The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a popular and flexible opening for Black against 1.d4. It is characterized by the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4, creating immediate pressure on White’s pawn on c4. The opening offers a solid defense and counterattacking opportunities for Black, and has been used by many top players throughout history. With a variety of variations and sub-variations, the Nimzo-Indian Defense is a versatile opening that continues to be played at all levels of chess.

Main line & Variations

Main line

The main line of the Nimzo-Indian Defense is characterized by the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3, where Black responds with 4…0-0 or 4…c5.

After 4…0-0, White has several options. One of the most popular is 5.Bd3, which prepares to castle kingside and potentially create a strong pawn center with e4. Black usually responds with 5…d5, attacking White’s center and preparing to trade pieces in the center. White can respond with 6.Nf3, which prepares to castle kingside and potentially develop the knight to g3 to put pressure on Black’s center. Black can respond with 6…c5 or 6…Nbd7, both of which prepare to further attack White’s center and develop the light-squared bishop.

After 4…c5, White has several options as well. One of the most popular is 5.Nf3, which prepares to castle kingside and potentially develop the knight to g3. Black usually responds with 5…d5, attacking White’s center and preparing to trade pieces in the center. White can respond with 6.cxd5, which opens up the position and potentially weakens Black’s pawn structure. Black can respond with 6…exd5 or 6…Nxd5, both of which develop a piece and attack White’s center.

1. The Rubinstein Variation (4.e3)

The Rubinstein Variation, also known as the Capablanca Variation, is a popular line in the Nimzo-Indian Defense that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3. This move is named after the great Polish chess player Akiba Rubinstein, who used this opening with great success in the early 20th century.

The Rubinstein Variation is a solid and flexible system that allows White to develop his pieces quickly and control the center of the board. The idea behind the move e3 is to support the pawn on d4 and prepare to castle kingside. By avoiding the more aggressive 4.f3, White gives Black less opportunity to counterattack in the center.

After 4…c5, the Rubinstein Variation typically continues with 5.Nge2, a move that prepares to castle kingside and puts pressure on Black’s d-pawn. If Black tries to hold onto the pawn with 5…d5, then White can continue with 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.Nxc3 cxd4 8.exd4 dxc4 9.Bxc4, and he has a slight advantage due to the space advantage and his better pawn structure.

Another option for White is to play 5.a3, the Saemisch Variation, which puts immediate pressure on the black bishop on b4. However, Black can respond with the sharp and aggressive 5…Ba5, attacking the pawn on c4 and preparing to play …b6 and …Bb7 to complete his development.

2. Kasparov Variation (4.Nf3)

The Kasparov Variation is one of the most popular and aggressive responses to the Nimzo-Indian Defense, named after the former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, who employed it extensively in his career. In this variation, White develops the knight to f3 on move 4, rather than playing e3 as in the Rubinstein Variation.

The main idea behind 4.Nf3 is to control the e5 square and prepare for a central pawn break with d4. This variation can lead to complex and tactical positions, often involving the exchange of the dark-squared bishop for the knight on f6.

Black has several options to respond to the Kasparov Variation, including:

1. 4…O-O: Castling on move 4 is a safe and solid option for Black, preparing to develop the queen’s knight and bishop.

2. 4…d5: This is the most direct way for Black to challenge White’s central pawn structure. After 5.exd5, Black can recapture with either the knight or pawn.

3. 4…b6: This is a less common move, but it aims to develop the bishop to b7 and control the long diagonal.

4. 4…e3: This move is called the Ragozin Variation, and it aims to trade White’s strong knight on f3 for Black’s bishop on d6. This can lead to a symmetrical pawn structure, but Black must be careful not to weaken their kingside.

5. 4…Nc6: This move is called the Sämisch Variation, named after German chess player Friedrich Sämisch. It aims to put pressure on White’s pawn on d4 and prepare to develop the bishop to b7.

The Kasparov Variation has been played in many notable games throughout chess history. One famous example is the 1985 World Chess Championship match between Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, where Kasparov used the variation to win a critical game and eventually win the match. Another notable game was between Bobby Fischer and Tigran Petrosian in the 1971 Candidates Tournament, where Fischer played a brilliancy to defeat Petrosian.

3. Clasical 4.Qc2 Variation

The Classical 4.Qc2 Variation is one of the most popular and respected lines in the Nimzo-Indian Defense, and is often used by top-level players. In this variation, White plays the queen to c2 to support the pawn on d4, allowing for the development of the knight on c3 without blocking the c-pawn.

After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2, Black has several options:

1. 4…d5: This move is the most popular and leads to the main line of the 4.Qc2 Variation. Black aims to control the center and equalize the position by trading pawns. After 5.cxd5 exd5, Black has a solid pawn structure and a well-placed bishop on b7.

2. 4…c5: This move is less popular than 4…d5 but is still a playable option. Black aims to undermine White’s center and gain more space. After 5.dxc5 d4 6.a3 Bxc5, Black has a lead in development and control over the center.

3. 4…0-0: This move is a flexible option for Black, allowing for a slower game. Black aims to castle and develop his pieces before making a concrete plan. However, this move allows White to play 5.a3, forcing the bishop to retreat to a7 or b6.

