The Nimzo-Indian Defense, Reshevsky Variation, initiates with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Ne2. This setup is characterized by White seeking a solid structure with pawn advancements and piece development while Black opts for controlling the center indirectly and complicating the pawn structure. In this position, White has played an unusual ♙5. Ne2 rather than the more common 5. Nf3. This move blocks the f1-bishop, but prepares a future pawn push without committing the knight to c6.
Best Moves
The Opportunistic ♙d5
The move ♙d5 is critical as it aims to challenge White's center and open lines for the Black pieces. By playing ♙d5, Black looks to take advantage of White's passive knight on e2. This move can lead to the exchange of central pawns, paving the way for piece mobilization. It also fits into the strategy of threatening to break the center or potentially transition to a pawn minority attack on the queenside, depending on White's response. This follows a similar plan seen in the Simagin Variation.
The Flexible ♖Re8
♖Re8 places the rook on the e-file which supports central and kingside play, and indirectly aims to acquire control of the center. By opting for ♖Re8, Black's plan is to potentially push ♙e5 in the future, challenging White’s center while maintaining solid defensive prospects.
Important Alternatives
The Solid ♙c6
♙c6 is another solid choice for Black, aiming to reinforce the center and prepare for potential central pawn breaks. This move also supports the dark-squared bishop after potential future maneuvers to c5 or b6, and prevents any pesky knight incursions on d5 by White’s knight moves, like ♙f3.
Critical Mistakes
The Overambitious ♙e5
While not listed amongst the best moves, the hypothetical ♙e5 merits discussion as an overambitious mistake that could appear appealing. Pushing ♙e5 allows White to eliminate Black's stronghold with ♙axb4, further opening the position and potentially leading to backward pawn weaknesses and lines for White's bishop pair, especially if the center opens up rapidly, rendering Black's d6 bishop passive.
Conclusion
In the Nimzo-Indian Defense, Reshevsky Variation, Black’s choices of ♙d5 and ♖Re8 offer both an opportunity to challenge and control the white central pawns while maintaining a solid, flexible structure. It's vital for Black to maintain central tension while developing pieces harmoniously. The central focus, pawn breaks, and maintaining piece activity remain the essence of playing against the Reshevsky setup efficiently. Evaluating alternative plans such as ♙c6 also showcases Black’s versatility in the opening, all while maintaining a readiness to adjust to White's strategic maneuvering.