E36
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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
E30 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation87E31 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense64E32 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation1154E33 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Zurich Variation116E34 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation212E35 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation208E37 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation92E38 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation141E39 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Macieja System219
Best Games
Radjabov,T vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
10th Norway Chess 2022 2022Notable
Xiong,Jeffery vs Gelfand,B1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 2021Notable
Gordievsky,D vs Le Quang Liem1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 11 2020Notable
Morozevich,A vs Topalov,V1-0
18th Amber Blindfold 2009Notable
Gelfand,B vs Ponomariov,R1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial 2006Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Gukesh,D1/2-1/2
Clutch Chess: Champions 2025
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SuperUnited CRO Rapid 2025 2025
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
World Rapid Team 2023 2023
So,W vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
American Cup Champ 2023
Mamedyarov,S vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Aimchess Rapid KO 2022
Tin,Jingyao vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
44th Olympiad 2022 2022
Nakamura,Hi vs Oparin,G1-0
FIDE Grand Prix 3 Pool A 2022
Carlsen,M vs Radjabov,T1-0
NIC Classic KO 2021 2021
So,W vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Skilling Open Prelim 2020
Karpov,Ana vs Ljubojevic,L0-1
Platja d'Aro Legends Rap 2019
Mamedyarov,S vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
GCT Blitz YourNextMove 2018
Ivanchuk,V vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
FIDE World Cup 2013 2013
Dubov,Danii vs Timman,J1-0
75th Tata Steel GpB 2013
Morozevich,A vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
World Blitz 2009
Morozevich,A vs Grischuk,A1-0
World Blitz 2009