Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.a3 Bxc3 9.bxc3 dxc4 10.Bxc4

ECO E59

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense 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 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O Nc6 8.a3 Bxc3 9.bxc3 dxc4 10.Bxc4.

It is catalogued under code E59 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bxc4 is chosen by White on move 10.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Exchange Line.

Named variations

• Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense, Exchange Line — ECO E58

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.