Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation (variation 8)

A solid and flexible defense for Black against 1.d4, focusing on controlling the center and developing pieces efficiently.

The St. Petersburg Variation is a popular choice for Black in the Nimzo-Indian Defense, aiming to fianchetto the bishop on b7 and create a solid pawn structure. By delaying the capture on c3, Black maintains flexibility in the center and keeps White guessing about their plans. The move ...c5 is a key idea in this variation, challenging White's central pawn on d4 and aiming to open up lines for Black's pieces. The move ...b6 prepares to fianchetto the light-squared bishop, adding pressure to the center along the long diagonal. Black's setup allows for a harmonious development of pieces, with the queen potentially coming to e7 to support the central pawns. Overall, the St. Petersburg Variation offers Black a solid position with good chances for counterplay in the middlegame.