This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Nimzo-Indian Defense, 4.Bd2 O-O
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bd2 O-O
Description: In this variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, White plays 4.Bd2 to challenge Black's bishop on b4 and avoid doubled c-pawns, aiming for a solid and flexible setup. Black responds with a timely kingside castle (4...O-O), prioritizing king safety and preparing to exert pressure on the center and queenside. This move is characteristic of Black’s pragmatic approach, opting for development and defense before launching central or flank counterplay.
Characteristic of the move 4...O-O: By castling early, Black safeguards the king and connects the rooks, setting the stage for central and queenside operations. It is a standard and flexible move that keeps options open rather than committing to immediate central tension.
Strategic nature: From White’s perspective, 4.Bd2 is more positional and somewhat defensive, aiming to maintain central control and avoid structural weaknesses. Black’s 4...O-O is also primarily defensive but prepares for counterattacking chances, particularly targeting the center and queenside.
Center control: This opening phase involves a subtle battle for the center. White aims to maintain a strong pawn presence with d4 and c4, while Black looks to challenge the center later with moves like ...d5 or ...c5. Thus, both sides are focused on controlling the center, though Black delays direct central confrontation until the king is safely castled.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Indian: 4.Bd2 O-O, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian: 4.Bd2 O-O to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.