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 The Nimzo-Indian is an extremely popular and reliable defence, upon which most world champions have relied at some point in their careers. Black controls the vital e4-square with his pieces, and retains total flexibility with his central pawns. By playing 4 f3, White challenges Black's idea head-on. The result is sharp, forcing play of a type that is rare in the early stages of most Nimzo-Indians. The 4 f3 Nimzo enjoyed a period of great popularity in the early 1990s, following a number of spectacular victories by the teenage Alexei Shirov. However, good responses were found and the line's popularity declined. A number of players quietly worked away at revitalizing 4 f3, and it is now once again a potent weapon. Following its period out of the limelight, it has now regained its surprise value, which will be greatly valued by club players wishing to spring 4 f3 on their opponents.

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004 Symbols
005 Introduction

007 1 4...Nc6
015 2 4...0-0
022 3 4...c5
038 4 4...d5
049 5 4...d5 5 a3 Bxc3+
060 6 4...d5 5 a3 Bxc3+ 6 bxc3 c5!
072 7 The Main Line: 8 dxc5!?
100 8 Illustrative Games

126 Index of Variations