Nimzo-Indian: Reshevsky Variation

Before the first move

The Reshevsky Variation of the Nimzo-Indian is a sophisticated positional battle. White develops the knight to e2 to avoid doubled pawns if Black trades on c3, while Black uses a flexible setup to challenge White's control of the center from the wings.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, setting the stage for a classic queen's pawn opening.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular way to meet d4. By developing the knight, Black maintains flexibility before committing to a specific pawn structure like the Queen's Gambit Declined or the King's Indian.

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

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4. You are building a powerful pawn duo in the center and preparing to develop your knight to c3 without blocking this vital flank pawn.

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, preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop. This is a crossroads: Black could also choose the Queen's Indian with b6 or the sharp Benoni style with c5, but e6 is the most classical approach.

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, putting maximum pressure on d5 and e4, even though it allows 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 plays Bb4, pinning the knight to the king. This prevents White from easily playing e4. Other options like d5 would lead to a Queen's Gambit, but the Nimzo-Indian is more dynamic and counter-attacking.

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 solidifies your d4 pawn and prepares to develop your light-squared bishop, entering the Rubinstein System, one of White's most reliable setups.

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... O-OBlack

Black castles, completing the first stage of development. While Black could play c5 or b6 immediately, getting the king to safety is the most flexible and principled continuation.

Other paths here: Nc6 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System, Taimanov Variation) · c5 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Rubinstein System) · b6 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation) · d5 (Keres Variation, Nimzo-Indian)

5. Ne2White · your move

Bring your knight to e2. This move is the hallmark of the Reshevsky Variation. By placing the knight here, you ensure that if Black captures on c3, you can recapture with the knight to keep your pawn structure intact.

Other paths here: Bd3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation) · Nf3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense) · a3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation)

5... b6Black

Black responds with b6, preparing to develop the light-squared bishop. This is a very targeted plan against White's setup. Black could also try d5 or Re8, but b6 is the most strategically deep response.

Other paths here: Re8 (Nimzo-Indian: Reshevsky Variation) · d5 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Simagin Variation)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with plans. White will likely play a3 to ask the bishop to make a decision, while Black focuses on attacking the c4 pawn or controlling the e4 square. Both sides must balance their development with the specific tactical threats posed by the long-range bishops.

• a2-a3 Challenge the bishop on b4
• c1-b2 Develop bishop to support the center
• c8-a6 Pressure the c4 pawn from a6
• f6-e4 Occupy or control the e4 square