Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2

ECO E32

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the Nimzo-Indian Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2.

It is catalogued under code E32 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Qc2 is chosen by White on move 4.

9 named continuations branch from this position, including the Keres Defense and the Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit.

Named variations

• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Keres Defense — ECO E32
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit — ECO E32
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Milner-Barry Variation — ECO E33
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Zurich Variation — ECO E33
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Belyavsky Gambit — ECO E34
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation — ECO E34
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit — ECO E36
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation — ECO E37
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation — ECO E38

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Nimzo-Indian Defense course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.