Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Capablanca Variation position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 O-O 8.Ne2 b6 9.e4 Ne8. White: pawn on c4, pawn on d4, pawn on e4, pawn on a3, pawn on c3, bishop on d3, knight on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, knight on e8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on b6, knight on c6, pawn on e6, pawn on c5.
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Capablanca Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 O-O 8.Ne2 b6 9.e4 Ne8. It is classified E29 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 c5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 O-O 8.Ne2 b6 9.e4 Ne8.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Capablanca Variation?
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Capablanca Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 O-O 8.Ne2 b6 9.e4 Ne8. It is classified E29 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, Capablanca Variation?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 O-O 8.Ne2 b6 9.e4 Ne8. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Capablanca 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.