Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Macieja System

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 O-O 6.a3 Bxc5 7.Nf3 b6

ECO E39

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Macieja System 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 5.dxc5 O-O 6.a3 Bxc5 7.Nf3 b6.

It is catalogued under code E39 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move b6 is chosen by Black on move 7.

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.