Leningrad 4.Bg5: ...h6, ...c5 and ...d6 is variation 5 of 6 in the Nimzo-Indian Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO E31). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 …. White pins the f6-knight and answers ...c5 with d5. Black opens the e-file with ...exd5, builds a solid ...d6 structure and uses the e5-square for a knight. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – Black develops.
2. c4 – White gains space.
2... e6 – Prepares ...Bb4.
3. Nc3 – White prepares e4.
3... Bb4 – Pins the knight.
4. Bg5 – The Leningrad: White pins Black's knight in return, so it cannot easily go to e4.
4... h6 – Black asks the bishop a question: keep the pin with Bh4 or give up the bishop.
5. Bh4 – White keeps the pin.
5... c5 – Black hits d4; White's usual answer is to gain space with d5.
6. d5 – White grabs space and cramps Black's knight on b8.
6... d6 – A solid move: Black fixes the centre on dark squares, away from Black's light-squared bishop, and prepares ...exd5.
7. e3 – White supports d5 indirectly and opens the f1-bishop.
7... exd5 – Black opens the e-file and gives the c8-bishop more scope.
8. cxd5 – White recaptures toward the centre with the c-pawn, keeping the d5-wedge.
8... Nbd7 – The knight heads for e5, a fine central square that White cannot easily attack with pawns.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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