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 Defense: Classical, Noa Variation, 5.a3 Bxc3+
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+
FEN: rnbqk2r/ppp2ppp/4pn2/3p4/2PP4/P1b5/1PQ1PPPP/R1B1KBNR w KQkq - 0 6
The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a highly respected and flexible opening where Black challenges White’s control of the center early by pinning the knight on c3 with the bishop on b4. In the Noa Variation, White plays 4.Qc2 instead of the more common Nc3 or e3, aiming to protect the knight and prepare for recapturing on c3 without doubling pawns.
The move 5.a3 is characteristic because it immediately questions Black’s bishop on b4, forcing Black’s decision to either exchange on c3 or retreat. Black’s response 5...Bxc3+ captures the knight, leading to doubled c-pawns for White but also giving White the bishop pair and potential control over the center.
Characteristics of this move: The check with Bxc3+ is a forcing move that doubles White’s pawns and aims to weaken White’s pawn structure, but in return, White gains open lines and the bishop pair, which can be powerful in the middlegame.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this sequence is partly attacking in nature, as Black seeks to undermine White’s center and create structural weaknesses. White’s 5.a3 is also somewhat attacking, challenging Black’s active bishop and preparing to strengthen central control after recapture.
Center Control: This opening does indeed focus on contesting the center. Black’s early ...d5 and the bishop exchange aim to challenge White’s central pawns, while White seeks to maintain or build a strong pawn center with c4 and d4 supported by the bishop pair.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Indian: Classical, Noa, 5.a3 Bxc3+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian: Classical, Noa, 5.a3 Bxc3+ to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.