E21

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4

The Nimzo-Indian Defence is one of the most respected and popular responses to 1.d4. Black pins the knight on c3 with ...Bb4, controlling e4 and creating dynamic imbalances. It leads to rich strategic and tactical positions.

History & Notable Players

Named after Aron Nimzowitsch, the great hypermodern pioneer. It has been a favourite of virtually every World Champion from Capablanca onwards, and remains one of the most important chess openings.

Best Games

Caruana,F vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
12th Sinquefield Cup • 2025★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2024★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs So,W1/2-1/2
11th Sinquefield Cup • 2024★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
86th Tata Steel Masters • 2024★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Le,Quang Liem vs Keymer,Vincent0-1
55th Biel GM Blitz 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Karjakin,Sergey1-0
9th Norway Chess 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Le, Quang Liem1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Bernadskiy,V vs Le Quang Liem0-1
PNWCC Masters WOO 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs So,W1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2019★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Karjakin,Sergey1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Adams,Mi1-0
Moscow Grand Prix 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Adams,Mi1-0
78th Tata Steel GpA • 2016★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Adams,Mi1-0
78th Tata Steel GpA • 2016★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
77th Tata Steel GpA • 2015★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
2nd Sinquefield Cup 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Kramnik,V1-0
2nd Norway Chess 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Timman,J1-0
75th Tata Steel GpB • 2013★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Adams,Mi1-0
3rd London Chess Classic • 2011★ Notable

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