Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense, Exchange Line

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

ECO E58

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense, Exchange Line 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.

It is catalogued under code E58 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move bxc3 is chosen by White on move 9.

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.