4. 4…b6: This move is a relatively rare option but can be effective in some lines. Black aims to control the b5 square and potentially develop his bishop to b7. After 5.e4 Bb7 6.Bd3, Black can continue with 6…d6 or 6…c5.

In the main line of the 4.Qc2 Variation, Black continues with 4…d5 5.cxd5 exd5. White can choose between several options, including 6.Bg5, 6.Nf3, and 6.e3. Each option leads to a slightly different type of position.

After 6.Bg5, White puts pressure on Black’s knight and threatens to take the pawn on f6. Black can respond with 6…dxc4 or 6…Nbd7, both of which have been played at the highest levels of chess.

After 6.Nf3, White prepares to castle and develop his pieces. Black can respond with 6…dxc4, 6…0-0, or 6…Nbd7.

After 6.e3, White aims to develop his bishop to e2 and castle kingside. Black can respond with 6…dxc4 or 6…Nbd7, both of which lead to complex positions.

The 4.Qc2 Variation is known for its strategic complexity and requires both sides to have a deep understanding of pawn structures, piece placement, and plans for both sides. It has been played in many high-level games, including several World Championship matches, and remains a popular choice for both White and Black.

4. Samisch Variation (4.f3)

The Samisch Variation (4.f3) of the Nimzo-Indian Defense is a sharp and aggressive line that aims to disrupt Black’s central control and quickly develop the light-squared bishop to put pressure on Black’s kingside.

After the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4, White plays 4.f3. The idea is to prevent Black from playing …d5 and gaining control over the center with their pawns. By pushing the f-pawn, White wants to challenge Black’s pawn on e4 and gain more space on the kingside.

One of the main responses for Black is 4…d5, which leads to very sharp and complicated play. White often follows up with 5.a3, attacking the bishop on b4 and forcing it to move. Black has several options, including retreating the bishop to a5, c5, or d6. After 5…Ba5, White can play 6.b4, attacking the bishop again, and then continue with 7.c5, gaining more space and further restricting Black’s pawn breaks.

Another common response for Black is 4…0-0, allowing White to capture on e4 with their knight. Black can then play 5…d5, aiming to gain control over the center, or 5…c5, putting pressure on White’s center.

White can also play 5.g3, transposing into the Saemisch Variation of the King’s Indian Defense, or 5.e4, transposing into the Ragozin Defense.

The Samisch Variation is a very dynamic and aggressive line that requires careful play from both sides. It can lead to sharp and complex positions where tactical skill and calculation are crucial. Some of the world’s best players, such as Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, and Viswanathan Anand, have employed the Samisch Variation with great success in their games.

5. Leningrad Variation (4.Bg5)

The Leningrad Variation (4.Bg5) of the Nimzo-Indian Defense is a popular and aggressive option for White. It was named after the Soviet city of Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) where it was frequently played by local masters in the 1920s and 30s.

In this variation, White develops the bishop to g5, pinning Black’s knight on f6 and posing an immediate threat to capture it and double Black’s pawns. Black has a few options to respond to this pin, including playing h6 to force the bishop to retreat or capturing on c3 to remove the defender of the bishop.

The main line of the Leningrad Variation continues with 4…O-O 5.e3 d5. This move allows Black to control the center with a pawn on d5 and frees up the knight on c6. After 6.Nf3, Black has a few options, including capturing on c3 or playing 6…b6 to prepare to fianchetto the bishop on b7.

The Leningrad Variation can lead to sharp and complex positions with chances for both sides. White’s bishop on g5 can be a strong attacking piece, but it can also be vulnerable to tactics and forced to retreat. Black’s pawn on d5 gives them a solid center and potential counterplay, but it can also become a target for White’s pieces.

6. Saemisch Variation (4.a3)

The Saemisch Variation, not to be confused with the Samisch Variation above, also known as the Kmoch Variation, is a relatively rare line in the Nimzo-Indian Defense that begins with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3. This move prevents the pin of the knight on c3 and prepares for b2-b4, controlling the b5-square.

The Saemisch Variation was named after the German chess player Friedrich Saemisch who played this line in the 1920s and 1930s. It has been used by several top players including Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand.

After 4.a3, Black has a few different options:

1. 4…Bxc3+ After 5.bxc3, White has the option of playing with a queenside pawn majority, but Black has a solid position with a central pawn majority. This line is not considered to be the most challenging for Black.

2. 4…Be7 This move is a useful waiting move, preparing to castle kingside and avoiding the exchange on c3. However, it allows White to continue with 5.e4, occupying the center and potentially gaining a tempo with an attack on the bishop.

3. 4…a5 This move prevents b2-b4 and prepares for the expansion with b7-b6 and c7-c5. However, it weakens the b5-square and can allow White to play Nb1-d2-c4.

4. 4…d5 This move is a principled response, occupying the center and preparing to take on c4 with the pawn. However, it also allows White to take control of the d5-square with 5.e4.

