Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation (variation 2)

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

This opening begins with a pawn move to d4, followed by knight to f6 and pawn to c4. Black then plays e6, preparing to fianchetto the bishop on b7. White continues with knight to c3, and Black responds with bishop to b4, pinning the knight on c3. White plays e3 to support the pawn on d4, and Black continues with b6, preparing to fianchetto the light-squared bishop. White then develops the dark-squared bishop to d3, and Black fianchettos the bishop on b7. White's knight moves to f3, continuing development and preparing to castle kingside. This variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense allows Black to control the center and develop their pieces harmoniously, setting the stage for a balanced and strategic middlegame.