Normal Variation, Botvinnik System
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nc3Bb4
- 4.e3O-O
- 5.Bd3d5
- 6.a3Bxc3+
- 7.bxc3
504 games
Nimzo-Indian line in which White plays 6. a3 against the Classical Defense, taking the bishop pair at once in exchange for doubled c-pawns.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Botvinnik System
In the Botvinnik System, White answers the Classical Defense 5...d5 with 6. a3. After 6...Bxc3+ 7. bxc3, White holds the bishop pair and has accepted doubled c-pawns, a structure related to the Sämisch Variation. White's usual aims are to undouble the pawns with cxd5 and to prepare the e4 break. Black most often releases the central tension with 7...dxc4, while 7...c5 and 7...b6 are the main alternatives. The engine rates the position as balanced.