Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5

ECO E30

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation is a chess opening line in the Nimzo-Indian Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5.

It is catalogued under code E30 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bg5 is chosen by White on move 4.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Averbakh Gambit and the Benoni Defense.

Named variations

• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Averbakh Gambit — ECO E30
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense — ECO E31

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.