Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O. White: pawn on c5, pawn on c4, knight on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, queen on c2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, 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, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, knight on f6, bishop on b4.
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O. It is classified E39 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.
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.
This line is a variation within the Nimzo-Indian Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O.
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 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O. Open any of them to load the position on the board.
What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation?
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O. It is classified E39 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: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation 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: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation?
Named continuations include Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Macieja System. There are 1 named variations reachable from this position in total.