Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 c5 5.Ne2 d5

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Indian is one of Black's most reliable defenses against the Queen's Pawn Opening. In this Rubinstein variation, White uses the knight on e2 to avoid doubled pawns on the c-file, while Black immediately challenges the center with a double pawn strike to create a complex, strategic struggle for both sides.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, setting the stage for a solid positional game.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most popular way to meet the Queen's Pawn. By controlling e4, you keep White guessing. Other moves like d5 lead to the Queen's Gambit, while sharper tries like the Englund Gambit or the Dutch Defense offer different flavors of play.

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

2. c4White · your move

Move your pawn to c4. You are building a powerful pawn duo in the center that gains space and prepares to develop your knight behind it to support the d4-square.

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 that prepares for the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Nimzo-Indian. You're keeping your center flexible. Some players prefer the King's Indian setup with g6 or the Benoni with c5, but e6 is the hallmark of classical reliability.

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 square for the knight, putting direct pressure on d5 and supporting the e4 push, though it invites Black to pin the piece.

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

3... Bb4Black

Black replies with Bb4, entering the Nimzo-Indian Defense. By pinning the knight, you create immediate strategic problems for White. If Black had played d5 instead, we would be in a Queen's Gambit, but this approach is much more provocative.

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. e3White · your move

Push your pawn to e3. This move, known as the Rubinstein System, solidifies your d4 pawn and prepares to develop your kingside, prioritizing a safe and sturdy structure over aggressive expansion.

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

Black strikes back with c5. This is a thematic reaction in the Nimzo-Indian, fighting for central space. Black could also castle or play b6 to fianchetto the other bishop, but c5 is the most direct way to challenge White's setup.

Other paths here: Nc6 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System, Taimanov Variation) · b6 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation) · O-O (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation) · d5 (Keres Variation, Nimzo-Indian)

5. Ne2White · your move

Bring your knight to e2. This is the point of the Rubinstein variation; if Black captures on c3, you can recapture with the knight to keep your pawn structure perfectly intact.

Other paths here: Bd3 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 c5 5.Bd3) · Nf3 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 c5 5.Nf3)

5... d5Black

Black plays d5, leading to a very rich and complex position. You have challenged both of White's central pawns. Alternatively, Black could have played cxd4 to simplify the center immediately, but d5 keeps the most tension on the board.

Other paths here: cxd4 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 c5 5.Ne2 cxd4 6.exd4)

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of tension. White will likely try to kick the bishop with a3, while Black must decide whether to trade on c3 or maintain the pin. Both sides have achieved solid development, and the battle will revolve around the changing central pawn structure and the activity of the minor pieces.

• a2-a3 Challenge the bishop on b4
• e2-c3 Recapture on c3 with the knight
• c5-d4 Resolve central tension through exchanges
• e8-g8 Ensure king safety before the center opens