Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.e3 c5 7.Bd3 Nc6

Before the first move

The Saemisch Variation of the Nimzo-Indian is a battle of structure versus activity. White accepts doubled pawns on the c-file to secure the bishop pair and a massive center. You will aim to use your central control to launch a kingside attack, while Black tries to exploit your static pawn weaknesses.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens pathways for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for many powerful systems like the Queen's Gambit or the Indian Defenses.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular way to meet d4. This leads to the vast 'Indian' family of openings. While moves like d5 or e6 are standard, more provocative choices like the Englund Gambit with e5 or the Australian Defense with Na6 also exist.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. This is the hallmark of the Queen's Pawn games, putting pressure on the d5 square and preparing to develop your knight behind the pawn. You are building a broad front to control the center.

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

Black plays e6, a move of high strategic depth. It prepares for the Nimzo-Indian or the Queen's Indian. While Black could try the sharp Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6, e6 remains the gold standard for solidity.

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

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This is the most ambitious development, placing the knight on its most active square where it supports the d4 and e4 pushes. You are daring Black to pin this knight.

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

3... Bb4Black

Black plays Bb4, pinning the knight and entering the Nimzo-Indian. This is one of the most respected defenses at the grandmaster level. Black could also choose the Queen's Gambit Declined with d5 or the Neo-Indian with b6, but this pin is the most testing.

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. a3White · your move

Push your pawn to a3. You are forcing the issue immediately by asking the bishop what it intends to do. This leads to the Saemisch Variation, where you accept doubled pawns in exchange for the bishop pair.

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)

4... Bxc3+Black

Black captures on c3. Retreating with Ba5 is a possible alternative, but most Nimzo players prefer to take the knight and create the doubled pawns. Now the battle lines are clearly drawn between White's bishops and Black's better structure.

Other paths here: Ba5 (Sämisch Variation)

5. bxc3White · your move

Capture back with your b-pawn. You now have doubled c-pawns, which are a long-term weakness, but you have gained the bishop pair and a very strong central presence. Your goal is to use your extra center pawn to roll forward.

5... O-OBlack

Black castles, prioritizing safety. At this junction, Black has several ways to proceed, such as immediately challenging the center with c5 or d5, or preparing a long-term blockade with b6. Castling is the most flexible and safe choice.

Other paths here: b6 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...b6) · c5 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...c5) · d5 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...d5)

6. e3White · your move

Move your pawn to e3. This solidifies your center and opens the path for your light-squared bishop. You are preparing to develop your pieces slowly while maintaining a massive wall of pawns that Black will find hard to break.

Other paths here: f3 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.f3)

6... c5Black

Black strikes with c5, the most principled reaction. Black could also play b6 to prepare a long-term pressure on the c4 pawn, but c5 forces the action in the center. This move highlights the vulnerability of White's doubled pawns.

Other paths here: b6 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.e3)

7. Bd3White · your move

Develop your bishop to d3. This is the ideal square, where the bishop eyes the kingside and supports your central pawns. You are now ready to finish your development and look for attacking chances on the flank.

Other paths here: Ne2 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.e3 c5 7.Ne2)

7... Nc6Black

Black develops the knight to c6, adding a third attacker to the d4 square. Black could also have played b6 here to prepare a6 and Ba6, putting maximum pressure on the weak c4 pawn. The position is now rich with strategic themes.

Other paths here: b6 (Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.e3 c5 7.Bd3 b6)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but extremely sharp. White will likely develop the knight to e2 and look for an e4 push or a kingside storm. Black must maintain the blockade on the c-pawns, often using moves like b6 and Ba6 to target the c4 weakness. Both sides have clear targets and the game will be decided by who handles the pawn structure better.

• g1-e2 Develop knight to e2 to support e4
• e3-e4 Push e4 to seize the center
• b7-b6 Prepare b6 and Ba6 to attack c4
• c8-a6 Maneuver bishop to attack the weak pawn
• f6-e8 Reposition knight to allow f5 break