NImzo Indian themes

lets explore the Nimzo Indian defense again.

A famous game played by Nimzowitsch in 1926 !

And here's how Hikaru managed to beat Magnus later on this game

Clearly Hikaru has done his homework in this variation until at least move 20 !

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a very important game played in Riga Grand Swiss Open where GM Oparyin won with Black against russian champion Vitiugov. Note 11..Kd7 by Black

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Now let me show you a few typical moves and themes you encounter in the Nimzo defense (aka Nimzowitsch or Nimzo Indian)

The previous game was including a3 by White, and Black gave up the bishop pair. 4 Qc2 is very popular. Let's see a classic game on the White side, won by Magnus Carlsen against Radjabov.

So clearly Black should be prepared against Qc2 lines. Here are a few motifs and ideas.

What would you play with Black in the next diagram ?

POSITION I

and next position, still Black to play, what are the possible moves ?

POSITION 2:

Position 3: Black to play, is there a nice move for Black

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SOLUTIONS

Position 1: ..b7-b5! and if white takes, you capture the d5 pawn

Position 2: ..c7-c6 comes to mind to undermine White's center. But..a5-a4 or again ..b7-b5 are also logical with similar theme.

Position 3: ..Nd4! because if White takes the knight, you will open the e-file and capture the bishop on e2 with Bd3 at the end of the variation