E33

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Zurich 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

Carlsen,M vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Euwe, Max vs Reshevsky, Samuel Herman0-1
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Euwe, Max vs Alekhine, Alexander1/2-1/2
World Championship 16th • 1935★ Notable
Chasin,Nico vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
15th London Classic Open • 2025
Mamedyarov,S vs Ivanisevic,I1-0
41st Olympiad Open 2014 • 2014
Le Quang Liem vs Megaranto,S1-0
Tata Steel TCh-Asia • 2009
Beliavsky,A vs Short,N1/2-1/2
King's Tournament • 2008
Ljubojevic,L vs Korchnoi,V1/2-1/2
Corus Honorory • 2008
Gelfand,B vs Navara,D1/2-1/2
Match • 2006
Timman, Jan H vs Morozevich, Alexander1-0
Donner mem • 1995
Euwe, Max vs Najdorf, Miguel1/2-1/2
Groningen • 1946
Keres, Paul vs Euwe, Max1-0
NLD m 3940 • 1940
Keres, Paul vs Euwe, Max1-0
NLD m 3940 • 1940
Lasker, Emanuel vs Alekhine, Alexander1/2-1/2
Nottingham • 1936
Keres, Paul vs Alekhine, Alexander0-1
Dresden • 1936
Ivanchuk,V vs Sarabando,Rodrigo Andias1-0
European Rapid 2025 • 2025
Duda,J vs Kamalsyah,Muhammad1-0
Titled Tue 22nd Jul Early • 2025
Tang,Andrew vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Titled Tue 13th May Late • 2025
Giri,A vs Vlassov,N1-0
Titled Tue 11th Mar Late • 2025
Miljkovic,Mir1 vs Caruana,F1-0
Titled Tue 10th Dec Late • 2024

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players