The St Petersburg Variation arises in the Nimzo-Indian after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 b6 (ECO E43). Black prepares to fianchetto the light-squared bishop on b7, strengthening the grip on the key e4 square.
The idea is to fight for e4 with two batteries at once: the pin by the bishop on b4 and the pressure of the bishop on b7 down the long diagonal. If Black trades the bishop on c3 and plants a knight on e4, the pieces dominate the centre.
A strategically subtle system very much in the spirit of Nimzowitsch's ideas: control of the central squares with pieces rather than pawns.
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It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
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