Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 O-O 5.Nf3 b6

Before the first move

The Nimzo-Indian is a hypermodern masterpiece where Black pins White's knight to restrain the center. In this Rubinstein System with b6, Black aims to control the critical e4-square using both the bishop on b4 and a second bishop soon to be placed on b7. White seeks solid development and central control.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic systems where you aim for a long-term spatial advantage.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the hallmark of the Indian Defenses. By developing the knight, Black immediately fights for control of the e4-square. Other choices like the Englund Gambit or the English Defense are much riskier and less common at high levels.

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. This move gains more space in the center and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It also puts pressure on the d5-square, making it harder for Black to strike back effectively.

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 chooses e6, preparing to develop the kingside. This move is very flexible; Black might follow up with the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Nimzo-Indian. Alternatives like b6 (the Queen's Indian Accelerated) or the Mexican Defense with Nc6 lead to very different structures.

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 natural square, putting direct pressure on d5 and e4. You are challenging Black to decide how they will contest the center before you commit your other pieces.

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 in chess. Black could have played d5 to enter the Queen's Gambit or c5 for a Benoni-style structure, but the pin is the most principled challenge.

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

Move your pawn to e3. This solidifies your d4 pawn and prepares to develop your light-squared bishop. This is the Rubinstein System, one of the most reliable and deeply studied ways for White to meet the Nimzo-Indian.

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 immediately, a standard and safe continuation. Black has many alternatives here, such as c5 to challenge the center immediately or the Taimanov Variation with Nc6, but castling remains the most popular choice.

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. Nf3White · your move

Bring your knight to f3. This move controls the center, prepares for castling, and keeps your structure flexible. You are waiting to see how Black intends to finish their development before committing your light-squared bishop.

Other paths here: Ne2 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Reshevsky Variation) · Bd3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation) · a3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation)

5... b6Black

Black plays b6, intending to put the bishop on b7. This is a very popular setup that coordinates perfectly with the pin on c3. Black could also strike at the center with c5 or d5, leading to the more classical Ragozin structures.

Other paths here: c5 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 O-O 5.Nf3 c5) · Ne4 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.e3 O-O 5.Nf3 Ne4) · d5 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Ragozin Variation)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with strategic depth. White will likely develop the light-squared bishop to d3 and castle, while Black will place the bishop on b7 to fight for the e4-square. The battle often revolves around whether White can successfully push e4 or if Black's pressure on the c3-knight and the long diagonal will force concessions.

• f1-d3 Develop bishop to its most active square
• c8-b7 Fianchetto bishop to control the long diagonal
• e1-g1 Secure the king and connect the rooks
• f6-e4 Occupy the central hole with the knight