E46

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3

The Rubinstein System (4.e3) is the most solid approach to the Nimzo-Indian. White accepts the potential doubled pawns in exchange for the bishop pair and solid development.

History & Notable Players

One of the most important variations in chess theory. The Hübner, Fischer, and Keres variations all arise from this move order.

Best Games

Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Aronian,L0-1
12th Sinquefield Cup • 2025★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Keymer,Vincent1-0
87th Tata Steel Masters • 2025★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Praggnanandhaa,R1-0
12th Norway Chess 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Caruana,F vs So,W1/2-1/2
11th Norway Chess 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Ding Liren vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
WCh 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Le, Quang Liem1-0
Tata Steel India Rapid • 2021★ Notable
Caruana,F vs So,W1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2018 • 2018★ Notable
So,W vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2018 • 2018★ Notable
Caruana,F vs So,W1/2-1/2
80th Tata Steel GpA • 2018★ Notable
So,W vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs So,W1/2-1/2
77th Tata Steel GpA • 2015★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Anand,V1-0
8th Tal Memorial • 2013★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Karjakin,Sergey1-0
74th Tata Steel GMA • 2012★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
20th Amber Rapid • 2011★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Kramnik,V0-1
20th Amber Rapid • 2011★ Notable
Shulman,Y vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
36th Olympiad • 2004★ Notable

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players