Nimzo-Indian Defense
ECO Code: E20
Overview
The Nimzo-Indian Defense is one of the most respected openings in chess, where Black develops the bishop to b4, pinning White's knight and creating pressure on the e4 square. It's known for its rich strategic possibilities and complex middlegame positions.
Main Line
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4Key Strategic Themes
- Bishop pin on knight
- Control of e4 square
- Queenside expansion
- Central tension
- Minority attack
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Bishop pressure
- Queenside expansion
- Central control
- Minority attack
- Endgame advantages
Main Variations
Rubinstein Variation
ECO: E41-E59
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3The main line of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, where White develops the bishop to e3, creating a solid pawn structure.
Key Ideas:
- Control of e4 square
- Queenside expansion
- Minority attack
- Central tension
- Piece coordination
Typical Plans:
- Minority attack on queenside
- Central pawn breaks
- Kingside counterplay
- Piece pressure on long diagonal
- Endgame advantages
Common Traps:
Rubinstein Trap
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 Nbd7 9.Qe2 Nb6 10.Bb3White exploits Black's exposed knight position with a tactical bishop move.
Sämisch Variation
ECO: E80-E89
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3A sharp line where White plays 4.f3, creating a strong pawn center but weakening the kingside.
Key Ideas:
- Pressure on e4 square
- Queenside counterplay
- Central tension
- Piece pressure
- Tactical opportunities
Typical Plans:
- Queenside expansion
- Central counterplay
- Piece coordination
- Minority attack
- Endgame advantages
Common Traps:
Sämisch Trap
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.dxc5 f5 9.e4White exploits Black's exposed knight position with a tactical pawn move.
Quick Facts
- ECO Code: E20-E59
- Popularity: Very Common
- Difficulty: Advanced
- First Played: 1914
- Named After: Aron Nimzowitsch
Famous Practitioners
- Aron Nimzowitsch
- Bobby Fischer
- Anatoly Karpov
- Garry Kasparov
- Magnus Carlsen
Recommended Resources
Books
- "The Nimzo-Indian Defence" by John Emms (2014)
Online Courses
Related Lines
Classic Games
Bobby Fischer vs Boris Spassky
1972
A brilliant display of Nimzo-Indian Defense strategy in the World Championship.
Study Game →Garry Kasparov vs Anatoly Karpov
1985
A classic game showcasing the power of the Nimzo-Indian Defense in the World Championship.
Study Game →