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.
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Main Line
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4. The defining feature of this variation is Black’s immediate challenge to White’s queen on c3 with the knight move to e4.
Characteristic of 6...Ne4: This move puts direct pressure on White’s center and pieces, aiming to exchange off White’s active knight and disrupt White’s pawn structure and coordination. It is a tactical and strategic attempt to seize the initiative by contesting the center and forcing White to make concessions.
From Black’s perspective, this is an attacking move as it actively challenges White’s control of the center and seeks to create dynamic play. For White, the response is typically defensive or positional, as White must carefully navigate the pressure while maintaining central control and piece activity.
Overall, this opening line focuses on control and contest of the center. Both sides vie for central dominance, but Black’s 6...Ne4 is a proactive attempt to unsettle White’s central setup rather than simply defend.
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Main Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.