E34

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa 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

Woodward,Andy vs Gelfand,B0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 20 • 2020★ Notable
Tang,Andrew vs Le Quang Liem0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 12 • 2020★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
80th Tata Steel GpA • 2018★ Notable
Kasparov,G vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
5th Norway Chess 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
8th Tal Memorial • 2013★ Notable
Anand,V vs Kramnik,V1-0
WCh • 2008★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Anand,V0-1
Amber Blindfold • 2005★ Notable
Barsov,A vs Beliavsky,A1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Touzane,O vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Gelfand,B1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2001★ Notable
Dao Thien Hai vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Dreev, Alexey vs Adams, Michael1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. g/25+10 • 1999★ Notable
Dreev, Alexey vs Adams, Michael0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. g/15+10 • 1999★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Short, Nigel D0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1999★ Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Speelman, Jonathan S1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1999★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Kramnik, Vladimir1/2-1/2
Linares16th • 1999★ Notable
Dreev, Alexey vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Herraiz, Herminio vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam1/2-1/2
Wch U18 • 1996★ Notable
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Anand, Viswanathan1/2-1/2
Amber-blind 5th • 1996★ Notable

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