Nimzo-Indian Defense (for Black)

The Nimzo-Indian Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4) pins the c3 knight to stop White from pushing e4. It is one of the most respected defenses against 1.d4: flexible, active and full of ideas.

The principle

Black controls e4 with pieces rather than pawns. Black often agrees to trade the bishop for the knight to double White's pawns.

The main line: the Rubinstein Variation

4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.a3 Bxc3 9.bxc3 dxc4 10.Bxc4 Qc7. White has the bishop pair and a mobile center; Black aims at e5 and at the doubled pawns.

Main variations

• Classical Variation: 4.Qc2 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 b6 7.Bg5 Bb7 8.f3 h6 9.Bh4 d5. The queen recaptures on c3 to avoid doubled pawns; Black develops the bishop to b7.
• Sämisch Variation: 4.f3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.dxc5. White wants the whole center; Black attacks the weak pawns.
• Leningrad Variation: 4.Bg5 h6 5.Bh4 c5 6.d5 d6 7.e3. White's bishop pins the f6 knight; the structure resembles a Benoni.

Typical mistakes

With Black, trading the bishop on c3 for no reason: the doubled pawns must really be a weakness. With White, letting Black settle on e4.

Coach's advice

The Nimzo-Indian is an excellent choice to improve your strategy. Remember the pin and the control of e4. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.a3 Bxc3 9.bxc3 dxc4 10.Bxc4 Qc7