E49

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System

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

Hakobyan,Aram vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 18 • 2020★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Short, Nigel D0-1
Linares • 1990★ Notable
Sarana,A vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
45th Olympiad 2024 • 2024
Gukesh,D vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
Superbet ROM Classic 2024 • 2024
Royal,Shreyas vs Gukesh,D1/2-1/2
13th London Classic 2023 • 2023
So,W vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2022 • 2022
So,W vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2022 • 2022
Duda,J vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Julius Baer GenCup Prelim • 2022
Giri,A vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
FTX Crypto Cup 2022 • 2022
Grischuk,A vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Chess.com RCC Wk19 Swiss • 2022
Predke,A vs Gelfand,B1-0
Lindores Abbey Tal Mem • 2021
Duda,J vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
GCT Rapid Croatia 2021 • 2021
So,W vs Duda,J1-0
Goldmoney Asian Prelim • 2021
So,W vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
GCT Blitz Paris 2021 • 2021
So,W vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
GCT Rapid Paris 2021 • 2021
So,W vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
Superbet Classic 2021 • 2021
Duda,J vs So,W1/2-1/2
chess.com Speed 2020 • 2020
Duda,J vs Caruana,F1-0
chess.com Speed 2020 • 2020
Grischuk,A vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
Clutch Chess Showdown Int • 2020
So,W vs Navara,D1/2-1/2
Champions Showdown Blitz • 2019

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