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+ 6. Qxc3
FEN: rnbqk2r/ppp2ppp/4pn2/3p4/2PP4/P1Q5/1P2PPPP/R1B1KBNR b KQkq - 0 6
Characteristic of this move: The move 5.a3 challenges Black's bishop on b4, forcing it to decide whether to exchange or retreat. By playing 5...Bxc3+, Black chooses to double White's c-pawns early, aiming to weaken White’s pawn structure and long-term center control. This exchange is a thematic Nimzo-Indian idea to create structural imbalances.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, the early a3 and recapture with the queen is somewhat assertive, aiming to maintain central tension and avoid structural damage from a bishop exchange on c3. For Black, the decision to exchange on c3 is a proactive, attacking choice to undermine White’s center and create targets. Overall, both sides play dynamically, but Black’s 5...Bxc3+ is a strategic attacking move against White’s center and pawn structure.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. Black’s 4...d5 and subsequent exchange on c3 aim to challenge White’s grip on the center, while White maintains a strong pawn presence on d4 and c4. The resulting positions often revolve around central tension and control.
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.