Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation (variation 9)

A solid and flexible opening that aims to control the center and develop pieces harmoniously.

The opening begins with a pawn move to d4, followed by a knight development to f6 and a pawn move to e6. White responds with a pawn move to c4, establishing a strong presence in the center. Black then plays Bb4, pinning the knight on c3 and putting pressure on White's position. After Nf3, Black exchanges bishops on c3, disrupting White's pawn structure. Black continues to develop pieces with a pawn move to b6, preparing to fianchetto the light-squared bishop. White plays e3, reinforcing the center and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop. Black fianchettos the bishop to b7, aiming to control the long diagonal. Both sides castle kingside, completing their development and preparing for the middlegame.