E47

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

Duda,J vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Saint Louis Rapid 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
20th Amber Blindfold • 2011★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Kramnik,V1-0
19th Amber Rapid • 2010★ Notable
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Karpov, Anatoly0-1
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Navara,D vs Hakobyan,Aram0-1
58th Biel GM2 Blitz 2025 • 2025
Navara,D vs Jumabayev,R0-1
58th Biel GM2 Rapid 2025 • 2025
Ju,Wenjun vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
14th London Classic Elite • 2024
Sarana,A vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
45th Olympiad 2024 • 2024
So,W vs Aronian,L1-0
Crunchlabs Play-In Match D1 • 2024
Ponomariov,R vs Zajic,Milan1-0
Grand Prix Bucharest 2024 • 2024
Grischuk,A vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Levitov Chess Week Rapid • 2023
So,W vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
WR Chess Masters 2023 • 2023
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Airthings Masters Div 1 W • 2023
Vidit,S vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2022
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Chess.com RCC Wk22 KO • 2022
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
Carlsen Tour Final 2020 • 2020
Grischuk,A vs Aronian,L1-0
Clutch Chess Showdown Int • 2020

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