by Nepomniachtchi won this game in less than 30 moves against the master chess strategist Ding Liren, witness the adventure in this Queen’s Pawn Game.
For those who wish to know more about the Anti-Nimzo-Indian (E10) opening, here is some info.
The Anti-Nimzo-Indian (E10) opening is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 followed by a move other than 3…Bb4+.
The most common move in this opening is 3…d5, which leads to the Queen’s Gambit Declined. Other moves that can be played include 3…c5 (the Queen’s Indian Defense), 3…Bb4 (the Nimzo-Indian Defense), and 3…Be7 (the Bogo-Indian Defense).
The Anti-Nimzo-Indian is a popular choice for players who want to avoid the main lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, which can be quite complex and require a lot of theoretical knowledge. By playing a different move on move 3, White can often steer the game into positions that are more to their liking.
This amazing E10 opening can be used in a variety of situations, depending on a player’s preferences and style. A few scenarios where playing this opening might be a good choice:
Avoiding theoretical lines – The main lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense can be quite complex and require a lot of theoretical knowledge. By playing the Anti-Nimzo-Indian, White can often steer the game into positions that are more to their liking and avoid the need to memorize a lot of opening theory.
Surprise value – If a player is known for playing a particular opening or variation, playing the Anti-Nimzo-Indian can catch their opponent off guard and force them to think for themselves from an early stage.
Flexibility – The Anti-Nimzo-Indian can lead to a variety of different pawn structures and strategic themes, which can be appealing to players who like to play flexible, adaptable chess.
Personal preference – Some players simply enjoy playing the Anti-Nimzo-Indian and feel comfortable with the types of positions that arise from it.
One drawback of the Anti-Nimzo-Indian is that it allows Black to play 3…Nxd5, which can simplify the position and give Black an equal game. However, many players are willing to take this risk in order to avoid the complications of the Nimzo-Indian.
Many popular games have been played with this opening, a few to mention are:
Anatoly Karpov vs. Garry Kasparov, World Championship Match (Game 7), 1985 – In this game, Karpov played the Anti-Nimzo-Indian and eventually won a complex and strategically rich game.
Levon Aronian vs. Sergey Karjakin, FIDE World Cup (Round 2.2), 2017 – Aronian played the Anti-Nimzo-Indian and won a brilliant attacking game against Karjakin.
Magnus Carlsen vs. Anish Giri, Tata Steel Masters (Round 9), 2018 – In this game, Carlsen played the Anti-Nimzo-Indian and achieved a comfortable advantage, but the game eventually ended in a draw.
Viswanathan Anand vs. Veselin Topalov, FIDE World Championship Match (Game 2), 2010 – Anand played the Anti-Nimzo-Indian and won a masterful positional game against Topalov.
Vladimir Kramnik vs. Peter Leko, Corus Tournament (Round 4), 2005 – Kramnik played the Anti-Nimzo-Indian and won a fascinating game that featured a pawn sacrifice and a powerful attack on the black king.
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