E45

Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation, Fischer Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3

The Rubinstein System (4.e3) is the most solid approach to the Nimzo-Indian. White accepts the potential doubled pawns in exchange for the bishop pair and solid development.

History & Notable Players

One of the most important variations in chess theory. The Hübner, Fischer, and Keres variations all arise from this move order.

Best Games

Nakamura,Hi vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
12th Norway Chess 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Smyslov, Vassily1-0
World Championship 21th • 1957★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Smyslov, Vassily1/2-1/2
World Championship 21th • 1957★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Smyslov, Vassily1/2-1/2
World Championship 21th • 1957★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Smyslov, Vassily1-0
World Championship 20th • 1954★ Notable
Botvinnik, Mikhail vs Bronstein, David I0-1
World Championship 19th • 1951★ Notable
Duda,J vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
Superbet ROM Classic 2025 • 2025
Duda,J vs Dragnev,Valentin1/2-1/2
45th Olympiad 2024 • 2024
So,W vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
SuperUnited CRO Rapid 2024 • 2024
Nakamura,Hi vs Caruana,F0-1
12th Norway Armageddon • 2024
Timman, Jan H vs Kortschnoj, Viktor0-1
Dortmund • 1994
Speelman, Jonathan S vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Linares • 1991
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Timman, Jan H1-0
KRO m • 1991
Rechlis, Gad vs Adams, Michael1/2-1/2
Manila Interzonal • 1990
Saeed, Saeed Ahmed vs Timman, Jan H1/2-1/2
Taxco Interzonal • 1985
Lombard, Andre vs Larsen, Bent0-1
Biel Interzonal • 1976
Portisch, Lajos vs Fischer, Robert James1/2-1/2
Siegen olm • 1970
Szabo, Laszlo vs Keres, Paul1/2-1/2
Bamberg • 1968
Portisch, Lajos vs Spassky, Boris V1-0
Moscow • 1967
Portisch, Lajos vs Fischer, Robert James0-1
Santa Monica • 1966

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