Chessy
Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad — play it as White
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5, you reach a position that is easy to underestimate. It is Black to move, and the game is still very balanced, so your job is not to force something instantly — it is to handle the next few moves with good development and calm choices. This drill helps you recognise the structure, meet Black’s most popular replies, and avoid drifting into the one known mistake in the position.
Play the Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad against the engine
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Create a free account →What the engine says about the position
Stockfish rates this -0.16, a small plus for Black. That means you are slightly worse here, even though the position is close and very playable. The practical lesson is simple: do not panic, but do not play casually either. In a balanced opening like this, good piece placement and accurate reply choices matter more than trying to win material or launch an attack too early.
Black’s most important choice
The engine’s best move here is c5, and the continuation given is c5 Nf3 h6 Bd2. That is the move you should respect most in the drill, because it is the most exact way for Black to meet your setup. Against this kind of reply, stay focused on development and keep your position flexible. If you understand the ideas behind Black’s central break, you will be much better prepared when the engine throws it at you.
What the database shows
This position has been reached in 856,478 games at Lichess, so there is plenty of practical evidence to work with. The results are almost level: White wins 50.1%, draws 4.1%, and Black wins 45.8%. That tells you the position is a real fighting opening, not a trap line or a forced draw. Your goal as White is to keep the game within familiar, healthy structures and avoid giving Black easy activity.
The replies you will see most often
Several moves appear again and again, and each leads to a slightly different practical battle. The most-played continuations are h6, O-O, Bxc3+, c5, d5, and b6. The results behind them vary, so this is a good opening to train your decision-making rather than memorise one script. In the drill, pay attention to which continuation is being offered and keep your pieces coordinated before choosing your next step.
Watch for the known mistake
There is one named mistake in this position: b6 is an inaccuracy, and it loses about 0.6 pawns; better was c5. That is useful for training because it gives you a concrete punishable move to recognise. If Black plays b6, do not let the chance pass you by — respond with active, sensible development and make the opening complaint matter on the board. Even in a balanced position, a small inaccuracy can give you the easier game.
Results across 856,478 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| h6 | 242,997 | 49.8% |
| O-O | 208,137 | 52.8% |
| Bxc3+ | 124,281 | 51.6% |
| c5 | 116,312 | 42.6% |
| d5 | 74,348 | 51.5% |
| b6 | 33,852 | 49.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad good for White to play?
It is certainly playable. The position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5 is very close to equal, and the database results are nearly balanced. That makes it a sensible opening choice if you want a solid position and a real middlegame fight.
What is Black’s best move in this position?
The engine’s best move here is c5. In the listed continuation, Black keeps the position active and moves toward a very typical Nimzo-Indian structure. In the drill, that is the reply you should be most ready to face.
What are Black’s most common replies after 4.Bg5?
The most-played continuations are h6, O-O, Bxc3+, c5, d5, and b6. Each one appears often enough that it is worth recognising the idea behind it, not just the move itself. The drill is designed to help you become comfortable with all of them.
Is there a mistake I should look for?
Yes: b6 is listed as an inaccuracy, and c5 was better. If you see that move, you should treat it as a chance to gain the easier position. Training that recognition will help you score well in practical games.
How many games feature the Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad?
Over 856K Lichess games have reached the Nimzo-Indian: Leningrad position. White wins 50.1%, Black wins 45.8%, with 4.1% draws — based on real rated games.