ECO code: E31
Opening Name: Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad, Main Line, 7.e3 Bxc3+
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5 d6 7. e3 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3
FEN: rnbqk2r/pp3pp1/3ppn1p/2pP4/2P4B/2P1P3/P4PPP/R2QKBNR b KQkq - 0 8
Description: In this Nimzo-Indian Leningrad variation, White develops actively with Bg5 and maintains tension in the center. After 7.e3, Black chooses to exchange on c3 with 7...Bxc3+, doubling White’s c-pawns but surrendering the bishop pair. This move is characteristic of Black’s strategic aim to inflict structural weaknesses on White, hoping to leverage the bishop pair and central control later.
Characteristic of 7...Bxc3+: This capture is a thematic Nimzo-Indian idea that seeks to damage White’s pawn structure by doubling the c-pawns, potentially creating long-term targets. Black balances this by gaining pressure on the center and maintaining flexible pawn breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, the setup is somewhat positional and flexible, preparing to solidify the center and utilize the bishop pair advantage. For Black, the move is a proactive, strategic decision aiming to undermine White’s center and pawn structure, which can lead to active counterplay.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively: White with pawns on d5 and e3, and Black with pawns on c5 and d6. The opening engages in a strategic battle over central squares rather than immediate direct attacks.
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, Main Line, 7.e3 Bxc3+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #24 black