Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Smyslov Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Qe7. White: bishop on c4, pawn on d4, knight on c3, pawn on e3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, queen on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, knight on f6, pawn on c5, bishop on b4.
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Smyslov Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Qe7. It is classified E54 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.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Qe7.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Smyslov Variation?
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Smyslov Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Qe7. It is classified E54 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: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Smyslov Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Qe7. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Smyslov 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.