E32
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation
Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2
The Classical Variation (4.Qc2) prevents Black from doubling White's pawns on c3. White maintains structural integrity while developing the queen to an active square.
History & Notable Players
A favourite of Anatoly Karpov and other positionally-minded players.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
E30 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation87E31 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense64E33 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Zurich Variation116E34 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation212E35 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation208E36 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation111E37 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation92E38 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation141E39 - Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Macieja System219
Best Games
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
87th Tata Steel Masters • 2025★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs So,W1-0
45th Olympiad 2024 • 2024★ Notable
So,W vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Abasov,N vs Gukesh,D0-1
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Abasov,N vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
So,W vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Keymer,Vincent1/2-1/2
85th Tata Steel Masters • 2023★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Giri,A vs So,W1/2-1/2
10th Norway Chess 2022 • 2022★ Notable
So,W vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
FIDE Grand Prix 3 Playoff • 2022★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Praggnanandhaa,R1-0
84th Tata Steel Masters • 2022★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Le, Quang Liem vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Caruana,F1-0
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
So,W vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Giri,A vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
82nd Tata Steel GpA • 2020★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs So,W1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2019★ Notable