E36

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa 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

Radjabov,T vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
10th Norway Chess 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Xiong,Jeffery vs Gelfand,B1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Gordievsky,D vs Le Quang Liem1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 11 • 2020★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Topalov,V1-0
18th Amber Blindfold • 2009★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Ponomariov,R1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2006★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Gukesh,D1/2-1/2
Clutch Chess: Champions • 2025
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Gukesh,D0-1
SuperUnited CRO Rapid 2025 • 2025
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
World Rapid Team 2023 • 2023
So,W vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
American Cup Champ • 2023
Mamedyarov,S vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Aimchess Rapid KO • 2022
Tin,Jingyao vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
44th Olympiad 2022 • 2022
Nakamura,Hi vs Oparin,G1-0
FIDE Grand Prix 3 Pool A • 2022
Carlsen,M vs Radjabov,T1-0
NIC Classic KO 2021 • 2021
So,W vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Skilling Open Prelim • 2020
Karpov,Ana vs Ljubojevic,L0-1
Platja d'Aro Legends Rap • 2019
Mamedyarov,S vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
GCT Blitz YourNextMove • 2018
Ivanchuk,V vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
FIDE World Cup 2013 • 2013
Dubov,Danii vs Timman,J1-0
75th Tata Steel GpB • 2013
Morozevich,A vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
World Blitz • 2009
Ivanchuk,V vs Karpov,Ana1-0
World Blitz • 2009

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