This is the first game taken from Nimzowitsch’s book My System, it’s only 18 moves long deeming it a miniature but displays a few of the key points which he discusses early on. I never willingly go into the French as Black however as White it is good to have some tools in case Black decides that’s how it will be. Here it is a delayed exchange French where Alapin as Black recaptures with the Queen and looks to break the position with a c5xc4 pawn break. The line is generally very drawish with both Queens coming off, however this game Nimzowitsch doesn’t offer to trade Queens and keeps it more interesting. The position below is the critical moment where White forgoes his Knight and castles Queenside allowing Black to capture the Knight while baiting a trap that leads to Mate.
A Journey of 64 Squares 