E35

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

Mamedyarov,S vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Le, Quang Liem1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Deac,Bogdan-Daniel vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 19 • 2020★ Notable
Tang,Andrew vs Karjakin,Sergey1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 12 • 2020★ Notable
Duda,J vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
43rd Olympiad 2018 • 2018★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Karjakin,Sergey1/2-1/2
9th London Classic 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates • 2013★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
7th Mikhail Tal Memorial • 2012★ Notable
Bareev,E vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Arab,A vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Barsov,A vs Beliavsky,A1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1-0
Amber-rapid 7th • 1998★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Polgar, Judit1-0
Amber-rapid 4th • 1995★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Short, Nigel D1-0
PCA-World Championship • 1993★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
PCA-World Championship • 1993★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Spassky, Boris V1-0
Linares • 1990★ Notable
Petrosian, Tigran V vs Botvinnik, Mikhail0-1
World Championship 25th • 1963★ Notable
Alekhine, Alexander vs Bogoljubow, Efim1/2-1/2
World Championship 15th • 1934★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Leko,P1-0
FIDE World Cup 2025 • 2025
Mamedyarov,S vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Aimchess Rapid KO • 2022

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