Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Steiner Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.dxc5 Bxc3+

ECO E38

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Steiner 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 5.dxc5 Bxc3+.

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

The defining move Bxc3+ is chosen by Black on move 5.

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.