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Explanation
The Spielmann Variation answers the pin, the pressure from the b4-bishop that prevents the c3-knight from moving without exposing the king, by moving the queen to b3. This is written Qb3 in algebraic notation. The queen attacks the bishop directly and may pressure the b7-pawn if the bishop leaves the b-file.
Black has a natural reply: advancing the c-pawn to c5. That pawn attacks White's center and protects the bishop on b4 at the same time. One move meets the threat and creates activity, so White must show that the queen is well placed and will not lose more time by moving again.
The Spielmann seeks an immediate answer to the bishop but exposes the queen before development is complete. Compared with the , which first builds with e3, this variation prioritizes concrete pressure on an advanced piece.
Common confusions
Spielmann and Classical Variation
Both develop the queen early, but b3 attacks the bishop; c2 prepares a recapture on c3 and supports e4.
Sources
- 1.Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Chess.com
- 2.Nimzo-Indian Defense, Chess.com
- 3.Lichess chess-openings dataset: ECO volume E, Lichess