Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bishop Attack

A solid and flexible chess opening for Black, focusing on quick development and control of central squares while provoking doubled pawns for White.

The opening is a popular choice among players of all levels, as it offers a good balance between solid defense and counterattacking chances. Black aims to control the central squares, particularly d4 and e4, by placing their pieces on optimal squares. The key move in this opening is Bb4, pinning the White knight on c3 and potentially doubling White's pawns after a later exchange.

White's main idea is to build a strong pawn center with d4 and c4, while developing their pieces harmoniously. The Bishop Attack, as the name suggests, involves White placing their light-squared bishop on d3, adding more pressure on the central squares and potentially preparing for a kingside attack.

Black's main strategic goal is to provoke weaknesses in White's pawn structure, such as doubled pawns, and then exploit them in the middlegame. This can be achieved by exchanging the dark-squared bishop for the knight on c3, followed by a timely strike with the pawn on c5 or d5.

White, on the other hand, should aim to maintain their central pawn duo and use their space advantage to create threats on the kingside. Properly handling the doubled pawns, if they occur, is crucial for White's success in this opening.

Overall, the opening leads to rich and complex middlegame positions, where both sides have chances for victory. It is a great choice for players who enjoy strategic battles and are comfortable with imbalances in pawn structure.