Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O

ECO E46

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation is a chess opening line in the Nimzo-Indian Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O.

It is catalogued under code E46 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move O-O is chosen by Black on move 4.

7 named continuations branch from this position, including the Classical Defense and the Botvinnik System.

Named variations

• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Classical Defense — ECO E48
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System — ECO E49
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Ragozin Variation — ECO E51
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Sämisch Deferred — ECO E51
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Schlechter Defense — ECO E52
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System — ECO E53
• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense — ECO E59

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.