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: Saemisch Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. a3
FEN: rnbqk2r/pppp1ppp/4pn2/8/1bPP4/P1N5/1P2PPPP/R1BQKBNR b KQkq - 0 4
The Saemisch Variation in the Nimzo-Indian is characterized by White's 4. a3, immediately challenging Black's bishop on b4. This move forces Black to decide whether to exchange on c3 or retreat, aiming to gain the bishop pair advantage or maintain pressure.
From White’s perspective, this variation is generally attacking and ambitious. White seeks to build a strong center with pawns on d4 and e4, often aiming for central control and space advantage. Black, meanwhile, plays a more positional and flexible game, often focusing on counterplay and undermining White’s center.
The opening directly attacks the center. White’s setup with pawns on d4 and the potential push e4 (supported by the knight on c3 and the a3 move to remove Black’s bishop) aims at strong central presence. Black challenges this center with pieces and timely pawn breaks, making the position rich in strategic complexity.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.