Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Botvinnik Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.e3 O-O 8.cxd5 Nxd5. White: pawn on d4, pawn on a3, pawn on c3, pawn on e3, pawn on f3, 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, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, pawn on c5, knight on d5.
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Botvinnik Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.e3 O-O 8.cxd5 Nxd5. It is classified E24 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.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.e3 O-O 8.cxd5 Nxd5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Botvinnik Variation?
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Botvinnik Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.e3 O-O 8.cxd5 Nxd5. It is classified E24 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: Sämisch Variation, Botvinnik Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.e3 O-O 8.cxd5 Nxd5. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Botvinnik 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.