Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a sophisticated hypermodern opening where Black controls the center with pieces rather than pawns. By pinning the knight on c3, you restrain White's central expansion and prepare to fight for the d5 and e4 squares. The Three Knights Variation is a solid, classical response by White.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common way to start a closed game. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop the queenside pieces. You have several ways to respond, but preventing a quick e4 is usually the top priority.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the most flexible response, preventing White from immediately playing e4 while keeping your options open for various Indian setups or the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, the most ambitious continuation. This move increases central pressure and prepares to develop the knight to c3. Alternatives like the London System or the Trompowsky Attack are popular, but this is the main line.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... e6Black · your move

Slide your e-pawn to e6. This solidifies your d5 square and opens the diagonal for your king's bishop, preparing to challenge White's control of the center through development.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, directly threatening to follow up with e4. This is the most challenging move. White could also try the Catalan with g3 or the Seirawan Attack with Bg5, but this knight move invites the Nimzo-Indian.

Other paths here: g3 (Catalan Opening) · Qb3 (Indian Defense) · g4 (Indian Defense: Devin Gambit) · Bg5 (Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack)

3... Bb4Black · your move

Develop your bishop to b4. This move pins the knight to the king, immediately neutralizing White's threat to play e4 and creating a strategic imbalance that defines the Nimzo-Indian.

Other paths here: b6 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...b6) · c5 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...c5) · d5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation)

4. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, choosing the Three Knights Variation. This is a solid, classical approach. White could also try the aggressive f3 Kmoch Variation or the Spielmann Variation with Qb3 to immediately challenge your bishop.

Other paths here: f3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Kmoch Variation) · Qd3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack) · g3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Romanishin Variation) · Bd2 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.Bd2)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with strategic depth. White will likely aim for a solid setup with e3 and Bd3, while Black often looks to castle quickly and challenge the center with c5 or d5. Both sides must carefully manage the tension created by the pinned knight on c3 and the potential for doubled pawns if Black captures.

• e8-g8 Secure the king to the kingside
• b7-b6 Prepare to fianchetto the queenside bishop
• c1-g5 Pin the knight on f6
• d1-b3 Pressure the bishop and the d5 square