Nimzo-Indian DefenseE46

Normal Variation

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Occupy the center, develop quickly, castle, then pick a wing.

Black's plan

Contest the center before White occupies all of it.

The line, move by move

  1. 1. d4d4 occupies the center.
  2. ... Nf6Nf6 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
  3. 2. c4c4 controls d5.
  4. ... e6e6 controls d5.
  5. 3. Nc3Nc3 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
  6. ... Bb4Bb4 pins an enemy piece against its king, develops the bishop.
  7. 4. e3e3 controls d4.
  8. ... O-OO-O castles short, tucking the king away and connecting the rooks.
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Other major variations

Normal Variation (E46) · Nimzo-Indian Defense · OpeningMate