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: Normal Line
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3
Description: The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a highly respected and flexible opening choice for Black against 1.d4. By playing 3...Bb4, Black pins the knight on c3, aiming to exert pressure on White’s center and potentially double White’s c-pawns. White’s 4.e3 is a solid, classical response, unpinning the knight and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop while maintaining a strong pawn presence in the center.
Characteristic of 4.e3: This move supports the d4 pawn and prepares for smooth development of White’s light-squared bishop, usually to d3 or e2. It is a flexible and somewhat restrained move that avoids immediate central confrontation but keeps options open.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this line is generally more positional and defensive, focusing on solid development and control of the center rather than immediate attacks. Black’s setup is also somewhat flexible but geared towards counterattacking the center and exploiting the pin on the knight.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center indirectly. White occupies the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black aims to challenge this control through piece pressure and potential pawn breaks (like ...c5). The opening is as much about controlling and influencing the center as it is about piece activity and structural considerations.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Line, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 13 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.