1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Nimzo-Indian Defence
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4ECO E20–E59
Black pins the knight and is ready to trade the bishop to damage White's pawns and fight for the light squares. One of the soundest and most respected defences to 1.d4.
Key ideas
- …Bb4 pins the c3-knight and threatens to double White's pawns with …Bxc3.
- Black trades the bishop for structural concessions and control of the light squares.
- Flexible: Black chooses between …c5, …d5, and …b6 setups depending on White's plan.
Who it suits
Strategically-minded players who like clear structural targets and reliable equality.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Nimzo-Indian Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer