I like to play the nimzo-indian but, 1.d4 nf6 3.c4 e6 3.a3!? . Any offbeat suggestions.?

Question

I like to play the nimzo-indian but, 1.d4 nf6 3.c4 e6 3.a3!? . Any offbeat suggestions.?

Answer 1

this is a solid line, i wouldn't look for off beat stuff here. Try more volatile lines, like Sicilian, I've found that can get pretty wild, and stay away from slower ones like Semi Slav...

Answer 2

Non-developing moves like 3. a3 are generally not very productive.  The earlier suggestion to head for a Queen's Indian is good, as is 3..., d5, which most likely would lead to a variation of Queen's Gambit Declined where 3. a3 is a complete waste of time.

White has the advantage of the first move, and so can frequently get away with wasting a move or two without serious disadvantage.  However, 3. a3 does nothing at all to put pressure on Black's development.  To me it seems to indicate that White has an unfounded fear of facing the Nimzo-Indian defense.  If someone played it against me, I would be very happy.  Psychologically it would tell me that my opponent is too worried about what I might do to develop threats of his own.

Answer 3

3. ...  c5 transposing to the benoni with an extra tempo is definitely what your looking for.  In the sharp play of this system whites a3 is a complete waste of time.

Answer 4

Not in the Nimzo, you want weird king pawn stuff.

Answer 5

Off beat, not really, I'd head for the Queens Indian

3....b6

4. Nc3   Ba6

and see how your opponent does.