Why bother with the Nimzo?

Why bother with the Nimzo?

Only Chess

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.

e

Joined
19 Nov 05
Moves
3112
15 May 07

I know a lot of Nimzo players also play the QID after Nf3. Some of them even like the QID more. So, I don't really see the problem with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6 3. Nc3 (Nf3 transposes) Bb7 Although, almost no one plays this, so I'm sure there's some problem.

i

Joined
26 Jun 06
Moves
59283
15 May 07

im not sure, but wikipedia has some great info

HM

São Paulo, Brazil

Joined
28 Dec 05
Moves
7191
16 May 07
1 edit

4. e4 is the reason no one plays it.

e

Joined
19 Nov 05
Moves
3112
16 May 07

Originally posted by Heroic Metool
4. e4 is the reason no one plays it.
Well, I don't see how that would work. Can't black just capture e4?

a

Joined
26 Oct 06
Moves
11724
16 May 07

Originally posted by jvanhine
im not sure, but wikipedia has some great info
Does anyone know who writes those detailed wikipedia articles on openings? They give references at the end; are they paraphrasing, quoting or making stuff up? It'd be funny to see those authors revealed as a 1400 bum like myself.

Like the tennis racquet salesman in Seinfeld 😉

e

Joined
19 Nov 05
Moves
3112
16 May 07

Originally posted by allostery
Does anyone know who writes those detailed wikipedia articles on openings? They give references at the end; are they paraphrasing, quoting or making stuff up? It'd be funny to see those authors revealed as a 1400 bum like myself.

Like the tennis racquet salesman in Seinfeld 😉
Anyone can contribute to Wikipedia. Thus, it can be a 1400 or a 2400 for all we know.

g

Kalamazoo, MI

Joined
30 Dec 06
Moves
9215
16 May 07

Originally posted by Heroic Metool
4. e4 is the reason no one plays it.
?

HM

São Paulo, Brazil

Joined
28 Dec 05
Moves
7191
16 May 07

Wait, you're doing it without e6? Nevermind then, I'm stupid. >_>

g

Kalamazoo, MI

Joined
30 Dec 06
Moves
9215
16 May 07

Originally posted by exigentsky
I know a lot of Nimzo players also play the QID after Nf3. Some of them even like the QID more. So, I don't really see the problem with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6 3. Nc3 (Nf3 transposes) Bb7 Although, almost no one plays this, so I'm sure there's some problem.
Because you are committing to a queenside fianchetto BEFORE white plays Nf3. This is actually called the Queen's Fiancheto defense . I prefer the normal continuation as it allows Bb4.

e

Joined
19 Nov 05
Moves
3112
16 May 07

Originally posted by giantrobot
Because you are committing to a queenside fianchetto BEFORE white plays Nf3. This is actually called the Queen's Fiancheto defense . I prefer the normal continuation as it allows Bb4.
OK, sure, if you want to have the chance to play the Nimzo, this doesn't work. However, if you want to avoid theory and just get a good position, what is wrong with this? It feels suspicious, but I can't put my finger on it.

c

Joined
02 Feb 06
Moves
8557
16 May 07

Originally posted by exigentsky
OK, sure, if you want to have the chance to play the Nimzo, this doesn't work. However, if you want to avoid theory and just get a good position, what is wrong with this? It feels suspicious, but I can't put my finger on it.
It's playable, for sure, it'd probably just transpose to a hippo or something. Of course, black gives up the center and has virtually no control since he hasn't played e6 or d6.

e

Joined
19 Nov 05
Moves
3112
16 May 07

Originally posted by cmsMaster
It's playable, for sure, it'd probably just transpose to a hippo or something. Of course, black gives up the center and has virtually no control since he hasn't played e6 or d6.
Can you elaborate on how Black gives up the center? Why can't he play e6 later?

Joined
21 Jun 06
Moves
82236
16 May 07
1 edit

Originally posted by exigentsky
I know a lot of Nimzo players also play the QID after Nf3. Some of them even like the QID more. So, I don't really see the problem with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6 3. Nc3 (Nf3 transposes) Bb7 Although, almost no one plays this, so I'm sure there's some problem.
3...Bb7 looks a bit unflexible as black often put the bishop on a6 in many lines of the QID

RS

Under ur ChessBoard!

Joined
12 Feb 07
Moves
2944
16 May 07

Originally posted by exigentsky
I know a lot of Nimzo players also play the QID after Nf3. Some of them even like the QID more. So, I don't really see the problem with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6 3. Nc3 (Nf3 transposes) Bb7 Although, almost no one plays this, so I'm sure there's some problem.
because qid is boring....i stick with the nimzo or bogo indian..almost the same ideas

V

Joined
21 Sep 05
Moves
27507
16 May 07

Originally posted by bikingviking
3...Bb7 looks a bit unflexible as black often put the bishop on a6 in many lines of the QID
I agree.

The dilema of many openings is that to play them best from an objective point-of-view means maintaining flexibility where possible. i.e. we can best meet our opponent's options if we keep our own options open.

However, from a practical point-of-view, this may involve learning more theory; understanding a wider variety of typical middlegames; etc.

So, it may depend on how you balance playing objectively versus being practical/economic.