Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Indian is a highly respected hypermodern defense where Black controls the center using pieces rather than pawns. In the Classical Variation, White uses the queen to avoid doubled pawns, leading to a strategic battle where Black often sacrifices the bishop pair for structural advantages or rapid development.

1. d4White

White opens with d4, the most common alternative to e4. This move immediately stakes a claim in the center and prepares to control the flow of the game. You'll need to decide how to respond to this solid setup.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from immediately playing e4 and keeps your options open for several different defensive setups.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, expanding their central influence. This is the main line, though White can also choose the London System with Bf4 or the Catalan setup with g3. You now have a major choice to make regarding your pawn structure.

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

Push your pawn to e6. This solidifies your control over d5 and opens the diagonal for your king's bishop, preparing for the Nimzo-Indian or Queen's Gambit.

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, threatening to follow up with e4 for a massive center. This is the critical moment where you decide whether to enter the Nimzo-Indian or allow a Queen's Gambit. White could also avoid this with Nf3 or g3.

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

3... Bb4Black · your move

Pin the knight by moving your bishop to b4. This is the defining move of the Nimzo-Indian, neutralizing White's control of the e4 square through a direct pin.

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. Qc2White

White plays Qc2, the most popular response. By overprotecting c3, White hopes to gain the bishop pair without structural damage. Other systems like the Rubinstein (e3) or the Kasparov Variation (Nf3) lead to very different pawn structures.

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... c5Black · your move

Strike at the center with c5. This move challenges White's d4 pawn immediately and opens lines for your queen to enter the game on the queenside.

Other paths here: b6 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...b6) · d6 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...d6) · O-O (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...O-O) · Nc6 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Zurich Variation)

5. dxc5White

White takes on c5, entering the Pirc Variation. This is a concrete approach that forces you to react. White could also play e3 to keep the center closed or Nf3 to continue developing naturally.

Other paths here: e3 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...c5 5.e3) · Nf3 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...c5 5.Nf3)

5... O-OBlack · your move

Castle your king to safety. By castling now, you complete your kingside development and prepare to recapture the c5 pawn under more favorable circumstances.

Other paths here: Bxc3+ (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Steiner Variation) · Bxc5 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...c5 5.dxc5 Bxc5) · Na6 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...c5 5.dxc5 Na6) · Nc6 (Nimzo-Indian: Classical, 4...c5 5.dxc5 Nc6)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of tension. White has the bishop pair and a space advantage, but Black is ahead in development and has a very safe king. Black will look to recapture the c5 pawn and pressure the center, while White will try to complete development and utilize their long-term advantage of the two bishops.

• b4-c5 Recapture the pawn to restore material balance
• a2-a3 Put the question to the bishop on b4
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and prepare to castle
• d7-d5 Challenge the center and open the position