ECO code: E30
Opening Name: Nimzo-Indian Defense, Leningrad Variation, 6.d5 Bxc3+
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5 Bxc3+
Description: In this line of the Nimzo-Indian, White advances with 6.d5, gaining space in the center and pushing Black's knight potential away from the key central squares. Black responds with 6...Bxc3+, exchanging bishop for knight to inflict doubled pawns on White’s c-file. This trade is a characteristic Nimzo-Indian theme aimed at weakening White’s pawn structure in exchange for control over dark squares and dynamic piece play.
Characteristic of the Move 6...Bxc3+: This bishop capture is a strategic decision to damage White's pawn structure early. It is typical in Nimzo-Indian lines where Black accepts structural concessions from White for long-term positional pressure, especially targeting White’s dark squares and the isolated or doubled pawns that may arise.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this move is somewhat aggressive and strategic, aiming to undermine White’s center and pawn structure rather than immediate direct attack. For White, the move 6.d5 is an assertive attempt to seize space and initiative in the center, so White is on the offensive in claiming the center, while Black’s Bxc3+ is a counter-strategy to destabilize White’s setup.
Center Control: This opening phase directly contests the center. White’s 6.d5 is a clear attempt to gain space and control over the center squares, while Black’s moves, including ...c5 and ...Bxc3+, are aimed at challenging White’s central dominance indirectly by pressuring White’s pawn structure and key squares around the center.
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, 6.d5 Bxc3+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #24 black