’s fifth move, d5, is a characteristic pawn thrust that grabs space in the center and pushes Black’s knight and pieces backward. This move aims to gain spatial advantage and cramp Black’s position early on.
Characteristic: The move 5.d5 is a direct and assertive claim of central space, often leading to a closed structure. It restricts Black’s knight on f6 and seeks to limit Black’s counterplay on the queenside and center.
Playing Style: For White, this is an attacking and space-gaining move in the center, aiming to restrict Black’s activity and prepare for a kingside initiative. Black’s response is typically more defensive and counterattacking, trying to undermine White’s advanced d5-pawn.
Center Control: Yes, this opening variation directly attacks and controls the center. White’s 5.d5 grabs crucial central space, forcing Black to find counterplay on the flanks or by challenging the center later.
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: Leningrad, 4...c5 5.d5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #9 white