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NimzoIndian

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Named after Aron Nimzowitsch, who helped popularize it in the early 20th century, it is a flexible and highly regarded response to 1.d4. By pinning White’s knight on c3 with 3...Bb4, Black aims to exert long-term pressure on White’s central setup and to curb White’s possibilities for a quick e4 push.

The two principal branches are the Classical Nimzo-Indian (3...Bb4) and the Rubinstein Variation (3...d5), though other

Strategically, the Nimzo-Indian emphasizes piece activity and dynamic minor-piece play over material. It often leads to

transpositions
and
setups
exist.
In
the
Classical
line,
Black
keeps
the
pin
and
develops
with
flexibility
for
...d6,
...c5,
or
...b6
depending
on
White’s
arrangement.
In
the
Rubinstein,
Black
challenges
the
center
immediately
with
...d5
and
often
seeks
equality
or
a
comfortable
structural
balance.
White
typically
responds
with
moves
such
as
4.Qc2,
4.e3,
or
4.Bd2,
after
which
Black
chooses
plans
such
as
...c5,
...dxc4,
or
...b6
to
contest
the
light
squares
and
the
c-file.
positions
with
solid
control
of
the
central
dark
squares,
potential
for
pressure
on
White’s
pawns,
and
opportunities
for
counterplay
on
the
queenside
or
in
the
center.
It
remains
a
staple
in
high-level
chess,
used
by
many
world
champions
and
top
players
as
part
of
their
repertoire
against
1.d4.
It
is
well-documented
in
opening
references
and
databases
and
features
a
wide
range
of
sub-variations.