Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5

ECO E34

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa 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 d5.

It is catalogued under code E34 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move d5 is chosen by Black on move 4.

3 named continuations branch from this position, including the Botvinnik Variation and the Main Line.

Named variations

• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation — ECO E36
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Main Line — ECO E36
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation — ECO E37

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.