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Chess Openings - Nimzo Indian Defense
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Previous position

Nimzo Indian Defense

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

Named after Aron Nimzovich, Black's last move stops White from playing e4. It also threatens to ruin White's pawn structure by exchanging the Bishop on b4 for the Knight on c3. This will weaken the Pawn on c4 which can no longer be protected by another Pawn. White has many possible responses, including ignoring the threat.

4.Qb3

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3

4.a3

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3

4.Bg5

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5

4.Qc2

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2

4.e3

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3

For more about the 4.e3 variations, see Opening Tutorial : Nimzo Indian Defense - 4.e3 (offsite).

Example game(s)

1951 Moscow Botvinnik M. - Bronstein D. E43
1950 Beverwijk Euwe M. - Kramer H. E22

(Back to initial position.)