E27

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4

The Nimzo-Indian Defence is one of the most respected and popular responses to 1.d4. Black pins the knight on c3 with ...Bb4, controlling e4 and creating dynamic imbalances. It leads to rich strategic and tactical positions.

History & Notable Players

Named after Aron Nimzowitsch, the great hypermodern pioneer. It has been a favourite of virtually every World Champion from Capablanca onwards, and remains one of the most important chess openings.

Best Games

Carlsen,M vs Karjakin,Sergey1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Linares • 1990★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Tal, Mihail1/2-1/2
World Championship 23th • 1960★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Morozevich,A1-0
World Blitz • 2009
Mamedyarov,S vs Alekseev,Evgeny1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008
Mamedyarov,S vs Eljanov,P1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008
Topalov,V vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
Sparkassen Final • 2002
Bronstein, David I vs Geller, Efim P1-0
URS-ch28 • 1961
Duda,J vs George,Kevin1-0
Titled Tue 8th Apr Late • 2025
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Kvaloy,Aksel Bu1-0
Fagernes GM Open Aut 2022 • 2022
Carlsen,M vs Yoo,Christopher Woojin1-0
Julius Baer GenCup Prelim • 2022
Salem,AR vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Titled Tue 9th Aug Early • 2022
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Madaminov,Mukhiddin1-0
President of UZB Prizes • 2021
Semcesen,D vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
5th Lublin Union Mem GM • 2013
Mamedyarov,S vs Naiditsch,A0-1
World Blitz • 2009
Wiersma,E vs Timman,J0-1
7th Staunton Memorial GM • 2009
Abergel,T vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
4th ch-EU • 2008
Mamedyarov,S vs Fedorchuk,S1-0
XXIII Rapid Open • 2008
Mamedyarov,S vs Eljanov,P1-0
Aeroflot Open • 2006
Acs,P vs Beliavsky,A1/2-1/2
II Gyorgy Marx Mem • 2004

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