Nimzo-Indian Defence

ECO E20–E59 · Level: Advanced · Also known as: Nimzo Indian, Nimzo

The Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight with ...Bb4 to control e4, often trading bishop for knight to damage White's pawn structure. It is one of the most respected defences.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4

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History

Named after Aron Nimzowitsch, the pioneer of the hypermodern school, it has featured in almost every world champion's repertoire.

White's plan

  • Win the bishop pair and play with the centre (Qc2 or e3 systems).
  • Force the bishop trade with a3 and use the doubled c-pawns to support the centre.

Black's plan

  • Control e4 and damage White's pawns with ...Bxc3.
  • Flexible counterplay with ...c5, ...d5 or ...b6-Bb7.

Key variations

Classical (4.Qc2)

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3

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Rubinstein (4.e3)

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O

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Who should play it?

For experienced players who enjoy structural chess, bishop-versus-knight battles and flexible plans.

Frequently asked questions

How can White avoid the Nimzo-Indian?

By playing 3.Nf3; Black then usually chooses the Queen's Indian (...b6) or the Bogo-Indian (...Bb4+).

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Related openings

  • King's Indian Defence — The King's Indian lets White build a big centre first, then counter-attacks with the g7 bishop and the ...e5 and ...f5 pawn breaks.
  • Queen's Gambit — The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4) offers the c-pawn to lure Black's d5 pawn away from the centre.
  • Catalan Opening — The Catalan combines Queen's Gambit structures with g3 and Bg2, creating lasting pressure along the long diagonal.

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