Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation (variation 11)

A solid and flexible defense for Black against the Queen's Pawn Opening, focusing on developing pieces and controlling the center.

The opening begins with a pawn move to d4, followed by knight development to f6 and c4, leading to a bishop pin on the knight with Bb4. White responds by playing Nf3, preparing to fianchetto the king's bishop. Black then plays b6, preparing to fianchetto their own bishop. After e3, Black plays Ne4, putting pressure on the c3 knight. White responds by playing Qc2, defending the knight. Black continues with Bb7, developing the bishop to an active square. White captures the knight on e4, and Black recaptures with the bishop, maintaining control over the center. Black then plays f5, expanding on the kingside and solidifying their pawn structure. Finally, both sides castle kingside, completing their development and preparing for the middlegame.