Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Stahlberg Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bd2 Nxc5. White: pawn on c4, queen on b3, knight on c3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, bishop on d2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, pawn on e6, knight on c5, bishop on b4.
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Stahlberg Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bd2 Nxc5. It is classified E23 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight with the dark-squared bishop, fighting for the e4 square by controlling it rather than occupying it. It is widely regarded as one of the soundest and most respected answers to 1.d4, and remains a fixture at the highest level.
This position can also be reached by another move order, including 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bd2 Nxc5 8.Qc2 f5 9.g3.
Strategic character
The central question is whether Black's willingness to trade the bishop for the knight — often doubling White's c-pawns — is worth the structural concession. Black gets long-term pressure on the light squares; White gets the bishop pair and a broad centre.
Who should play it
Players who understand structural imbalances and enjoy positions where a small permanent feature, like doubled pawns, defines the plan for both sides.
This line is a variation within the Nimzo-Indian Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bd2 Nxc5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Stahlberg Variation?
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Stahlberg Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bd2 Nxc5. It is classified E23 in the ECO system. The Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight with the dark-squared bishop, fighting for the e4 square by controlling it rather than occupying it. It is widely regarded as one of the soundest and most respected answers to 1.d4, and remains a fixture at the highest level.
What are the moves of the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Stahlberg Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bd2 Nxc5. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Stahlberg Variation good for beginners?
Players who understand structural imbalances and enjoy positions where a small permanent feature, like doubled pawns, defines the plan for both sides.