The Saemisch Variation can lead to complex and dynamic positions, where both sides have chances for an attack. It is not as common as some of the other variations in the Nimzo-Indian Defense, but it can be a useful surprise weapon for White.

7. The Petrosian Variation (4.e3)

The Petrosian Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense is named after the former World Chess Champion Tigran Petrosian. It arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3. The Petrosian Variation is a flexible system that aims to put pressure on Black’s center and restrict their pieces. It also allows White to develop their pieces without creating too many pawn weaknesses.

One of the main ideas behind the Petrosian Variation is to control the d5-square, which is often a key square for Black’s pieces. By playing e3, White prepares to put a pawn on d4 and restrict Black’s pieces. After the move 4…0-0, White can play 5.Bd3, which prepares to put a knight on e2 to further control the d4-square.

Black has several options to meet the Petrosian Variation. One popular option is 4…d5, which aims to challenge White’s control of the center. After 5.Nf3, Black can either take on c4 or play 5…0-0, transposing into a main line of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Another option for Black is 4…c5, which aims to create counterplay on the queenside. White can respond with 5.Nge2 or 5.a3, both of which aim to restrict Black’s pieces and maintain control over the d5-square.

The Petrosian Variation can also lead to positional play where both sides aim to improve their pieces and control the center. In some variations, White may try to create a pawn chain with pawns on e3 and d4, while Black may aim to trade off White’s light-squared bishop with …Bxc3 and create a queenside majority.

Overall, the Petrosian Variation is a flexible and solid option for White in the Nimzo-Indian Defense. It allows White to control the center and restrict Black’s pieces while also allowing for a variety of pawn structures and plans.

8 . Unusual Fourth Moves

There are some unusual fourth moves that White can play that may catch Black off guard and lead to interesting and unique positions.

1. 4.h3 - The Hübner Variation

This move is named after the German Grandmaster Robert Hübner, who used this line with success in the 1970s and 1980s. The idea is to prevent the pin of the knight on c3 and also create some space for the king’s bishop. However, this move can also be seen as a waste of time as it does not contribute to White’s development.

Black can respond with 4…d5, which leads to an open game where both sides can attack each other. Alternatively, Black can play 4…Nf6, which puts pressure on the e4 pawn and prepares to castle kingside.

2. 4.Bd2 - The Keres Variation

Named after the Estonian Grandmaster Paul Keres, this move is an attempt to delay the development of the knight on c3 and to avoid the pin. The bishop on d2 can also support the e3 pawn and prepare to castle queenside.

Black can respond with 4…Nf6, which is the most common move. White can continue with 5.Nc3 or 5.Nf3, depending on their plans. Black can also play 4…d5, which leads to an open game similar to the Hübner Variation.

3. 4.g3 - The Romanishin Variation

This move is named after the Ukrainian Grandmaster Oleg Romanishin, who used this line with success in the 1970s and 1980s. The idea is to fianchetto the bishop on g2 and control the center with pawns.

Black can respond with 4…d5 or 4…Nf6, depending on their plans. White can also play 5.Bg2, preparing to castle kingside and develop their pieces.

Overall, these unusual fourth moves can catch Black off guard and lead to unique positions on the board. However, they are not considered the most popular or best moves for White, and Black can respond with accurate play to equalize the position.

Notable Games

There are many notable chess games where the Nimzo-Indian Defense was played. Here are a few examples:

1. Capablanca vs. Nimzowitsch, New York 1927

In this game, Nimzowitsch played the Nimzo-Indian Defense and Capablanca responded with the Rubinstein Variation. The game was a sharp battle, with Nimzowitsch sacrificing a pawn for counterplay. In the end, Nimzowitsch emerged victorious.

2. Fischer vs. Spassky, Game 3, Reykjavik 1972

In this World Championship match, Spassky played the Nimzo-Indian Defense and Fischer responded with the 4.Qc2 Variation. Fischer played a strong novelty on move 13, sacrificing a pawn for a strong attack. Spassky was unable to defend against Fischer’s attack and resigned on move 41.

3. Kasparov vs. Karpov, Game 18, World Championship Match 1985

As mentioned above in the Kasparov variation section. In this game, Kasparov played the Nimzo-Indian Defense and Karpov responded with the Rubinstein Variation. The game was a tense battle, with Kasparov sacrificing a pawn for initiative. In the end, Kasparov emerged victorious, demonstrating his incredible attacking prowess.

4. Anand vs. Topalov, Game 12, World Championship Match 2010

In this game, Topalov played the Nimzo-Indian Defense and Anand responded with the Rubinstein Variation. The game was a sharp battle, with both players sacrificing pawns for counterplay. In the end, Anand emerged victorious, securing his World Championship title.

5. Carlsen vs. Anand, Game 2, World Championship Match 2014

In this game, Anand played the Nimzo-Indian Defense and Carlsen responded with the 4.f3 Variation. The game was a sharp battle, with both players sacrificing pawns for counterplay. In the end, Carlsen emerged victorious, demonstrating his incredible tactical skills.

These games demonstrate the many different ways in which the Nimzo-Indian Defense can be played, and the incredible tactical and strategic battles that can arise from this opening.