ECO code: E30
Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad, 4...c5 5.d5 h6
This variation arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 c5 5. d5 h6. Black challenges White's bishop on g5 early with 5...h6, asking White to decide whether to exchange on f6 or retreat. This move is characteristic of the Leningrad variation, aiming to provoke a weakening of White's dark squares or gain time by forcing the bishop's decision.
From Black's perspective, 5...h6 is a flexible, somewhat provocative move that maintains pressure on White's center and plans to contest control of key squares, especially around d5 and e4. It is a semi-attacking move as Black is preparing to undermine White's center while preventing White’s bishop from pinning the knight too comfortably.
White, on the other hand, is focused on asserting central control with 5.d5, pushing Black’s knight away and gaining spatial advantage. The opening is very much about center control; White tries to dominate the center with pawns, while Black counters by challenging the center and using piece pressure.
In summary, this line features a dynamic struggle over the center: White advances and solidifies space, while Black uses timely piece pressure and pawn breaks to challenge that dominance. The move 5...h6 is a strategic tool for Black to gain the initiative and disrupt White’s plans.
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 h6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 black