The Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E23. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qb3 c5 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Bd2 Nxd2, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move after seven moves. White has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.
On the Nimzo-Indian Defense generally: One of the most respected defenses to 1.d4. Black pins the knight and fights for central control.
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The Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qb3 c5 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Bd2 Nxd2. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E23.
The Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation is ECO E23. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qb3 c5 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Bd2 Nxd2 at +0.01 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move. White has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black has the bishop pair.