Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5

ECO E38

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin 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 c5.

It is catalogued under code E38 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move c5 is chosen by Black on move 4.

3 named continuations branch from this position, including the Steiner Variation and the Macieja System.

Named variations

• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Steiner Variation — ECO E38
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Macieja System — ECO E39
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Pirc Variation — ECO E39

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.