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: Three Knights Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3
Description: The Three Knights Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense arises after White develops the knight to f3 on move 4. This move supports the center and prepares for kingside castling while maintaining flexibility in the pawn structure. By developing the knight to f3 instead of pushing e4 immediately, White keeps options open and avoids some of Black’s sharper counterplay.
Characteristic of this move: The move 4. Nf3 is characteristic because it develops a key piece quickly and controls the central squares e5 and d4, helping White to solidify their grip on the center without prematurely committing to a central pawn advance.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, the move is primarily strategic and positional rather than overtly attacking; it aims to build a strong and flexible center while preparing for safe king safety. Black’s setup with ...Bb4 pins the knight on c3 and applies pressure on White’s center, so Black’s approach is often considered a mixture of solid defense with latent attacking chances on the center and queenside.
Center Control: This opening definitely involves a fight for the center. White aims to control the central squares d4 and e4, while Black contests the center indirectly through pressure on White’s knight and central pawns. The Nimzo-Indian Defense is known for its dynamic play centered around control and counterattack in the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 23 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.