Nimzo-Indian Defense position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. White: pawn on c4, pawn on d4, knight on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, knight on f6, bishop on b4.
Nimzo-Indian Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. It is classified E20 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight with the dark-squared bishop, fighting for the e4 square by controlling it rather than occupying it. It is widely regarded as one of the soundest and most respected answers to 1.d4, and remains a fixture at the highest level.
This position can also be reached by another move order, including 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Nf3.
Strategic character
The central question is whether Black's willingness to trade the bishop for the knight — often doubling White's c-pawns — is worth the structural concession. Black gets long-term pressure on the light squares; White gets the bishop pair and a broad centre.
Who should play it
Players who understand structural imbalances and enjoy positions where a small permanent feature, like doubled pawns, defines the plan for both sides.
Variations continuing from this position
Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.
The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. It is classified E20 in the ECO system. The Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight with the dark-squared bishop, fighting for the e4 square by controlling it rather than occupying it. It is widely regarded as one of the soundest and most respected answers to 1.d4, and remains a fixture at the highest level.
What are the moves of the Nimzo-Indian Defense?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense good for beginners?
Players who understand structural imbalances and enjoy positions where a small permanent feature, like doubled pawns, defines the plan for both sides.
What variations come from the Nimzo-Indian Defense?
Named continuations include Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Dilworth Gambit, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Kmoch Variation, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack. There are 40 named variations reachable from this position in total.